Category Archives: Golf Course Reviews

Nirwana Bali Golf Club is located on the tropical island of Bali, Indonesia, near Canggu and a short taxi ride from downtown Seminyak.  The course opened in 1997 and was designed by  Greg Norman.  Situated on the coast, the course layout features five holes that are ocean-side, three cliff-to-cliff tee shots and eight holes sculpted into the terraced rice fields. The signature Par 3 7th hole overlooks the famous Tanah Lot temple, its definitely one of those take your breath away holes when you arrive on the tee.  Nirwana is ranked 84th in Golf Digests 2016 World’s Top 100 Golf Courses.

Nirwana Bali – Signature 7th hole

The Layout
The Norman layout winds from inland undulating holes through traditional terraced rice fields, out to the ocean then back through tropical forest. Highlights include taking on the ocean in three dramatic cliff top tee shots 7th, 13th, 14th, playing across working terraced rice fields 2nd, 3rd and the diverse and challenging diversity of holes on this undulating layout.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club – Layout

Favourite Holes
2nd Hole – Par 3 172 metres

After a strong opening par 4, the par 3 second hole is the first “wow” moment with a stunning view across a terraced rice field to a green perched on a ridge protected by a large Norman bunker on the left.

Nirwana Bali – 2nd hole

6th Hole – Par 5 458 metres

By no means a long par 5, however this dogleg left hole requires some thought of the tee to put the ball in play for the next shot.  A drive down the right will open up the hole, as you turn the corner you also catch the first glimpse of the ocean with waves crashing onto rocks behind the green.  The green is makeable in two, or a layup and short wedge may be the more strategic play to a well bunkered green

Nirwana Bali – 6th Hole

7th Hole – Par 3 196 metres

After winding up the path to the 7th tee, the first view of the signature hole is breathtaking. The Tanah Lot temple sits majestically on an island to the left, with the tee perched over the waves below, the hole is all carry to the green in the distance.  Its not a short hole either, so many will need a medium to long iron.  There will often be some additional spectators from the nearby resort to add to the pressure of this shot.  There is some bailout relief right, but you will need a clean strike to make the carry.  Love this hole.

View of the 7th hole at Nirwana Bali Golf Club

12th Hole – Par 4 348 metres

A great strategic par 4.  Hitting up to a dogleg right fairway you need to get as close to the distant fairway bunker as possible to benefit from a direct shot at the green.  Once up to the top of the fairway you again are greeted with a spectacular view of the ocean, and then the green downhill and over a ocean fed stream.  The approach shot is all carry!

Nirwana 12th fairway

The Word

If you are lucky enough to get to Bali for a holiday, be sure to visit Nirwana Bali Golf Club.  The layout is challenging yet enjoyable and the course is maintained in great condition.

• Hire clubs are excellent quality, and definitely worth considering to avoid lugging the clubs from home
• The local Balinese caddies are brilliant, riding on the back of the golf carts they know the course inside and out, and can provide advise on where to hit, where not to hit and what line your putt should take.  Of course, you need to then be able to play that shot!
• Tee off early to avoid the midday heat where possible

Course Details

• Par 72
• 6,223 metres – Shark Tees
• Website: nirwanabaligolf.com

South-east Australia already has a wealth of world-class golf courses, with five listed in the world’s top 100.  From the classic sandbelt courses Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and Victoria near Melbourne to the links inspired Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in North-East Tasmania.  Having just played Cape Wickham on King Island, one more course will be added to that list next year.

King Island is located midway between Melbourne and Tasmania in Bass Strait, and is home to about 1,600 permanent residents..  The islands primary industries are cheese and beef, however golf is about to become a significant tourism asset for this small island with the opening of Cape Wickham in November 2015, to be followed by Ocean Dunes over the next 12 months.

