Hole lot of fun: SANFL brings X-Golf to West Lakes

The SANFL has partnered with Australia’s indoor golf entertainment brand X-Golf to open the franchise’s second – and biggest – SA venue located at West Lakes.

Construction is well underway on the 1000sqm venue which will feature six golf simulators, an 18-hole Hey Caddy mini-golf course, full-service kitchen and fully licensed bar in the former ‘Magarey’ function room above SANFL’s Mosaic Hotel.

The simulators will transport golfers of all ages and abilities onto the digital fairways of courses across the globe – including famed venues such as Pebble Beach Golf Links.

The obstacles of the Hey Caddy course will test the putters of families, friends and workmates as they vie for bragging rights in a fun-filled environment.

X-Golf West Lakes will also offer the signature national X-Golf virtual competition ‘X-Golf League’, lessons from a resident golf pro, kids’ birthdays, school programs, corporate events and parties.

SANFL CEO Darren Chandler expects the X-Golf West Lakes will be a big hit with the golf-loving public, people just starting the game, or those looking for a unique venue to throw a party or hold a corporate function or team-building activity.

“We are excited about welcoming the South Australian community to X-Golf West Lakes when it opens its doors in June,” Mr Chandler said.

“The tens of thousands of people who flocked to the LIV Golf Adelaide demonstrated the huge demand there is in South Australia for golf and golf entertainment.

“X-Golf West Lakes is primed to capitalise on this interest and expose a new generation of people, young and old, to the great game of golf in a safe, family-friendly and dynamic environment.”

SANFL is Australia’s first sporting organisation to open an X-Golf franchise.

Mr Chandler said the purchase of an X-Golf franchise aligned with SANFL’s strategic goal of identifying new business ventures that can generate revenue to be invested in football and help grow the game.

He said SANFL already had very strong capabilities in hospitality and functions through the Mosaic Hotel, so extending this offering at the West Lakes precinct made sense.

“As a not-for-profit organisation, SANFL will re-invest revenue from X-Golf West Lakes into all levels of football, from talent pathways to SANFL Juniors and community football, inclusive, indigenous and multicultural programs,” he said.

Mr Chandler said X-Golf West Lakes was well positioned to capitalise on the neighbouring $1 billion WEST development on the former Football Park site, which is currently home to more than 1200 residents.

“Just like our Mosaic Hotel, which received a major refurbishment in 2020, we believe X-Golf West Lakes will be embraced by the fast-growing West Lakes community,” he said.

X-Golf West Lakes will employ up to 25 full-time and casual staff.

X-Golf opened its first SA venue at Marion in 2017 with the venue adding a 12-hole Hey Caddy course in 2022.

X-Golf CEO Ben Styles said:

“We are proud to be at the forefront of indoor golf in Australia, delivering customers a unique golfing experience that is inclusive for the whole family.

“We are always looking towards the future and the ever-evolving space that is virtual entertainment.”

There are 19 X-Golf franchises in Australia with a further five under construction or in planning with the total number expected to grow to 40 by June 2024.