A reinvigorated Moore Park Golf Driving range has been unveiled after the completion of a $1.3 million refurbishment.
The facility, on the edge of the Sydney CBD, now boasts custom designed targets, greens and bunkers; 10,000 square meters of the world’s best artificial turf grass, solar powered LED lighting, Touchscreen, automated ball dispensers, and a many other environmentally friendly design features.
The upgrade is the final phase of $1.9 million in works invested into the sport at the facility over the past year and includes revitalization of the historic clubhouse.
“Over 16 million balls were hit at this driving range last year,” Mr Anthony Lawrence, Director of Public Golf Facilities, Clublinks Management said. “This year, it gets better.”
“These new features add a new level of gamification to the sport, especially for younger groups looking for some friendly completion or a place to practice.”
“Moore Park Golf is Sydney’s first public golf course. We were the first to ensure equity for women on the green, and we are now one of Australia’s most environmentally friendly courses,” Mr Lawrence added.
Over 1200 guests got to sample the revamp first-hand on Friday night. While being treated to music and entertainment, the guests had the chance to hone their swing by hitting a few of the 40,000 new range balls with the help of the Range’s Flight Scope radar.
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Kim Ellis, Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands was thrilled with the opening night turn-out. He was also keen to stress the economic and financial value of the Golf facility to the Parklands organisation.
“It shows you how popular this range is,” Mr Ellis said. “This facility is highly used, the course does around 80 000 rounds a year, and it continues to grow.”
“The nearby Green Square precinct is growing. Around 70,000 new residents coming into the area and this parkland are their recreation space.”
“To deliver a traditional golfing product but also an entertainment product like the range is imperative,” He added.
The Moore Park Golf Complex is an important source of revenue for the Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands, supplying around 25% of the organisation’s funds.
“The Parklands are self-funding. The profit we make from the Golf complex goes into looking after things like cycleways, walking paths, and ponds.”
“What makes it so valuable is not just the driving range, but the total product. Take away the course, and the range is not relevant. Take away the range and the course wouldn’t be affordable. Together they make a great, sustainable product.” Mr Ellis said.