The layout

Image: capewickham.com.au/the-course/

Cape Wickham course architect Mike DeVries supported by Darius Oliver of Planet Golf has turned rolling absolute coastal frontage land into a spectacular golf course.  Thirteen holes are on the coast itself, with eight holes running along the coastline, and another five with tee or green on the shoreline.  The additional holes wind through the adjacent dunes.  Combine Turnberry with Pebble Beach and you are starting to get the idea of what this course is all about.   There are no bad holes, and every hole has views of the ocean.  You are captivated by this course from first view, your eyes look to Australia’s tallest lighthouse to the East of the clubhouse, then as you pan across the course you look out over Victoria Cove, with the brilliant 18th hole winding along its beach.  You then focus on the first hole and its daunting tee shot across a gully to an open fairway with ocean to your right.  Im not sure if there are many days on King Island that are not windy, the course may reveal its soft side on those days.   However for the majority of time, the course is designed to the prevailing wind, which provides more challenges and an oh, so tough but exciting finish.

Favourite Holes
(This is going to be tough as every hole on this course has its unique and memorable features)

First Hole – Par 4 340 Metres
Cape Wickham’s opening hole is already one of the classic opening golf holes in Australia.  The exposed tee with a short but daunting carry over a rugged gully to an open fairway ahead needs a cool head and an accurate drive to setup the approach, anything right is gone.  The hole dares you to get as close to the right edge as possible to improve the approach into the angled green which is protected by a couple of bunkers.  There are two distinct tiers on the green, be on the correct one!  An awesome start.

Third Hole – Par 3 170 metres
The first of the par 3’s is one of three absolute ocean coastline short holes, its also the longest.  The large angled green is 48 metres deep with generous bailout short left, but anything right will find bunkers, dense rough, or if you are way offline, the ocean.  A large ridge runs through the middle of the green, treat the 3rd with respect.

Ninth Hole – Par 5 488 metres
By the time you reach the 9th, you have settled into the Cape Wickham layout, for better or worse.  You have played three holes along the coast and then into the rolling dunes.  The 9th tee sits high on a dune with the fairway winding back down towards the ocean.  The ideal line off the tee is down the left, though if you are contemplating hitting the green in two, a drive to the right of the fairway present a better angle.  With a large gully cutting the fairway between 100 and 50 metres into the green, a big decision on the second shot is to attack the green or layup short. Whatever the decision, the shot into the green needs to avoid dunes on either side of the green and hit the narrow green, stopping before the bunkers gaurding the back.

Tenth Hole – Par 4 327 metres
The turn to the backnine is still a long way back to the clubhouse (you pass the clubhouse after the 13th).  The 10th hole is a fun short par 4, descending from an elevated tee down a sloping fairway to the green perched above the waves.  The views are sublime, a good drive will benefit from the steep fairway leaving a short approach into the green.  Spectacular to look at, fun to play.

Eleventh Hole – Par 3 136 metres
Another wait for photos, selfies and awe and wonder before teeing off.  The hole is short but deadly, the tee shot cuts across the ocean and coastline rocks to a green perched above the crashing waves to the left.  A small bunker protects the front left and anything long will quickly roll into the rough, a large dune punishes anything right.  As the prevailing wind picks up, the club selection will drop but not the difficulty.

Sixteenth Hole – Par 4 377 metres
At 377 metres its not the longest par 4 on the course, but it earns its stroke index of 1.  The 16th tee sits perched above the ocean, waves crashing nearby, it starts the unforgettable final three holes and will often play into the wind.  The carry across rocks and rough is only 100 metres but seems a lot more, again the design tempts the drive to hug the right edge of the fairway for a better approach into the green which is exposed to the wind.

Eighteenth Hole – Par 4 395 metres
Having spent the last couple of hours in awe of the layout that is Cape Wickham, you walk to the final tee for one last OMG moment.  Multiple tee boxes give alternate experiences, two tees close to the ocean present a seemingly impossible task of trying to carry the dune almost 200 metres in the distance, with only a sliver of fairway to be seen.  A higher tee box gives a more panoramic aspect.  The beach below beckons the wayward drive and is also fully in play.  Aim too far left to avoid the beach, and there is the risk of running out of fairway as it angles toward the green.  The approach shot needs to keep out of the high dunes to the left, and avoid being pushed towards the beach next to the green.  A brilliant finishing hole to finish a spectacular layout.

Honourable mentions to the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 12th, 14th and 17th.

