The NSW Government’s controversial plan to scrap nine holes from Moore Park Golf Club has become a hot topic in the Australian federal election after the Coalition pledged $1 million to back an alternative proposal aimed at maintaining an 18-hole layout.
NSW Premier Chris Minns announced last year that half of the 45-hectare course would be converted into a 20-hectare park, citing the urgent need for green space in high-density suburbs such as Green Square, Zetland and Waterloo. The plan, slated to be rolled out from mid-2026, faced backlash from local politicians, Golf Australia, Sydney golfers and even Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg.
The NSW Government maintains that the scrapping of nine holes strikes a balance between recreation and urban growth.
“We make no apologies for opening up this publicly owned land to the public, delivering a brand-new park for Sydney,” Minns said. “Our plan retains 90 golf courses across Sydney including a course at Moore Park while creating a new park for this growing community.”
In response, a coalition of golf organisations – Moore Park Golf Club, Golf NSW, Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia – formed the Moore Park Golf Collective. Their counterproposal, backed by Wentworth Liberal candidate Ro Knox and Senator Anne Ruston, includes a redesigned 18-hole course, a youth recreation zone, and new amenities such as a BMX track, athletics hub and 500-space carpark.
“This is a creative and visionary plan that addresses the problems in the broader precinct,” said Moore Park Golf Collective spokesman Jared Kendler. “It should focus on how do we get the best recreational facilities for a growing Sydney, while also maintaining the best facilities for golf, which is absolutely booming right now.”
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has been a vocal supporter of the state’s plan to halve the golf course.
“The conversion will achieve the highest and best use of this public land, which now neighbours Green Square, one of the most densely populated residential communities in Australia,” Cr Moore said.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from neighbouring councils and federal Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite, who have called for the full course to remain. NSW Opposition planning spokesman Scott Farlow added, “It’s already one of the most highly used public golf courses in Australia… I can’t see anything else utilising that space that much.”
With planning funds already allocated and consultation ongoing, the fate of Moore Park Golf Course remains firmly in play – both on the political and public stage.
