Designed by golf course architect Neil Crafter, the new eighth and ninth holes will take golfers into and back out of the $50m Newbridge housing development which is being built next to the existing golf course.

Other sections of the course will also be modified as it expands from a par-68 to a par-71.

The upgrade also includes a new driving range and updates to the clubhouse bar and restaurant which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Murray Bridge Golf Course club president Mark Bolton said it was the most significant upgrade in the club’s history.

“It will transform it from a par-68 into a par-71 championship course – a great change that is expected to grow the club’s membership and will support an increase in golf tourism, attracting regional and interstate golfers to play, stay and enjoy the Murraylands’ attractions in between a game of golf or two,” he said.

Meanwhile developer Burke Urban has released another 21 allotments in its Newbridge housing project, which will deliver 400 new homes over the coming years.

Burke Urban sales and marketing director Olivia Burke said projects including the newly expanded Monarto Safari Park, The Bend Motorsport Park and Thomas Foods’ new meat processing plant were resulting in a shortage of housing and rental options in the region.

“It’s fantastic to see Murray Bridge becoming one of the most sought-after regional areas in South Australia,” she said.

“We’ve participated in this revitalisation by facilitating the successful relocation of the Murray Bridge Racing Club to their new home at Gifford Hill freeing up a prime area of land in central Murray Bridge for housing.

“Newbridge has sold out the first three stages of 70 allotments, including 10 premium golf course allotments. We are now releasing 21 exceptional allotments in stage 4, with a variety of sizes and street frontages.

“Another 10 coveted golf course allotments will be released in the coming months with spectacular views over the two new fairways which extend through the centre of the project.”

Burke Urban and its joint venture partners are contributing almost $1.2m towards the golf club upgrade, with the federal government chipping in $339,000 via its Building Better Regions Fund grant program.

Golfers can expect to play their first round on the new part of the course in mid-2023.

Allotments in stage 4 of the Newbridge project start from $136,000 for 540sq m of land.

Article written by Giuseppe Tauriello, The Advertiser on 9.10.22.

Read it here.