A look at what Swing Factory has created. Photo: Supplied.
Wollongong is teeing up a bold new future for golf in the Illawarra, with members of Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club voting to give Swing Factory the green light on a landmark redevelopment that will transform the course into a premier golfing and entertainment destination.
Representing a major investment in the club’s future, plans include the development of a state-of-the-art driving range equipped with the latest technology, an architecturally designed 18-hole mini putt putt course, a full clubhouse refurbishment, alongside significant infrastructure upgrades across the championship course itself.
It comes after an extraordinary general meeting on 14 September, where members were asked to endorse a plan for a 30-year lease to golf venue developer and operator Swing Factory.
Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club (PKGC) CEO Danny Munk said this vote represented an historic moment for the club and the wider Illawarra region.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the long-term future of Port Kembla Golf Club, while delivering new experiences that reflect the way people want to enjoy golf today,” Mr Munk said.
“With Swing Factory’s proven track record, members can be confident the club will remain a first-class golf destination, while opening up exciting new opportunities for growth, tourism and community engagement.”
A development application will be lodged with Wollongong City Council in November and, if approved, construction is expected to take 12 months.
Golf course operations will continue throughout the works, ensuring uninterrupted play for members and visitors. Destination Wollongong general manager Jeremy Wilshire welcomed the addition of a first-class sports leisure product to the region and said the announcement couldn’t come at a better time.
“This is terrific news for Wollongong. Swing Factory is a proven model that brings together sport, leisure and entertainment in a way that will appeal to residents and visitors alike,” he said.
“We conducted a site visit of Swing Factory’s facilities in Sydney’s Terrey Hills and I couldn’t have been more impressed with their product, operating model and vision for integrating community and attracting visitors.
“Swing Factory is a great fit for the region and will add to our burgeoning outdoor entertainment product offering.
“It adds another dimension to Wollongong’s outdoor lifestyle and reinforces our reputation as a destination that dares to be different.”
Swing Factory, an Australian-owned and operated company, already operates venues across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
Mr Munk said it was an important step for the club’s future.
“The Port Kembla Golf Club redevelopment reflects a shared vision to safeguard the long-term viability of the club, preserve its contribution to the local sporting community, and create an iconic tourism asset for the Illawarra,” he said.
“It will create a modern, inclusive and family-friendly destination for golfers and non-golfers alike, appealing to local residents and visitors.”
If approved, it will add to a list of new attractions and events for Wollongong.
Over the coming months, the city will host the World Triathlon Championships, a Netball Test at Wollongong Entertainment Centre, the return of the Australian Junior Surfing Championships, and Nitro Circus.
Destination Wollongong has also advocated the establishment of a unique Ferris wheel attraction at Flagstaff Hill during the upcoming school holidays and triathlon championships, with an application to Wollongong City Council for a 28-day activation on public exhibition.
Mr Wilshire said it also came as major projects such as the BlueScope land transformation plan, and the WIN Precinct Master Plan signalled a new era of ambition and investment for the region.
“When you combine global sporting events, bold new tourism attractions and city-shaping developments, the message is clear: Wollongong is on the move,” Mr Wilshire said.
“Destination Wollongong is proud to play its part in supporting and advocating for projects like Swing Factory that diversify our visitor economy and enhance the liveability of our city.”
