The fifth instalment in our nationwide search identifies several small South Australian golf communities with amazing stories to tell. 

For years, golf in South Australia battled to move the needle on a truly national scale. Despite the golf offering in Adelaide being legitimately top-shelf, much like its wine from the Barossa Valley up the road, when it came to visiting golfers, it was always overshadowed by the architectural appeal of the Melbourne Sandbelt.

“We’ve always thought we get a rough deal here,” says SA cricket legend-turned golf junkie and tournament host Greg Blewett. “You put Kooyonga Golf Club in the middle of the Melbourne Sandbelt, it would rank top 10 [in the country], easy!”

The golf course-laden Fleurieu Peninsula is spectacular in every sense of the word but was constantly – and perhaps unfairly – compared to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in pound-for-pound rankings. And a general lack of mainstream media coverage of the sport in this part of the world only made matters more difficult for marketers to sell its unique golf assets.

Then, something truly remarkable happened. LIV Golf rolled into town, putting Adelaide and SA on the world map as a genuine destination for not just professional golfers from abroad but golf lovers across the country. What started out as eyeballs squarely on Adelaide and LIV Golf Adelaide tournament host Grange Golf Club quickly spread to the greater region.

More than 40 percent of ticket purchasers for the 2024 event came from interstate, with many extending their stays to explore the finer golf and wine offerings in nearby regions, which resulted in direct expenditure of $71.1 million – a 10 percent increase from 2023.

The cat was finally out of the bag, and even had LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman waxing lyrical about the state where he scored his first professional victory 48 years ago.

“As an Aussie, I’m proud of how South Australia has embraced LIV Golf to make it one of the top sporting events in the country,” Norman said. ”Over the past two years, Adelaide has showcased what our league can deliver: a destination event with passionate crowds where world-class team competition, entertainment and culture take centre stage.”

Indeed, there seems to be a palpable energy in the air right now when it comes to golf in SA. Here are a few places that are thriving as reinvigorated golf towns.

Loxton

In many ways, Loxton is the epitome of a great golf town. Its population is heavily engaged with the local golf club just to keep it going. Like many smaller golf clubs in regional areas, Loxton Golf Club relies on an army of volunteers to keep it firing. Locals here take pride in their course, and this dedication is evident in the many events put on by the club, not to mention its long list of sponsors from local businesses in town.

As a result of their unwavering commitment, Loxton Golf Club boasts 18 lush Santa Ana fairways and outstanding greens and surrounds that are always kept in top condition for members and visitors.

For avid history buffs, Loxton is a goldmine of wondrous, historic sites and experiences. For food and wine buffs, prepare to have your tastebuds tantalised with the vast array of local produce and cellar doors.

Yet great golf towns should offer more than what’s in their town alone, which is why Loxton ticks the box. The Riverland boasts four first-class golf courses with three towns fronting the mighty Murray River. On top of this, a wide range of stay-and-play packages are available, including Loxton Golf Club’s camping ground for visitors in caravans and RVs (loxtongolf.com.au).

Millicent

Millicent is a prosperous and vibrant community located in the heart of the Limestone Coast region and a short drive from the famous Coonawarra wine region. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax with a bottle of red, fish, explore the many coastal walks and national parks and – you guessed it – play golf.

In fact, some say it’s home to the best country course in the state. With 18 lush fairways and greens carved next to a pine forest, Millicent Golf Club provides a stunning backdrop to 18 holes you won’t forget in a hurry.

Complete with the Vendi virtual pro shop, visitors can book tee-times, purchase tees and balls, hire carts and top up on food and beverages all with the push of a button.

The club has about 200 members, many of which ‘chip in’ to help maintain the golf course in fantastic condition. On-course camping is also available for those keen to get down with nature (millicentgolfclub.com.au).

Robe

Putting his bias as the course’s designer to one side, Neil Crafter is adamant where the state’s best golf town is located.

“Our best regional courses are in the south-east and the Riverland,” says Crafter, a four-time South Australian Amateur champion in his younger days.

“For me, the best golf town would be Robe, now that its course is 18 holes and a short drive to the brilliant courses at Naracoorte, Penola, Bordertown, Millicent, Kingston and Mt Gambier.”

Crafter’s design firm – Crafter + Mogford Golf Strategies – was chiefly responsible for Robe’s stunning new-look, building a new six-hole stretch to make the most of the natural sand dune terrain. The “Dunes 6” offers spectacular views of the Robe township and West Beach, along with several addictive risk-reward holes that will have you coming back for more. Together, it combines with two other six-hole segments that, when put together, offers one of the more unique 18-hole layouts on offer anywhere.

