Fairways Estate sets up bright future for the Townsville Golf Club
Struggling financially 20 years ago, the Townsville Golf Club made a decision which has led to a massive windfall and dramatic transformation. See what’s changed.
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The decision to sell off a portion of its course for an up-market housing estate has proven to be a gamechanger for the Townsville Golf Club, paving the way for a dramatic transformation to set the club up for a bright future.
The oldest golf club in Queensland, the Townsville Golf Club was established at Kissing Point in 1893, before shifting to Aitkenvale, and arriving at its present Rosslea site in 1924.
Trading poorly and struggling with maintenance issues that could not be met financially, a decision was made around 2004 to pursue the conversion of the 27-hole course into an 18-hole course incorporating housing estate which could create financial stability while funding a club transformation.
Construction began in 2014 on stage one of the Fairways Estate, which went on to create 200 homesites in 8 stages, with the ninth and final stage going on sale in late 2023.
According to the Ingenta Property Group, which is delivering the estate, $18.4m has been raised for the club so far, with the final total expected to be around $21.8m.
The ninth stage sits in the area where the original clubhouse was demolished, with a multimillion dollar club house constructed at the club’s new entrance off Lindsay St.
Townsville Golf Club manager Mitch Bligh said the new clubhouse opened in December 2022, featuring a members’ lounge and bar with seating for 120, pro shop, merchandise and administration areas.
The cash injection also helped fund a $8.1m redesign into a master golf course with input from Burdekin’s World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb (who purchased in the estate) and golf course designer Bob Harrison.
“We’ve received a new golf course (with) new putting greens, fairways, irrigation, grasses, and bunkering,” Mr Bligh said.
“lt gives the golf club a modern look … and modern playability. We’ve (upgraded) 13 holes and we’ve got five holes to do … and we’re looking at 2026 (for completion).”
Additional changes in the pipeline include a 20-bay driving range with the latest technological enhancements, mini golf course, pitch and putt course, and a golf simulation facility.
Ingenta marketing and administration manager Danielle Eastlake said there were just nine homesites remaining for the final stage of Fairways Estate.
“The last stage of Fairways is an elevated site with incredible long views down the golf course which capture the beautiful southerly breezes,” Ms Eastlake said.
“The Townsville Golf Club has impressively turned a difficult situation into a financially strong club. The fortuitous decision in building Fairways will ensure another strong 130 years for the club.”
For more information, visit: www.fairwaystownsvillegolfclub.com.au
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Originally published as Fairways Estate sets up bright future for the Townsville Golf Club
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