Construction starts on The Cliffs Kangaroo Island golf course

Australian golfer Wade Ormsby visited the site of the new $20m golf course Thursday to mark a major step forward in the project.

The Cliff Kangaroo Island golf course. Picture: Supplied

The development of a $20m world-class golf course on Kangaroo Island has taken a major step forward with construction starting on the project today.

The Cliffs Kangaroo Island is a links-style course, near American River, with practice facilities, a pro shop, sports bar, restaurant and luxury accommodation pods and 6-star suites.

The course, by Pennington Cliffs Property Trust and backed by developer Ross Pelligra, is expected to lure more than 40,000 tourists annually, injecting $30m into the economy.

Australian golfer Wade Ormsby is visiting Kangaroo Island today. Picture: AAP

Professional golfer and The Cliffs ambassador Wade Ormsby was on site today to break ground on the project alongside its chief executive Sam Atkins and Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison.

“I’m excited to see this iconic Australian location become a must-see golf destination for enthusiasts and professionals alike,” Ormsy said.

“Today marks the start of something truly exciting – not just for the sport of golf in Australia, but for the residents of Kangaroo Island and South Australia as well.”

Golf course architect, Darius Oliver, who was behind the Cape Wickham Links course on King Island, said the chance to design something “globally unique” was “truly special”.

“The Cliffs Kangaroo Island will provide players with not only a world-class links golf course but some of the most awe-inspiring scenery anywhere in the world,” he said.

Course architect Darius Oliver and The Cliffs chief executive Sam Atkins on site. Picture: Sean McGowan

The Cliffs Kangaroo Island clubhouse. Picture: Supplied

The Cliffs will run along Kangaroo Island’s southern coast with holes along the cliff tops between Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay.

The clubhouse, designed by Walter Brooke, will offer luxury accommodation taking advantage of ocean and island views.

The development was received major project status in February 2014 and received approval in 2016, but then changed ownership.

More than 25 jobs are expected to be created during construction, with The Cliffs Kangaroo Island employing more than 40 people once complete.

The first tee off is expected to be in late 2024.

Originally published as Construction starts on The Cliffs Kangaroo Island golf course