By Peter Wightman – Captain Yowani Country Club
TEN years ago, Yowani Country Club (YCC) in Canberra embarked on a major project to redevelop its golf course and related infrastructure and to replace the old clubhouse that was no longer fit for purpose with a facility that can sustain the Club’s financial future.
In 2017, following a competitive tender process, YCC entered into a partnership with the local construction company TP Dynamics (TPD) to redevelop the club’s underutilised land assets. Following years of negotiation, the Club and TPD were able to obtain the necessary Government approvals to enable the major project to proceed.
Ben Davey from Contour Golf was chosen to develop a Master Plan based on his innovative and modern design. Following a similar process, the golf course construction company Flemming Golf was appointed to undertake the massive reconstruction of the golf course, with Ben Davey acting as Project Manager. A new irrigation system covering the whole development was installed by Waterland Irrigation. Construction of both elements began in December 2023, and play commenced on the new course in April 2026.
A major requirement throughout construction was that a composite of 18 holes be retained for member use throughout the construction period. Members played on seven temporary 9-hole layouts and a mixed routing of the new holes prior to the move to the intended course and clubhouse.
The new course is a par 70 with five par threes and three par fives. As part of the project Yowani was able to more than double its water storage capacity with the design incorporating two new lakes. A feature of the new layout is that many of the existing fairway corridors have been retained with some now playing in the opposite direction. This has allowed many of the extensive trees that characterised the previous Kel Nagle design to remain, giving the new course a mature look.
“I’m really proud of the course I’ve designed at Yowani,” stated Ben Davey. “Yowani used to be a course that was all about the tee shots, because they were narrow and required accuracy. We’ve now opened the course up, so it’s probably easier off the tee, however the course is now all about the approach shots to the greens.
“The new greens have far more interest than the old ones, and lots of variety too. With water in play on several holes, the course also didn’t need many bunkers. There are just 29 in total. I think Yowani is a great addition to the Canberra golfing landscape and quite unlike anything else in our nation’s capital.”
The current layout is already providing a testing ‘risk reward’ experience for members and visitors. Many of the new holes have water or strategic bunkers requiring the golfer to decide whether to avoid and play safe or take on the challenge, while gofers now face putts with interesting breaks and level changes on the large green complexes.
The new 18th green and clubhouse at Yowani Country Club. – Photo D O’Neill.
Following a design competition the local firm of architects, Collins Pennington (now Architectus) was awarded the contract for the clubhouse design. The new clubhouse is a modern two-level building built by TPD situated with a northern outlook looking over the 18th green, 10th fairway and the main lake. The design has the members bar, restaurant and function centre on the first floor to maximise views across the golf course. The state-of-the-art commercial kitchen allows the club to offer a range of dining options for members and guests ranging from fine dining, bistro to bar food and significantly enhances the ability of the club to host larger scale corporate and wedding functions.
The Pro Shop, operated by the respected PGA Golf Professional, Paul Finkle, includes a club fitting bay with the bespoke design catering for all aspects of retail and club golf services.
The course and clubhouse have already received high praise from golfers playing the new layout and enjoying the clubhouse facilities.
“I’m extremely proud of how our members have accepted the disruption and acknowledge the work of our CEO, committees and volunteers to manage our way through the redevelopment timeline,” stated Yowani’s Chairman, John McCullagh.
“I would also like to recognise the support from our local clubs Burns Belconnen Golf Club, Yass Golf Club and Queanbeyan Golf Club for assisting Yowani in providing a range of tee times for Yowani golfers during the redevelopment period.
“The new course is a magnificent design that will elevate Yowani once again to be regarded as one of the top inland golf courses in the country,” he added.
Yowani is a member owned and operated golf course which welcomes social golf every day of the week. The main member competitions are held on Tuesday (women), Wednesday and Friday (open Medley Pro Comp) and Saturday (Medley members competition), with separate men’s and women’s competitions on Sunday. Visitors are welcome to play in these competitions.
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