Inside Golf Travel, February 2014

ISSUE 04 // FEB 2014

www.insidegolf.com.au

Sapphire Coast THE NSW

HOI AN: FUN, FOOD AND FASHION

BALI: THE ISLAND OF GOLF

MURRAY MAGIC: A GOLFING HAVEN TO BE EXPLORED Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

Pacific Heights Apartments & Historic Munns Tower House

Mike McGuire & Yumi Yoshida 1-7 Oceanview Ave, Merimbula NSW P: M: E: W:

02 6495 2366 0437 801 270 info@pacificheights.com.au www.pacificheights.com.au

Great Golf Packages

Spectacular Sapphire Coast Merimbula

t "MM HPMG DPVSTFT XJUIJO NJOVUF ESJWF t )FBUFE ZFBS SPVOE QPPM t 'SFF ##2 BSFB t N XBML UP SFTUBVSBOUT t '4$ "QBSUNFOUT .VOO 5PXFS )PVTF t 4FOTBUJPOBM WJFXT PG 7JMMBHF -BLF 0DFBO

4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

5 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

3 Rounds ds of golf + Carts + Breakfast each day

4 Rounds s of golf + Carts + Breakfast each day

FROM

$455

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

FROM

$525

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Conditions apply t 1".#6-" .&3*.#6-" ($ t &%&/ ("3%&/4 ($t #&(" $06/53: $-6# t 563" #&"$) $06/53: $-6# $-6# t 563" #&"

December 2013 | INSIDE TRAVEL

1

Bali: the island

www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner M: 0407 000 440 E: richard@insidegolf.com.au

of golf

Senior Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au

Words: Paul Myers

Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey401980@gmail.com National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au NSW Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 E: scott@insidegolf.com.au Qld Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: dg.ross@live.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Sales: Lisa Coleman M: 0406 031 344 E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au National Agency Sales (non Golf): Marc Wilson M: 0419 107 143 E: marc@gypsymedia.com.au COVER PHOTO: Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

Nirwana Bali Golf Club

B

ali, known universally as the Island of the Gods, is launching a new pitch for golf tourists with Australia the main target. Recognised and revered for its sumptuous resorts, spas, food, culture, ambience and happy, welcoming people, Bali’s golf credentials have flown under the radar – until now.

The re-opening of Bali National Golf and Country Club, formerly known as Bali Golf and Country Club, at Nusa Dua, after an 18-month-long makeover is providing impetus for Bali’s bid to become the Island

Moss Vale Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise Summer Special

$220 per night for 2 people includes daily: 4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes* *Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only. Valid 1st December 2013 - 28th February 2014.

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf Ph: (02) 4868 1800 | www.dormiehouse.com.au

of Golf as well as Island of the Gods. So too is a new international airport terminal and formation of a co-operative marketing group comprising the island’s three best courses and an on-course hotel that wants the world to know golf in Bali is as good as anywhere in Asia.

This is no idle claim or quest. Any golf destination boasting at least three excellent courses within easy reach of its major tourism hotspots, a 20 years-plus history of golf and courses consistently named among Asia’s best is not to be sneezed at.

Bali welcomed an estimated one million foreign visitors in 2013 – half of them from Australia. China, Japan and Malaysia are the other leading markets. But despite an upswing in tourism over the past three years, only five percent of total arrivals currently play golf, a number that offers considerable growth potential.

Another factor in Bali’s favour is its easy access from major overseas tourism markets and a counter-cyclical season to major golf destinations, especially Thailand and Malaysia.

2 Day Golf School at Moss Vale Golf Club Receive expert tuition from club professional Robert Kennedy in all facets of the game, while staying on course at the beautiful Dormie House.

Package Includes: s 3 Nights accommodation s Morning tea & Lunch on s 3 Buffet Breakfasts two days s 3 Dinners s Professional Tuition Dates: 5th, 6th & 7th February 2014 and 14th, 15th & 16th May 2014

Cost: $599 p/p twin share, $699 single

Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

3

New Kuta Golf Club

By far the best known of Bali’s courses is Nirwana Bali Golf Club at Tanah Lot, about 45 minutes drive west of Seminyak. This wonderful Greg Norman design opened 20 years ago and has long been regarded among Asia’s best layouts.

