History

Officially founded in 1906, the Mount Barker District Golf Club holds a special place as one of South Australia's oldest golf clubs. It all began on the picturesque Laurels property in 1879, owned by Mr. John Dunn, where golfers of the early days honed their skills. The unofficial club used this venue for twenty-seven years before becoming an officially recognised golf club on the 13th of June 1906. A year after inception, it joined forces with the Hahndorf Golf Club on the 12th of April 1907, an amalgamation which lasted until 1912. On the 28th of September 1907, the first match in connection with the Mount Barker Golf Club was played on the links of the Dunn’s ‘Laurels” property, against the McLaren Vale Golf Club. The weather was perfect and the visitor’s expressed admiration for the links which were in excellent condition, with the match resulting in a win for Mount Barker.

 

As Mount Barker's population grew, the club faced the need for relocation. With the generosity of the Warden family, the club utilized their land for another 45 years. However, in 1966, recognizing the limitations, the club purchased 288 acres of land near Wistow, establishing a new course and clubhouse with the help of volunteers. 

 

In 1977, the club acquired its present property, initiating development efforts to meet the evolving needs of its members. The club expanded to its full 18-hole course in 1981, marking a significant milestone in its development. Significant upgrades followed in subsequent years, including a major renovation of the clubroom facilities in 1988. Over the years the club's membership flourished, reaching peak levels of 550 - 600 from 1992 to 1996.  

 

In 2007, a significant milestone was reached with the merger of the Hahndorf Golf Club, further enriching the club's heritage and strengthening its position as a premier golfing destination in the Adelaide Hills. 

 

In 2017, the club entered a partnership with the Aston Hills housing development, leading to its renaming as Aston Hills Golf Club at Mount Barker. This strategic move aimed to ensure continued growth and community engagement. 

 

Throughout its rich history, the Mount Barker District Golf Club has stood as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Today, the Aston Hills Golf Club welcomes golfers of all ages to share in its legacy of camaraderie and excellence. 

A Brief History of the Mt Barker - Hahndorf Golf Club

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