Phillip Island Stays a Racetrack: Fox Denies Golf Course Rumor

• Andrew Fox of Linfox Property Group makes clear the circuit is not for sale and will remain a racetrack
• The speculation was triggered by an open letter from track designer Bob Barnard, which has since been deleted
• MotoGP moves to a street circuit in Adelaide in 2027, while the Superbike World Championship shifts to The Bend in 2028

Persistent rumors have recently been circulating about the future of the Phillip Island circuit. With it now confirmed that both MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship are leaving the island southeast of Melbourne, claims spread that the historic track could be demolished and turned into a golf course. The owner has now firmly rejected that claim.

Who started the golf course rumor?

The speculation originated from an open letter by track designer Bob Barnard. Barnard is regarded as one of the key figures behind Phillip Island’s current track layout, having brought the motorcycle world championship race to Australia in 1989 and also having been responsible for the original Formula 1 street circuit in Adelaide.

In his letter, which was first shared via his LinkedIn profile and later circulated by journalist Mat Oxley, he raised concerns that the track could lose its economic foundation once both major events were gone. He wrote: “Recent comments suggest that after losing both the GP and the WSBK the owner of the Phillip Island Circuit property, Lindsay Fox, may turn it into a golf course.” Barnard also claimed that Fox was allegedly already working on a new circuit in Avalon, Victoria. The original LinkedIn post was later deleted.

How is the owner responding to the golf course rumors?

Andrew Fox, son of Lindsay Fox and managing director of Linfox Property Group, has explicitly denied the rumors. The company acquired the circuit in 2004.

Speaking to the Australian motorcycle press, he stated: “The track is definitely not for sale, and we have no interest in building a golf course on our land at Phillip Island. Nor is it on the market. It never has been. The land will definitely remain a racetrack.” Fox emphasized that he wanted to make this very clear on behalf of the family. Regarding the golf course debate, he pointed out that a similar proposal for a neighboring property had previously been rejected by the local council. He questioned why the family would spend time on this again, especially at the cost of destroying the circuit.

Adding further context, the Fox family recently acquired a golf course on the Mornington Peninsula. Building another course from scratch while giving up an existing racetrack would be an unusual move against that backdrop.

Why is Phillip Island losing MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship?

Phillip Island is losing both world championship rounds within two years to the state of South Australia. MotoGP will move to a revamped street circuit in Adelaide from 2027, while the Superbike World Championship shifts to The Bend circuit in 2028.

This marks the end of a long era: the circuit has been part of the motorcycle world championship calendar since 1989 and ranks among the sport’s most famous tracks. The 2026 season therefore marks MotoGP’s final appearance on the island before the Australian Grand Prix moves to downtown Adelaide. The Superbike World Championship’s departure follows two years later. This double loss is the real breeding ground for the speculation about the future use of the site.

What are the consequences of the loss for the region?

The loss of both races is hitting the local economy hard. According to estimates from local tourism representatives, losing the two motorcycle events costs the region around 70 million Australian dollars a year (roughly 40 million euros / 46 million US dollars).

Concerns about jobs and tourism are growing locally. Business owners and community representatives have already pointed to the economic impact of MotoGP’s departure. Critics have also noted that the series’ final appearance is barely being marked, and that there is a lack of urgency in finding replacement events. Still, there is a silver lining: the Australian touring car series Supercars is reportedly in talks about a return to Phillip Island, partly to help support the local economy.

Between tradition and commerce: the political dimension

Beyond the golf course question, Barnard’s criticism mainly targets the planned relocation itself. He argues that the new circuit in the Adelaide Parklands cannot be compared to the former Formula 1 street circuit and will not be able to replace either that circuit or Phillip Island. He contends Australia risks damaging two internationally recognized venues in order to create an uncertain new track. As a comparison, he pointed to the traditional Bathurst circuit and asked what outcry would erupt if it were redeveloped or even closed for a golf course. The first Australian Grand Prix reportedly took place as early as 1923 on Phillip Island.

Politics also plays a role. Former Victorian minister John Pandazopoulos noted that unresolved questions around accommodation, site development, and the island’s transport links had resurfaced with every contract renewal. Governments had supported solutions such as a car ferry and infrastructure expansion, but local resistance and inaction had repeatedly blocked them. In South Australia, by contrast, motorsport expansion is being pursued with determination. Premier Peter Malinauskas described the Superbike deal as a further step in cementing the state as the country’s motorsport hub. Meanwhile, Adelaide’s Lord Mayor struck a more reserved tone, suggesting that the effort involved in hosting a MotoGP round was not proportionate to the benefit.

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