Maroochy River will soon be home to a flood-lit, nine-hole par three course.
MAROOCHY River, the Sunshine Coast golf club whose very existence was in doubt 15 years ago, may soon boast facilities that will make it equal to any other golf complex in the country.
Members last month overwhelmingly approved a plan to build a new nine-hole floodlit par-3 golf course, carry out bulk earthworks for a nine-hole ‘executive’ course, and construct a ‘spare’ 19th hole.
Improvements and extensions will also be made to the car park and maintenance facilities.
Club president Mark Holahan, delighted that a project six years in the making would now go ahead, said: “It’s going to grow the club, build on our sustainability into the future and, while it is a real boon for the membership, will prove a great asset for the community.”
Maroochy River moved from its original home at Horton Park, in central Maroochydore, a decade ago after the local council purchased its site to construct a new regional city centre.
The original idea was to construct a 27-hole course, for which Graham Marsh drew up plans. But the option of building a third nine holes was soon shelved, and for the past few years the club has looked at options for its vacant parcel of land.
Maroochy River’s 18-hole championship course is rated one of Australia’s top 70 courses, and last year hosted more than 85,000 rounds of golf.
The plans are in place for the new Maroochy River par three course.
The board took a proposal to club members last month for the first of a three-stage project, which would include the construction of a nine-hole ‘executive’ course – shorter and easier to play than the championship course – and significant renovations of the clubhouse.
The cost of the first stage will be $8.5 million and the club is in such a strong financial position that it will be able to fund the majority of the work from existing savings.
Under the club’s constitution, a 75 percent approval vote was needed. On the night, a whopping 82 percent voted in favour.
The par-3 course, which will be played under lights and feature an island green on its eighth hole, has been designed by Darius Oliver, who was largely responsible for the design of Cape Wickham, Australia’s top-rated course.
“It gives us the opportunity to provide another style of golf to current players and others who might not play on our championship course,” Holahan said. “It fits with the club’s vision that we cater for the whole family – from the youngest to the oldest.”
Maroochy River already has outstanding practice facilities, a fully equipped teaching academy and a mini golf course that attracts thousands of patrons each the year.
Holahan said work would begin as soon as the council approved the plans. He predicted the build would take two years.
Club general manager Nigel Gibson said once the project was fully implemented, Maroochy River’s facilities would be equal to, or better than, any other golfing complex in the country.