Playing Tips

• Take a camera and camera phone, no matter where you are there will be an amazing shot to take.
• Take enough balls, the coastal rough, fescue and ocean itself will consume any errant shot
• Play links golf, no stopping the ball on a dime here, approaches need to be carefully thought through, pitch and run
• Careful when walking off fairway, there are many mutton bird nest which are dug into the sand, some are quite deep and its easy to trip or ruin a round by twisting an ankle
• And keep an eye out for snakes, we noticed a couple of copperhead snakes off fairway (and one on fairway) during our round
  Snakes

Getting There
King Island has a small airport, with regional airlines Rex and King Island Air operating daily services.  There is also the option to charter a flight from a number of private airlines.
Its approximately 40 minutes from Melbourne.  More details are on the golf course website

The Word
Cape Wickham has put the small island of King Island on the global golfing map. The course must already be one of Australia’s best layouts, and should comfortably sit in the world Top 100. This is one to add to your bucket list, play it now, then return when the Ocean Dunes course opens in another year which also looks to be spectacular.

Course details
Cape Wickham
– Par 72
– 6,150 metres
– Address: Cape Wickham, King Island, Tasmania

View from the first tee at Cape Wickham – Knee tremblingly awesome

King Island is a small island located in Bass Strait mid way between Victoria and Tasmania in Australia’s South East corner.   Home to about 2,000 residents, King Island is mainly known for its world class local produce including cheese and beef, and stunning coastal landscapes.  King Island will shortly add golf to its list of highlights thanks to the development of Cape Wickham Golf Course on the Northern tip of the island.  Cape Wickham is being developed by Duncan Andrews, who developed The Dunes on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula and Thirteenth Beach on the neighboring Bellarine Peninsula, both exceptional layouts.  At Cape Wickham, Duncan has teamed up with Architect Mike Devries, and golf architecture guru Darius Oliver.  The course is due to open in 2015 as it goes through its final stages of development and maturing of fairways and greens.

Cape Wickham 14th hole with Turnberry-esque Lighthouse

All of the images of the course layout and topography are stunning, the course hugs the rugged coastline so much that 13 holes are on or close to the ocean.  The layout opens with a par 4 that offers views out over the ocean and a tee shot that if sliced will be into Bass Strait.  The course then moves along the coast, taking the golfer inland through the Dunes for short interludes before returning to the Ocean. The final three holes are bound to become iconic, played back along the coast posing a daunting but spectacular finish to the round.  When the wind blows, which is probably pretty much always on King Island, this will be an amazing experience.

Its difficult to truly understand the course from the imagery, but it looks to combine the seaside undulations of Barnbougle and Mornington Peninsula, with the spectacular ocean aspects of Pebble Beach, and windswept beauty of Turnberry.  This course is going to quickly be added to golfers bucket lists worldwide, and will form a new detour for the trips to Barnbougle.

Cant wait to play Cape Wickham over the next couple of years, and look forward to reviewing the experience!  Until then, keep an eye on the website for updates: capewickham.com.au/

Tee shot to the par 3 17th at Cape Wickham – Wow!

The 18th Hole at Cape Wickham – What a finish!

Always enjoy finding out about new courses close to home!   Gardiners Run Golf Course is the new home of Chirnside Park Country Club.   Located about a driver and 3 wood from its old location, Gardiners Run is on the site of a former quarry.  Golf architect Phil Ryan has incorporated three lakes and a significant amount of bunkers to penalise the wayward shot, but generous fairways will reward the shotmaker.  The 384 metre par 4 finishing hole features a green well protected by water and will no doubt be the talking point in the 19th afterwards.

The Yarra Valley is now another Melbourne golfing mecca incorporating the Heritage, Yering Meadows, RACV Healesville, Gardiners Run and the new Greg Norman designed Eastern Golf Club next year.  Throw in some excellent wineries and local produce and you have the perfect weekend escape.

Gardiners Run opened to green fee players in early May 2014.  Look forward to playing the course and posting a review soon.