It’s clear Robe is a town that combines coastal charm with a fierce devotion to golf. Perched on the Limestone Coast, this small seaside village is known for its historic landmarks, beaches and, of course, the beloved Robe course. 

Local resident Matthew Jennings warned us about its appeal when he joined Australian Golf Digest for its annual reader tournament in Tasmania in May.

“You guys will be genuinely surprised with what you see in Robe,” Jennings said. “We’ve got a great golf course, incredible food and a cracking little town full of great people.”

Jennings was spot on. It’s one of the better tips we received all year (robegolfclub.com).

Sandy Creek

There’s something to be said about community spirit when laying out the criteria for what makes a great golf town. Sandy Creek Golf Club, in the world-famous Barossa Valley, is still on a high after being crowned South Australian Club of the Year at the SA Golf Awards. But feelings weren’t always so jovial.

Just a few years ago, it looked as if its long and proud history as the Barossa’s oldest golf club may come to a sad end. Falling to fewer than 200 members, and subsequently feeling the financial pinch, Sandy Creek made the tough decision to get rid of all paid roles at the club.

Becoming fully volunteer run was a brave call and relied on the members all pitching in to help fill jobs to keep the club afloat.

“Quite simply, we wouldn’t still have a club without our volunteers,” says Sue Keylock, president of Sandy Creek Golf Club. “We have been able to utilise the skillset of our members in many different areas but most critically in course maintenance and clubhouse management.”

Since becoming fully volunteer run, Sandy Creek, located just west of Lyndoch, has been able to increase its membership back to more than 300 and enjoy multiple profitable years in a row.

“We embraced the support of Golf Australia, who assisted us in a number of ways,” Keylock said. “Most importantly with course maintenance, providing us with expert guidance which formed the basis of our strategy. There was more buy-in and engagement from members who volunteered since they were involved in the decision making and understood the reasons why.”

Sandy Creek is also making strides in diversifying the club, and making sure the entire town is welcome, whether they just want to play nine holes or be involved on the committee.

“I imagine there wouldn’t be too many clubs that have a woman captain and a woman president, but it isn’t something that we targeted,” Keylock said. “We made an effort to encourage female membership on the committee when we moved away from having a separate women’s committee. I think it is so important to have diversity on the committee and we have made positive steps in that direction.”

The club has also forged a strong relationship with nearby Trinity College, which has introduced countless students to golf who may have never thought that golf is a game for them, and has helped Sandy Creek produce several SA representatives, a trend Keylock is keen to continue.

Now back on its feet, Keylock is keen for Sandy Creek and its dedicated members to continue the upwards trajectory.

“Membership is growing, sponsorship is growing and the vibe around the club is great. We want to continue the upgrade of our clubhouse both internally and externally and explore how our facilities can be used more extensively by our community.”

Sounds – and feels – like a great little golf town (sandycreekgolf.com.au) – Patrick Taylor

Tanunda

If Sandy Creek has heart, then Tanunda has culture… oodles of it. The Barossa Valley is world-renowned for its wine, and Tanunda is at the epicentre of it all. Surrounded by famous vineyards and wineries, Tanunda offers visitors the chance to explore iconic labels like Penfolds, Château Tanunda and Peter Lehmann. The town has deep roots in winemaking, dating back to the 1840s with the arrival of German settlers who brought their wine traditions with them. But away from the vines, locals and visitors are getting hooked on a golf course that is building a reputation of its own.

Located in Tanunda, adjacent to the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, Tanunda Pines Golf Club is a course that understands the essence of the game. The giveaway? The age-old Alister Mackenzie reference on its website, which is one of the first things you see when browsing: “The ideal hole is surely one that affords greatest pleasure to the greatest number, gives the fullest advantage for accurate play, stimulates players to improve their games and never becomes monotonous. Multiply that by 18 and you have an ideal golf course,” it reads. Amen.

Outside of its fun course flanked by century-old towering gums and stunning scenery, Tanunda Pines engages the local community with endless junior clinics and “Get Into Golf” days.

The great thing about this place, of course, is that when your round is over, you’re literally minutes away from some of the finest cellar doors and eateries in not just SA but the world. Now that’s a town you could get used to calling home.

But for inquisitive travellers, nearby accommodation is no problem either. Located right next door to the Tanunda Pines course, Novotel Barossa Valley Resort offers a prime spot for exploring the region. Each of the resort’s 140 rooms features a private balcony, inviting guests to soak up the panoramic views of this wine paradise. For those keen to venture further, the Barossa Cycling Trail is nearby, making this the perfect retreat for an active, scenic stay in the heart of the Barossa Valley (tanundapines.com.au; novotelbarossa.com).

