Marrickville Golf Course: Campaign for 9 holes emerges again

A prized asset of Sydney and described as “one of the most accessible golf courses in the city” is again under threat over a years-long feud with residents who want it halved.

The fate of one of Sydney’s most prized golf courses is up in the air after council couldn’t agree on whether to grant it a 21-year lease after years of debate over its size.

The long term future of the 18-hole Marrickville Golf Course remains uncertain after Inner West councillors were at odds on whether to grant the long lease on Tuesday night, despite being advised by its staff to do so.

There are now fears from some councillors, including mayor Darcy Byrne, that delaying a plan of management for the site after years of stand-offs between residents would see the golf course halved.

The last time the issue came up hundreds of club members protested having the course halved. Picture: Toby Zerna

The club reportedly has more than 1000 members. Picture: Toby Zerna

The debate over whether to halve the course into nine holes has been raging for years and has reared its head again after it came up at a council meeting this week.

The movement has resurfaced as the council is one of the most starved of open space in Sydney but also has the most dogs per capita of any other area in the Harbour City.

Marrickville Golf Course president Andrew Tighe said it was “a great community asset” and welcomed joggers and cyclists.

Just this week, he said, kids were flying kites on the first hole.

The course was described by its president as “a great community asset”. Picture: Toby Zerna

Justine Langford, who has lived in the area for 30 years and is running for the Greens at the next election, slammed the potential for a 21-year lease.

“(The lease) is a terrible outcome for the community,” she said. “It’s a massive loss of public space it’s not safe for people to walk around.”

Local Kylie Cochrane described walking there as “an unsafe, unfriendly and unpleasant experience”.

The last time the feud emerged it dragged in federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Saying we’re locking it up for a few people to use is not true,” deputy mayor Vic Macri said.

“The club has over 1000 members there were 50,000 rounds of golf played last year.

“We need to help these people survive.”

The council on Tuesday night voted against adopting a plan that would include giving the club a 21-year lease and instead passed a motion to defer it again to councillors could be briefed on it by staff.