At a Glance

Address
Killarney St, Kalgoorlie WA (minutes from town centre)

Phone
(08) 9026 2626

The Card
18 holes, Par 72, 6768m (from the back), 6433m members tees, 5933m public tees

Green Fees
$55

Hire
Clubs $40, Buggies $8, Carts $40

Website
www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

Kalgoorie is 600kms east of Perth and pretty much in the middle of nowhere. And one could only guess (without being disrespectful) that if gold wasn’t discovered here in the late 1890’s, it would be as undeveloped today as it was for many millenniums before.
From the eastern side of Australia it’s a hike to get there but a worthwhile one. I started on a 1.30pm flight from Tullamarine to Perth. Three and a half hours later I had landed. I waited an hour for a connecting flight and then I was on another jet back east to Kalgoorlie – a one hour flight from the WA capital. A bit less than six hours of travel time is condensed into four because of the time difference.
Dusk had fallen as I wandered down the footpath of the wide and quiet Hannan Street – the main drag of Kalgoorlie. Even with the street lights shining the stars were beginning to poke out of the dark blue azure above providing a spectacular show only found in these parts. The only sound that broke the silence was the beeps of one of the three sets of traffic lights in town, waiting to go into overtime if anyone wanted to cross the street.
The town hall façade was covered in scaffolding. Restoration to the grand, century old building was in progress, but much of the streets’ architecture conjured up images of days gone by. You could sense the history and if not for the asphalt roads, cars and modern shop fronts, I may have been in the Wild West.
The pubs are infamous in “Kal”. Beautiful double storey structures, wide sweeping balconies and lattice work a reminder of olden times. Chalk boards outside these establishments announced nightly entertainment, the best steak in town and skimpies. My mind filled with images of some inland crustacean (the skimpy) plonked on a great hunk of meat butchered from a once roaming wilder beast, while country and western music engulfed the room. My mouth watered.
It was quiet outside the corner hotel I stood before; it looked like a good place to park myself for the evening, an inviting hum emanated from within. I flung open the doors of the appropriately named Wild West Saloon to announce my arrival. Fully aware this was a pretty tough town, home to prospectors and miners (real men), I raised the collar of my Hugo Boss polo to create the illusion of bigger shoulders (or something like that). I expected the pianola to screech to a halt, the laughter and raucous banter to fall silent and for all eyes to stare at the stranger (me). To my surprise (maybe disappointment) the mix of locals and miners (identifiable by their luminous yellow jackets) just kept eating, playing pool or having a yarn, all with jars of amber fluid close at hand.
I moseyed over to the bar to order a beer and get me some grub. A scantily clad barmaid, in some type of lingerie, asked “what’ll it be?” Like a deer, frozen in headlights, I blurted out “a beer thanks”, only to watch her turn to prepare my drink, revealing a tiny slip sitting half way up her back and butt cheeks falling out of a tiny pair of black knickers. My eyes followed and before I realised she had returned, my devious eyes had locked onto her bosom. “That’ll be six dollars honey”. Two other half naked barmaids were working the room and I’d only just become aware I could multi task – I was watching three people at once. “Hello – anyone home?” she asked again.
And so my first lesson for the day – a skimpy wasn’t an ocean delicacy, it was a scantily dressed barmaid, a feature in pubs all around Kalgoorlie. Several jars later I returned to my hotel for a nights rest before fulfilling the purpose of my long trip to these parts – to play the newly opened Kalgoorlie Golf Course. I wondered if skimpies would work in the pro shop as I dozed off to sleep.
Next morning I was up and about, Jack the club manager had picked me up from my hotel to escort me to the course. We quickly took in a few sights and even looked at one of the three original golf courses in town that closed down and merged membership and moved to the new Kalgoorlie Golf Course when it opened. The flat, barren fairways, with scarcely a blade of grass and tiny, blackened sand greens were golf as dry and inhospitable as I’d seen. It made me wonder if the new course could possibly be any good, given the inhospitable land that was all around as we headed out of town.
Your first glimpse of the course is quite startling. A superb green, bunkering with white sand and plush, undulating fairway surrounds – it’s a stark and dramatic contrast to the red, Mars like landscape elsewhere.
Currently the Clubhouse is a temporary structure, but it’s very comfortable indeed. It includes a pro shop, clubroom, bar, meals area, pool table, office and full locker room amenities. Everything’s here, air conditioned, complete with a shaded balcony and outdoor El Fresco area covered with shade cloth. The outdoor setting is fantastic. Wine barrels act as tables, huge tree limbs have been crafted into tables and chairs, a big stainless-steel four burner bbq a centre piece. All this looks over a billabong and the course beyond. The loudest sound heard, apart from a golfer’s thwack, was a crow’s call and a cockatoo’s screech.
The course construction team, McMahons from Victoria (working alongside course designer Graham Marsh), have done a brilliant job creating the right feel for a golf course in the middle of outback Australia. They have used timber, stones and other natural materials from nearby to create steps to teeing areas, fences to line cart paths, tee signage and more. As well, rusting pots and pans and farming and mining equipment are strategically scattered near teeing grounds adding a unique visual element and rural authenticity. And each tee has a plaque for visitors to read, with a snippet of history of the area – it’s really well done.
The tee boxes are a standout. Little islands of green, they appear to hover above the red, dry dirt like saucers. Similarly, the fairways have a discernable edge where the fairway appears to have been literally laid on top of the earth – like a floating floor.
Surrounds have been left mostly untouched. It’s a mixture of stony, parched lands, red, dusty shifting sands, empty, eroding creek beds, scattered gums stands and weedy, spindly bushes (called wort I think).
I once played Alice Springs golf course and my playing partners asked if I carried a rock wedge. Although there was no need to look, after a quick inspection I identified a pitching and sand wedge but no rock wedge in my bag. Bemused I played on. A couple of holes later I found myself off the green fairway amongst desert sands. I played an eight iron off the barren terrain and cringed at the sound of the irons’ sole screeching against stones and quartz just under the sandy surface. It sounded like finger nails running down a chalk board. Upon inspection my eight irons’ underneath was now horribly scratched and dented. In horror I showed my playing group. They laughed, telling me I now had a rock wedge. Miss too many fairways at Kalgoorlie and you’ll have a rock wedge in your bag. I advise you stick to the wide and inviting fairways.
The course is a cracker. Superintendent Andrew Clancy has done a wonderful job creating a green oasis in this dry and inhospitable land. The Greenlees Park couch fairways provide wonderful playing surfaces. There’s plenty of well placed bunkering, some deep, many multi-bay, all with rounded edges and dramatic mounding. If you’ve seen Graham Marsh’s Eynesbury or Growling Frog you’ll get an idea of what you’ll find here.
The greens are generally large and inviting, some two tiered and some, like the iconic ninth, multi-tiered. The ninth has three levels falling away from the fairway. If you find the top level and you’re faced with a putt to the bottom – good luck!
I absolutely loved the course. It’s long, it’s fun, it’s challenging and it’s full of surprises. It measures a massive 6,768 metres from the back marks as the council’s brief to Marsh expressed a desire to hold a major tournament there. I chose to play from the member’s plates – still a lengthy 6,400 metres, but unexpectedly it doesn’t seem to play that long. Hard, fast fairways give bounce and run making the yardage manageable.
The opening holes are a good introduction to the challenge ahead. A couple of mid length par fours, a 500m plus par five and then a tough 180m par three – the first of a good set of one shot holes. A terrific and tough run of three holes begins at hole six. It’s named the Great Escape (all holes carry a title at Kalgoorlie). There’s an ominous dry creek crossing in front to the green and maybe if you can dodge that and beat the 400m escaping with par, it would be great indeed??
Hole seven has a lone tree standing guard beyond a reasonable drive on the left side of the fairway. Navigate this and the green complex, or more particularly the pin position, will make your shot in easy or near impossible. This triangular target has one tier at the front and then two raised levels, one left and one right, forming a triangular shape. If the pin’s on either top tier, it’s a much tougher target than the friendly pin I tackled.
The par three eighth is 200m from the member’s tee and 218m from the back. A tough one shot assignment!
The closing hole to the front nine has the wicked, three tiers green spoken about earlier, falling away from the approach and cutting diagonally across the fairway, with mounding and bunkering obscuring view of the dance floor. The design is a little out there but it works.
For me the back nine was the highlight. A decent trek past the excellent, covered practice range and you’ll find the course is even more spacious – wide barren expanses, dry creek beds with eroding banks and thick indigenous gums stands providing a backdrop to the fairways and outlook beyond. You get a real sense of the vastness of the country. Grazing kangaroos, all types of birds and no doubt (at the right time of the year) a collection of reptiles would keep David Attenborough entertained even if his golf wasn’t up to standard.
On this nine you get a couple of terrific dog legs, the tenth and twelfth good examples. The thirteenth is a delightful, short par three, before you tackle a very long par four then a monsterous, 550 metre, snaking par five.
The three closing holes are belters. The mid length par four 16th sweeps around to the left, with a wide and inviting fairway, but real outback terrain left and right if you miss the cut stuff.
Hole 17 lends its name (The Super Pit) from the massive open cut gold mine nearly. This downhill par three, with a gaping expanse to the right and its great green complex and beautiful vistas, is terrific.
And the tee box on eighteen typifies the creative efforts to give the golfer a unique experience here at Kalgoorie. The hole begins from a round, perched area, accessed via a small bridge made from recycled timbers – it wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Indiana Jones or the Road Runner.
Dare I say it, for I don’t want to insult the members that departed their beloved Sandscrape home courses in town, but gee, if the members are not happy with the golfing facility they have now, they’re hard to please in these parts. Once the double storey clubhouse is finished, with planned accommodation, conference facilities and maybe a second course, this will be one of the best combinations of truly unique, high quality golf available in the country.
You mightn’t jump on a plane from the eastern side of the country just to play Kalgoorlie, because in reality it isn’t one of the ten best golf courses in the nation – and it doesn’t claim to be. But if you’re travelling this great country and have your sticks, or if you’re planning a golfing trip to the wonderful courses around Perth and Mandurah, you’ll be amazed that a course of this quality is open for play in these barren and desolate parts. And a visit is a must.

