Golf Course Review – Melaleuca Links Par 3 Course
January 17th, 2012 by Doogs
Overview
Most golfers will tend to avoid a par 3 nine hole course, claiming it as glorified mini golf without the windmills. Having recently played the Melaleuca Links par 3 course, just out of Inverloch in South Gippsland, this stereotype is well and truly broken. Would even use the words “hidden gem” as this course offers nothing from the highway outside and is truly surprising and fun to play.
Layout
This glorious short course was built on a former market garden and has been lovingly designed and developed. The layout winds through an impressive forest of handplanted Melaleuca trees, and a series of challenging water hazards. Holes range from 110m to 70m, the layout provides a solid test for the short game with small greens, and hazards in play at all times. The entire course would fit within a 200m x 200m area.
Condition
Simply amazing for a little known and hidden par 3 course. The course is a labour of love for an ex greenkeeper. The santa-ana fairways would be the envy of many private clubs throughout Australia, tees are well grassed, and the small bent grass greens are receptive but considerably quick.
Favourite Holes
Playing with my 10 year old son, the holes present a family friendly environment, with two tees providing a less than daunting golfing experience to the younger golfer. The look on Sam’s face as he landed his tee shot on the green on the 3rd hole and saw mine overcooked into the water at the back was priceless (Note: the distances on the tee are rough estimates, go with the head not the tee marker!)
The tee shot on the 4th hole (pic above) presents a full water carry of approx 100m to a small green, tough for any golfer! Other enjoyable holes included the 3rd, the tiny 5th and 7th, and the links style 9th.
The Word
Im not aware of many other layouts the could claim the title of best par 3 layout in Australia, but Melaleuca Links must be up there as one of the top courses. If ever in the Inverloch area in Victoria’s wonderful South Gippsland, stop by to play 9 holes, you wont regret it. The course is a very good test for any golfers short game, and an excellent venue for a first game. Oh, and its a bargain too. Adults $10, Children under 12 $6.
Course Details
Melaleuca Links 9 hole Par 3 Course Bass Highway, 3kms West of Inverloch
ph: 56743722
E: mellinks@internode.on.net
That is fantastic. I’d love to get out on par-3 courses more often.