On Par – All about golf in Australia

First round of 2009 was played on the weekend at Laguna Quays, a resort course in Far North Queensland near Proserpine.  Laguna Quays is a David Graham design and was hyped by media and industry when first opened, including someone calling it “the most significant course built since Royal Melbourne” – now thats a BIG call.  Laguna Quays is always rated highly in golf rankings:

• Golf Digest 2008 – Laguna Quays was ranked 21st in Top 100 Australian Courses (up from 25th)
• Ausgolf-Golf Course Guide – Laguna Quays ranked 13th in top 100 public access courses (down from 7th)

With solid credentials, Steve and I had to play it, so we dragged Brother in law Rob and embarked on the 3 hour drive from Townsville for the short Mancation.   As we drove into the resort, the first glimpse of fairway was a shock, more in keeping with a poorly kept public course, maybe this fairway was being resewn, we continued on.  The resort itself also seemed tired and strangely empty, though the apartment we had booked for the night was fine.

Picturesque and superb layout, pity about conditon

Unfortunately, the first fairway and subsequent fairways were no better.  Preferred lies were essential, as there were very few good lies to be had.  Most fairways were a mix of bare dirt, weeds, couch grass and some of the remaining original turf in small patches.  The greens were not much better, most were grassed, but weeds and other grasses were starting to come through and most had not been mowed low presenting some of the slowest greens i have putted on for some time.  Bunker edging, rough and general conditioning and course surrounds were all tired, messy and a distinct lack of love. A couple of fairways – if you can call them that The course layout is obviously excellent, there are some fantastic golf holes, though it was very disappointing and sad to see such a great course completely run down, tired and left to fade away.  Ideally the course needs to be closed for long enough to re-sew and re-condition.  This needs money of which, in these current times, is not going to be easy.  Two additional courses were planned here, including the Karrie Webb designed Jagabara layout.  Some clearing had been done for this course, but it doesnt look as though anything has happened for a few years, and unlikely to go ahead. Unfortunately there is nothing on the Laguna Quays website to advise of the condition of the course, nor is there any reduced green fees, so golfer beware!   The course is still a tough test, and scenic, but without some dollars and care, it will very quickly slip out of the top rankings, and that would be a shame.