South Lakes Golf Club sits between the Murray River and Goolwa Beach, a pocket of the South Coast that General Manager Chris Bailey describes as “a very welcoming place… a community golf club.”

Established in 1966 as part of a weekend‑escape development for Adelaide families, the club has evolved into a thriving, seven‑day‑a‑week destination for golfers, locals, holiday‑makers, and anyone looking to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. What hasn’t changed is the club’s members‑owned identity and its commitment to making everyone feel at home the moment they arrive.

Today, South Lakes is guided by a member‑elected board and a small but dedicated staff team. Chris leads the club as General Manager alongside Course Superintendent Jordan, Golf Director Stephen, and Hospitality Director Dan, each responsible for delivering the board’s strategic vision. But the heartbeat of South Lakes is its volunteers. More than 100 people contribute across every corner of the club – from course maintenance and themed clubhouse nights to major events like May Week, which Chris believes is “pretty close to the biggest women’s golf event in Australia.” Volunteers set tables, tidy the course, run events, plant trees, and bring the clubhouse to life. Their passion, he says, makes the work enjoyable: “Volunteering only happens when people want to do it… if it’s fun and enjoyable, people put their hand up.”

The club’s junior program has become one of its proudest achievements. More than 40 juniors now participate across ‘Get into Golf’, school clinics, and the Australian Girls Foundation squad. South Lakes has worked closely with local schools, Reclink, and community groups to remove barriers and give young people a chance to discover golf. Chris grew up in a golf club himself and believes it shapes young people in meaningful ways – teaching them how to interact across generations, build confidence, and find a sense of belonging. Seeing grandparents bring their grandkids to mini golf or juniors stepping onto the course for the first time has become one of the club’s most rewarding shifts.

The past 12 months have been transformative. Since breaking ground last June, South Lakes has delivered some of the biggest projects in its history. Three brand‑new rerouted holes have been completed, solving long‑standing layout challenges. A state‑of‑the‑art 18‑hole mini golf course – which Chris proudly calls “Australia’s best” – is now drawing families and tourists. The driving range is undergoing major upgrades, including new netting and synthetic tee areas, and the pro shop now features a modern simulator room for club fitting. Inside the clubhouse, a refreshed sports bar, updated gaming room, and general improvements have created a more welcoming and vibrant space. All of this has been achieved while maintaining a strong focus on the club’s core asset: the golf course itself. As Chris explains, “We’ve never lost sight of who we are. We are a members‑owned golf club.”

With more than a million day‑trippers visiting the region each year, South Lakes has embraced the opportunity to introduce new people to golf in fun, accessible ways. Mini golf, junior clinics, and social activities all serve as pathways into the sport, helping people engage with the club even if they’re not ready for the full course. Members are also enjoying new ways to connect – especially those bringing grandchildren during school holidays. The club’s welcoming nature has become one of its defining strengths.

Chris encourages locals and holiday‑makers to support the club simply by participating. Whether it’s a round of mini golf, attending junior clinics, or choosing the clubhouse for a meal, every visit helps strengthen the community. “Every dollar the club makes goes back into the community or into infrastructure that lasts,” he says. It’s a reminder that community clubs thrive when people choose them.

The clubhouse is open seven days a week, offering coffee and cake from 10am to 4pm, lunch from 12pm to 2pm, and dinner on Wednesday through Saturday nights. Thursdays are the club’s biggest night, with schnitzels, rotating alternative meals, meat trays, and cash draws attracting around 200 people each week. Both the 18‑hole golf course and the 18‑hole mini golf course operate daily, with members’ competitions held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and visitor access available after 3pm. The gaming room runs seven days, closing at 5pm Sunday through Tuesday and at 9pm Wednesday through Saturday. Once driving range upgrades are complete, visitors will also be able to enjoy expanded practice facilities.

South Lakes Golf Club continues to grow with purpose – balancing tradition with innovation, community with competition, and fun with long‑term sustainability. As Chris puts it, the goal is simple: to look after the club’s assets, welcome everyone, and hand the place over “in a better position to the next member.”