Green Fees

18 Holes: $59 weekends; $49 weekdays (Seniors/Juniors: $49/$39)
9 Holes: $39 weekends; $29 weekdays

Public Access
Course is open to green fee players

Address: 130 Victoria Road, Lilydale Victoria

Phone: 9739 7522

Twitter: @GardinersRun

Web: www.gardinersrun.com.au/

Ive said it before, Graham Marsh knows how to design golf courses.  My home course, the Growling Frog golf course in Melbourne is a Marsh design.  He combines playability with risk/reward, some wicked short par 4’s, and has a thing for lots of sand!   Played yet another Graham Marsh course recently, Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club, located in Luddenham,  West of Sydney.   Measuring 6,444 metres from the black tees, the course winds its way through bushland and a large resort style housing development.

The Layout

Graham Marsh’s touches are evident from the first tee.  Strategic bunker placement is evident on most tees, impacting club selection and choice of shot.  The course is in excellent condition, fairways are well grassed, the rough can be punishing with a lot of ball eating reeds and grasses, and local bushland.   Bunkers are ever present, from tee to green and water comes into play on numerous holes.  The greens are subtle and quick rewarding the putter that has their eye in, but punishing to one that is struggling with the blade.  There are often long distances from green to next tee given the winding layout through a housing estate, so carts are recommended.

Favourite Holes

1st hole

A good first hole can set the scene for a golf course.  The first at Twin Creeks is a mid length par 4, requiring an accurate drive to avoid the bunkers and leave a short approach, or a layup short of the bunkers leaving a longer and tougher approach.   A pin placement on the left side of the green will need approach shots the carry the huge bunker gaurding the slightly elevated green.  The water technically isnt in play but will still creep into the players thoughts on the tee!   An excellent opener to the course.

9th Hole

A long par 5 reminiscent of the 11th at the Growling Frog.  The tee shot tempts the player to open up the shoulders and get distance into the drive given the length of the hole.  The second shot is the one that will have you reaching for distance guides and GPS devices.  The green sits in the distance surrounded by a sea of sand, unreachable to all but the longest of hitters.  Options now need to be weighed up on where to layup.  The green is elevated and some pin positions will bring the greenside bunkers into play.  A par here is a good way to finish the front nine.

14th hole

Whenever a par 3 is ranked 6th on the scorecard it always pays to take notice!  The 14th is no exception.  At 179 metres from the back tees, the hole is uphill to a small green well protected by bunkering on either side.  Wind will play a factor in club selection, and this hole will play at least a club longer than it looks.

18th Hole

A classic finishing hole to close out the round.  A large gum tree partially block the perfect line for the drive on the left of the fairway.  No problems for those with a natural draw, but faders are going to have to think long and hard about shot selection.  The approach shot has to carry water short of the green, again well protected by a lot of sand.

The Word

Twin Creeks is a very enjoyable course, challenging off the backs for a low handicapper, yet fair for a high handicapper off the front tees.  Another great layout from the Graham Marsh stable of course designs.

Course details
Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club
– Par 72
– 6,444 metres (Black)
– Address: 2-8 Twin Creeks Drive, Luddenham NSW
– Proshop: (02) 9670 8888
– Website

Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club is a semi-private resort style course, located near Wallan, about an hours drive north of Melbourne.   Having played the course not long after it had opened a number of years ago,  returned to play Hidden Valley again recently.   Hidden Valley is set amongst a housing development through undulating hills, the course is a fairly long trek, with some long walks between holes so a cart is recommended.

The Layout

The first thing most golfers will tell you about Hidden Valley is the final hole.  The 18th features an island green and is an iconic finishing hole.   However this will not be the only forced water carry that the golfer will face, particularly on the back nine.  The front nine is definitely the easier of the two nines, with the opening holes providing the opportunity for some good scores early in the round.   From the sixth hole, water comes into play on a more regular basis.    The course features Santa Anna fairways and Bent grass greens.   The fairways are good without being great condition, and the greens are quick and true, but do provide some hold and ability to stop the ball.

Water carry on the tough 13th hole

Favourite Holes

6th Hole

After a relatively easy start, the sixth hole provides a tough drive avoiding water left and significant trouble on the right.  A relatively unprotected green still requires a strong second shot.

8th Hole

After a short par 4, the 8th hole is a solid long par 5.  The drive from the elevated tee needs to be left of centre to open up the fairway for the second shot.  Water on the right is definitely in play.  The risk/reward second shot could tempt the long hitter to attack the green but the fairway narrows on approach, and the green is protected by rough and a couple of bunkers.

