Australian Golf Centre officially opens in Melbourne

First proposed in 2010, the Australian Golf Centre is finally a reality with the official opening of the facility by the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews last week.

The $18.8 million Australian Golf Centre at Sandy Golf Links on the southern outskirts of Melbourne serves as the headquarters for both Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia and features a state-of-the-art high- performance facility, administration facilities, along with the Sandringham Golf Links course and driving range.

Australian Golf Centre (Credit: Golf Australia)

“We have reimagined Sandy as one of the greatest public access golf facilities anywhere in our state and indeed in our nation,” Mr Andrews said.

“We have delivered a first-class outcome, all of these teaching facilities, practice facilities, elite competition, but also so many young people – perhaps under the watchful eye of a grandparent or parent or school programs – are going to fall in love with this magical game right here because of what’s been built here.”

One of the key outcomes from the Australian Golf Centre was the alignment of Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia. The two bodies have long been overlapping in responsibilities and in a market the size of Australia, there was a need to streamline operations to provide a more sustainable future for the sport.

“Our facility in Sandhurst Club is world class, but this was an important opportunity for the PGA of Australia to work closer than ever before with Golf Australia for the betterment of our sport and membership,” said PGA of Australia Chair Rodger Davis.

Golf Australia Chair Andrew Newbold added: “The collaboration between Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia here allows us to work together to tell our story better and attract new fans to the game, while the various offerings of this public facility provide an example of how we can attract new golfers and grow our core.”

While the official opening of the new facility took place last week, staff of Golf Australia and the PGA moved into the new facility late last year following building completion in September.