A Century of Golf in Avalon

Avalon Golf Course has been part of the local community for 100 years.

The land was acquired by local developer A.J. Small in 1923, with work on the golf course beginning the following year. Designed by renowned Australian golfer and course architect Dan Soutar, the course officially opened for play in October 1926.

The site has an even earlier and fascinating history. In the south-east corner of the course lies the site of a 67-metre-deep coal mine shaft sunk by Father John Joseph Therry, the first official Catholic priest in the colony.

Originally a private course, Avalon later became a public golf course and was purchased by Warringah Council in 1956.

The clubhouse precinct is an important part of Avalon's heritage. The clubhouse, former kiosk and greenskeeper's cottage all date from the 1920s and are heritage-listed. The original small ticket office was incorporated into the clubhouse that stands on the site today, with features including sandstone footings, shingles and early building techniques providing a tangible connection to Avalon's past.

Over the decades the course has continued to evolve, with improvements to its tees, fairways and landscaping while retaining the character that makes Avalon Golf Course unique.

In 2026, we celebrate 100 years of golf in Avalon — a century of golf, community and good times on the Northern Beaches.