Did you know?

The city of Kalgoorlie Boulder is considered Australia’s largest outback city

Irish immigrant Paddy Hannan discovered gold here in the 1890s – and that’s where the main drag (Hannan St) got its name

Home to an enormous open cut mine called the Super Pit; the district is home to the Golden Mile, the richest square mile of gold bearing earth in the world. A visit to the pit’s lookout is a must!

Course designer and architect Graham Marsh was actually born in Kalgoorlie

The City of Kalgoorlie Border owns the course, partly funding the $18 million project, and it’s operated by PrimeGolf WA

The twin towns of Kalgoorlie/Boulder were rocked by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in April 2010. Many buildings, mainly in the town of Boulder, were damaged and the town is still repairing many to their original state

A BED FOR THE NIGHT
I stayed at the Rydges, Kalgoorlie. A new, modern and very comfortable room, about 3 kms from the heart of town and about 10 minutes from the course. They are now offering great stay and play packages for about $250pp (two night’s twin share, full buffet breakfast, 18 holes of golf and a cart). Great value and recommended! Tel: (08) 9080 0800

View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 – Best Design
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 – Best Condition
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 - Best Aesthetics

Everyone was waiting for the second course to open at Barnbougle on Tasmania’s north coast and Bill Coore’s Lost Farm hasn’t disappointed.

Jumping into our rankings at Number 2, Lost Farm provides 20 holes amongst towering sand dunes, even larger than those on its neighbour, Tom Doak’s  Barnbougle Dunes, still ranked Number 1 for design and overall, but clearly challenged by the new kid next door. Our judges were split, but the majority gave it to the original Barnbougle course.

Coore has created a fascinating routing that runs in all directions through these huge hills, west and inland of the original course, that is simultaneously different and complementary, challenging, and yet highly playable for all, with very wide fairways and greens that are gentler than Doak’s. There are coastal holes, beside theForesterRiverand inland holes, rather then the typical ‘out and back’ along the coastline with and against the prevailing wind for the original links. The fairways are already good, with scope to improve as they mature.

The Dunes just edged out The Legends this year – both well-established favourites with our judges, and the many visitors to the Mornington Peninsula- otherwise little changed amongst our top 25 courses.

Ross Watson’s redesign of The Palms at Sanctuary Cove has entered our list at Number 26, just ahead of The Pines next door, to join his courses at Magenta Shores and Pacific Harbour.

Ross is incredibly proud of this latest work, especially the creation of the rugged bunkering style, which complements the palm trees and is a welcome change from the pristine white sand at many Gold Coast resort courses.

We flew to WA to sample Graham Marsh’s desert course at Kalgoorlie, Number 27 and were highly impressed with this oasis. What a winner for the locals, who gave up their 9 hole sandscrapes so that this magnificent fully watered layout could be built by the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and managed for them by Prime Golf WA. As course rankers we try to assess what we find on the ground, but in cases such as this it is difficult not to provide an additional design point to the creators of such interest from a flat and ‘boring’ canvas. The new fairways and greens contrast dramatically with the red earth that forms the rough, and generally presents an easily found wayward ball and the chance for a recovery, albeit from a tight lie. There are several tee options (up to six) on each hole, and with generous fairway widths and gentle undulation, the course is definitely playable for all.

It’s sad to report on the continuing decline at Laguna – ranked as high as No 2 by this Guide in 2004. Clearly lack of money has led to a reduction in maintenance and hence conditions, but we’ve also ranked the course lower in the Design category. The two are related, as poor playing surfaces can, in cases, defeat the intent of the architect to provoke a strategic approach to a hole, as can poor greens that are either too soft and slow (so that a lob from anywhere will stick) or too unreceptive to spin to reward a skilful shot. And, I must admit, at least some of our judges are human, and simply cannot appreciate all the beauty or design brilliance on a track that has been sorely neglected – where balls wind up in unsodded divots and putts veer off due to bumpy greens.

Major improvements at Curlewis (50) and a new course at Ballarat saw them enter our Top 100 list, along with Kingston Beach and Ulverstone hidden away in Tasmania, and the Tasmania Golf Club at Barilla Bay, with its ‘Pebble Beach’ 3^rd hole has been elevated to Number 37. It may well be true that Barnbougle’s brilliant courses have attracted attention to some of the Apple Isle’s other gems.

Other newcomers are an improved Lonsdale, re-opened Palm Meadows and the new Lynwood Country Club northwest of Sydney.

Looking at the individual categories that add up to the overall ranking, it is clear that the brilliance of their designs, coupled with stunning aesthetics accounted for the Barnbougle placings. Subtle movements on the Design table for other courses usually reflect minor course work, or the preferences of the individual judges, as it is not possible for every panelist to see every course each year.

Conditioning at many courses was seen to improve this year, as the drought broke in most areas or as water supplies from other sources were secured. Our panel particularly noted improved conditions at HopeIsland, moving up to 4^th place. Other small changes most likely reflect the luck of the draw with the timing of our visits. For the new courses, there is both the opportunity to move up the list as surfaces grow in, and the challenge to maintain conditions despite user traffic.

View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 – Best Design
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 – Best Condition
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 - Best Aesthetics
The list includes:

Public Courses –the best courses are mostly privately owned these days, although a few are council owned. These courses have no members and are available to anyone who pays a green fee and conforms to a few simple requirements such as dress codes and owning or hiring a set of clubs.

Resort Courses – privately owned, with additional facilities on site such as accommodation.

Private Courses – most golf courses throughout Australia are private clubs. An annual fee, and often a joining fee, is required, and members then do not usually pay green fees. Most clubs have tee times when the public may pay green fees and play the course, sometimes including club competition times. Such courses are considered “public access” in this Guide if they permit green fee players several days per week.

Some private courses are only accessible to the public whilst they stay in on site accommodation. These courses are included in the list.

Other clubs are more exclusive, requiring guests to be introduced by a member, or permitting unaccompanied non-members access only if they are club members visiting from interstate or overseas. These courses are excluded from this list.

However, since some of our readers qualify to play, we have printed the course rankings from Australian Golf Digest as a guide. These rankings are based on slightly different criteria from those outlined below, principally with a lower weighting on conditioning, so they are not strictly comparable.

How the lists were compiled

The Golf Course Guide has published a list of Australia’s Best Public Access Courses every year since 2001. Our list differs from those found in other publications in some important aspects. Clearly, we are focused only on those courses that encourage green fee players (see details under “what are public access courses”). Our judges have a range of ages and golfing abilities and are instructed to reward course designs that cater for golfers of every level. For the Design category in particular, courses that offer higher handicappers an exciting test will find themselves rated better in this Guide, and courses that are really only playable by low markers will be ranked lower. We are extremely proud of the methodology that we have developed over many years. We strive for transparency, with clear criteria, and we offer separate lists based on course design, conditions and aesthetics to enable readers to select courses that will most readily appeal to their own preferences.

Panellists were asked to score only courses they had played. Colleagues who play certain courses frequently were consulted to more accurately assess year round conditions. The judging period is from September 2010 to August 2011 in order to print the Guide and have it on sale well before Christmas. This unfortunately penalises courses that have made improvements too late to be judged. All scores were standardised to compensate for any particular harshness or leniency, and spurious high or low results were rejected.

Course Design (40% weighting): How each hole presents an enjoyable, even thrilling challenge to golfers of all abilities from scratch markers to high handicappers and shorter hitters. The variety of different holes that make up the course, and the variety of shots that they require to test every facet of your game. The strategic design of each hole – where hazards come into play, reward for risk takers plus the existence of a safer/easier option, maybe with an additional stroke, for those who choose not to take the risk.

Courses with two separate 18s considered as two courses; where 27 holes available, the “best” 18 selected.

Course Conditions (40% weighting): Year round playing conditions (from best to worst season) and course maintenance of greens (greatest weighting), fairways, tees, roughs and hazards.

Course Aesthetics (20% weighting): The obvious beauty of the setting and also that very subjective quality of ambience and tranquillity that allows the golfer to lose himself in his environment. For some golfers, the thrill of playing golf in a stunning (eg coastal clifftop) environment can far outweigh lacklustre design strategy, and even mediocre fairway conditions. For these players, our allocation of only 20% weighting will seem inadequate, and they should seek out courses from our Best Aesthetics list, rather than the overall rankings

The Judges

George Begg is Secretary of the Australian Golf Writers Association and writes for several publications. Handicap 20 at Sanctuary Lakes, also a member at Corowa, Eagle Ridge and Altona Lakes.

Selwyn Berg is the Managing Editor of ausgolf and the Editor and Publisher of The Golf Course Guide. Handicap of 13 at Commonwealth.

Graeme Bond is Sports presenter on 3AW Fairfax Radio network where he has covered all the major Australian golf events for the past 15 years. A member at the National and Settlers Run, handicap 11.

Rohan Clarke is a Senior Writer for Australian Golf Digest, handicap 8 at Beverley Park.

Steve Keipert is the Editor of Australian Golf Digest, a role that takes him to golf courses across Australia. His handicap is 9 at Ashlar Golf Club, Sydney.

Garry Kennedy is Editor and Publisher of Hacker Golf Quarterly and General Manager of The Golf Course Guide. His current handicap is 14 at Howlong.

Peter Nolan is a keen golfer who plays off 10 at Rosanna.

Kevin Pallier is a panellist for a number of golfing publications including Australian Golf Digest and Golf World (UK). He is a member at Wollongong Golf Club with a handicap of 10.

Leon Wiegard OAM is a member at Commonwealth, handicap 14. Ambassador for Heritage and Moonah Links, Hon Life member Portsea and Patron at Clifton Springs.

David Worley is a member at Commonwealth, Sorrento and Moonah Links who plays off 11. Author of comprehensive books on British Links.

We gratefully acknowledge the input of all judges and additional contributions by Jeff Blunden, Darius Oliver, Bill Parker and Graham Holmes.

