Why Noosa golf pro James Douris proposed Eumundi golf course, driving range

A new “pitch and putt” golf course complete with driving range and golf simulator has been proposed by a Noosa golf pro. Find out more about the plans here.

Noosa golf pro and coach Jimmy Douris has lodged a proposal with Sunshine Coast Council for a new golf course.

A new golf course complete with a simulator has been proposed for a site in Eumundi next to the former home of the Eumundi Golf and Driving Range.

A development application has been lodged with Sunshine Coast Regional Council by Pivotal Perspective on behalf James Douris - golf pro and owner of Jimmy Douris Golf Academy - to repurpose a 77,530sq m rural zoned site into a “pitch and putt” golf course.

It is proposed the green space would be formed into 10-hole pitch and putt golf course and driving range, the application stated.

More features proposed include golf clubhouse with bar near the entryway, caretaker’s residence, maintenance sheds and 40 parking spaces.

If approved, an existing shed on the property would be converted into a golf simulator, the application states.

The architectural plans show the designated spaces for the club house and bar and a set of 10-hole pitch.

The golf course would be beginner-friendly, designed with kids and small groups in mind, who could go for a round gold within half an hour.

Pivotal Perspective planner and director Jack Lewis said the owner of the site, Mr Douris, identified there was still a need for the sport in Eumundi, and decided to do pitch and putt for people of all ages to get a taste of golf.

The need has grown after the sport became more popular following Covid-19, with people eager to try the sport during pandemic restrictions.

Mr Lewis said it would not be a “full, serious green jacket-type” of approach that’s synonymous with golf, but rather a fun and “non-exclusive” course.

Site 23 and 21 was part of the former Eumundi Golf and Driving Range, with site 23 now converted into a nursery. Pic: Commercial Real Estate

Mr Douris has trained a lot of children who often may have been deterred by professional golf, and the site would fill the need for an “introduction” to the sport, Mr Lewis said.

Located less than 250m from the Eumundi markets with a connecting walkway, it has been proposed within the application the course would “add to the tourism value to the Eumundi township” while staying consistent with the rural zone code.

“We think it’s a good use close to town for Eumundi and the surrounding areas and to have that (golf course) for residents and visitors,” Mr Lewis said.

The Eumundi Markets are close to to the proposed golf course, connected by an underpass. Picture: Commercial Real Estate.

The neighbouring site, currently home to Eumundi Palms, was used as the Eumundi Golf and Driving Range between 2014 and 2020 before it was sold and transformed into the commercial nursery.

The new site was a part of the driving range belonging to the former golf business before it was bought and converted into a nursery.

If approved, it is expected the course would open before the end of the year, Mr Lewis said