Australian golfing legend Graham Marsh has returned to Kalgoorlie, the Western Australian mining city where he was born, to reflect on his career and the golf course that has become one of his most lasting contributions to the region.

Marsh, who turned 82 in 2026, has enjoyed a decorated playing career that included approximately 70 tournament victories. Since moving into golf course architecture in 1986, he has also worked on about 65 projects around the world, including courses at Secret Harbour, Terrey Hills and The Vines in Western Australia.

His return to Kalgoorlie coincided with the WA PGA Championship, an event that has brought professional golf to the region for more than a decade. Marsh won the tournament in 1978, and returning to the city for this year's championship offered an opportunity to reflect on the connection between his playing achievements and his work as a course designer.

Although his family left Kalgoorlie when he was an infant, Marsh later helped design the city's 18-hole golf course, which opened in 2010. The project followed decades of local campaigning and cost approximately $18.5 million, with substantial backing from the state government and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

The course was designed to offer a distinctive desert-golf experience. Its red earth, contrasting green fairways and varied landscapes give it a character different from many traditional courses. Marsh has described the course as unique within Australia, with individual holes offering different visual experiences.

The project has not been without challenges. Questions have been raised about the financial burden on ratepayers, while plans for a permanent clubhouse and resort have faced delays and legal disputes. Limited accommodation has also made it harder to attract travelling golfers who might otherwise spend more time in the region.

Water remains another important issue. Kalgoorlie depends on a long pipeline for its drinking water, and maintaining a large golf course in an arid environment requires careful resource management. The course uses recycled wastewater for irrigation, and work has been progressing to improve water storage capacity.

Despite these difficulties, the course has become a sporting and tourism asset for the city. Kalgoorlie has hosted the WA PGA Championship since 2012, and the event has been secured for another five years, through 2031. Local officials believe the tournament brings economic benefits to businesses and raises the profile of the Goldfields region.

The course has also formed part of broader local development. Land associated with earlier golf facilities has been used for housing, with additional residential development planned near the course. The local golf community has continued to develop, with hundreds of members and an increased focus on junior participation.

Looking ahead, Marsh has warned that maintaining the course's quality will require long-term investment. He identified staffing pressures, future irrigation replacement and the need to plan for infrastructure renewal as important considerations.

His return highlights how sporting achievements and thoughtful infrastructure can shape a regional community over many years. For Kalgoorlie, the golf course represents not only a place for competition but also an ongoing effort to attract visitors and strengthen the city's identity.