Catalina Club Tees Up $11.5 Million Vision for Batemans Bay

The South Coast’s golfing landscape is set for a major transformation as the Catalina Club moves forward with an ambitious $11.5 million staged expansion.

The club has officially lodged a development application (DA0290/26) with the Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC), outlining a future-focused master plan designed to turn the venue into a premier destination for both serious golfers and families.

A Pivot to Modern Play

At the heart of the proposal is a state-of-the-art enclosed driving range featuring 20 hitting bays equipped with Top Tracer technology. While the club initially weighed the idea of a mini-golf course, General Manager Guy Chapman noted that market trends shifted their strategy.

“All of the stats coming back from the US – and also in Australia – showed the number of people partaking in off-course golf experiences was outnumbering traditional golf,” Mr. Chapman told Region. “That’s why we went down this path. It’ll be a great utilisation of the outdoor space.”

The proposed range would operate from 7 am to 10 pm daily, supported by a 37-metre safety fence and a dedicated outdoor food and beverage precinct to encourage a social, family-friendly atmosphere.

Redefining the “Golf Wing”

The expansion is structured in stages to ensure a seamless flow between the existing 27-hole course and new infrastructure. Key features of the development include:

• A New Precinct: Housing a modern golf shop and a “golfers’ lounge” where players can relax before or after their rounds.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: A new driveway, landscaping, and a high-tech lift installation.
• Clubhouse Enhancements: Essential maintenance, including roof replacements and the installation of solar panels to boost sustainability.
• Improved Amenities: Upgraded locker rooms and fully accessible facilities.

Looking to the Future

Despite the scale of the upgrades, Mr. Chapman reassured traditionalists that the club’s core identity remains intact. While the 27 holes will be preserved, the new infrastructure facilitates a potential full redesign of the golf course at a later date.

“We’ve invested heavily into the clubhouse, and now we want to invest into the golf course, the driving range, and the golf wing,” Chapman said, describing the club’s membership as “progressive” and supportive of the move.

Project Timeline

The club is currently interviewing construction companies and project managers to ensure the project is ready to break ground once approval is secured.

Community members wishing to have their say can view the plans under application ID DA0290/26 on the Eurobodalla Shire Council website until 20 February.