On Par – All about golf in Australia

Last year I blogged about Tony Cashmore’s golf course designs which include the Dunes, 13th Beach and Heritage Henley courses.  Having recently played the stunning Eynesbury golf course, I have to add Graham Marsh to my favourite course designers.

Graham Marsh has designed courses throughout Australia, North America and Asia.  He makes the most of the surrounding terrain and landscape and keeps the natural feel of the landscape.  Whether its the dense rainforest of Far North Queensland, ancient Gum trees or an original sheep station, this is integrated into the course.  The Marsh courses I have played are:

• Growling Frog – My home course, I love the Frog. North East of Melbourne, the open layout winds through undulating terrain well protected by bunkers, small water hazards and creeks and ancient River Gums.  The course is tough but fair, I’ve played many rounds on this course, and it tests the game every outing.  The clubhouse and restaurant is also excellent.
• Eynesbury – West of Melbourne near Melbourne, Eynesbury has quickly joined my list of favourite Melbourne courses.  Built on an 1870s sheep station the layout is challenging and in excellent condition for a course still in its infancy.
• Paradise Palms – North of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Paradise Palms offers a tough tropical test of golf.  Seemingly hacked out of the rainforest (though in reality it used to be a cane farm), Paradise Palms requires accuracy on many holes to avoid thick inpenetrable rough, lakes, bunkers and creeks.  Always try to play this course when in Cairns.
• Palm Meadows – Hosted the final round of a King Challenge. Located on Queenslands Gold Coast, this resort course layout is tough, especially when playing the 18th in a torrential downpour.
• Robina Woods – Another Gold Coast course, Robina Woods winds through gum trees in the foothills of the Gold Coast.  Another good test, King Challenge venue, and location of Kel’s infamous swing meltdown
• North Lakes – A tough test of golf in the suburbs of Brisbane.  A manicured course, plenty of water and some strong par 4’s. Had a shocker of a round here!
• Horizons – Really enjoyable layout on the NSW central coast.  Scene to a partial drowning as we played through  torrential rain.  The course runs through wetlands and requires accurate play throughout.
• Secret Harbour – A residential resort course south of Perth in W.A.  Played nine holes with Sam, liked the layout

If I had a spare few million I would buy some land down on the Mornington Peninsula and get Graham to build a course down there, not that there is a shortage of courses on the Peninsula, but a Marsh design would improve the choices! http://www.gmgd.com.au/home.htm