13th Hole

Whilst the 18th gets most of the hype, the 13th is the impressive hole on the course.  A mid length par 4, the golfers subconscious is forced to work overtime as you stand on the tee with a daunting water carry to the fairway ahead.    A classic risk/reward shot, the further left of fairway the further from the water but significantly increases the approach to the green.   A strong fade from left to centre would be the ideal drive.  Once safely on the fairway, the second shot needs to carry the water again, and a large bunker gaurding the green.   The bunker is set slightly ahead of the green, so looks can be deceiving and be sure to take enough club.

18th Hole

Whilst its an island green, the final hole at Hidden Valley isnt in the same category as the 17th at TPC Sawgrass.   The Island is bigger than a postage stamp with a relatively generous landing area, and even a number of trees and bushes.   However it is still a water carry, and if the swing is a little tired or struggling coming down the final stretch, the final hole can still create havoc.   Pick the right club and swing easy!

The Word

Hidden Valley Golf & Country Club is definitely worth a trip, we played on a Sunday and had some of the course to ourselves with few holdups.   The course is enjoyable, and will challenge if the game isnt on song, there are some good scoring opportunities on the front and back nines.  The condition is good, we played in early spring and with rain leading into Summer the greens will speed up and the course should be very good.    Seek out and find Hidden Valley if you are after a relaxed, enjoyable round on a fun course, with a bit of water to keep it interesting

Course details
Hidden Valley Golf & Country Club
– Par 72
– 6,201 metres (white)
– Address: 189 Hidden Valley Boulevard, Wallan Victoria
– Proshop: (03) 9785 6072
– Website
– Bookings and Green Fees

And the winner is……. Royal Melbourne Golf Club West Course

Australian Golf Digest has just released their bi-annual ranking of Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses. This eagerly awaited list of the best courses in Australia see’s Royal Melbourne’s West Course ranked as the best layout in the country.  After a rough couple of years throughout the recent drought, the West course which makes up 12 holes of the composite course, has emerged even better and was showcased to the world during the Presidents Cup and again this week for the Australian Womens Open.

Royal Melbourne takes over the top spot from Kingston Heath, now 2nd on the list but by no means shadowed by its neighbour.  Ellerston is a controversial pick for 3rd, this private of private courses is only playable by the lucky few and some critics argue that as it is virtually impossible to play, it shouldnt be on the list.  I agree with AGD that the ranking is on all the Nations’ courses, regardless of access.

New South Wales (5) has dropped three spots, and is sandwiched between Barnbougle Dunes (4) and Barnbougle Lost Farm (6).  This comes as no surprise to anyone that has ventured to the Northeast coast of Tasmania, now one of the Worlds new golfing mecca’s.  Given Lost Farm is less than two years old, it will continue to mature like a fine wine and could even overtake its sister course in years to come.  After playing both courses twice, I still cant seperate them, but came up with a damn fine composite course!

Of other notables, its great to see Victoria Golf Club (9) jump up a spot, and Woodlands (19), both relatively underated in some golfing circles.  Hamilton Island joins the list at 39 and is high on my wishlist, it fills a gap in the Whitsundays left after the sad demise of Laguna Whitsundays which ranked in 2010, but even when we played in 2009 was in very poor condition.

The listing again proves that Melbourne is one of the World’s great golf destinations with 6 of the top 10 courses in easy reach of the CBD (plus Barnbougle is only a short flight away!).  And 36 of the top 100 courses are located in Victoria.

AGD have a dedicated panel of golfers, including professionals, journalists and course designers that combine to produce their Top 100.

