One of Millicent’s largest and oldest sporting groups is actively considering the demolition of its ageing clubrooms and building a new structure.

The so-called “19th hole” of the Millicent Golf Club was built in 1961 and club officials are weighing up the pros and cons of such a massive project.

The 18-hole course is nestled among pine plantations and natural scrub at Mount Burr.

Club president Mark Pilmore said the committee had initially considered just the replacement of the iron roof.

However, Mr Pilmore said there would be benefits of having a brand-new building with savings in running costs achieved with 21st century technology.

He said the layout of the existing club-rooms had remained unchanged for the past 61 years.

According to Mr Pilmore, the Millicent Golf Club was owned by its 150 members and the ambitious building project would require the backing of the three tiers of government and the backing of the club.

“We have just one employee and he is the full-time greenskeeper,” Mr Pilmore said.

“All the other tasks are due on a voluntary basis by our members.

“They undertake the course and building maintenance, man the kitchen and bar and do the administration.”

He said the course also needed a new irrigation system for its greens and fairways.

“The pipes were installed back in the 1960s and also need replacement.

“A new pumping system is under investigation as one of our biggest expenses is the electricity to run pumps on three bores.

“We have done some preliminary costings and our new irrigation system is about $100,000.

“The Millicent Golf Club would be looking to government grants for this work.”

Mr Pilmore said the club was in good heart with a growing membership while its flagship weekly Saturday competition regularly attracted fields of at least 60.

He said the course attracted golfers from across the region as well as tourists.

For example, former member for Barker Patrick Secker was a recent first-time Saturday competition participant at Millicent as he was holidaying at Robe.

Its bushland and pine plantation setting are drawcards along with the calibre of the greens and fairways and the warm hospitality of its members.

Industry journals have regularly rated Millicent as having the best course in regional South Australia.

Golf has been a popular pastime in Millicent since colonial times with at least three courses laid out.

The funding of the clubrooms and course at Mount Burr in the 1960s was met, in part, by members who took out debentures.