Backlash over decision to halve one of Australia’s most popular golf courses at Moore Park

Aussies have come out swinging against New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ announcement to halve of one of Sydney’s most popular golf courses, calling it “demonising” and “disgraceful”.

Mr Minns confirmed whispers Moore Park Golf Course would be transformed into Sydney’s version of Central Park and seized by the state government.

The Premier claimed it would “transform” the Sydney experience and ultimately create more “fun” for local families in the growing area.

“It is a great opportunity for the residents in this community to get out and have fun with their family and friends in this densely populated area,” he said.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore stressed that a nine-hole course would remain at Moore Park and the club would not be touched.

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Chris Minns has unveiled the new plan. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique HarmerSource: News Corp AustraliaThe NSW Government has announced it will take part of Moore Park Golf Course for parkland and community use. Picture: David SwiftSource: News Corp Australia

Up to 20 hectares of the public course will be axed and repurposed to support an estimated 80,000 residents living within 2km of the Moore Park area by 2040.

The Premier has claimed the NSW Government needed to “balance” the numbers with “more open space”.

But the argument doesn’t cut the mustard for some Aussies.

Scott Warren, host of the popular Australian Golf Passport podcast, claimed the decision just further “demonises” golf.

Mr Warren argued while golf had become associated with the elite, with nods to former President of the United States Donald Trump’s fondness for the game, the decision would only hurt the “every man”.

“The people that are losing out are the everyman who loves golf, and they are having that taken away from them,” he told news.com.au.

In fact, Mr Warren argued that axing half the course was the opposite of “sticking it to the man” because the man was already playing at “private clubs that remain untouched”.

“It is a tragedy for the game; it is an affordable course and is really good value for a round of golf,” he said.

The golf expert said golfers were being “targeted” because of the local government’s poor planning.

“They failed to plan green space for Green Square and Zetland communities,” he argued, calling the move “distasteful”.

The popular golf course is being halved. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Monique HarmerSource: News Corp Australia

Mr Warren was not alone in his fury.

It is no secret that anyone who dares come between Aussies and their access to sports always copes an earful, and the response has been loud online.

The biggest argument against the idea is that there’s no need for more green space because Centennial Park, Sydney’s largest green space, is just 3km away.

“What is wrong with Centennial Park? It just is just two minutes away. Why can’t a golf course be a golf course,” someone asked.

“Isn’t there Centennial Park down the road?” Another echoed.

“Why is this needed when Centennial is so close,” another chimed in.

Someone claimed it was a “dreadful decision” that would drive locals away from the area if they wanted to continue playing the sport they love.

“So many residents of Sydney will suffer, and golf is for everyone,” they argued.

The responses weren’t lacking passion with one fan of the Moore Park course, calling the decision “terrible’ in a heartfelt tweet.

“This is terrible! The best public golf course in Australia, gone. Terrible for Sydney and terrible for tourism,” they raged.

The decision means there will be more park for locals. Picture: David SwiftSource: News Corp Australia

One Aussie said it was “disgraceful” and pointed out that the move would impact “regular employment” for people working at the golf course.

Someone else said that it was a “massive loss” for the community because it meant locals would “lose” a place for kids to learn the sport.

Another Aussie argued that the area doesn’t need more “parkland” but instead needs better planning.

“Moore Park GC is nowhere near the centre of the city, and Centennial Park is right next to the golf course; that area doesn’t need more parkland.

“The area that needed the parkland was Zetland, but they just let them put thousands of apartments with no thought to public spaces.”

In a similar vein, another said the plans won’t impact the “wealthy” because their private clubs remain untouched. They said the call was due to “appalling planning” in nearby suburbs, resulting in golf being the loser.

“What about racecourses? Randwick is just up the road, and horse racing isn’t exactly a grassroots sport,” another queried.

However, some felt it was the right move, calling it a “great idea’ in online comments.

“This is good,” someone wrote. “More of this please,” someone begged.