Sydney Turf Club

Canterbury City Council unanimously approved World of Golf Australia Pty Ltd's application at its meeting last night, paving the way for a new Australian standard in golfing facilities to be constructed at Canterbury Park.
 
Sydney Turf Club, as racecourse owner and business partner of the project, considers the World of Golf proposal an excellent opportunity to expand its non-racing business.
 
The project centres around a state-of-the-art golf practice facility, modelled on a successful sister project, which has been operating in South Africa for 10 years. It will be developed in the centre of the racecourse, as not to interfere with the Club’s commitment to hosting regular race meets.
 
Sydney Turf Club Chief Executive, Michael Kenny, said World of Golf is an ideal partner in the Club's bid to expand the use of Canterbury Park and offer greater leisure activities to the local community.

"Sydney Turf Club prides itself on innovation, as can be seen by the launch of our $30 million Grand Pavilion at Rosehill Gardens last month," Mr Kenny stated.
 
"The World of Golf project is another way we can achieve greater use of our facilities. World of Golf can complement racing at Canterbury Park while maintaining the expansive green open space which typifies the racecourse.
 
“Mid-week race meetings to take priority and golf to take place on every other day. The spin offs include further employment as we provide staff to operate a golf facility unlike any other in Australia.”
 
Revenue made by the Club from the World of Golf venture will be invested into the racing industry.
 
The development, which spans almost 40 acres, features specialist zones for practicing all aspects of the game including chipping, putting, driving, pitching and bunker play. The project also includes a 9-hole par 3 course and adventure golf, which can be likened to a highly challenging version of putt putt.
 
World of Golf Australia CEO, Antony Resnick has no doubt the development will change the way golf is practised in Australia.
 
"There will be tangible benefits from the creation of a complex of this magnitude while ensuring its success and future growth," Mr Resnick said.
 
"Canterbury Park is an ideal location for our facility; it's close to city, highly accessible from all areas in Sydney, with an abundance of parking space, easy access to Canterbury train station and a bus stop at the front door."

Importantly, World of Golf will retain a 'green belt' environment in the Canterbury district. More than 4,000 native trees, low-lying shrubs and grasses will be planted as part of the complex.
 
It is estimated that building works will cost in excess of $5 million. In addition, World of Golf Australia will acquire specialised golf equipment, ball management systems for automated ball delivery to players, furniture and fittings, play equipment for children, putt putt facilities and catering outlets. Also part of the project is a golf retail store, a golf teaching academy and demonstration centre where players can test the latest equipment.
 
Construction of the facility is expected to begin early in the new financial year, with completion taking up to nine months.