Moore Park Golf driving range re-opens after $1.3m upgrade

An Australian first was celebrated at Moore Park Golf, the nation’s oldest public golf course, with the unveiling of $1.3 million in redevelopments to its driving range – including bright coloured targets with bespoke design features and FIFA grade ‘all weather’ turf to improve gaming with friends.

Media release from Moore Park Golf:

The new redeveloped driving range also boasts a host of environmentally friend upgrades such as solar-powered LED lighting and water saving ‘all weather’ turf, marking a new era of innovation in the game and in golf course management.

“Last year, more than 16 million balls were hit at this driving range, this year, it gets better. For all the talk of a sport at risk of decline, here we are, driving opportunities for game-changing innovation,” said Anthony Lawrence, Director Public Golf Facilities, Clublinks Australia.

In the same way we have seen the Twenty-20 match springboard interest in cricket, our new driving range will have new audiences practicing in a fun, friendly, accessible way

“The driving range unveiled today is largely unmatched in Australia right now, with its custom designed coloured targets and bunkers, durable FIFA grade synthetic turf that simulates ball movement in real grass and touch screen ball dispensers.

“Together, these new features add a new level of ‘gamification’ to the sport, especially for public groups looking for some friendly competition or practice.”

The full list of new features includes:

  • Custom designed targets with water and sand traps, islands, and real bunker shapes
  • AFL and A-League grade solar-powered LED sports lighting at a level of 200 lux to make night practice clearer and improve energy efficiency
  • 10,000 square metres of FIFA grade durable ‘all weather’ turf for simulated ball-on-grass movement
  • 40,000 new balls and 60 new hitting mats
  • 60 new LED touch-screen automated ball dispensers to improve game efficiency and cater to para-golfing visitors

The upgrade represents the final phase of $1.9 million in works invested by Centennial Parklands to improve the facility over the past year, which includes revitalisation of the historic golf house.

“Moore Park Golf is Sydney’s if not Australia’s most innovative golf course. We have had many firsts – we are Sydney’s first public golf course, we were one of the first to ensure equity for women on the green,” said Kim Ellis, Director Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands.

“I am proud to say we are now one of Australia’s most environmentally friendly courses and we will continue to lead the charge in golf innovation, building an inspiring future for the game and our visitors.”

The new driving range is now open 7 days a week with late night bookings available from Tuesday – Sunday. For more information, visit the Moore Park Golf website.

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