Ricky Ponting Debuts New $20M Tasmania Golf Course

Cricket legend and Tasmanian icon Ricky Ponting has officially traded his baggy green for a golf glove, becoming the first person to tee off on Country Club Tasmania’s highly anticipated championship course.

The former Australian captain headlined an exclusive preview event this week, testing the initial nine holes alongside a cohort of sporting stars and VIPs. The event marks a major milestone for the $20 million golf precinct development in Prospect Vale, which aims to elevate the state’s standing as a premier golfing destination.

“Extraordinary” First Look

Stepping onto the pristine turf of the front nine, Ponting—a renowned scratch golfer—was quick to praise the layout’s ambition and execution.

“Playing the first nine holes for the very first time was just extraordinary,” Ponting said. “I can now visualise exactly what this magnificent facility is going to be. It’s beautifully shaped, challenging in all the right ways, and built to a championship standard.”

The parkland-style course, designed by acclaimed architect Robin Gibson, seeks to blend international flair with local soul. Drawing inspiration from iconic layouts in North America and the UK, the design integrates Tasmania’s natural landscape, featuring stone bridges, winding creeks, and mature treelines.

A Vision in Progress

While the preview offered a tantalizing glimpse of the future, the full 18-hole experience is slated for a Summer 2027 grand opening. Once complete, it will serve as the crown jewel of the Country Club’s expanded resort facilities.

Head of Golf Bryce Gorham noted that seeing professional-level athletes tackle the course provided immediate validation of the design.

• Strategic Play: The course is designed to reward precision over raw power.
• Immersive Design: Every hole is crafted to offer a unique visual and tactical “memory.”
• Modern Amenities: The project follows the July launch of The Range, a two-level facility featuring TopTracer technology and an 18-hole mini-golf course.

“Watching Ricky and his guests test out the first half of the course showed just how engaging these holes really are,” Gorham said. “Every shot matters.”

The Road to 2027

The redevelopment is part of a broader push to modernize the Prospect Vale resort. With the driving range and clubhouse restaurant already operational, the focus now shifts to completing the back nine to meet the 2027 deadline. For Ponting, the project is a win for his home state.

“This will offer something unique for Tasmania,” he added, before heading back to the clubhouse.