$30 million golf course development planned for Kangaroo Island

Golfers from around the world are expected to flock to a new $30 million course planned for South Australia's Kangaroo Island.

Currently attracting around 40,000 international visitors a year, developer Programmed Turnpoint Pty Ltd, who also recently completed the Cape Wickham Golf Course in Tasmania, plan to increase that number through golf tourism.

Programmed Turnpoint plan an 18-hole championship length, Par 72 links-style golf course, and hope for work on the course to begin next year.

The development will include the 6415 metre long, links-style golf course, dining and function facilities, clubhouse and 70 accommodation suites (180 beds) for tourists.

The 220-hectare site is located on Dudley Peninsula between Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay on the eastern end of island. Five free-hold residential allotments, which would be used during Stage 1 of the development to help fund later stages of the development, will also be built.

Programmed Turnpoint General Manager Justin Trott said there was a huge, global appetite for unique golfing experiences, explaining "golf destinations are a new tourism market.

“People are always looking for unique locations to play the sport (and) with this golf course being located on the coast in a remote area its got the 'sizzle' to becoming immediately attractive to the market. Playing golf while overlooking the sea, the drama of the sand dunes - it really will be something to behold.

“We are in the very early stages of speaking to golf courses designers, including Greg Norman and we will be looking at some plans in the immediate future.’’

“We have completed the public consultation period and spoken to cultural heritage representatives. We are now in the process of preparing our responses to those discussions."

Trott said a purpose built dam on site, which would only use overflow water from the nearby Middle River, would store all the water needed for the golf course throughout each year.

Kangaroo Island Council Chief Executive Andy Boardman said the Council expected an extra 22,000 visits a year from tourists as a result of the new golf course.

Boardman stated "golf tourism is a growing trend in holidays.

“Groups or families are seeking iconic locations to visit and spend two to four nights staying at those destinations.

“We expect it will boost our tourism revenue by around $7 million annually and will be a very strong addition to the tourism aspect of Kangaroo Island."

Kangaroo Island’s newest tourism draw is the Kangaroo Island Marathon to be run in September 2015. 

8th August 2015 - GOLF BODIES REPORT RISE IN AUSTRALIAN PARTICIPATION

13th July 2015 - PEAK AUSTRALIAN GOLF BODIES FORGE STRONGER BONDS

6th September 2013 - GREAT GOLF COURSES OF AUSTRALIA GET INTO THE SWING 

25th April 2012 - SATC EXPOSED FOR PAYING CELEBRITIES TO TWEET ABOUT KANGAROO ISLAND

2nd March 2012 - SA GOVERNMENT TO RESTRUCTURE STATE TOURISM BOARD

24th June 2009 - KANGAROO ISLAND A ‘NATIONAL LANDSCAPE’