Centenary Park Golf Course, a cornerstone of public golf in Melbourne’s south-east, is set to begin a new chapter, with the Frankston City Council appointing Peninsula Leisure Pty Ltd to take over management of the facility from July 2026.
The strategic shift is designed to maximise community benefit, unlock opportunities for crucial reinvestment, and strengthen Frankston City’s standing as a leading destination for sport and recreation.
The Council, acting on its responsibilities for managing recreation facilities on Crown Land, formalised the decision at its meeting on 8 September 2025. The change follows six years of dedicated service from the current operators.
“Clublinks has delivered exceptional service and care for Centenary Park Golf Course over the past six years,” said Frankston City Councillor Cherie Wanat, Chair of the Frankston City Sports Liaison Committee. “Their professionalism has been invaluable, and this decision is in no way a reflection of their performance. We sincerely thank them for their contribution.”
Cr Wanat affirmed that the move reflects Council’s long-term commitment to reinvesting in the course and creating even more outstanding experiences for locals and visitors.
Proven Operator to Enhance Community Focus
The new manager, Peninsula Leisure, is a wholly Council-owned organisation with a strong focus on community benefit and high-quality customer experiences. While known for managing the Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (PARC), Pines Forest Aquatic Centre, and Frankston Skate Park, the organisation brings extensive expertise across the broader sport and recreation sector.
“While Peninsula Leisure was originally established in the aquatics and health club sector, its staff and Board bring a broad range of expertise across sport and recreation – including prior management of golf facilities and a genuine personal passion for the game,” Cr Wanat added.
Peninsula Leisure CEO Kath Thom expressed excitement about bringing the organisation’s award-winning expertise—which includes recent wins for Facility of the Year (large and seasonal) and the prestigious Sustainability Award at the 2025 Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards—to the golf sector.
“We’re delighted to partner with Frankston City Council as we take on the management of Centenary Park Golf Course, which plays such an important role in supporting health, wellbeing and community connection in Frankston,” Ms Thom said. “We look forward to getting to know the golf community, working with the Golf Club, and growing the game of golf for everyone.”
Smooth Transition and Continuity Planned
Council is committed to ensuring a smooth transition over the next 10 months to minimise disruption for staff, members, and visitors. Importantly, all activities, services, programs, and access currently offered at the 18-hole, par 72 course will remain unchanged. Council and Peninsula Leisure are also keen to work with Clublinks to retain existing staff to support operational continuity.
Centenary Park Golf Course is Frankston City’s only public golf course. The popular facility, originally established in 1938, recently completed upgrades to three of its greens as part of the site’s master plan.
