Golf arrives on time at Brisbane Airport

By David Newbery

Let it be known that the first golf ball has been struck at the brand-new Golf Central BNE – a state-of-the-art golf entertainment complex. 

It’s the latest addition to the growing list of new developments appearing in Skygate’s thriving business, food and retail community that virtually hugs the airport. 

The $5 million complex features an expansive 50-bay undercover floodlit driving range, grass tee hitting zone, chipping and putting greens, TaylorMade Performance Lab (only the ninth in the world), coaching centre, pro shop and retail store as well as a café and a fully-licensed bar.  

The range, which is 300 metres long and 130m wide, is an innovative design with multiple targets as well as the distinctive feature of split fairways at the 150m mark. 

“This will replicate actual golf holes and provide players with a unique and memorable golfing experience,” said James Cooper, whose company Avid Sports operates the facility. 

“People looking to learn the game or simply want to refine their skills will be well catered for.

“We have a purpose-built Golf Coaching Centre that will be manned by up to six PGA professionals all using the latest in technology to improve people’s golf games.

“The TaylorMade Performance Lab gives golfers of all levels the opportunity to have golf clubs perfectly fitted to suit their swing and physical capabilities,” Cooper added.  

“The state-of-the-art lab provides the public with access to a fitting system that has, until now, typically been reserved for the very best tour players in the world.” 

Golf Central BNE: Now Open! from Golf Central Brisbane on Vimeo.

The short-game zone offers golfers the opportunity to hone their short-game skills with targets ranging from 25 metres to 90 metres.

It also includes two putting greens and a separate chipping area that replicate all shots golfers may face on the course from low hanging lips to a steep face greenside lie. 

At Golf Central BNE, families haven’t been forgotten. 

There’s an aviation themed 18-hole mini golf course, which has been designed by Arizona-based mini golf experts Castle Golf.  

“Our classic mini golf championship course has been designed with every level of player in mind and offers a range of holes that vary in difficulty and terrain,” Cooper said. 

“Each player will begin their journey with a scorecard e-ticket and hole-by-hole travel through the 18 destinations that most frequently visit Queensland each year.” 

The 90-seat bar and café, which overlooks the chipping green and mini golf course, is the ideal place for golfers to enjoy a refreshing beverage and meal.  The gourmet cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven-days-a-week and is perfectly suited for a quick halfway bite or a decadent sit-down dinner. 

Cooper says the facility caters for a variety of people including employees of the 420 businesses located in and around the airport, local residents, visitors and DFO shoppers. 

It’s estimated 19 million passengers pass through Brisbane Airport annually. 

“Of course, the facility hasn’t been set up just for them but it is part of our market. “We can see people who are running early for a flight or a flight has been delayed that they will come and use the facility,” he said.

“We have worked very hard to develop a high-quality facility that will appeal to lots of people. 

“We think the mini golf will be quite funky and kids will want to come and have their birthday parties there and it will appeal to the corporate sector looking for corporate days and product launches at Golf Central Brisbane Airport. 

“I can envisage mums going shopping at DFO and dad going off to hit some range balls while the kids play mini golf.” 

Centrally located within the Skygate precinct of Brisbane Airport next to the Novotel Brisbane Airport and DFO shopping complex, Golf Central BNE is overlooks the Brisbane Airport and CBD skyline making it the perfect venue to host Christmas parties and other events.

And in an Australian first, the facility and 18 hole mini golf course is disability friendly and accessible. 

Golf Central BNE is open from 7am to 10pm on Mondays, 7am-11pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 7am-10pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

For more information, telephone (07) 3087-7800 or go to www.golfcentralbne.com.au