Australian Golf Digest Top 100 Australian Golf Courses 2012

The full listing
Rank, course, designer, year, distance, par

1  Royal Melbourne (West) VIC – Alister Mackenzie (1931) 6,061 72
2  Kingston Heath VIC – Dan Soutar (1925)/Alister Mackenzie (1926) 6,436 72
3  Ellerston NSW – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2001) 6,677 72
4 Barnbougle Dunes TAS – Tom Doak & Michael Clayton (2004) 6,148 71
5  New South Wales NSW – Alister Mackenzie (1928)/Eric Apperly (1937 & 1951) 6,240 72
6 New Barnbougle Lost Farm TAS – Bill Coore (2010) 6,263 72
7  The National (Moonah) VIC – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000) 6,576 72
8  Royal Melbourne (East) VIC – Alex Russell (1932) 6,007 71
9  Victoria VIC – Oscar Damman, William Meader & Alister Mackenzie (1927) 6,278 72
10  Metropolitan VIC – J.B. MacKenzie (1906)/Dick Wilson (1959)/Michael Clayton (2005-) 6,500 72
11  Lake Karrinyup WA – Alex Russell (1928)/Michael Clayton (2008) 6,427 72
12  The National (Old) VIC – Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1988) 6,313 72
13  Royal Adelaide SA – H.L. Rymill & C.L. Gardiner (1904)/Alister Mackenzie (1926)/Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge & Ross Perrett (1997) 6,557 72
14  The Lakes NSW – Bruce Devlin & Robert von Hagge (1967)/Michael Clayton (2009) 6,290 72
15  Moonah Links (Legends) VIC – Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett (2004) 6,315 72
16  The Dunes VIC – Tony Cashmore (1997) 6,464 72
17  The Australian NSW – Jack Nicklaus (1976) 6,610 72
18  Joondalup (Quarry/Dune) WA – Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1985) 6,332 72
19  Woodlands VIC – J.D. Scott & R.J. Banks (1913) 6,097 72
20 Newcastle NSW – Fred Popplewell Snr (1915)/Eric Apperly (1937) 6,345 72
21  Royal Sydney NSW – Carnegie Clark (1913)/Ross Watson (2003) 6,344 72
22 Barwon Heads VIC – Victor East & Mick Morcom (1921) 5,856 70
23 Links Kennedy Bay WA – Michael Coate, Roger Mackay & Ian Baker-Finch (1998) 6,420 72
24 Thirteenth Beach (Beach) VIC – Tony Cashmore (2001) 6,391 72
25  Brookwater QLD – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2002) 6,505 72
26  Kooyonga SA – Herbert Lockett Rymill (1924) 6,214 72
27  Magenta Shores NSW – Ross Watson (2006) 6,305 72
28  St Andrews Beach VIC – Tom Doak & Michael Clayton (2006) 6,074 70
29  Royal Queensland QLD – Michael Clayton (2007) 6,414 72
30  Peninsula (North) VIC – Sloan Morpeth (1967)/Michael Clayton (2005) 6,158 72
31  Commonwealth VIC – Sam Bennett (1921)/Charles Lane (1926)/Sloan Morpeth (1938 & 1967)/Kevin Hartley (1994) 6,380 73
32 The Cut WA – James Wilcher (2005) 6,385 72
33 Moonah Links (Open) VIC – Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge & Ross Perrett (2001) 6,829 72
34 Yarra Yarra VIC – Alex Russell (1929)/Martin Hawtree (2011) 6,104 72
35 Links Hope Island QLD – Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge & Ross Perrett (1993) 6,417 72
36 The National (Ocean) VIC – Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge & Ross Perrett (2000) 6,552 72
37  Royal Canberra ACT – James Herd Scott (1945)/John Harris (1962) 6,395 72
38  Huntingdale VIC – Charles H. Alison (1941)/Jack Newton, Graeme Grant & John Spencer (1998-2006) 6,363 72
39 New Hamilton Island QLD – Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett (2009) 6,120 71
40  Glenelg SA – H.L. Rymill (1927)/Vern Morcom (1955)/Neil Crafter & Bob Tuohy (2004) 6,267 71
41  Peninsula (South) VIC – Sloan Morpeth (1967)/Michael Clayton (2007) 6,321 72
42 Elanora NSW – Dan Soutar (1929)/James Wilcher (2003) 6,264 72
43  The Grand QLD – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (1997) 6,209 72
44  Portsea VIC – Jock Young (1925)/Sloan Morpeth (1962)/Michael Clayton (2002) 5,971 72
