New clubhouse, pro shop: Seacliff Golf Course announces grand reopening after mega upgrade

After decades without a proper clubhouse, Adelaide’s most scenic community golf course is back in action after a $6m transformation.

For 20 years, the Marion Golf Club sat dormant – a sporting community without a home, whose clubrooms had been demolished for “safety reasons” and replaced with a “temporary” facility.

Unable to attract new members, and struggling to retain existing ones, the public rallied for a change – a place to call their own.

Seacliff club house members Max Boston (red), Craig Hiddlesron (white) and Enrico Cristobal (Blue) at the newly refurbished Seacliff Golf Course and Clubhouse. Picture Emma Brasier

On Friday, after a year of construction, a $6m upgrade of the newly-named Seacliff Golf Course was unveiled to the public.

“For nearly 20 years our local golfers have had to make do with a one-room “temporary” clubhouse,” Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said.

“We are thrilled to reveal this brand-new clubhouse for both members and visitors to enjoy at this community golf club with beautiful views of the coast.”

The multimillion-dollar redevelopment includes a new clubhouse with bar and kitchen facilities, new pro shop, landscaping improvements and a new car park.

Artist impressions of the proposed upgrade, which is now completed. Picture: Marion council

Artist impressions of the proposed upgrade, which is now completed. Picture: Marion council

The clubhouse has built in the same spot as the demolished facility – connecting the 1st tee, 9th green, the practice green, driving range, and car park.

Council anticipates a significant rise in participation numbers – expecting the current 15,000 rounds of golf played there each year to grow to 25,000.

There are currently about 80 club members – a number also expected to grow.

The nine-hole Marion Park Golf Club was established in 1980 by a group of southern suburb locals who “wanted to play in club without the high costs and with a friendly and social atmosphere”, a club spokesman said.

“The Seacliff Golf Club continues to provide all the benefits of larger golf club memberships but without the high cost commitment or lack of flexibility.

“Over the decades, the club has provided hundreds an opportunity as members to have a recognised Australian handicap, play competitive golf at one of Adelaide’s most picturesque locations.

Seaclifff Golf Club’s newly refurbished Course and Clubhouse. Picture Emma Brasier

“The undulating fairways offer a unique experience but not an exhausting one. Having electric golf carts to hire makes it even easier to get around, if you don’t want to walk it.

“The 270-degree views of the coast line and Adelaide plains are simply spectacular and make the course unique for such an accessible and local location.”

On Friday night, council will host a free community event for the grand opening of the course’s upgrade – with complimentary food, soft drinks and live music.

A putting competition will run from 5pm to 6pm, while a golf simulator will be in operation for those looking to practise their swing off the tee.

Originally published as New clubhouse, pro shop: Seacliff Golf Course announces grand reopening after mega upgrade