Phillip Island Circuit is confirmed not to be converted into a golf course, even after losing both MotoGP and WorldSBK event hosting rights.

The future of Phillip Island Circuit was cast into doubt after it was confirmed the venue will no longer host MotoGP starting the 2027 season, nor World Superbike (WorldSBK) from 2028. Fears circulated that the iconic Australian race track would be repurposed into a golf course after losing both premier global motorcycle racing events.

These claims were immediately denied by the circuit's owners. They confirmed Phillip Island will be retained as a racing facility, with no plans to sell the land or alter its function.

The initial concerns were raised by circuit designer Bob Barnard. He warned that losing MotoGP and WorldSBK hosting rights could result in Phillip Island being closed and converted into a golf course precinct.

However, Linfox Property Group Managing Director Andrew Fox has outright refuted these reports. He confirmed the Fox family remains fully committed to maintaining Phillip Island as a motor racing circuit.

"This track is absolutely not for sale, and we have no interest in building a golf course on our Phillip Island land. This site will definitely remain a racing circuit. Let me make that perfectly clear on behalf of the Fox family," Andrew stated, as quoted by Crash.

Andrew also noted the golf course rumours have no solid foundation. He explained a similar proposal was already rejected by local government previously, meaning there is no justification to revive such a project.

"Regarding all this talk about a golf course: the last time a similar plan was put forward for land adjacent to the circuit, the council rejected it. So why would the Fox family waste their time pursuing this again, especially at the cost of sacrificing the race track?" Andrew elaborated.

Phillip Island Loses MotoGP and WorldSBK Hosting Rights

Starting the 2027 season, MotoGP will no longer run races at Phillip Island. The Australian Grand Prix round will be relocated to a new purpose-built street circuit in Adelaide.

Meanwhile, WorldSBK will also depart Phillip Island from 2028 onwards. The production motorcycle championship is scheduled to move its Australian round to The Bend Circuit.

This decision brings an end to Phillip Island's long legacy as one of the most iconic venues on the global motorcycle racing calendar. For decades, the circuit has been renowned for its high-speed track character and distinctive coastal scenery.

Bob Barnard Highlights Challenges For Adelaide Circuit Project

Separately, Bob Barnard has warned that the Adelaide street circuit project is not progressing without obstacles. The designer, who previously created the original Adelaide Formula 1 circuit, revealed there is pushback from local residents against the latest proposed MotoGP track layout.

This opposition is linked to environmental impacts, as sections of public parkland will be repurposed to form part of the circuit.

Barnard also warned of a worst-case scenario should the Adelaide project face delays. He stated Australia could end up losing both racing venues entirely: if Phillip Island is removed from both championship calendars, while the Adelaide circuit fails to be delivered as planned.

Nevertheless, Andrew Fox's official statement has provided certainty that Phillip Island will remain operational as a race track. Even though it will no longer feature on the MotoGP and WorldSBK calendars, the historic venue will not be converted into a golf course as earlier circulating rumours had claimed.