Willunga

Former Australian Test cricketer Greg Blewett didn’t know a lot about the town of Willunga when the PGA of Australia came calling. Blewett, a Barossa boy known in golf circles for his passion and ability on the fairways since hanging up the willow, was being headhunted to be the face of the new Webex Players Series South Australia event on the Fleurieu Peninsula, 40 minutes south of Adelaide.

“Growing up in the Barossa, I didn’t get many opportunities to venture down south that often, but [in hindsight] I wish I had,” Blewett admits. “It’s only been in the past seven years or so that I’ve started spending more time down there and I absolutely love it. The more times I come down, the more I enjoy not just the golf course, but the town of Willunga itself. It’s got this great vibe, a community that has really embraced the Webex Players Series coming to its sneaky-good course.”

Willunga is a picturesque and historic town that’s just a stone’s throw from the vineyards of the famous McLaren Vale. Walking the streets during this year’s Webex Players Series event, you could feel the buzz on the main drag, which is walking distance from the course. Local characters were out in full flight, none more interesting than local club legend Steven Alderson. Fresh off his G4D Tour @ Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters victory in Italy, and with his trophy on full display behind the clubhouse bar, the autistic golfer was crowned a local hero at this year’s Webex event, which he won for the second straight year.

“People have taken a bit of an interest in my story since my win in Italy and being able to let people know where I play, along with the success of this tournament, has helped put Willunga on the map a little bit, I guess,” Alderson says. “Hopefully those travelling to SA come down and have a game and see what all the fuss is about. The condition of the course is really good. We have four groundkeepers for a public golf course, so what we pay for membership, it is really good value.”

Speaking of good value, walk into the local hotel or bakery and you’re bound to strike up a conversation with a local about golf in Willunga. You can impress them by telling them you know the local amateur course-record holder, “Spud” Alderson, who once shot a 64 without birdieing any of the five par 3s. It’s the stuff of legends, and a surefire sign of a great golf town that’s only going to grow in stature as more discover it (willungagolf.com.au). 

Where We Play: How to spend time in Adelaide

Three courses to put on your list during your next stopover in the South Australian capital.

Glenelg Golf Club

Glenelg Golf Club is a must-visit for travelling golfers seeking a truly unique South Australian golf experience. Ranked No.32 in Australian Golf Digest’s latest Top 100 Golf Courses ranking, Glenelg has steadily earned its place among Australia’s finest. This course, nestled in Adelaide’s western suburbs, combines challenging design with striking visual appeal – thanks in large part to its revetted bunkers filled with rich orange sand, a signature look crafted during the transformative redesign by Neil Crafter and Bob Tuohy in the early 2000s, which these days is being further enhanced by Crafter, Tuohy and Ryan Van Der Veen.

Beyond the course itself, Glenelg Golf Club offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and top-notch facilities. It’s a perfect addition to any golf itinerary for those wanting to experience the charm and challenge of South Australian golf at its best. Don’t miss the chance to play one of the country’s true architectural success stories (glenelggolf.com).

Royal Adelaide Golf Club

Royal Adelaide Golf Club remains a bucket-list destination for golf purists. Ranked No.9 in Australian Golf Digest’s Top 100 Golf Courses ranking, this iconic layout combines historic charm with championship-level challenge, making it one of Australia’s most revered courses. Originally designed by legendary architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, Royal Adelaide has retained its traditional links-style character while evolving to meet modern standards – a blend that has kept it in the upper echelon of Australian golf.

One thing that (hopefully) will never change, however, is the iconic Grange suburban train line that cuts its way through the course. Pausing for a passenger train during one’s round is not something you have to do every day. But that’s Royal Adelaide: a golden oldie that demands respect, invites creativity and guarantees a memorable round on every visit (royaladelaidegolf.com.au).

Blackwood Golf Club

Blackwood Golf Club may well be the most picturesque course in the Adelaide Hills. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings and welcoming atmosphere, Blackwood is a layout that balances challenge with charm, weaving through towering eucalypts and rolling hills to create a tranquil yet demanding round for golfers of any level.

Perhaps what sets Blackwood apart is its emphasis on strategy and shot-making. The course incorporates the region’s natural contours and elevations to create interesting challenges at every turn. None of these are better than what confronts you on the 475-metre, par-5 15th. Blackwood’s signature hole kickstarts a strong closing stretch with lots of risk and reward opportunities off the tee and into the green. The largest dam on the course awaits any tee shot missing the fairway left but for those wishing to set-up a potential second shot to the green, the tee shot must be directed across the right edge of the dam (blackwoodgolf.com.au).

And the winner is: Willunga

Hosting a Webex Players Series has helped turn the spotlight onto Willunga. It now moves on to our national final (in the February 2025 issue) as the South Australian representative.