[Sydney] Moore Park Golf Club - A golf course in the city

Moore Park Golf Club, one of the few public golf courses located close to Sydney's city center and boasting over 100 years of history, is an iconic course that every Sydney golfer has played at least once. 

Since opening in 1913 as New South Wales' first public golf course, it  has been regarded as the best place to enjoy golf in the heart of Sydney. 

Location and basic information

• Address: Cnr Cleveland St & Anzac Parade, Moore Park NSW 2021
• Course structure: 18 holes, par 70, total length approximately 5,791m
• Course Type: Public Golf Course
• Driving range: Over 60 driving ranges, fully lit at night
• Green Fee: $59 for 18 holes on weekdays, $69 on weekends
• Reservations: Reservations can be made through the official website or by phone.

Located near Centennial Parklands, this golf course is only a 10-minute drive from Sydney's CBD, making it a convenient spot for both Sydneysiders and visitors seeking a quick round of golf. While weekdays are readily available, weekends are limited, so advance booking is recommended.

Course Features

Muir Park Golf Club is a typical urban golf course. The course is a par 70, but it's not particularly large. The terrain is relatively flat, with narrow fairways and a compact layout. While there are no water hazards, the scattered bunkers and large trees between holes make it a challenging round for all levels, from beginners to experts, despite its par 70 layout.

In particular, holes 2 through 8 are located across the road from the course, which can be confusing for first-time golfers. It's also important to follow the lead of the team ahead of you.

 

• Hole 2 (131m, Par 3): This is the shortest par 3 hole on the course, but many golfers consider it the first challenge because it requires accurate club selection and tee shots.
• Hole 9 (Short Par 4): A dogleg hole that bends slightly to the left, leaving you with a choice between an aggressive driver tee shot or a safe drive to the fairway.
• Hole 14 (Par 4): This hole has OB on the left side of the fairway, allowing you to experience the tension typical of downtown Sydney golf.

 

Driving range

Another reason Muir Park Golf Club is so beloved by golfers is its driving range.
With over 60 tee boxes, a two-story structure, and even nighttime lighting, it offers a great opportunity to practice leisurely during the day or after work.
Recently, the club has also upgraded its driving range with a state-of-the-art tee box monitoring system, rivaling that of an indoor golf practice range, allowing golfers to instantly monitor their swing data and ball distance.

Thanks to this, it is very popular not only among beginners and golfers who want to practice, but also as a warm-up before an actual round.

Clubhouse and amenities

The Muir Park Golf Club clubhouse has been renovated and modernized, featuring clean locker rooms, a practice green, a pro shop, and a café.
The Terrace Café, in particular, offers panoramic views of Sydney's cityscape and the green. It's a perfect place to unwind after a round of golf with a light brunch or a beer. Even if you're not playing golf, this is a great place to relax and unwind.

Controversy over reducing the number of holes

In recent years, Muir Park Golf Club has been at the center of a heated debate over reducing the length of the course from 18 to 9 holes, coinciding with local development and parkland development plans. The controversy stems from the NSW government's plan to convert half of the 18 holes of Sydney's Muir Park Golf Course into a park. This plan aims to reduce the course to 9 holes and transform the remaining land into a community park.  
This plan has sparked fierce opposition from golfers. They have specifically emphasized the course's accessibility and the fact that it is a public course used by many working-class people. 

The debate centers around whether converting a portion of the golf course into a park is the best option and how to protect the rights of golfers. The movement to preserve Muir Park Golf Course has been spreading through online petitions and has garnered significant support. Despite this, the NSW government has shown no intention of withdrawing the plan, and the controversy is expected to continue.  

Overall Review

Muir Park Golf Club is a golf course located in the heart of the city, an open space where anyone can easily learn and enjoy golf.
While the discussion of reducing the number of holes remains uncertain, is it too much to wish for it to remain in its current form? While we don't know what the outcome will be or how it will change, it's undoubtedly a Sydney golf destination worth experiencing at least once before the changes.