Course Review – Paradise Palms Golf Course
January 2nd, 2007 by Doogs
Paradise Palms Golf Course is located about 20mins drive North of Cairns in Far North Queensland. The Graham Marsh designed layout ranked 67th in the 2006 Australian Golf Digest top 100 Australian courses (PDF Link). Set amongst thick rainforest and tropical flora with a scenic mountain backdrop the course is a delight to the eye. The delight is tempered somewhat once on the course as the tough test of golf starts from the very first hole. Many holes are tight with thick rainforest on both sides of the hole, and bunkers to narrow the gap even further. Add a number of lakes and winding creeks and you have a very tough course.
1st Hole – Tough start
There is no easing into the round at Paradise Palms, with the first hole playing a genuine 3 shot par 5, played with thick rough on either side of the fairway, a creek crossing the hole midway and some bunkers thrown in!
6th Hole – Tunnel vision
Standing on the tee the options are clear, a long drive to the centre of the fairway is crucial, If the driver has been misfiring to this point be very concerned. The approach is uphill and needs to avoid the large bunkers short of the green. Par this one and you will be doing the happy dance.
10th Hole – Watery grave The back nine starts with less thick rainforest rough, but the 10th is flanked by a lake running along most of the right side. Tee shot needs to avoid water right and bunkers left, then a semi blind second needs to stay left to avoid the water again, and with the green hugging the lake, water is in play again!
14th Hole – Risk and reward The choices are clear from the tee from the 14th tee, a mid iron from the tee will leave an approach of 130 – 140 metres to the green, or take on the creek with the driver to a narrow fairway leaving a wedge in to the green. I love a good thinking hole, especially a short par 4.
Paradise Palms is one of my favourite courses in Australia. Have played the course a number of times, and have often struggled but alway enjoyed the layout. The undulating greens are true and quick without being scary. The course can get to you if you let it (Ive let it get to me!), and often driver is not the best club off the tee. Often played in humid conditions, so the carts (which are included in the green fees) are very much recommended!
I’m a big wrap for Graham Marsh designed courses, being a member and regular player at Growling Frog Golf Course. Also highly rate Robina Woods, Palm Meadows and Horizons.
