We’re investing $3.4 million into our beloved Lara Golf Course to
ensure it remains sustainable and a destination course for golfers in our
region.
Water
security initiatives, worth $2.4 million, have begun and will continue for
around eight months. This will include drainage and dam remediation works, upgrades
to course irrigation and a feasibility study into long-term sustainable water
solutions.
With the course
irrigation works soon to commence, there will be significant impacts to operations
of the course during this time. The first nine holes will need to be closed
approximately September/October 2025 to December 2025/January 2026, pending
planning permit approvals. Play on the second nine holes will be affected from
December 2025/January 2026 to April/May 2026. We are currently working through
strategies to ensure the most efficient use of the course during this time.
A total of $1
million worth of upgrades are planned for the driving range and pro shop. At
this stage, these works may start in September/October 2025.
Timings
around the upgrades’ duration and closures may change without notice.
We’ve worked
with the Project Control Group, made up of stakeholders from the golf club and
City, on how to best manage the closures and reduce impacts to golfers.
We have
communicated these impacts to our 297 active members, while signage around the
course will inform casual users.
Greater
Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Golf is one of our region’s most
popular participation sports.
Council is
committed to ensuring Lara Golf Course is sustainable in the long-term through
$3.4 million in upgrades.
While the
rolling works to the fairways, greens, driving range and pro shop will cause
short-term disruptions, they will future proof this facility and ensure a
superior experience for the most discerning golfer.
We thank
members and users for their patience during this time.
You Yangs
ward councillor Chris Burson
Lara Golf Course is renowned for its relaxed
and friendly atmosphere and lush Santa Ana couch fairways and greens.
We’re
excited to improve the offering at Lara Golf Course, which boasts the most
affordable green fees for an 18-hole course in the region.
The water
security initiatives in particular will make a big difference to drainage
across the site as we investigate long-term solutions.
We can’t
wait to tee off on the improved course come mid 2026!
The works
form part of the City’s planned exit out of
direct operation of golf facilities.