View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 – Best Design
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 – Best Condition
View the list of Australia’s Top 100 Public Access Courses 2012 - Best Aesthetics

By Garry Kennedy

“Timeless and full of surprises.”

Skip Ahead to…

Thurgoona
Howlong
Corowa
Yarrawonga
Cobram Barooga
Tocumwal
Rich River
Cohuna
Barham
Murray Downs

You could easily spend a month playing a different golf course each day as you followed the flow of the Murray River, from the twin cities of Albury-Wodonga in the East, all the way to Mildura in the state’s North West. This golfing Mecca has been claimed as Victoria’s own, although most of the courses sit on the NSW side of the border.

The Murray region has long been a Melbournian favourite – stemming back to when those poker machines only resided on the other side. Thousands would flock each weekend to tackle the one armed bandits, in a procession of cars and buses and trains. The imported money was spent by the Clubs with fury and the sporting bodies around were a major beneficiary. Lawn bowls, tennis courts, football ovals and alike all reaped the coin fed by the Mexicans – golf another of the recipients.

As a consequence the Murray River stretch has a lot to offer the golf enthusiast, particularly for those living in Melbourne. The journey is, on average, around three hours and via safe and well maintained thoroughfares. The region boasts more sunshine than the Gold Coast – always conducive to fair weather players.

Virtually every course dotted along the border is flat or gently undulating at best, making golf accessible for the young and young at heart.

And quantity doesn’t always mean quality but the Murray courses has that old adage covered too – a third of the courses in this golfing locale have been rated in the country’s Top 100 public access golf course list.

On top of all that, the region offers plenty of value for your golfing dollar. There’s lots of on course accommodation and it’s relatively cheap to sleep and eat only metres from the first tee and the average green fee is around $30.

The first cluster along this mighty waterway occurs at the eastern end, Albury-Wodonga. Within 10kms of the neighbouring towns, you have access to three nice tracks; Commercial Club Albury, Wodonga and Thurgoona. A personal favourite is Thurgoona – around eight minutes drive from Albury on the NSW side.

Designed by five time British Open champion Peter Thomson’s golf architecture team (Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett), Thurgoona is a true championship course that can test the best golfer. Large greens and dramatic bunkering is a trademark, with some clever water hazard positioning adding to the challenge. The final hole plays to a virtual island green and it is a memorable finish. The club has excellent on course accommodation and the clubhouse has enjoyed fantastic renovations in recent times.

As you begin to move north-west, you rarely have to travel more than 30kms before the next small town appears, meaning it’s time to drag out the sticks again.

Your first stop is Howlong, a neat, short course that is tight, meaning brains not brawn is required to beat the card. One should note the unbelievable membership available here. For the princely sum of under $60 you can become a full golf member! Considering the daily green fee is $25, if you are looking for a cheap way to be a full golf member so you can become involved in club competitions, it doesn’t get any more affordable than Howlong.

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Another short pitch and you’ll land in Corowa where there are 27 holes and three distinct nines. Holes 1-9 are the newest holes and they have an open, resort feel. Holes 10-18 command views of the river in a parkland setting. The final nine holes of the triumphant, holes 19-27, hold a mystical feel. Set on the flats and heavily lined by huge river red gums, it can get steamy on the fairways. You feel enclosed by the surrounds and you get the sense you are being watched at every stroke. The three different nines at Corowa are a highlight. Again there’s on course accommodation, a terrific clubhouse and recreation centre on the premises and remember you’re in the heart of the Rutherglen region. Famous for fortified wines, you’d be crazy not to seek out some of the nearby wineries while camped here.

Yarrawonga’s the next step along this golfing highway. For a long time the 45 holes at Yarrawonga held the title of the southern hemisphere’s largest golfing complex. With two eighteen’s and another nine, there really is something for everyone. The Executive nine is a short, fun layout and particularly suited to new students of the game, ladies and the elderly. The Lakes eighteen has, as the name implies, plenty of water hazards while the River course is the championship layout. There’s heaps of new on course units for couples or groups to enjoy and very nearby there are many other places to set up shop for a few days.

Another few kilometers and another thirty six holes, times two!

Cobram Barooga is the first. The Old course is probably the best known eighteen holes along the entire Murray. While time and advancement in equipment technology has had an impact on the Old course’s challenge, nothing can take away the quaint par three eighth’s charm, or the fifth’s trail or the fourteenth’s subtleties. The other eighteen – The West course – provides a totally different test. It’s longer and more open providing variety. Currently it’s closed (due to reopen Feb 07) while the club goes about an extensive recouching program. Again the two courses are served by a number of on course accommodation options – try the El Sierra Motel if you’re looking for value for money and exceptional group packages.

Virtually next door is Tocumwal, a pair of courses that always seem to be in pristine condition. The Presidents and Captains courses have their differences, but share delightful fairways, challenges and most importantly top rate greens. Again, the less agile and ladies will enjoy the flat landscape. And looking for somewhere to stay? The final 400 metres of the road that leads from the township to the course has some five motels and a caravan park flanking its side – you will not want for a bed and pillow.

Echuca is the closest Murray River township from Melbourne, and once one of the busiest shipping ports in the country. It maintains its mantle as the paddle steamer capital of the country. The Port of Echuca is a fantastic tourist destination with heaps to see and do, so it would seem logical that such a rich playground would have a decent course. Well it does – two of them!

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The Rich River golf complex is a quick 5 minute drive from the NSW township of Moama, the town neighbouring Echuca on the “other side” of the Murray.

Rich River is very popular with golf groups. Its two courses literally surround the Clubhouse and on course accommodation. It’s your best example of play, stay and forget the car! There are even shuttle buses back into Echuca if you feel the need to leave the premises (but there’s no need to!)

The West course was traditionally called the old course at Rich River, but after a second eighteen was built on the east side they assumed their geographical titles. The East Course was reworked some time ago by Peter Thomson and his trademark pot bunkers and risk v reward challenges are very much a part of this newer eighteen. The oversized golf ball that sits atop of the Clubhouse is a lasting symbol that this was, in its heyday, the biggest and best golfing complex in the region – although now it has considerable competition.

As you continue to move north east with the flow of the river, the concentration of courses thins a little. Driving time and distance between tracks is a little more, but the quality and selection is not compromised.

Cohuna is around 60kms from Echuca and one of the few Murray courses that I haven’t seen. However reliable sources speak highly of this Victorian course – original home of Australian golf superstar Stuart Appleby.

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While the highway between Cohuna and Swan Hill is a little inland of the river, a diversion to Barham is a must. Nestled on the banks of the river on the NSW side, Barham has recently undergone numerous course renovations. Many of the opening nine holes have been served a renovation rescue and it is in its best condition ever. Of course the huge bunker on the fifth hole appropriately named “Gallipoli” is still a feature, but now many holes jostle for the mantle of the courses’ signature hole.

The next major stop is Murray Downs Resort – minutes from Swan Hill. The resort name comes from the sheep station that the land of the course now occupies. In a word the course is sensational. Magnificent fairways, greens and tees are punctuated by water hazards, large bunkers and thickening tree lines. In golf terms the course is relatively young but each year it matures and the golfing challenge just gets better and better. The green fairways and surrounds punctuate the flat, brown surrounds and it is not too dramatic to call this an oasis in a desert. The undulations of the first fairway will instantly grab you. The signature par three, fifth hole with its huge water crossing from the back tees will examine the best golfer’s mettle. The narrow par five twelfth will require precision from tee to green and the two closing holes are as hard a finish as golf throws at you. To cap it off, the on course accommodation is, in my opinion, the best amongst the Murray River courses.

Now vast, barren and open country presents as you head to the other bookend of Murray River golf in Mildura. Along the way there are worthwhile stops at Tooleybuc and Robinvale, and finally another cluster of seven terrific courses.

Red Cliffs comes first, then Riverside, Merbein and Mildura – all on the Victorian side of the border. I once left Melbourne on a dark and drizzly August day that was expecting a top of 12 degrees. A one hour flight later and I was enjoying a clear, sun filled morning. Later that afternoon the mercury would top 26 glowing degrees – and I was in the same state!

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Mildura and Riverside are gems, but it’s Coomealla Golf Course on the other side of the river that I like best. From the Clubhouse you can look down over the course to the water and it’s not unusual to see a number of house boats moored to the banks (a unique way to drive to the course).

Coomealla is heavily wooded and water drenched fairways evaporate under your feet as the sun climbs. It can be a demanding game in the heat of the day but a joy in the cooler times. Thick, green fairways and slick, true greens the course highlights.

Finally Wentworth in NSW and Renmark in SA end the long road of golf choices on this unique stretch. In fact there’s an event called the Tri State Masters held in the region in May each year. You guessed it – golf in three different states, all a mere drive from each other.

But this is Murray River golf – nothing should surprise!

At a Glance

Barham Golf & Country Club www.clubarham.com.au

Cobram-Barooga Golf Club www.cbgc.com.au

Cohuna Golf Club (03) 5456 2820 (weekends)

Commercial Club Albury www.alburygolf.com.au

Coomealla Golf Club www.coomeallaclub.com.au

Corowa Golf Resort www.corowagolf.com.au

Howlong Country Golf Club www.howlonggolf.com.au

Merbein Golf Club (03) 5025 6421

Mildura Golf Club Resort www.milduragolfclub.com.au

Murray Downs Golf & CC Resort www.murraydownsresort.com.au

Red Cliffs Golf Club (03) 5024 1531

Renmark Golf Club (08) 8595 1514

Rich River Golf Club Resort www.richriver.com.au

Riverside Golf Club (03) 5023 4255

Robinvale Golf Club (03) 5026 3286

Thurgoona Golf Club (02) 6043 1411

Tocumwal Golf Club www.tocumwalgolf.com.au

Tooleybuc Sporting Golf Club (03) 5030 5476

Wentworth Services Golf Club (03) 5027 3244

Wodonga Country Golf Club (02) 6059 1813

Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club www.yarragolf.com.au

You handle the tome and a myriad of thoughts rush through your mind. The cover doesn’t look anything that special. My first thought was that the story better develop quickly and get me involved or it will join a long list of other best sellers in my collection – begun but seldom finished!

