Public Golf Meets LIV Investment: Rethinking North Adelaide’s Upgrade

As South Australia backs a high-profile redevelopment of North Adelaide Golf Course, questions emerge over access, cost, transparency, and long-term impact.

The South Australian government’s announcement during last February’s LIV Golf Adelaide event of a Greg Norman-designed upgrade to the North Adelaide Golf Course is big news; on the surface, it sounds exciting. A public championship golf course in the middle of a city getting a world-class upgrade? Fantastic.

But before we all jump on board, there are some serious questions the Adelaide golf community—and the wider public—should be asking.

A Win for Public Golf—In Theory

South Australia deserves credit for recognizing the value of public golf. Unlike Sydney, where public courses are being squeezed out, Adelaide is embracing the idea that golf should be inclusive, welcoming, and a space for everyone. The North Adelaide Golf Course is a prime example of this—a multi-use facility that isn’t just for golfers but also a green space for the broader community.

Some early concept images of the redevelopment had been released on the Adelaide City Council website, giving the public a first look at what could be a different landscape for the North Adelaide site.

From a golfer’s point of view, it all looks fantastic. As far as the wider community is concerned, it should at least include safe walking and cycling paths, welcoming access to the new cafes and restaurants, and sit without too much intrusion into the uniquely special Adelaide parklands. Concerns about the loss of century-old trees and threats to local biodiversity have already been raised among the local community.

Will It Still Be Affordable?

Norman’s past designs in Australia were at their best when his former business partner Bob Harrison and golf course designer Harley Kruse were involved. But Harrison and Kruse left over a decade ago, and the Norman-led designs since have generally leaned towards more high-end, exclusive venues.

This raises the question: Will this new North Adelaide course still be affordable for the everyday golfer, or are we looking at something closer to the likes of Barnbougle in Tasmania—technically public but with green fees pushing $150+ per round.

But here’s where we need to be careful. The green fees for North Adelaide are affordable, with rounds costing under $50. That’s a rarity in the world of golf, let alone “championship golf courses” in Australia.

There are examples of public courses getting it right. Sandy Links in Melbourne, designed by Ogilvy, Cocking, and Mead, is an outstanding model—offering a genuine Sandbelt golf experience at a price that doesn’t scare off the average golfer. That’s the benchmark Adelaide should be aiming for but it requires careful consideration to course design and the surrounding community and landscape.

The LIV Golf Factor

Then there’s the issue of LIV Golf itself. This redevelopment is tied to the Saudi-backed tour, which is financed by the country’s Public Investment Fund. While supporters argue LIV has breathed new life into professional golf, critics see it as a sportswashing project, an attempt by the Saudi government to improve its global image despite an appalling human rights record.

On top of the ethical concerns, there are financial risks. LIV Golf has been a success in Adelaide, but that isn’t the case everywhere. Attendance and TV ratings for most LIV events are underwhelming, and the proposed merger with the PGA Tour seems further away than ever.

LIV Golf Adelaide has been locked in until 2031, but what happens to the golf course if LIV Golf collapses or, like the Grand Prix, moves to Melbourne? The people of Adelaide have long memories, and they won’t take too kindly to this scenario happening again.

Procurement and Transparency Concerns

There are also concerns about the process behind the redevelopment announcement.

As a state government–funded project, it would typically be subject to a competitive tender process. However, there has been no public indication that such a process has taken place. This raises questions about government procurement requirements, and why one particular design firm, headed by a high-profile LIV Golf figure, was awarded the work without apparent competition.

The Long-Term Reality

Golf courses can be expensive to maintain, and Norman’s designs tend to feature large, elaborate bunkers and greens that require significant upkeep. A USGA report showed that bunkers are the priciest golf course features to maintain, and these costs are often passed on to golfers via increased green fees.

If LIV pulls out, who foots the bill for keeping this championship-level course in top shape? Will taxpayers be left covering the costs? And will the everyday golfer still have access, or will it become another expensive “must-play” experience that’s out of reach for most locals?

Proceed with Caution

There’s no doubt that an upgraded North Adelaide Golf Course could be a fantastic addition to the city. But the people of Adelaide should be asking some tough questions before embracing it wholeheartedly:

• Will the course remain affordable for everyday golfers?
• Who’s paying for the long-term maintenance?
• What happens if LIV Golf disappears?
• Was a transparent and competitive procurement process followed?

South Australia has earned a reputation for bold, forward-thinking decisions. Over the past decade, Adelaide’s innovation across science, industry, and sport has given us Croweaters plenty to be proud of. But not every bold move delivers the outcome we hope for. Let’s make sure that in five or ten years we’re still talking about North Adelaide as a great public golf course, not just another expensive, exclusive venue that only a select few can enjoy.