Canterbury City Council has unanimously approved World of Golf Australia Pty Ltd's application, paving the way for a new Australian standard in golfing facilities to be constructed at Canterbury Park.
 
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.

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 a 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. World of Golf will also 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, golf teaching academy and demonstration centre where players can test the latest equipment.
 
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.

"The World of Golf project is another way we can achieve greater use of our facilities,” Mr Kenny said.

“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.”
 
Construction is expected to begin early in the new financial year, with completion taking up to nine months.