AusLeisure

Moore Park Golf, the nation’s oldest public golf course, has launched an Australian first with the unveiling of $1.3 million in redevelopments to its driving range - including bright coloured targets with bespoke design features and high quality ‘all weather’ turf to improve gaming with friends.

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.

Anthony Lawrence, Director Public Golf Facilities for facility manager Clublinks Australia explains “last year, more than 16 million balls were hit at this driving range, this year (and) for all the talk of a sport at risk of decline, here we are, driving opportunities for game-changing innovation.

“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 metre² of football-style durable ‘all weather’ turf for simulated ball-on-grass movement
• 40,000 new balls and 60 new hitting mats
• A new LED touch-screen automated ball dispenser 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.

Commenting on the innovation, Kim Ellis, Director of Sydney’s Botanic Gardens & Centennial Parklands added “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.

“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 seven days a week with late night bookings available from Tuesday to Sunday. 

Article amended 9th June 2017.

25th May 2017 - CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS AWARDED FOR DRIVING TOWARDS A DIGITAL FUTURE 

3rd May 2017 - MASTER PLAN FOR SYDNEY’S MOORE PARK PROPOSES ENHANCED CONSERVATION AND NEW SPORT FACILITIES

15th April 2017 - FIFTH GREEN FLAG AWARD CEMENTS CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS’ WORLD-CLASS STATUS

6th January 2017 - CLUBLINKS APPOINTS NEW GENERAL MANAGER TO EXPAND SPORT AND RECREATION EXPERTISE ​

1st October 2016 - NEW GOLF-BASED FEC CONCEPT OPENS IN BRISBANE

23rd July 2016 - NEW MASTERPLAN FOR SYDNEY’S MOORE PARK COMMITS TO PRESERVING GREEN SPACE

3rd November 2015 - ‘BIG IDEAS’ FOR THE FUTURE OF SYDNEY’S MOORE PARK

20th August 2013 - MOORE PARK GOLF’S ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTIFIED WITH ISO 14001 CREDENTIALS

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