A Brief History of
The Mt Barker - Hahndorf Golf Club
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, the club 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 visitors 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 utilised their land for another 45 years, providing a home for the game as the community expanded.
In 1966, recognising the limitations of the existing location, the club purchased 288 acres of land near Wistow. With the help of volunteers, a new course and clubhouse were established, setting the stage for future growth and development.
In 1977, the club acquired its present property and began 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. Significant upgrades followed, including a major renovation of the clubroom facilities in 1988.
Over the years, the club’s membership flourished, reaching peak levels of 550 to 600 members during this period, a testament to its popularity and strong community presence.
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.