Finally you turn the first page and like what you read. You relax and start to enjoy the ride. Suddenly the story line takes off and you’re hooked. Every page gets better and better. After a couple of engrossing hours you can’t put it down. As you realise you are reaching the end your heart sinks – don’t do it! Ultimately it does and you let out a contented breath – just hoping the author can reproduce this magic again.

For me, my trip to play Barnbougle Dunes on Tasmania’s north east coast mirrored this rare literary analogy.

First there was the hype, and in my time in golf I have never heard such high praise, and then the amazing accolades that were being bestowed upon this new course. The owners must have been over the moon, because the dollar value they got in free press in the first year was simply unaffordable! I spoke to a few lucky colleges that made the journey south, and they unanimously sung the course’s praise. My juices began to flow – I had to play it!

Finally the chance came to make the trip and as I packed my clubs and finally boarded the plane, I had mixed emotions. My head said the course couldn’t be as good as everyone said. I mean, in reality, a golf course is just that. Eighteen holes, beautiful grassed playing surfaces and always a joy to traverse. I expected to be slightly let down.

The commercial approach for a golfing sojourn to Barnbougle will take you from Melbourne (or a capital airport) to Tasmania’s second largest town – Launceston. From here a course courtesy bus or tour operator could cargo you and your sticks to the course an hour away to the northern coast. Or, you could hire a car – my option. I’d love to report that the trip is a snack, and in essence it was. The roads are typically narrow and windy once you get through the bustling metropolis (not) of Launceston. Navigation is made a little difficult in part because of unfamiliarity and in part because half the “towns” marked on the map between the airport and Barnbougle don’t seem to exist! You approach what you think will be a town and one house later you’re through the other side and are left wondering whether that was it or not.

Small navigational issues aside, it was not hard to find my destination. You don’t need to pass through the nearest town Bridport (a few km’s from the course) however it is a quaint place and a peek is worthwhile.

Finally I sit on the couch and get to the cover of the book. There’s a modest entrance to Barnbougle Dunes, and a long unsealed road leading to the clubhouse. From a distance, the accommodation reveals itself to your left and the clubhouse ahead looks okay, but not awe-inspiring. You get a glimpse of the course – cusps of grass and a few sand dunes, lush green fairways and alike.

I flip the first page and enter the clubhouse. A single level, modern and practical abode. Because of the course location, Barnbougle isn’t going to have two hundred players on any given day and thankfully they have catered accordingly. They have created a warm, cosy clubhouse that incorporates a restaurant that can seat one hundred, a bar (lounges and open fire), pro shop and a great decking area. But that doesn’t even begin to explain the first few pages of this story. There’s the ceiling to floor glass affording spectacular ocean views. In fact it appears as if you are at sea level. Anderson Bay looks so close it’s like the decking is built out over the water. I loved enjoying a drink inside. The wind buffeted the clubhouse, while I guzzled cleansing ale. The fire crackled in the background, while I inhaled the spectacular ocean views. This book had me sucked in – I desperately wanted to get my teeth into the story!

I checked in to what looked like very simple lodging, about 400m from the clubhouse. A row of sixteen “tin huts” sit together looking back, open to the elements, rather naked and not that attractive. However, once inside, you are again happy with the flip of the page. A mate and I shared a hut. It had two queen size beds in two separate rooms separated by a bathroom. For two blokes this room was perfect. It was modern, clean, comfortable and so much more than it looked from the outside.

If staying on course you need not leave the complex. Breakfast is served in the clubhouse for in house guests each morning. Sandwiches and light meals are offered for lunch and the restaurant covers the evening meal (and what a menu!). Everything is of an excellent standard.

Now it was time to attack the core of the book. I stood on the first tee and was impressed but not overwhelmed. The tee and fairways looked in great condition – as was the putting green. They were all a fescue grass, offering great cover, colour and standard.

And so I marched through the first chapter. There are four sets of tees and scorecards at Barnbougle. The Forrester card is suggested for 0-4 handicappers. All tees are marked with simple tee tree off cuts painted different colours, the Forrester is black. Fully aware of reports that better able golfers than I had managed to lose a dozen balls with ease, I thought it sensible to play to my limits. So it was the Booballa scorecard for 5-17 handicappers for me. It plays as a 5642m par 71 (the Forrester track is 6148m).There’s the Melaleuca course for 18-27 handicap and the Marram for 28 handicap and above. It’s also worth noting that an optional local rule is offered on the back of all cards. “Any lost ball can be treated as lost in a water hazard (Irish drop rule). One shot penalty at point of entry.” Although it is not completely evident as to why such a rule is offered during the first few holes it becomes very apparent later on!

In all honesty the first two holes are good but not great. A par five to start and then a long par four follows. To your right is low dunes and thick grass, while on the left there’s open cow pasture, complete with grazing cattle. The book is good, don’t get me wrong but I was getting twitchy hoping it warmed up to keep my eager interest.

Then bang – the flip of a page and Barnbougle sets flight! You traverse to the third tee, catching a glimpse of the real dunes and spectacular thick clusters of grasses that line fairways. The track to the third tee rises and you arrive and finally turn to the direction the hole is to take you are overwhelmed. World renowned golf architect Tom Doak and our own Mike Clayton are responsible for the layout and use of this stunning land, and what a job they have done. Enough has been written on the humble beginnings of Barnbougle from grazing land to discovered golfing jewel so I won’t bore you with the story. I’ll only bore you with the superlatives as they ooze from my keyboard as I retell my playing experience.

The third hole is one of a number of short par fours that really ignite your golfing passion. The view alone from the tee makes this a great hole. The town of Bridport is stunningly framed on the horizon, the hole offers a risk or reward challenge and the dunes are revealed. Danger, in the form of deep and thick grasses awaits and sand, wind, bumps and dramatic undulations are unveiled.

Like any great book the story gets better and better and I think if I gave you a hole by hole description of the course I would be spoiling a story line that you should discover yourself.

But I can talk of my highlights without giving too much of the plot away. After finishing the spectacular fourth hole you walk up a track to the direction of the fifth tee. At this stage you haven’t seen the pounding ocean, yet you can hear it. As you reach the top of the track a full ocean vista hits you between the eyes – it is stunning. The path avails this view to your left for about 60m until you reach the fifth tee. You walk along the top of the dunes – some 10 metres high, with Anderson Bay and its pristine beach only a pitch away – it’s magnificent!

After you tee off at six you make your way down to the fairway, and what a sight! This was probably my highlight – huge sand dunes that line the fairway either side. They are completely covered in what appears thick Marram and gorse. Looking towards the flagstick this grass is a silvery green colour. If you look back to the tee, it turns to a rich dark green. Walking along the wide fairway with these huge dunes on either side is an experience unlike anything I have seen on a golf course. It is nature at its finest with a golfing playground thrown in.

The 112m par three seventh will dumbfound you. The downwind par five eleventh and fourteen holes will make you feel like Tiger – both are reachable in two with the wind. Then you’ll struggle to make the green of fifteen with driver and four iron – and it’s only 321m long!

The par three thirteenth green will astound. The 446m par four eighth will overwhelm, and the finishing two holes into the prevailing gusts will infuriate but reward with nature and scenery.

What a course!

After you finally put the book down and make your way to the clubhouse for a beer and refuge from the strong ocean breezes, you can’t help but relive every page and chapter with your playing partner.

Sure we lost balls – but not as many as you would think or as myth would have you imagine – for the fairways are generous. There were plenty of bunkers with no rakes to keep in line with this original links experience. But usually, they were where you shouldn’t be hitting anyway – I only found a couple in two rounds.

The greens were a little slow – deliberately left a little long so a ball could hold in the prevalent strong winds.

And so we ate, drank, reminisced, and listened to the wind howl as the daylight hours waned. The fire glowed, the stories were retold and like only a great book can do – you knew you just had to read it again.

And again we did, and like only a good book does, new sub plots and nuances were revealed. We picked up subtleties we hadn’t seen the first time round and as we finished a second time and prepared to leave, we knew this book just had to be read again!

(Garry Kennedy was a guest of Tourism Tasmania and Barnbougle Dunes. Airfares, lodgings and green fees were provided)

Barnbougle Dunes Reflections

About 12 months after my maiden visit, I had the opportunity to go back to Barnbougle Dunes again – this time with three “virgin” mates.

For those of you that live on another planet, Barnbougle is at the top end of Tasmania, on the north coast wedged between Burnie and Devonport.

A Tom Doak designed track (in collaboration with our own Mike Clayton), Barnbougle stunned everyone when it was rated – in its debut year – number 49 in the world by America’s Golf Digest magazine. From there the accolades came thick and fast – it’s considered by many in the top two or three courses in Australia and heads the Golf Course Guide’s list of the Top 100 public access courses in Australia.

I have given my opinion of the course in a previous edition of Hacker – in short I think it is stunning and probably the best course I have played. But I was more interested in a first time visitor’s perspective. So I asked fellow travelers Pete, Andy and Ted to give their view.

I’ll paint the picture to begin. A taxi picked us up and took us to Melbourne airport for a 8am departure to Launceston. With barely a minute left to board the plane (Ted’s actually the last person to board because his titanium hip has him swarmed with security Guards), the doors close and we are literally airborne in seconds.

After landing in Launceston we had arranged transfers from the airport to the course. They were waiting when we landed. A bit over an hour later and we were at Barnbougle. After booking in we unpacked in our rooms and played 18 holes in the afternoon after a quick bite to eat. Drinks and dinner followed in the clubhouse, breakfast (again in the clubhouse) another 18 holes, a snack, back on the bus and back to Melbourne. A whirlwind 36 hour exercise and here’s what the lads thought:

What was your first impression?

