The timing couldn't have been any better for Wollongong Golf Club this week as it hosts the NSW PGA following Tiger Woods' appearance at the Australian Masters.

Being chosen to host the NSW PGA, the biggest tournament to be played on any golf course in the Illawarra, is a culmination of more than a decade of hard work for club members.

The benefits are expected to flow into the future, with the $110,000 tournament due to return to Wollongong in 2010 and 2011.

A television highlights package, to be broadcast on One HD and internationally, will showcase the course and Wollongong to an international audience.

Club president Geoff Jones said many Wollongong businesses would benefit from the influx of 144 golfers, plus officials, support crews, family members and spectators.

"The course is in a unique location," Mr Jones said. "It is in the city but on the beach with some great views. It is quite spectacular in golfing terms."

The course was established in 1897, but club members feared for the future of the course in 2000 when Sydney Water announced plans to extend its treatment plant. An ageing clubhouse added to the woes of members.

"Over a period of years, a number of things impacted on the club, but we addressed those issues one by one," Mr Jones said.

The treatment plant was eventually built further south and lease issues with Sydney Water were resolved.

Then there was the deal with the Wideform Group which acquired 2ha of land from the club for the Links Seaside seniors development.

In exchange, the club received a new $12 million clubhouse, with 20 serviced apartments, which opened in 2005.

Today, the club boasts 3500 members, of which about 750 are playing members.

Finishing a $4 million course upgrade, designed by course architect Ross Watson, is the club's next project.

"The club is going forward and people are happy," Mr Jones said. "We made a cash profit last year, membership is increasing and we are heading in the right direction."

Mr Jones said that despite the turnaround for the Wollongong club, the industry was aware that golf memberships peaked in 2001 and had been declining since.

Entry to the tournament is free for spectators. It begins tomorrow and ends on Sunday.