A development application has been lodged with Lake Macquarie City Council to transform Waratah Golf Club in Argenton into a recreation hub. The proposal includes an 85-metre netted driving range with 20 simulation bays and lounge suites, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a new car park with 127 spaces off Lake Road.
General manager Jonathan Towns said the project aims to cater to the growing population in Lake Macquarie's north-west. 'Not to say there's not a lot to do in Lake Macquarie, but in this particular area, there's lots of houses and retail that could use some of that recreational-type stuff,' he said.
The redevelopment would have minimal impact on the 125-year-old golf course, with only the 18th hole partially altered. The 334-metre par-four hole would be shortened, and the green shifted to in front of the clubhouse. 'We could have made it longer but we don't want to compromise our golf course,' Mr Towns said.
Fellow Lake Macquarie golf clubs at Toronto, Charlestown and Belmont already have netted driving ranges. Mr Towns said the development is about improving facilities for Waratah's 1196 members and diversifying their offering. 'People are time poor, so having shorter versions of golf and more introductory versions of golf too is for people who don't see themselves as ready for the golf course,' he said.
The proposed redevelopment would be at the southern end of the 41-hectare site, neighbouring Club Macquarie and Cockle Creek. Waratah Golf Club is known for its 74-year-old annual W.E Alexander pro-am tournament.
