An 18-hole championship golf course, which was once on its knees, is on the market after attracting several enquiries.
Expressions of interest are being sought for Peregian Golf Course, which is the centrepiece of the Peregian Springs residential community.
The Par-70 course and clubhouse are being sold by Peregian Springs Golf Holdings Limited, which issued a press release announcing the EOI campaign.
“Golf Holdings has been approached by several parties, including industry specialists, who have expressed interest in purchasing the Peregian Golf Course,” the release said.
“Given the interest in the golf course over the last 12 months, and the potential for interested parties to improve the golf course and associated facilities for the benefit of the local community, the Directors of Golf Holdings have made the decision to explore opportunities to find a new owner and have commenced an expressions of interest marketing campaign.
“The golf course will operate as normal during this process. Golf Services Management continues to operate the course and club house under its current lease.”
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A spokesperson for Golf Holdings, of which developer Aveo is a major shareholder, told Sunshine Coast News that there was significant buyers’ interest in the course because more people were playing golf, particularly on the Sunshine Coast.
“Sport and leisure destinations such as golf courses have become highly prized in recent years, with the pandemic placing greater value on established amenities,” the spokesperson said.
“Historically, Peregian Golf Course has been revered as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular courses, in a sought-after location, and boasts a high player participation.
“We are hopeful any interested parties will recognise the opportunity to further improve the golf course and associated facilities, for the enduring benefit of the local community.”
The course was designed by Phil Scott, the father of Masters champion Adam. Its build was completed in 2003.
But the then-operator, Peregian Springs Golf Club Limited, defaulted on their lease and the course was closed in 2016, casting doubts about its future.
GSM took over, leasing the property from December that year.
“Since that time, they have successfully overseen the club’s operations and course maintenance, the Golf Holdings spokesperson said.
The site is zoned Sport and Recreation, under the Sunshine Council Planning Scheme
It’s the home course of professional golfer Cassie Porter, who hoped it would remain an integral part of the community.
“I’m just happy if there’s a golf course there,” she said.
“Whatever happens, whoever buys it, as long as the golf course is there and our community can continue playing there, then I’m a happy golfer.”
She said the clubhouse and the course, which encompassed 618,100sqm, were vital to the area.
“It’s the centre of our community and it’s a social hub for people from the nearby retirement home and for the residents in the estates around it.”
Cassie said the course was special.
“It’s beautiful to walk around. I love it,” she said.
“There are lots of beautiful lakes, it has a really good layout and it’s a tough championship course, so I think it brings a lot of value to the Sunshine Coast.”
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