ANDY: Whoa, how am I going to keep it on the fairway, but boy was it fun trying.
TED: Remoteness of the course and the natural surroundings, followed by bamboozlement at my magnificent drive down the long par 5 first.
PETE: Great service from the Courtesy pick-up van and excellent toasted sangers in Lonnie. $52 a bit steep for slab of Cascade bought on the way – but I guess it was only Tassie dollars. Property is very remote and while new, I liked the fact that the course looked like it had been there for a long time. Loved the way the course layout slowly and gradually revealed itself (like a lady of great propriety).

How do you rate the course?

ANDY: Loved it. The aesthetics of the course are a 9/10. I loved the holes which gave a view of the Ocean, and especially loved the walk between holes 4 and 5. The condition was A Grade.
TED: Great golf course. Not excessively hard like many “resort” courses seem to want to be but sufficiently hard enough to bend us all over at various stages.
PETE: Loved it. The elevations, coastal views, extreme rises and falls, hills of marram grass all provided great contrasts and lots of holes with that ‘wow’ factor. Condition was very good although I wouldn’t have said excellent. The prevailing winds were also often behind you – making the harder holes still playable.

Favourite bits?

ANDY: Scoring two points on the first three holes before my game turned to @#$%! The ocean views and Ted’s hip going off through the Airport metal detector.
TED: Magnificent drives by all into Bass Straight during that walk between holes, and of course the view! The holes that tempt you to play safe or have a serious crack! All the par 3′s were great and a favourite was the 6th – the hole looked as if it is carved into a canyon.
PETE: Loved the short par 4s in particular – from memory holes 3, 4 and especially 12. Also, we found the course was still playable from the black tees because many of the dangers (e.g. fairway bunkers) tended to be out of reach and some of the angles into the fairway were easier. Post mortems on the balcony and post-post mortems in the lounge by the fire were fun also.

Not so favourite bits?

ANDY: The high cost of balls, given that I left so many on the course. You really have to play from the tees that are appropriate to your ability; otherwise it’s a little tough, which may take away from the enjoyment.
TED. What’s that long wild grass called? The sight and smell of Garry in the morning. Peter’s putt of about 40 metres on the ninth that robbed me of my rightful winning of the first nine skins!
PETE: Continually looking for Andrew’s ball, and our reliance on the yardage book – I think we all played better when we stopped referring to it. I thought some of the greens were a bit too unnecessarily severe.

How do you rate the accommodation?

ANDY: A1. The rooms where spacious, bathroom was huge.
TED: Good value and comfortable.
PETE: Pitched at the right level. Very functional and comfortable, not too up-market and yet not too ‘budget’ either.

How do you rate the clubhouse?

ANDY: A1. Lovely glass of red by the open fire while you can hear the ocean waves crashing on the shore, cuddled on the Chesterfield…. Oh sorry that was another weekend but I could have done it this weekend. It has a great balcony to have a beer or two after the game if the weather allows (which it did).
TED: Excellent. What more do you need? Nice bar, balcony, food, fireplace.
PETE: Good and comfortable although seemed a little small to me for a course of this stature and especially if they are going to build another 18 holes. Thought the pro shop was a bit pokey and would have thought they might have had a separated restaurant area and maybe even function room type facilities. Not that it affected us at all.

Value for money?

ANDY: It was all fine
TED: You couldn’t do it every weekend but as a golfing weekend away with the boys it is good value.
PETE: Think the prices to stay and play are quite good compared with its competitors at this level of the market. However it is remote and so the extra cost to get there and back does work against it.

Would you rush back there?

ANDY: I’m looking forward to my next trip back, hopefully this year. Need to rise to the challenge and not leave so many balls out there.
TED: I’d play it again for sure and recommend it to other keen golfers looking for a different experience.
PETE: I reckon it is a great destination for maybe a once a year (or two) weekend away.

How does it rate on your all-time-best-course-played list?

ANDY: It would rate in my best half dozen
TED: Right up there with the best of them. As good as any course I have actually played.
PETE: In the top 3 for most memorable – but part of that was the whole weekend experience. In my top 5 for all-time-best-course-played!

Note: Peter plays off 8 at Rosanna, Ted and Andrew off 16 at Heidelberg. Pete and Ted know what they’re talking about, Andy has no idea! Thanks for a great weekend away lads.

By Garry Kennedy

Skip ahead to…

Queenscliff
Lonsdale
Thirteenth Beach
Barwon Heads
Torquay
The Sands Torquay
Anglesea
Lorne
Apollo Bay
Peterborough
Warrnambool
Port Fairy

The allure of the ocean come summer time in Victoria is compelling. As the mercury rises, tens of thousands chuck in their day job and make camp at hundreds of coastal towns along our vast coastline. Quiet sea-change villages are invaded by sun and sea seeking intruders.

While the golfer’s car boot will often be emptied for the family’s shovel, spade and boogie board, it’s worth remembering that there are plenty of normally quiet golf courses along our coastline – hidden gems – waiting to be discovered. Their isolation from Melbourne’s burgeoning CBD means visits by city folk are usually restricted to weekend rounds – but in the summer time madness they are swarmed by the tourist.

Don’t let this increase in traffic deter you from visiting – be aware of their existence and enjoy golf’s coastal pleasures.

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is world renowned for the spectacular drive and subsequent scenery it avails its travelers and each decaying Apostle of the world famous twelve has a corresponding coastal golf course along this famous route.

Queenscliff

Starting at Queenscliff, you’ll find the first of twelve wonderful golfing discoveries.

Set on Swan Island just off the tip of Queenscliff is this unique island course. Part of Defense Department land, visitors are screened by personal before crossing a single lane bridge that stretches over Swan Bay that itself surrounds the isle.

An environmental treasure, Swan Island is home to some of the last remaining Orange Bellied Parrots and bird watches are often as common a sight as club wielding combatants.

The stretch of holes at the western end of the course – six, seven and eight – provide magical vista’s of the Queenscliff township on a part of the course that is literally at sea level and mere metres from the water’s edge.

Lonsdale

A short hop away is the Lonsdale Golf Club, itself a meager pitch from the entrance of Port Phillip Bay and the infamous Rip. This is a testing track for the accomplished golfer off the back tees, with thick and lush vegetation ready to gobble up stray balls. For those that don’t bring their A-game, the course still pleases with some spectacular views out across Lake Victoria, which flanks some of the lower reaches of the course.

Set on a sand belt, the golfer can enjoy great conditions year round.

Thirteenth Beach

Thirteenth Beach boasts two 18 hole layouts. The Tony Cashmore designed Beach course is rated 7^th best public access course in Australia by the 2007 Golf Course Guide. Renowned golf writer Darius Oliver rates its’ four par threes as one of the best collection of par threes on any golf course in Australia! The layout features fairways cut through sand dunes, holes winding around Murtnagurt Lagoon and 3km of Ocean frontage.

Nick Faldo leant his hand to the design of the Creek Course in conjunction with Cashmore, and this layout has its own feel with well spaced fairways, gently undulating fairways and unique square teeing grounds. The overall conditioning of the entire complex is unsurpassed.

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Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Golf Course almost adjoins Thirteenth Beach. It’s one of the best known and one of the original links layouts in Australia and a personal favourite. Once it was only accessible to members and their guests, now however (thankfully) green fee access is available midweek and on Sundays.

Like a good wine, the course seems to get better with every visit. It has a feel of royalty that extends from the timeless course to the stately clubhouse – infact the Club celebrates its Centenary in 2007.

Residential accommodation is available on course in the grand abode. Great stay and play packages for under $200 per person include golf, three meals in the majestic dining room and golf on this wonderful links. Coastal ti-tree, rolling sand dunes, fast running pure couch fairways, slick greens and the affect of the prevailing sea breezes toughen this otherwise “short by today’s standard” course. The $70 green fee is a bit pricier than some, but justifiable and worthwhile.

Torquay

Torquay Golf Course has a unique claim to fame – its address – Number One, Great Ocean Road. At Christmas time in particular this popular surfing township comes alive, and in sync is the Torquay Golf Club, which holds its very popular annual Pro Am. Hundreds flock to watch popular golfing entities tackle the layout, while enjoying ocean views. Camping near the elevated 12^th tee is a great vantage spot to watch the professionals crack one down the fairway, while at your back you can watch them tackle the short par three seventeenth.

The Sands Torquay

The newest monolith of our 12 golfing Apostles along the Great Ocean Road is The Sands – Torquay. Designed by Australian golf sensation Stuart Appleby, the name of this mostly private and chic abode is apt – there are over 100 sandy bunkers awaiting an errant drive or iron. Immaculately groomed, The Sands has a couple of high vantage points with lovely views of the ocean and surf beaches.

Restricted public access is available at varying times (Monday, Tuesday and Fridays, Thursday arvo and Sunday morning), however house guests at the newly opened Peppers at The Sands get access 7 days subject to availability. Bookings are essential.

Anglesea

Anglesea Golf Course is the next stop on our sojourn west towards the South Australian border. Another sleepy village that literally bursts to life in the summer season, Anglesea is a terrific course. A major redevelopment in the 1990s had the fairways transformed to Wintergreen couch and more importantly a successful submission to the State Government and Barwon Water resulted in a recycled water scheme coming on line. This program has been of great benefit during the past 6 years of drought and year round the course enjoys excellent conditions. Recent changes that have taken place include a major upgrading of the clubhouse. However, with all these great facilities and lush fairways, it is the fauna that Anglesea is most famous for, or to be precise, the resident family of Eastern Grey kangaroos that number many hundred.

Tourists both local and overseas enjoy the sight of our national symbol sharing the fairway with golfers.

To play will cost you $36 midweek or $40 on the weekend.

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Lorne

Lorne is another popular destination along the Road – with a great pier (the Pier to Pub swim Classic is an institution), a great beach and of course the famous Cumberland Lorne Resort. Less famous is the nearby nine hole Lorne Country Club. A word of warning for the faint hearted – this is one hilly golf course but naturally hills mean high vantage points and accordingly the course has some great views overlooking the water.