45  Coolum (Hyatt Regency) QLD – Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1988 & 2009) 6,085 71
46 Terrey Hills NSW – Graham Marsh & Ross Watson (1994) 6,501 72
47  Grange (West) SA – Vern Morcom (1956)/Michael Clayton (2007) 6,241 72
48  Bonville NSW – Terry Watson & Ted Stirling (1992) 6,206 72
49  Glades QLD – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000) 6,431 72
50  The Vintage NSW – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2003) 6,310 71
51  Concord NSW – Dan Soutar (1916)/Ross Watson (1998)/Mark Parker (2010) 6,146 71
52 The Western Australian WA – Alex Russell (1928)/Graham Marsh (2001) 5,800 70
53  Pelican Waters QLD – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000) 6,359 72
54  Capricorn (Championship) QLD – Karl Litten (1992) 6,542 72
55  Spring Valley VIC – Vern Morcom (1948)/Michael Clayton (1996-) 6,161 71
56 Pacific Harbour QLD – Ross Watson (2006) 6,402 72
57  The Heritage (St John) VIC – Jack Nicklaus (2000) 6,667 72
58  Sanctuary Cove (Pines) QLD – Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay (1989) 6,681 72
59  Avondale NSW – Eric Apperly (1927)/Ross Watson (2008) 6,059 71
60  Pacific Dunes NSW – James Wilcher (2005) 6,411 72
61  St Michael’s NSW – Michael Moran & C.W. Cole (1938) 6,282 72
62  Port Fairy VIC – club members (1963)/Kevin Hartley (1990)/Michael Clayton (2007) 5,887 72
63  Twin Creeks NSW – Graham Marsh (2006) 6,444 72
64  Links Lady Bay SA – Jack Newton, Graeme Grant & John Spencer (2000) 6,400 72
65  Meadow Springs WA – Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1993) 6,129 72
66  Paradise Palms QLD – Graham Marsh & Ross Watson (1990) 6,464 72
67  Mount Lawley WA – David Anderson & James Tinlin (1930)/Michael Coate (2004-) 6,213 72
68  Settlers Run VIC – Greg Norman, Bob Harrison & Harley Kruse (2007) 6,607 72
69  The Vines (Lakes) WA – Graham Marsh & Ross Watson (1989) 6,494 72
70  Cottesloe WA – David Anderson (1931)/Graham Marsh (1998-) 6,065 72
71  The Heritage (Henley) VIC – Tony Cashmore (2006) 6,353 72
72  Amstel (Ranfurlie) VIC – Michael Clayton (2002) 6,279 72
73 New Kalgoorlie WA – Graham Marsh (2010) 5,933 72
74  Sanctuary Lakes VIC – Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000) 6,489 72
75  Narooma NSW – John Spencer (1980) 5,941 72
76  Lakelands QLD – Jack Nicklaus (1997) 6,489 72
77 New Sanctuary Cove (Palms) QLD – Ross Watson (2011) 5,904 72
78  Secret Harbour WA – Graham Marsh (1999) 6,423 72
79  Tasmania TAS – Al Howard (1972) 6,200 72
80  Riversdale VIC – Alex Russell (1930) 6,057 72
81  Long Island VIC – Gordon Oliver (1938) 6,205 72
82  Castle Hill NSW – Eric Apperly (1951)/Jack Newton, Graeme Grant & John Spencer (1992) 6,187 72
83  Eynesbury VIC – Graham Marsh (2008) 6,577 72
84  Kooindah Waters NSW – Ross Watson (2006) 6,083 72
85  Sorrento VIC – J.D. Scott (1929) 5,694 70
86  Murray Downs NSW – Ted Parslow (1990) 6,197 72
87 New The Sands, Torquay VIC – Brit Stenson & Stuart Appleby (2004) 6,118 72
88  Alice Springs NT – Peter Thomson & Michael Wolveridge (1985) 6,196 72
89 New Sandhurst (Champions) VIC – Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett (2007) 6,240 72
90  Horsham VIC – Sam Berriman (1949) 5,919 71
91 New Sea Temple QLD – Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge & Ross Perrett (2000) 6,125 71
92 New Robina Woods QLD – Graham Marsh & Ross Watson (1989) 6,078 71
93  Araluen WA – Michael Coate & Roger Mackay (1994) 6,380 72
94 New Monash NSW – James Herd Scott (1950) 6,090 72
95 New Thirteenth Beach (Creek) VIC – Tony Cashmore & Nick Faldo (2004) 6,401 72
96 New Federal ACT – Prosper Ellis (1946) 6,240 72
97  Tallwoods NSW – Michael Hurdzan (1999) 6,100 71
98  Arundel Hills QLD – Fred Bolton (1992) 6,372 72
99  Macquarie Links NSW – Robin Nelson (2002) 6,278 72
100 Royal Hobart TAS – Vern Morcom (1956) 6,133 72

