Aussie golfing great Greg Norman believes “happiness is a long walk with a putter”, and if current sports’ participation rates are anything to go by, he’s not alone.
A recently released government AusPlay survey places golf as the second-most popular club sport – behind soccer – and the eighth most popular sport in the country, with more than one million players.
Little wonder then that residential communities based around golfing facilities have found plenty of favour in recent years and there are now more than 100 of these developments Australia-wide.
“There’s no doubt that developers have used golf courses to attract buyers and that it’s been a very successful process,” says Domain Group senior economist Andrew Wilson. “Golf tends to be a strong driving force for buyers so developers use them as a hook.”
Outside these communities, golf courses are a boon for nearby home owners.
“Inner city golf courses by their very nature are in prized locations,” Dr Wilson says. “The fact that you’ve got a course acts as a barrier to more development in the area. Those areas consistently hold their value, making golf courses a definite positive for those close by.”
68 Gubbuteh Road, Little Bay. Photo: Supplied
It’s all about the views at this freshly updated home at 68 Gubbuteh Road which adjoins the Coast Golf Club, a par-70 oceanfront links course that surrounds Sydney’s southernmost city beach.
Gazing over the 10th hole and with panoramic ocean and coastline views, this three-storey residence has been designed to make the most of a north-east aspect.
There is a designer stone kitchen and four separate living rooms, including a lower-level family room with a bar. And if you like to mix up your golf, St Michael’s Golf Club and the NSW Golf Club are only a stone’s throw away.
The house will go under the hammer on July 1 with a price guide of $4.35 million-$4.5 million through Leaders Estate Agents.
87 Stanley Street, Nedlands. Photo: Supplied
Inspired by East Hamptons-style mansions, this recently completed family home at 87 Stanley Street sits close to the Dalkeith border, a level 150 metres stroll from the Nedlands Golf Club.
“It’s the best value, large, premium family home for sale in Nedlands, particularly taking into account its position so close to the golf course,” agent Peter Robertson says.
“You can walk your golf buggy down the street and onto the green.”
The property is packed with luxury features, from the Carrara marble kitchen with its suite of Miele and Gaggenau appliances to the oak floors and designer bathrooms.
The house is for sale for $3.78 million with William Porteous Properties International.
5250 Marine Drive North, Sanctuary Cove. Photo: Alan Noble
Boasting a $12 million Country Club with two championship golf courses, Sanctuary Cove may well be a golfer’s earthly paradise.
The home of an award-winning builder, this waterfront property at 5250 Marine Drive North has all the bells and whistles, including a commercial pontoon, an internal lift, four en suite bedrooms, a home theatre system, a five-person sauna, a C-bus home automation system, underfloor heating and impressive water views.
“When you walk in the front door the first thing you see is the river and the trees on the opposite shore,” agent Paul Ledgerwood says.
The four-bedroom, six-bathroom property is listed for sale with a price of $4.37 million through Ray White Sovereign Islands.
14 The Cups Drive, Cape Schanck. Photo: Supplied
The aptly-named Glass House at 14 The Cups Drive takes in 300-degree views across The National Golf Club, which offers not just one but three world-class, 18-hole championship courses on the Mornington Peninsula.
And the view doesn’t stop there, for beyond the golfing greens is the Bass Strait.
Agent Rob Curtain says golfers are leading the charge to buy the brand new home, a cutting-edge design on a 4535 square metre lot.
“It’s ideal for people who see value in being able to play golf and take their buggy home at the end of the day to enjoy the magnificent views.”
Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty Sorrento is marketing the five-bedroom, three-bathroom property, which is for sale for $3.8 million.