Swing Factory proposal - Port kembla golf club
Members of Wests Illawarra and Port Kembla Golf Club voted in favour of a landmark proposal with Swing Factory, giving the green light to a redevelopment that will transform the club into a premier golfing and entertainment destination.
The proposal represents a major investment in the club’s future, with plans including the development of a state-of-the-art driving range equipped with the latest technology, an architecturally designed 18-hole mini putt putt course, and a full refurbishment of the clubhouse. Significant infrastructure upgrades will also be delivered across the course to maintain its reputation as one of the region’s best playing surfaces.
Danny Munk, CEO of Wests Illawarra and PKGC, said this vote represents a historic moment for the club and the wider Illawarra region.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the long-term future of Port Kembla Golf Club, while delivering new experiences that reflect the way people want to enjoy golf today. With Swing Factory’s proven track record, members can be confident the club will remain a first-class golf destination while opening up exciting new opportunities for growth, tourism and community engagement.
A Development Application will be lodged with Wollongong City Council in November 2025 and following its approval, construction is forecast to take 12 months. Importantly, golf course operations will continue throughout the works, ensuring members and visitors can enjoy uninterrupted play.
concept plan
Significant investment will be made into the driving range, an 18 hole mini putt putt and the clubhouse (see concept plan below).
To accommodate the driving range development, minor course reconfigurations will be implemented, designed by Craig Parry (please see second image below).
FAQ's
The proposal with Swing Factory for the long-term lease and redevelopment of the Golf Course and Clubhouse.
They have a strong focus on delivering a vision to position Port Kembla Golf Club as the leading venue in the South Coast market by investing in:
- High quality amenities - revitalizing and leveraging existing assets such as the clubhouse and reactivate the space
- Invest in new golf assets - driving range and mini golf course to stimulate demand and drive growth
- Improve hospitality - reactivation of the kitchen and main bar to help build back community
- Elevate the course - significant investment to upgrade the course irrigation system and improve playing surfaces
- Members lounge - retain dedicated and shared membership lounge areas
- Course reconfiguration - environmentally responsible design review that aims to complement and retain course integrity
- Inclusive design - Spaces that are welcoming, inclusive and family friendly, catering to all user types
- Development application - Sensible concept design capable of acceptance. Responding to site constraints and environment
Swing Factory is a developer and operator of golf venues across NSW and VIC, they are proposing to invest significant capital to redevelop the Driving Range and Clubhouse whilst making significant infrastructure enhancements to the existing golf course.
A planning and Development Application (DA) process will follow. The DA is expected to be lodged in November 2025, with estimated approval of DA in July 2026.
- Membership fees and categories: existing fee structure will be retained with 5% cap on increases for 3 years. Market tested thereafter.
- Uplift the social experience: reactivation of the main kitchen and bar facilities to drive the member social experience
- Club identity and voice: Honour the history of PKGC and hold regular member advisory group meetings
- Grow membership: Develop membership pathways for new users of driving range and mini golf facilities
- Illawarra Pennant: Sponsor and support PKGC teams in local and state-based competitions
- Comp fees and prizes: retain existing comp fee structure and enhance prizes and options
- Investment in the golf experience: upgrading the course irrigation system and machinery will improve playing surfaces
- Club syllabus and support: retain events and delivery of all handicapping and competition management tasks
- Competition warm up: Dedicated hitting bays for member warmups before competition play
- Add new services: Opportunities to attract new services and experiences such as golf coaching services and expanded retail
- Membership benefits: Preferred pricing for driving range and mini golf sessions
The motion to be voted on by Members at the GM was to declare the whole of the land at 30 Golf Place Primbee, NSW 2502 to be “non core” property of the Club for the purpose of section 41E of the Registered Clubs Act 1976. This will allow for the long-term lease and redevelopment of the Land by Swing Factory, as outlined in the General Meeting Notice.
No, the motion being put to Members (non-core resolution) only enables the premises to be leased. Any sale of the land would require the approval of members at a General Meeting.
Swing Factory are committing to investing significant capital into the Driving Range, Clubhouse and Golf Course. This amount of capital expenditure is not feasible for Wests Illawarra to invest at this level, and within this timeframe. This proposal will not only secure Port Kembla Golf Club’s future in terms of financial viability, but will ensure that investments are made into the driving range and clubhouse.
Your Port Kembla Golf Club membership will continue until your renewal date.
Your Wests Illawarra membership will continue until your renewal date.
At the moment this has not been decided, however we will be exploring opportunities with Swing Factory to create a link between memberships.
This has not yet been decided but there are two options:
- Your golf prize points will be transferred to Swing Factory and can continue to be used as normal
or - Your golf prize points will be paid out by Wests Illawarra on the transition of business.
Swing Factory have agreed to retain the fee structure with a 5% cap in increases for 3 years. This will be market tested thereafter.
Swing Factory have indicated they will continue to have a consultation process similar to the current Advisory Committee for members who have a golf membership.
Swing Factory have not competed any detailed plans yet but aim to renovate the inside of the clubhouse, including reactivating the main bar area, food area and clubhouse.
No, Swing Factory do not have a licence to operate poker machines.
Poker Machine entitlements will remain with the Port Kembla Golf Club licence.
The concepts for course changes have been taken from Craig Parry’s work previously completed. No decision has been made on who will complete the final design.