Apollo Bay

A short trip down the road and you arrive at the southern most course on the western side of the state, Apollo Bay. We are nearing real Apostle Country. Once we swing past Cape Otway nearing Port Campbell National Park the stars of the Great Ocean Road can be viewed – along with Loch Ard Gorge, Sentinel Rock, The Arch and the now fallen London Bridge. Apollo Bay is a modest nine hole course, flat and very near the slapping water so again oceanic views prevail.

Peterborough

Peterborough is a tucked away escape incorporating Curdies Inlet and it is often traveled through by those navigating the road. It’s a ploy by locals and regulars I’m sure for this is one of the prettiest spots along the way, and the golf course is a cracker! Only a nine holer, the first fairway is so wide you’d need the most wicked of slices or hooks to miss it. The sunken saucer green of the second is hard to spot, while other holes cross deep, cliff top ravines.

The coastal cliff top setting, undulating fairways and slick greens eek of authentic British links, makes Peterborough Golf Course a treasure for the golfing adventurer. The current $15 green fee is an absolute steel!

Warrnambool

Warrnambool is the second last stop – a pretty course just on the outskirts of the burgeoning township. Lush fairways and a dramatically undulating landscape characterize this very enjoyable course. The layout and feel is not unlike the acclaimed Portsea golf course. You’ll get great views from many tees (the fifth is named “Sea Views”) but possibly none better than from the clubhouse itself. On a windy day it can offer great respite to the weary golfing warrior.

Green Fees are just $28, with access for non members Sunday – Friday. Visiting Club Members can play in the Saturday comp.

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Port Fairy

Just 30 minutes further on and the last of the twelve golf courses along this mighty road is one of the most intriguing. Port Fairy is a true links golf course – possibly Australia’s closest replica to the famous and world renowned United Kingdom links.

The par five twelfth runs parallel with the ocean, high on a dune wall and spectacular ocean vistas dominate.

Naturally the wind is the course’s main guardian – if it’s blowing you’ll certainly know about it, and more often than not it is.

I met a bus load of British tourists on the practice green at Port Fairy a number of years ago and I spoke to a lady who was a part of the tour. She said the course was equal to any at home in Britain but to play on a similar standard links would cost around 100 pounds (around $250). Post Fairy’s green fee – just $28!

The Club has just unveiled its’ redesigned 15th hole - judged by some to be the best new hole in Australia and certain to become one of the most photographed.

“Port Fairy’s 15th is, without doubt, one of the finest and most evocative holes built Down Under since WW11.” This was the response from talented Australian golf writer, Paul Daley, after seeing photographs of the hole taken by Perry Cho of Warrnambool. Paul further enthused “When viewing Perry Cho’s photography I felt transported to the fabled links at Ballybunion Golf Club (Old), Ireland”.

The Great Ocean Road – one amazing drive, twelve amazing apostles and twelve amazing courses for the golfer to discover.

At a Glance

Queenscliff Golf Club
(03) 5258 4344

Lonsdale Golf Club
(03) 5258 1523
www.lonsdalegc.com.au

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links
(03) 5254 2922
www.13thbeach.net

Barwon Heads Golf Club
(03) 5255 6275
www.bhgc.com.au

Torquay Golf Club
(03) 5261 2506
www.torquaygolfclub.com.au

The Sands Torquay
(03) 5264 8801
www.thesandstorquay.com

Anglesea Golf Club
(03) 5263 1951
www.angleseagolfclub.com.au

Lorne Golf Club
(03) 5289 1267

Apollo Bay Golf Club
(03) 5237 6474

Peterborough Golf Club
(03) 5598 5245

Warrnambool Golf Club
(03) 5562 8528

Port Fairy Golf Links
(03) 5568 2866
www.portfairygolf.com.au

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By Garry Kennedy

“Timeless and full of surprises.”

Skip Ahead to…

Thurgoona
Howlong
Corowa
Yarrawonga
Cobram Barooga
Tocumwal
Rich River
Cohuna
Barham
Murray Downs

You could easily spend a month playing a different golf course each day as you followed the flow of the Murray River, from the twin cities of Albury-Wodonga in the East, all the way to Mildura in the state’s North West. This golfing Mecca has been claimed as Victoria’s own, although most of the courses sit on the NSW side of the border.

The Murray region has long been a Melbournian favourite – stemming back to when those poker machines only resided on the other side. Thousands would flock each weekend to tackle the one armed bandits, in a procession of cars and buses and trains. The imported money was spent by the Clubs with fury and the sporting bodies around were a major beneficiary. Lawn bowls, tennis courts, football ovals and alike all reaped the coin fed by the Mexicans – golf another of the recipients.

As a consequence the Murray River stretch has a lot to offer the golf enthusiast, particularly for those living in Melbourne. The journey is, on average, around three hours and via safe and well maintained thoroughfares. The region boasts more sunshine than the Gold Coast – always conducive to fair weather players.

Virtually every course dotted along the border is flat or gently undulating at best, making golf accessible for the young and young at heart.

And quantity doesn’t always mean quality but the Murray courses has that old adage covered too – a third of the courses in this golfing locale have been rated in the country’s Top 100 public access golf course list.

On top of all that, the region offers plenty of value for your golfing dollar. There’s lots of on course accommodation and it’s relatively cheap to sleep and eat only metres from the first tee and the average green fee is around $30.

The first cluster along this mighty waterway occurs at the eastern end, Albury-Wodonga. Within 10kms of the neighbouring towns, you have access to three nice tracks; Commercial Club Albury, Wodonga and Thurgoona. A personal favourite is Thurgoona – around eight minutes drive from Albury on the NSW side.

Designed by five time British Open champion Peter Thomson’s golf architecture team (Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett), Thurgoona is a true championship course that can test the best golfer. Large greens and dramatic bunkering is a trademark, with some clever water hazard positioning adding to the challenge. The final hole plays to a virtual island green and it is a memorable finish. The club has excellent on course accommodation and the clubhouse has enjoyed fantastic renovations in recent times.

As you begin to move north-west, you rarely have to travel more than 30kms before the next small town appears, meaning it’s time to drag out the sticks again.

Your first stop is Howlong, a neat, short course that is tight, meaning brains not brawn is required to beat the card. One should note the unbelievable membership available here. For the princely sum of under $60 you can become a full golf member! Considering the daily green fee is $25, if you are looking for a cheap way to be a full golf member so you can become involved in club competitions, it doesn’t get any more affordable than Howlong.

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Another short pitch and you’ll land in Corowa where there are 27 holes and three distinct nines. Holes 1-9 are the newest holes and they have an open, resort feel. Holes 10-18 command views of the river in a parkland setting. The final nine holes of the triumphant, holes 19-27, hold a mystical feel. Set on the flats and heavily lined by huge river red gums, it can get steamy on the fairways. You feel enclosed by the surrounds and you get the sense you are being watched at every stroke. The three different nines at Corowa are a highlight. Again there’s on course accommodation, a terrific clubhouse and recreation centre on the premises and remember you’re in the heart of the Rutherglen region. Famous for fortified wines, you’d be crazy not to seek out some of the nearby wineries while camped here.

Yarrawonga’s the next step along this golfing highway. For a long time the 45 holes at Yarrawonga held the title of the southern hemisphere’s largest golfing complex. With two eighteen’s and another nine, there really is something for everyone. The Executive nine is a short, fun layout and particularly suited to new students of the game, ladies and the elderly. The Lakes eighteen has, as the name implies, plenty of water hazards while the River course is the championship layout. There’s heaps of new on course units for couples or groups to enjoy and very nearby there are many other places to set up shop for a few days.

Another few kilometers and another thirty six holes, times two!

Cobram Barooga is the first. The Old course is probably the best known eighteen holes along the entire Murray. While time and advancement in equipment technology has had an impact on the Old course’s challenge, nothing can take away the quaint par three eighth’s charm, or the fifth’s trail or the fourteenth’s subtleties. The other eighteen – The West course – provides a totally different test. It’s longer and more open providing variety. Currently it’s closed (due to reopen Feb 07) while the club goes about an extensive recouching program. Again the two courses are served by a number of on course accommodation options – try the El Sierra Motel if you’re looking for value for money and exceptional group packages.

Virtually next door is Tocumwal, a pair of courses that always seem to be in pristine condition. The Presidents and Captains courses have their differences, but share delightful fairways, challenges and most importantly top rate greens. Again, the less agile and ladies will enjoy the flat landscape. And looking for somewhere to stay? The final 400 metres of the road that leads from the township to the course has some five motels and a caravan park flanking its side – you will not want for a bed and pillow.

Echuca is the closest Murray River township from Melbourne, and once one of the busiest shipping ports in the country. It maintains its mantle as the paddle steamer capital of the country. The Port of Echuca is a fantastic tourist destination with heaps to see and do, so it would seem logical that such a rich playground would have a decent course. Well it does – two of them!

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The Rich River golf complex is a quick 5 minute drive from the NSW township of Moama, the town neighbouring Echuca on the “other side” of the Murray.

Rich River is very popular with golf groups. Its two courses literally surround the Clubhouse and on course accommodation. It’s your best example of play, stay and forget the car! There are even shuttle buses back into Echuca if you feel the need to leave the premises (but there’s no need to!)

The West course was traditionally called the old course at Rich River, but after a second eighteen was built on the east side they assumed their geographical titles. The East Course was reworked some time ago by Peter Thomson and his trademark pot bunkers and risk v reward challenges are very much a part of this newer eighteen. The oversized golf ball that sits atop of the Clubhouse is a lasting symbol that this was, in its heyday, the biggest and best golfing complex in the region – although now it has considerable competition.

As you continue to move north east with the flow of the river, the concentration of courses thins a little. Driving time and distance between tracks is a little more, but the quality and selection is not compromised.

Cohuna is around 60kms from Echuca and one of the few Murray courses that I haven’t seen. However reliable sources speak highly of this Victorian course – original home of Australian golf superstar Stuart Appleby.

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While the highway between Cohuna and Swan Hill is a little inland of the river, a diversion to Barham is a must. Nestled on the banks of the river on the NSW side, Barham has recently undergone numerous course renovations. Many of the opening nine holes have been served a renovation rescue and it is in its best condition ever. Of course the huge bunker on the fifth hole appropriately named “Gallipoli” is still a feature, but now many holes jostle for the mantle of the courses’ signature hole.

