CLUB OF THE MONTH: St Lucia Golf Links – Nearly a century old, but as modern as tomorrow | Inside Golf. Australia’s Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers

The historic Hillstone building.

By Peter Owen

THE first time Jens Holland saw St Lucia golf course was when he and his wife Kim were married there more than 40 years ago. At the time St Lucia was the home of the upscale Indooroopilly Golf Club, soon to move to new premises on the banks of the Brisbane River a few hundred metres away.

Four years later, after a stint in his native Sweden, Jens and his bride returned to Australia to discover Brisbane City Council, which owned the property, had called for tenders to operate St Lucia’s clubhouse, the deal involving food and beverage, but not the pro shop or the golf course.

Jens and his business partner, fellow-Swede Hans Pettersson, won the tender in 1986 and set about creating a unique golf and recreation facility, starting with the renovation of the clubhouse and the establishment of the St Lucia Golf Links Events and the Verandah Restaurant and Terrace.

There followed an ongoing, unceasing program of upgrades, innovations and improvements – almost entirely funded by Jens and Hans – that has seen St Lucia become one of the country’s most popular public golf courses.

The Rosewood Room and Verandah were built and the old change rooms became the new Library Bar and Terrace. The main kitchen was extended and upgraded, and the Clock Tower and a new pro shop were built, along with the 19th Café. The main function room was extended and christened the Grand View Room, and a 200 seat covered alfresco dining area established.

Now offering bars, a bistro, dining rooms, a bakery and coffee shop, function rooms, event spaces, meeting rooms, a golf simulator and a popular mini-golf course, St Lucia is an entertainment and community hub that attracts large numbers every day – many of them locals, there not just to play golf, but to enjoy the outstanding amenities.

And with Brisbane becoming an increasingly attractive tourism destination, St Lucia Golf Links is finding a niche as a great place for visitors to play golf, enjoy outstanding food and wine, and relax in scenic surroundings.

The operation employs 30 permanent staff and upwards of 80 casuals to cater for the crowds who flock to the facility to golf, dine, enjoy a morning coffee and baguette, attend business conferences, weddings and other functions, or just sit and sip a beer while overlooking the scenic 18-hole golf course.

Of course, it wasn’t always like that.

The spectacular St Lucia golf links.

When the Swedish partners first started trading, St Lucia was in the doldrums. But Jens and Hans knew it was ideally located – perched high on a hill, only 7km from Brisbane’s CBD, close to the university, with superb views over the Brisbane River.

And they figured that if they delivered exceptional customer service, quality food and provided first-class facilities the customers would come, seeking an experience that was unique, unpretentious and memorable.

They were among the first to offer outdoor dining at breakfast, to provide themed lunches and dinners, and to welcome local residents to use the facilities. Jens recalls a retired soldier who became a regular, propping himself at the bar and spinning stories about the war.

They originally operated under a five-year lease, with a five-year option, and when that was nearly up Jens – ever the businessman – promised the Council they would invest heavily in the expansion and refurbishment of the facilities should the lease be renewed.

It was – this time for 10 years with a 10-year option. Later, as the Swedish partners continued to deliver on their promises, the lease was extended to 25 years, providing the partners with the security to invest even more.

Each of the function rooms, as well as the bar and bistro area, has been extended and upgraded, including the heritage-listed Hillstone, once the Indooroopilly Golf Club’s clubhouse. 

The impressive building was the grand old home of Brisbane pioneer William Dart, a former Englishman who was a wheelwright and coach builder, and built the home for his wife and eight children, overlooking the river flats where he grew cotton and bananas.

Now, with its kitchen enlarged and upgraded, Hillstone regularly hosts weddings, birthdays, conferences and ceremonies, and is one of the few venues in Brisbane capable of accommodating more than 500 guests – even up to 1000 if required.

Jens Holland (left) and Mark Holland.

A few steps to the north is Hundred Acre, which comprises all the dining and drinking facilities of this remarkable facility – including a lounge-style Living Room and Fireplace, a covered Oak Dining Room, a Rooftop Bar and a shaded Pavilion area, where diners overlook the 12-hole mini-golf complex, and the 18 holes of St Lucia golf course.

When Jens Holland and Hans Pettersson were granted the lease to operate the golf shop in 2017, they quickly went about turning it into one of the best in Brisbane.  A key step was the 2021 appointment of industry veteran Mark Holland (no relation to Jens) as Director of Golf.

Mark had a long history of managing golf and sports operations in Australia and Asia, with companies like Hyatt International, Troon Golf and Links Hope Island. Before joining the St Lucia team he had been general manager of Indonesia’s Bali National Golf Club for six years.

The pro shop was renovated, stocked with the latest golf equipment, accessories and apparel, the club’s 70 golf carts were upgraded, and Mark encouraged social groups and corporate golf packages to come to St Lucia to play golf. 

The proof of his success is in the numbers. In 2023 alone, 65,000 rounds were played on the golf course, while nearly 40,000 rounds were played on the shaded, scenic mini-golf circuit.

There is a clear sense that playing golf is a casual affair at St Lucia.

“We prefer players to wear a collared shirt and golf shoes – sports shoes, at least – but nobody has ever been turned away because of their clothing,” Mark Holland said.

“Our weekday clientele is often local residents. They’re a little bit older and might play once or twice a week,” he said. “Then at the weekends we attract a younger set, often members of a social group, or even complete beginners.

“We employ a marshal who helps to speed up play and educate the golfers. He provides advice on etiquette and behaviour – even gives tips on what club to play or where to hit – all aimed at making their day at St Lucia a good one.”

Before they play, many golfers select a cooler box from a stack strategically placed near glass-fronted fridges loaded with all sorts of craft and popular beer. After filling their coolers they take them to the bar, pay for the drinks, load the cooler onto the cart, and head out to the course – safe in the knowledge they will remain hydrated even in Brisbane’s sultry summer heat.

When they finish, they can order from the outstanding range of food available in the Hundred Acre Bar, including wood-fired pizzas, and select from an excellent wine list.

The St Lucia golf course is a par-69, 5441m layout with several holes abutting the Brisbane River. Old-timers can recall state and national championships being played there, and are quick to remind newcomers that the design of the course, which opened in 1926, was influenced by world renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, the creator of Royal Melbourne.  

While Jens and Hans operate the clubhouse and golf shop, Brisbane City Council remains in charge of the course, maintaining control of course maintenance and development, setting the level of green fees and retaining the bulk of those fees.

Mark Holland said he was in regular contact with the Council’s golf course manager about the condition of the course and welcomed improvements made recently to the bunkers, fairways and cart paths. He said he looked forward to the capital works program continuing this year, and beyond. 

“Our vision, in partnership with Brisbane City Council, is to make St Lucia Golf Links course welcoming, respectable and enjoyable for all levels of golfers,” he said. 

Delicious food is a given at St Lucia.

They want to host professional tournaments, conduct clinics and, with the support of the Council, to develop St Lucia until it provides the most unique public golf and entertainment experience in Australia. 

St Lucia has no membership and no board of directors, offers no competitions, nor any loyalty card programs. It is essentially a pay-as-you-play operation, and the green fees provide great value for money.

Nine holes of golf costs $30 and an 18-hole round is $48. Motorised carts are available for $23 (nine holes) and $28 (18 holes). The course is particularly popular with social golf clubs, with generous packages on offer. 

St Lucia Golf Links
Carawa Street, St Lucia Qld 4067
Phone: (07) 3870 3433
enquiries@stluciagolflinks.com.au
www.hillstonestlucia.com.au