Kangaroo Island is a step closer to becoming one of the world’s ‘bucket-list’ golf destinations after ground was broken today to signify the official start of course construction on the island’s $20 million destination golf course.
With breathtaking views atop 500-million-year-old cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, and an all-Australian dream team in charge, The Cliffs Kangaroo Island is predicted to be South Australia’s next world-class tourist attraction. The first rounds are expected to be played in late 2024.
The course will inject an estimated additional $30 million into South Australia’s annual tourism expenditure, and is expected to draw upwards of 40,000 tourists from across the globe in its first year.
“With unique wildlife and its stunning natural setting, Kangaroo Island is already one of our state’s great tourism drawcards,” South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“Regional tourism plays a huge role in our economic mix, and projects like this create exciting new opportunities and jobs for people that live on Kangaroo Island.
“My government is investing to bring the world’s best golfers to South Australia and this world-class golf course and clubhouse will provide further incentive for golf fans to visit and stay in South Australia.”
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said The Cliffs Kangaroo Island “adds another dimension” to the island’s tourism offering, adding it would “no doubt soon become a must-play for golfers far and wide”.
“Importantly, thousands of out-of-state visitors expected to play at The Cliffs will inject valuable dollars into the island’s tourism sector and help share the story about this absolutely iconic location,” Bettison said.
The minister was joined by professional golfer and ambassador for The Cliffs Wade Ormsby, fresh off the Australian Open and inaugural LIV Golf season. Having played on the best golf courses around the world, Ormsby said he was excited to see the project come to life.
“I’m excited to see this iconic Australian location become a must-see golf destination for enthusiasts and professionals alike,” he said.
“Today marks the start of something truly exciting – not just for the sport of golf in Australia, but for the residents of Kangaroo Island and South Australia as well.”
Course designer Darius Oliver (who co-designed Cape Wickham Links on Tasmania’s King Island) is leading the design of The Cliffs course and said the opportunity to “design and create something globally unique” on Kangaroo Island was “something truly special”.
“The Cliffs Kangaroo Island will provide players with not only a world-class links golf course but some of the most awe-inspiring scenery anywhere in the world,” Oliver said.
The clubhouse, designed by local architects Walter Brooke, will be home to luxury accommodation boasting four, 6-star suites designed to make the most of the expansive ocean and island views as well as a pro shop, restaurant, lounge, sports bar and green space for outdoor entertaining.
The Pennington Cliffs Property Trust in partnership with the Pelligra Group will deliver the landmark project, adding to its wider investments at Penneshaw and American River on Kangaroo Island.
Spokesperson for the investment group and chief executive of the Seafront Group Sam Atkins said the official soil turning ceremony signified the start of something “unbelievably unique and special” for both Kangaroo Island and South Australia.
“The Cliffs Kangaroo Island will put South Australia on the map as a golfing destination and add to the already amazing experience of visiting Kangaroo Island,” he said.
“Seeing our passionate team join the minister and guests today to mark the official start of construction fills me with pride and excitement for what’s to come for this project.”
Today’s announcement follows the investment group’s confirmation earlier this year that it had taken over ownership of five key tourist destinations on the island, including the popular Penneshaw Pub and bottle-shop, the Seafront Hotel and The Kiosk, the Seafront Holiday and Caravan Park in Penneshaw as well as The Terraces in American River.