The next major stop is Murray Downs Resort – minutes from Swan Hill. The resort name comes from the sheep station that the land of the course now occupies. In a word the course is sensational. Magnificent fairways, greens and tees are punctuated by water hazards, large bunkers and thickening tree lines. In golf terms the course is relatively young but each year it matures and the golfing challenge just gets better and better. The green fairways and surrounds punctuate the flat, brown surrounds and it is not too dramatic to call this an oasis in a desert. The undulations of the first fairway will instantly grab you. The signature par three, fifth hole with its huge water crossing from the back tees will examine the best golfer’s mettle. The narrow par five twelfth will require precision from tee to green and the two closing holes are as hard a finish as golf throws at you. To cap it off, the on course accommodation is, in my opinion, the best amongst the Murray River courses.

Now vast, barren and open country presents as you head to the other bookend of Murray River golf in Mildura. Along the way there are worthwhile stops at Tooleybuc and Robinvale, and finally another cluster of seven terrific courses.

Red Cliffs comes first, then Riverside, Merbein and Mildura – all on the Victorian side of the border. I once left Melbourne on a dark and drizzly August day that was expecting a top of 12 degrees. A one hour flight later and I was enjoying a clear, sun filled morning. Later that afternoon the mercury would top 26 glowing degrees – and I was in the same state!

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Mildura and Riverside are gems, but it’s Coomealla Golf Course on the other side of the river that I like best. From the Clubhouse you can look down over the course to the water and it’s not unusual to see a number of house boats moored to the banks (a unique way to drive to the course).

Coomealla is heavily wooded and water drenched fairways evaporate under your feet as the sun climbs. It can be a demanding game in the heat of the day but a joy in the cooler times. Thick, green fairways and slick, true greens the course highlights.

Finally Wentworth in NSW and Renmark in SA end the long road of golf choices on this unique stretch. In fact there’s an event called the Tri State Masters held in the region in May each year. You guessed it – golf in three different states, all a mere drive from each other.

But this is Murray River golf – nothing should surprise!

At a Glance

Barham Golf & Country Club www.clubarham.com.au

Cobram-Barooga Golf Club www.cbgc.com.au

Cohuna Golf Club (03) 5456 2820 (weekends)

Commercial Club Albury www.alburygolf.com.au

Coomealla Golf Club www.coomeallaclub.com.au

Corowa Golf Resort www.corowagolf.com.au

Howlong Country Golf Club www.howlonggolf.com.au

Merbein Golf Club (03) 5025 6421

Mildura Golf Club Resort www.milduragolfclub.com.au

Murray Downs Golf & CC Resort www.murraydownsresort.com.au

Red Cliffs Golf Club (03) 5024 1531

Renmark Golf Club (08) 8595 1514

Rich River Golf Club Resort www.richriver.com.au

Riverside Golf Club (03) 5023 4255

Robinvale Golf Club (03) 5026 3286

Thurgoona Golf Club (02) 6043 1411

Tocumwal Golf Club www.tocumwalgolf.com.au

Tooleybuc Sporting Golf Club (03) 5030 5476

Wentworth Services Golf Club (03) 5027 3244

Wodonga Country Golf Club (02) 6059 1813

Yarrawonga & Border Golf Club www.yarragolf.com.au

Saturday (1pm) & Sunday (8am) January 21st & 22nd, 2012

Incredible Value, just $90pp which includes:

• 18 Stunning Holes of Golf
• Spit Roast Sit Down Meal in the Ballroom
• Player’s Pack
• Prizes Galore
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
• Nearest the Pin on all Par 3s
• Straightest Drive
• Longest Drive
• Random Prizes
• The Joker Hole is Back!
• Beat the Pro Hole
• Island Hole Shootout
• Your Chance at Immortality

Places are strictly limited and filling fast. Only 100 spots per day, 200 in total.

Download the Entry Form now so you don’t miss out.

Message from the Editor (and Tournament Organiser),

The 8th Annual Hacker Cup 2012 will be played at Eagle Ridge, on Saturday January 21st and Sunday January 22nd 2012.

On the Saturday there’s a 1pm shotgun start while the Sunday field will tee off at 8am.

Golf Clearance Outlet is on board as our major sponsor, and as always there will be great prizes on offer (most of which are randomly drawn), as well as a great gift pack ever for each player.

The 2012 event will also highlight an all new menu – a sensational sit down spit roast lunch or dinner (with all the trimmings) during the prize presentations.

There’s a maximum of 100 players for each session (over 45 players missed a spot in the field last year) – and as always it’s first in, best dressed.

Regards and see you there,

Garry Kennedy

When I mentioned to a mate that I was about to play a course I had never played before he quizzed me as to the name of the course. My reply was received with a blank expression – “Say what?”

Many golfers I have spoken to since have never heard of Eastern Sward Golf Club. This private track is situated in the local of the similarly unfamiliar suburb of Bangholme.

For the geographically challenged, the suburb is lodged roughly between Dandenong and Patterson Lakes. Just off the main thoroughfare of Thomson Rd. and soon to neighbour a part of the new Eastlink Freeway, Eastern Sward is a member’s only retreat – and a gated one at that (members get a swipe card to gain access via the remote entry gates).

Access for the public is limited to member’s guests, or AGU members can join in weekly competitions (Wed and Sat for men, Tues for ladies). Alternatively if you wanted to have a peek with the view to joining, arrangements can be made.

The club has a modest 350 members. Seven day membership is just under $700 and at the moment there is no joining fee. For those new to the sport or those not happy to fork out several thousand to get involved at club level, Eastern Sward may just be the ticket to golf membership.

There is nothing opulent or pretentious about Eastern Sward. The clubhouse is a modest dwelling but it has character and a homely feel. You sense the members are very proud of what they have – and they should be – and personal involvement from members is the key to this welcoming feel.

I joined a group of members for nine holes during the Wednesday competition. When we got back to the clubhouse, members mingled inside, spewing outside to tables that overlook the 9th (and 18th) green. Everyone was social and enjoying an ale. The larger was cold, the hot chips dished up in reused ice cream containers and the banter loud and merry – this was a good, friendly place!

The nine hole layout has four par 3’s and depending on which nine you play, two par 5’s and three par 4’s or one par 5 and four par 4’s. The alternative tees allow for a very long par four on the home stretch (nearly 400m), while two par 5’s – each around 450m are available on the front nine.

In most cases the second set of tees only alters the holes length by 20m, however the line of attack can change too, so offering a different experience over 18 holes and no doubt a welcome change for members rather than just going around 9 holes again.

Mike Clayton helped the club with a course redesign that was completed in December 2005. The $700K redesign was required because of the new Eastlink Freeway that took up some of the course land. Disruption was minimal and the Club appears to have benefited from the changes.

While not long, the nine hole course is tight and flat, characterised by a number of lakes that are in play on seven of the nine holes. 13 bunkers also punctuate the well groomed kikuya fairways, while the Pent grass greens provide a very good putting surface. Typically the greens are small, but they are quite tricky. I’m not sure what Clayton was doing the night before he built the fourth green, but if anyone has lost an elephant or two I think I know where they are buried!

Strategy is the key for negotiating the layout. On the second for instance, a driver for me could find water left or OOB on the right so I was correctly advised to play a long iron off the tee to fall foul of trouble. A driver would have to be hit long and just right to bully this par five into submission, and not many have that armory in their bag!

One of my favourite holes was the par three fifth. A water recycling and treatment plant flanks one side of the course, and on the fifth you hit towards the maze of pits and pipes to a well guarded green some 160m away. You must hit over water off the tee, there’s water on the right (including Snake Island where I’m told a resident Copperhead resides), while a bunker will grab cowards that hit out to the left. The green’s got a bit in it too!

The closing hole is a nice finish to each nine as well. For the big hitters in favourable conditions, the green can be reached from the tee, however it’s a narrow passage with water right and sand front and right for those not quite strong enough.

Conditions at Eastern Sward are very good. There’s contouring on the fully watered fairways (they have heaps of A grade recycled water available from the adjoining plant), the well cut Kikuyu fairways provide good cover and lies and the greens are well kept.

If you’re in the area, looking for a Club that’s not over the top in its fees or pompous attitude, then Eastern Sward may just be the place for you. We really enjoyed our visit.

Undulating, raw, sparsely treed seaside land is most sought after by modern golf architects. Such terrain gives a golf course designer the ability to use the natural earth in which to plot a course and give the illusion that it has been there for a millennium.

Lying just one hour south of Melbourne is the Mornington Peninsula, arguably one of the world’s great pieces of golfing real estate.

Over the past 15 years much of this hallowed golfing turf has been claimed by designers. It is a rare canvas indeed – dramatic rolling pastoral land with a sandy base. Dig a hole and you have a bunker.

There’s rugged and raw vegetation very much in the tradition of the famous Scottish and Irish Links. A seaside locale ensures stiff, prevailing winds, arguably needed to protect a links style course (depending on one’s ability).

The Mornington Peninsula has over a dozen courses dotting this thin wedge of land. It’s flanked by the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay on one side, Western Port Bay on another, while the wild waters of Bass Strait lash the coast beyond the heads.

The golf offering down this way is varied. There’s the exclusive National Golf Club with its three courses for members only, while virtually next door there’s the public RACV Cape Schanck resort. Near the very tip of the Peninsula is the private Portsea and Sorrento Golf Clubs – once exclusively a playground for the rich and famous – while not far away Rosebud Park and Eagle Ridge courses cater for social players.

There’s even the Moonah Links complex – the Open course used as the venue to test our best golfers during the Australian Open in 2003 and 2005.

Pound for pound though, one of the best courses is the fully public access Dunes Golf Links. Opened in 1997, this sensational piece of golfing terrain was redesigned by renowned architect Tony Cashmore.

