History of Mount Lofty Golf Club

Previously the area contained, at various times, an iron mine, a timber mill, an apple orchard, and a perfume factory. The old perfume factory is now part of the green keeper's shed, beside the 18th tee.

Club members originally occupied old farm buildings (c.1855), until they built the first clubrooms, in 1927. They added residential facilities in 1935, and for many years Mount Lofty was the only golf club in South Australia offering on-course accommodation. It still is the only golf course in the Adelaide metropolitan area to do so.

In 1963, the Club added the second nine holes. Because of site restrictions, the course is shorter than some, resulting in the inclusion of six par-three holes, but the layout places a premium on accuracy.

Mount Lofty opened its present clubhouse in 1968, when the Timber Development Association of South Australia awarded the new building a Certificate of Merit "For the graceful, practical and beautiful use of timber". Six years later, the Club built an adjoining block of five motel units. The Club buildings overlook a scenic lake, which also stores water for the totally irrigated golf course.

In 2006 continuing financial losses and escalating debt forced the Committee of  Management to address the option of selling the golf course. A total of 25 expressions of interest were received, shortlisted to 3. The proposals  were evaluated against a criteria of trying as far as possible to protest the members existing and future playing rights.

On 24th October 2006 a special general meeting overwhelmingly endorsed a sale a leaseback proposal from John and Rosemary Williams. Under this agreement the club has taken a head lease of the property for 40 years, with a sub lease of the club house and amenities back to the Williams. 

The Club is responsible for all golfing activities and operation of the Golf Course.

The sale has secured the future of the Club, clearing all debts and provided significant surplus funds. A buyback option in 2012 is being actively pursued.

To Celebrate 80 years of Golfing at Mount Lofty, Club Member John Ryan, has written the History of the Club. His Book, "Back on the Fairway",  produced and printed by Bryan Price was launched at a Dinner in June 2007.

Limited copies are available from the Club

THE CLUB CONFIDENTLY LOOKS FORWARD TO ANOTHER 80 YEARS OF GOLFING AT MOUNT LOFTY