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

Overview

Yarra Bend Golf Course is a short, yet chellenging public access course within 15 minutes of Melbourne’s central business district.  Located on the Yarra River, the course offers excellent playing conditions year round on an undulating layout surrounded by gum trees.   Over the last year Yarra Bend has gone through a significant transformation with the addition of a 60 bay driving range and golf academy, resulting in a re-routing of the course.

For those that know the course, the two nines have swapped.  The backnine is now played first, starting on the old 10th hole, a relatively simple par 4 and routing through the same layout finishing on the old par 5 18th, now the 9th.

The backnine has changed more dramatically, with the old 1st hole now part of the driving range, a new 120m par 3 starts the back nine.  As below, the rest of the holes have re-routed to accomodate the changes.

New Yarra Bend Golf Course Layout

The Layout
The Par 70 Yarra Bend layout isnt long, measuring 5,409 metres but what it misses out in length it makes up for in the need for accuracy. Whilst the river doesnt come into play at all, large gum trees line all of the fairways with a number of drives needing pinpoint accuracy. The clatter of golf balls into trees is a common sound on the course. The layout is fairly undulating with holes heading downhill to the river, then uphill towards the clubhouse. A number of bunkers dot the course, though they have inconsistent lies and are often unraked, but then they are a hazard!

Condition
Given the amount of traffic that this public course gets, Yarra Bend is always in very good condition. As at January 2012, the course is in excellent condition.  Following considerable rain and warm weather, the course is greener than kermits stomach.  The fairways are well grassed and great to hit off, off fairway is penalised by improvising shots through trees. The greens themselves are firm and fairly fast.

Favourite Holes

13th Hole – Over the hill

Previously the 2nd hole, the thriteenth hole is a dogleg left with a partially blind drive over the hill to a downhill green. The drive needs to be just right of the trees gaurding the left corner of the dogleg. The second shot to the downhill green is tougher than it looks. Anything left is gone. Par here is worth it.

16th Hole – Augusta Down Under

Yarra Bend has three short holes that all point roughly Southwest, following the Yarra river. The 16th is my favourite of the three, 148 metres to an elevated green, anything short will run back down the hill. Almost an Augusta feel to this hole (replace pines with gums!)

17th Hole – Pinpoint accuracy!

The 17th is a short 333 metre par 4 requiring an accurate drive (suggest dropping the driver to a 3 wood or an iron), the fairway is very narrow almost claustrophobic with the second shot needing an equally accurate shot to the green. Rated 8 for good reason

What used to be the 17th, the 8th hole at Yarra Bend has ruined many a good round. The 159 metre par 3 sits on the side of a hill with a steep drop to the right of the green. Anything right will kick down the hill and most likely finish under a large tree! Long or left of the green can take advantage of a friendly kick off down to the green.

The Word
Yarra Bend is in a brilliant location for 9 holes before or after work, of for the visitor to Melbourne who doesnt have time to travel to golf courses further afield.   The summer twilight green fee deal is a good bargain, nothing better than 18 holes at ‘the bend’ on a balmy summers evening. Yarra Bend will never make the list of Top 100 courses in the country, but its a great public course and well worth the visit. Best value golf in Melbourne.  Be sure to book well in advance, and the course can get very busy on weekends.

The new driving range is a welcome addition to the Yarra Bend golf course, over 60 bays with instruction available.

Course details
Yarra Bend Golf Course
– Par 70
– 5,538 metres
– Address: Yarra Bend Road, Melbourne
– Proshop: (03) 9481 3729
– Bookings and Green Fees