Peter Malinauskas (right), with Greg Norman and Cam Smith at the LIV Golf Adelaide event.
SOUTH Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, may well be the ‘Harry Houdini’ of politics.
He was facing huge pressure over the $45 million development of the North Adelaide golf course primarily to host a LIV golf event. The Saudi-backed tour appears to be on the brink following the withdrawal of financial backing after this year, ramping up the pressure on Malinauskas.
Enter Golf Australia to offer Malinauskas a huge ‘get-out-of-jail-free card’ for the Greg Norman revamped North Adelaide Course to host either a men’s or women’s Australian Open every year from 2028-2034.
There is still disquiet among indigenous groups over the project disturbing sacred burial sites. Nor will it quell the green lobby, outraged by the loss of 585 trees, although 1700 new ones will be planted. The opposition will continue to attack the government for putting $45 million into a golf course during a cost-of-living crisis.
Not to mention the failure to put the development out to tender and award the contract to Norman’s company and legislating to exclude the local council from the approval process.
In response to criticism, Malinauskas told the ABC 7.30 program that time was of the essence and that he had total confidence in Norman’s company to deliver on the project.
He said the winning hosting rights for the Australian Opens reinforced the state government’s vision for North Adelaide as a major public sporting asset.
“For some time, we have been engaged with Golf Australia discussing the potential of bringing both the men’s and women’s Australian Opens to Adelaide,” he said.
“We are thrilled to make this a reality, at a high-quality public facility on the doorstep of our city.
“The Australian Open is a must stop event on the Australian sporting calendar, and we have the potential to grow it in Adelaide.
“It has only ventured out of New South Wales or Victoria twice in half a century.
“Central to this move is the investment we are delivering in North Adelaide, a world-class public golf course uniquely located in our stunning park lands overlooking the CBD.
“Whether they be playing golf, walking or cycling through it, South Australians will have the benefit of enjoying this high-quality course for the vast majority of the year.
“With the North Adelaide upgrade coinciding with the development of the Cliffs on Kangaroo Island, golf tourists will be attracted to our city, to spend their dollars in our economy.
“Major events like the men’s and women’s Australian Open will help drive that economic benefit further, and boost even further investment in our city.”
The redevelopment of the North Adelaide course will go ahead after the announcement it will host both men’s and women’s Australian Open’s from 2028-2034.
GA boss James Sutherland said the first men’s Australian Open at North Adelaide will be staged in 2028, marking the first time the Stonehaven Cup has been contested in South Australia since Greg Chalmers’ 1998 victory at Royal Adelaide.
Following one of the most successful men’s championships in the event’s history at Royal Melbourne last year, the 2026 men’s Australian Open will be played at Kingston Heath, where back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy will again be the major drawcard.
Announcements on future venues will be made in due course as Golf Australia works to secure certainty around Australian Open host venues for the next 20 years.
Sutherland said the opportunity was about building on the heritage of the Australian Opens and providing a clear platform for future growth.
“The Australian Open is one of the great championships in world golf, but in recent years we have not always had the certainty needed to plan and build the event to its full potential.”
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