We are excited to announce that Stage One of Ballina Golf and Sports Club’s Master Plan will begin in January 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the transformation of our course, delivering fresh greens, enhanced layouts, and improvements that will benefit members for years to come. With your overwhelming support, we are ready to move forward with a vision that promises an exciting future for golf at Ballina Golf & Sports Club.
What to Expect in Stage One
Stage One will focus on several key areas of the course, ensuring improvements that provide a consistent, fair, and enjoyable playing experience for golfers of all levels. Here’s what’s planned, starting on the 20th January 2025:
- 9th Green: A brand-new 459m² TifEagle green built to USGA specifications, designed to provide optimal turf conditions and drainage. A left-hand-side bunker will be introduced using the latest KustomBind technology, while the right-hand-side bunker will be removed.
- 19th Hole: A reimagined hole features a 94m Par 3 layout, with a 319m² TifEagle green. A new teeing ground will provide a combination of both natural and synthetic tees, allowing maximum hole distance all year round. This new hole will serve as a high-quality spare during construction and provide additional play or practice opportunities in the future.
- New Alternative Holes (2A and 2B): Two new holes will be created to support members during construction. 2A, a Par 4 slight dogleg right, will play to the nursery green, while 2B will be a Par 3 leading to the existing 2nd green. These additional holes will ensure members have access to premium putting surfaces throughout the project.
- Future Works in 2025: Construction on the 1st and 14th greens is scheduled for July 2025. The 1st will feature a new green design, while the 14th will see a complete refurbishment of the existing green.
Building on Success
The same team that delivered the successful rebuild of the 4th Green will be leading the new upgrades, ensuring the highest standards of quality and expertise:
- Designer: Craig Parry, professional golfer and course architect
- Construction Contractor: Paul Gumbleton
- Quality Control & Project Oversight: David Lunardelli, Troon International
- Grow-In & Construction Support: Trent Webber
A Sustainable and Efficient Approach
The Master Plan is about creating a facility that members can be proud of for decades to come. With new greens and surfaces replacing those that have served us for over 30 years, the upgrades promise a refreshed and exciting playing experience.
While the original design for the 9th and 19th holes has been scaled back, this adjustment reflects our commitment to finding efficient and innovative ways to remodel the course. By focusing on what can be achieved within our current budget, we’re ensuring progress without compromising on quality. This approach allows us to move forward with the green replacement program while maintaining flexibility for future enhancements, such as upgrades to the 9th tee and the practice area.
Sustainability is central to the Master Plan. By integrating native fauna in consultation with ecologists, we’re enhancing biodiversity and ensuring the course’s longevity. Improved drainage, irrigation, and vegetation management will not only benefit the playing surfaces but also protect the course from erosion and wear, securing its quality for future generations.
A Course for All Golfers
These upgrades are designed to create a course that delivers consistent and enjoyable play across all holes. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, the enhanced layouts will provide a fair and rewarding experience for players of all abilities. Every hole will offer a balance of challenge and playability, ensuring the course remains engaging while catering to a wide range of skills.
Thank You for Your Support
We want to thank you, our members, for your ongoing support and patience as we bring this ambitious plan to life. Your backing of the Master Plan has made it possible to embark on these transformative changes, and we are confident that the results will be worth the wait.
This is an exciting moment for Ballina Golf and Sports Club. With fresh greens, improved layouts, and thoughtful planning, we are creating a course that will not only meet today’s expectations but inspire golfers for years to come.
For additional details of the works scheduled, please see this link:
Kinds Regards
Andrew Porter
General Manager
On Behalf of the board, management and course development committee