From the moment you enter the complex you tingle with anticipation. You pass a number of holes and admire the fairways – only to learn that you were looking at the Cups course, an alternative nine holes at the Dunes (and a good one too!)

The clubhouse is a wonderful retreat for golfers. It’s a welcoming, grand abode that blends in beautifully with the surrounds.

Magnificent course views are availed from almost every part – from the pro shop to the classy restaurant. Whether it’s a cooling summer drink or a hot chocolate to warm the inners in front of a crackling fire, it’s a fitting clubhouse for the almost flawless, 6464m (black tees) Par 72 course.

Magnificent Santa Ana couch fairways cover the undulating links landscape. Superb, slick and true Cobra Bent grass greens provide the perfect putting surface. Many holes offer multiple tee positions making it user friendly for all standards of golfer.

The Dunes is one of those uncommon courses that make for a challenging round without beating you into submission. Fairways are generous but there’s always an A-line to tempt the accomplished golfer. Playing safe and smart golf from the blue tees (in calm conditions) and you can play to your par or better. Take the back marks and add a little weather and you have a test of golf for the very best.

The fairway definition is further enhanced by the long wispy grasses that line the rough. In summer the fairway is a rich green and the rough is highlighted with white, straw like grasses – the contrast is amazing.

The bunkers are another feature. Many look like a huge hand has gouged a sandy crater in one violent tear.

The tee box of the fourth hole gives one of the best views of the entire course – the elevated vantage gives you a great view and feel for the special land on which the course lies.

The Golf Course Guide, Australia’s golfing directory to public access courses, has rated the Dunes as the number one public access course in the country in past years and it is unrivalled in Vistoria, assuming the number one slot for the past five years.

The first hole typifies the challenge of the course. A right dog leg, the fairway is generous and easy to find from the tee. The best line to the green is to hug the right side of the fairway but in doing so you flirt with hidden bunkers. If you are successful you greatly reduce the distance of your second shot on this very long (416m) par 4. If you find a bunker you’ll drop a shot and par will be unattainable. Play too far left off the tee and you can’t make the green in regulation. The green is elevated with some wonderful and testing undulations, while three punishing bunkers will make you pay if you can’t find the putting surface.

That’s the Dunes in a nutshell – fair but testing, hidden surprises, more than meets the eye at every turn. Play conservatively and you’ll go ok, take it on successfully and you’ll be rewarded, but miss the mark and it will punish severely.

It is classic risk for reward golf – like all good courses should offer.

The mix of holes on the course demands the use of every club in the bag. The par fours range from the short 4th and 11th – at just over 300m from the black tees – to the very tough 1st, 16th and 18th that all measure over 400m.

During your test on the par fours you’ll pass an historic kiln on the second, you’ll admire a 300 year old Moonah tree smack bang in the middle of the ninth and you’ll curse the pot bunker in the middle of the 14th fairway if you’re unlucky enough to find it with your drive.

The par threes are highlighted by the 13th and 17th – both absolutely fantastic holes. Nick Faldo raved about the 13th saying it was one of the best he’d played – it’s about the toughest tee shot you’re likely to face!

Seventeen is a classical par three, real danger if you go left, a putting green that’s slightly elevated so distance is hard to gauge and many other nuances to tackle. Eight time Major winner Tom Watson summed it all up in six simple words, “This is an exquisite golf hole”.

But personally I love the par fives at the Dunes. Each one has something special and you just want to go back and try to conquer them again and again.

The fifth starts with a blind tee shot and you are guided by a white stone that indicates the direction to take. If you get one away you enter a vast valley and then you plot a route to the flag. Hole seven is a little more of the same – another stone shows the way. About 250m from the tee (on the right) is a wicked pot bunker that draws balls to it like a magnet. During a Tom Watson visit he drove to the spot where it now lays and said “this would be a great place for a bunker”. Thanks Tom, there’s one there now!

The twelfth is highlighted by a sandy wasteland on the right and is my personal favourite hole on the course, while the 15th is protected from the tee on the left side of the fairway by a six pack of raw, deeply cut bunkers waiting to punish you.

Quite simply the Dunes Golf Links is a great course – open for all to enjoy. In calm conditions there’s no better place to enjoy a round – when the wind is up there’s no greater place to challenge your game.

Ten years since opening, the course looks and feels like it has been there forever. The Dunes initial advertising slogan sums up the feel of the course perfectly – “God built it, we just mow the grass”.

If I had to choose only one course to play for the rest of my days, the Dunes would be up near the top of my list.

The township of Drouin is located 90km south-east of Melbourne via the Princes Highway and is situated within the Gourmet Deli Trail which consists of a network of farms, vineyards and outlets selling local produce and smallgoods. Quality accommodation is available within the district. The principal industries of the area include dairy, grazing and timber.

New real estate developments have accelerated the town’s residential growth in recent years. The present population of 7500 will grow steadily with the development of Warraview’s Crystal Waters residential estate, a sub-division of 148 blocks just out of town.

Settlement of this area in the early days was rather difficult due to the dense forest. However, by the early 1870’s land was being selected for dairy farming, saw mills were established and a co-operative butter factory (now closed) supplied milk to the Melbourne market. Community activities today include the annual “Ficifolia Festival”, football, horse racing (around the golf course), visiting the large number of parks and gardens, walking tracks and of course golf at the Drouin Golf and Country Club.

Like a number of other Victorian golf courses, Drouin members originally played on farm land (in at least three locations) before the club went into recess during the Second World War. Established in 1902, one of the founders of the club was the Hon. Michael Scott, a superb iron player, who had the distinction of winning the first Australian Open in 1904 and again in 1907, as well as winning the club championship at Royal Melbourne and Victoria Golf Clubs. His father, the Earl of Eidon, arrived in Drouin in 1904 to farm the land at Drouin West along with his wife and seven children, Michael being the youngest.

In 1955 the club re-formed and built a course at Matthew Bennett Park, which was already being used by the race club. A committee was formed and scrub cleared inside the race track, sand greens were laid and golf began again.

As the course grew, so did membership. The second stage saw twelve holes developed with grass greens and the Race Club building was used as a clubhouse until a new one was constructed.

In the late 1980’s, 180 acres of land adjoining the existing golf course became available. This land was finally purchased in 1990 with club funds, debentures and a bank loan. A further nine holes were constructed (partly designed by Ken Hartley) and opened in 2002, thus giving the club 27 holes.

In 2006 the club built its own 30 megalitre water storage facility and on March 1, 2010, work commenced on renovating the clubhouse. Weather permitting, the works should be completed by early 2011. Currently the club is operating in temporary facilities and further course improvements will be implemented throughout the year.

The newest nine holes, with their Santa Ana couch fairways, blend superbly with the old eighteen thereby providing three challenging layouts. You’ll find generous and well irrigated fairways, greens and tees and some strategic bunkering. Overall it’s an easy walk because of its slightly undulating design. Water comes into play on a number of holes, and the ability to draw or fade a shot is a distinct advantage on various doglegs.

As well as practice facilities and an on-site BBQ, resident professional Anthony Bambridge runs a well stocked Drummond pro shop and he’s always keen to look after all golfing needs.

The Matthew Bennett course has four par 3’s (143m to 164m), ten par 4’s (277m to 394m) and four par 5’s (477m to 493m). For those who aren’t fans of bunkers you’ll be happy to know the layout doesn’t have much sand – there’s only four on the front and ten on the back.

The first hole is a right dog leg par 5 of 477m and a relatively easy introduction to your round. The tree-lined fairway is generous; however care needs to be taken on your approach to the green.

The 2nd (par 3, 164m) is a quick wake up, with water on both sides of the green and a bunker on the right. There’s room to lay up for the less adventurous player, while the risk taker will be challenged to produce a very accurate tee shot.

Holes continue to vary in length, asking you to use all the clubs in your bag. Water again challenges on the 4th and the 6th (finding the middle of the cut stuff is essential on these holes).

The par five 7th, (466m) has the green tucked away near thick bush. An approach down the right hand side is advised, as is avoiding a bunker on the left side of the green.

The bunkerless 8th, a dogleg right, has a green that slopes from front to back.

All greens on the front nine require a good read – what may appear as a straight forward two putt can easily be converted into a 3-putt. In addition, the rough is to be avoided at all costs as recovery shots are difficult and can easily rack up unwanted stokes to your card.

The back nine commences with a 160m par 3 that runs parallel to the race course finishing with a small and hard to hit green. A par is a good way to begin.

The par 4’s on this side provide a good variety of challenges with accuracy always required to thread the tree lined fairways.

The 22nd is rated number one on the card – a tough hole of 394m with the target a raised and hard to reach green. Hole 24 has a further challenge with a fairway bunker in play on the right hand side of the fairway.

The final par 3 (hole 23) has a generous sized green with two bunkers to its left, whilst the 25th (par 5, 493m) again runs parallel with the race track. Trees on the left are to be avoided.

The finishing hole is a cracker with the race track on the left side of the fairway. Trees and long rough keep you honest all the way to the pin.

The third nine holes are known as the Centenary Course, holes 10-18. It begins with the signature hole, a 365m par 4 that doglegs right. There are bunkers on the left and a water hazard tucked away on the right hand side of the fairway – you’ll be hoping to find the centre of this very lush fairway.

The first par 5 (11th) is uphill all the way to the dance floor, with out of bounds on the right. The short par 3 14th looks a soda but can bite, particularly if your tee shot goes through the green.

Holes 15 and 16 have water on the right side of the fairway – the 15th is particularly picturesque whilst the 16th is a very long par 4 measuring a staggering 428m!

The longest par 3 on the course (17th at 190m) has water on the right but a clear passage to the green, unguarded by bunkers and the final hole should be approached from the right hand side of the fairway. A par or better would be a great way to complete your round.

Overall, the course is a very pleasant facility. The fairways are predominantly tree-lined; the greens (currently in excellent condition) can be tricky, particularly if you find yourself putting downhill.

If you stray too far from the fairways, you can expect that your next shot will be a difficult one. The course does have teeth, but it also provides ample opportunity for risk-taking resulting in good rewards.