On Par - All about golf in Australia

Recently played Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club on the first round of the King Challenge in late February. Located near The Entrance on a narrow peninsula between Tuggerah Lakes and the Pacific Ocean, Magenta Shores is a new Ross Watson designed links style layout. Both Golf Australia and Golf Digest agree that this is a top course, ranking 18th and 24th respectively in their recent top Australian course rankings.

We were greeted by dark clouds and a strong southerly, though I doubt there are many days here without wind, its literally right on the coast, hugging the dunes. The course plays long and tough, aggressive bunkering, long narrow fairways, unforgiving coastal rough and of course, the ever present wind, combine to really mess with a players mental state.

2nd Hole – Par 5 523 Metres
There is no easing into the round at Magenta Shores, with the first two holes into the teeth of the prevailing wind. After a strong par 4, the 2nd tee sits on the edge of a dune and requires a strong drive into the wind. Bunkers are ever present along the fairway, and any shot into the rough is generally a lost cause. Approach to the green needs to avoid the bunkers on the right, putts will most likely have to allow for the wind! Welcome to Magenta Shores, hold on to your hats the ride has started!

4th Hole – Par 3 186 Metres
After a brief respite, the par 3 4th hole points back into the wind. From the back tees, this could require a driver to the green. Even playing from the white tees, a hybrid was required for distance. Dont miss left or right, a large dune protects the left hand side

13th Hole – Par 4 326 Metres
By the 13th, many a golfers game may be shattered, if you have played anywhere near handicap you are on a brilliant round. The 13th is a great short par 4 (yes, I do love a good short par 4), played over a ridge through a narrow gap between bunkers. The approach must be up to avoid the mass of sand in front of the green.

18th Hole – Par 5 550 Metres
At last the end is within site, though over half a kilometre away! The course has one more chance to hit the golfer whilst they are down. A long par 5 into the wind. The narrow winding fairway needs thought on placement for each shot, especially as the wind will effect distance and accuracy. A drink in the 19th hole is well earned after holing out here!

So, Magenta Shores is not a course for the high handicapper. Its tight, its tough, and it bears teeth when the wind blows. Ross Watson has not pulled punches in the design. Given that the course is still quite new, the fairways are still getting bedded down and the greens are not lightning, but this will change as the grass is established. Defnitely add Magenta Shores to the itinerary on a trip to the Central Coast. It is semi-private, so you will need to stay in the resort to play.