We're investing $3.4 million into our beloved Lara Golf Course to ensure it remains sustainable and a destination course for golfers in our region.
Water security initiatives, worth $2.4 million, have begun and will continue for around eight months. This will include drainage and dam remediation works, upgrades to course irrigation and a feasibility study into long-term sustainable water solutions.
With the course irrigation works soon to commence, there will be significant impacts to operations of the course during this time. The first nine holes will need to be closed approximately September/October 2025 to December 2025/January 2026, pending planning permit approvals. Play on the second nine holes will be affected from December 2025/January 2026 to April/May 2026. We are currently working through strategies to ensure the most efficient use of the course during this time.
A total of $1 million worth of upgrades are planned for the driving range and pro shop. At this stage, these works may start in September/October 2025.
Timings around the upgrades' duration and closures may change without notice.
We've worked with the Project Control Group, made up of stakeholders from the golf club and City, on how to best manage the closures and reduce impacts to golfers.
We have communicated these impacts to our 297 active members, while signage around the course will inform casual users.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Golf is one of our region's most popular participation sports.Council is committed to ensuring Lara Golf Course is sustainable in the long-term through $3.4 million in upgrades.
While the rolling works to the fairways, greens, driving range and pro shop will cause short-term disruptions, they will future proof this facility and ensure a superior experience for the most discerning golfer.
We thank members and users for their patience during this time.
You Yangs ward councillor Chris Burson
Lara Golf Course is renowned for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and lush Santa Ana couch fairways and greens.We're excited to improve the offering at Lara Golf Course, which boasts the most affordable green fees for an 18-hole course in the region.
The water security initiatives in particular will make a big difference to drainage across the site as we investigate long-term solutions.
We can't wait to tee off on the improved course come mid 2026!
The works form part of the City's planned exit out of direct operation of golf facilities.