Its three clifftop holes, playing parallel to the crashing sights and sounds of the Indian Ocean, make Nirwana one of the world’s most photographed layouts.

“Every golf course designer dreams of the perfect landscape to fashion into a beautiful and challenging golf course,” Greg Norman said when he was engaged for the course design project. “There is no doubt the physical characteristics of the

Nirwana Bali golf course site are conducive to doing just that. “ When I first saw the site, I was immediately taken by the dramatic location, the fascinating local culture and the rolling hills covered with rice paddies. I was determined to keep all these features while building a golf course that would challenge the world’s best.”

Norman kept to his word and created a course incorporating rice terraces on the opening hole, a tee shot across the surf on the par-3 seventh and two other holes playing along the clifftop. The seventh is as dramatic as it is enthralling, with the famous Sunset Island Tanah Lot Buddhist

temple sitting on a rugged rocky outcrop, slightly separated from the mainland, just to the left of your tee shot.

It’s a fair bet no other hole in Asia has been as photographed so frequently, nor plays as deceptively in dealing with a constant onshore crosswind and awkward judgement of distance.

The 6195 metres, par 72 layout has other dramatic downhill holes to the ocean, inland holes playing across gullies, sloping fairways and challenging greens.

Since it opened, numerous magazines have voted Nirwana as Indonesia’s and Asia’s best course.

The on-site 278-room Pan Pacific Nirwana

Bali Resort, formerly operating as a Le Meridien brand, includes 12 one and twobedroom villas as well as hotel rooms. It offers golf stay-and-play packages, which provide a welcome opportunity to escape Bali’s notorious traffic on the island’s narrow roads.

For more information, visit www. nirwanabali.com Re-opened late last year after a complete makeover of the course, Bali National Golf and Country Club, formerly known as Bali Golf and Country Club, is considerably raising the bar in terms of Bali’s golf stature.

Also with a 20-year history, the course is located at Nusa Dua, a popular highend tourism destination east of the island’s famous Kuta-Seminyak-Legian tourist strip.

The original Robin Nelson/Rodney Wright design has been kept largely in place, with new fairways and greens and considerable extra bunkering, some running the entire length of holes.

A Shangri-la hotel is to be built on site within the next two or three years, complementing an already-large selection of five-star properties next to and close by the course.

Under its original guise, Bali Golf and Country Club hosted the 1994 Asian Dunhill Masters and was named by Fortune magazine as one of Asia’s five best golf courses. Now, following the remake and renaming, the course has stepped up another couple of notches, with revamped finishing holes bringing players to a sumptuous new clubhouse overlooking the 18th green.

Indeed, the long par-5 16th hole with extensive bunkering down the right side, the tough par-3 17th with a TPC Sawgrassinspired island green, and the beautiful 18th with an approach shot over water, may well be the best three final holes in Asia.

The front and back nines at the course are quite different. The front nine is a par-35

Luxury golf villa for couples, families and golf groups t Less expensive-more amenities than a hotel! t Villa rental for 2 - 10 persons t Oceanfront on Greg Norman designed Nirwana Bali Golf t Spectacular 270 degree ocean, golf and sunset views

t t t t

Includes Chef, laundry service and Wifi Golf discounts In-villa spa treatments Access to on-site resort facilities including fitness centre, tennis and kids club

Bali, Indonesia | www.villaamanigolf.com | e: villaamanigolf@gmail.com 4

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

Bali National Golf and Country Club

that plays on undulating land away from the ocean. The back nine is on relatively flat land closer to the water, but with a par-37 configuration is perhaps more challenging.

New Kuta Golf Club at Pecatu on the Bukit Peninsula is Bali’s newest course. Like Nirwana, the Ronald Fream-designed linksstyle par-72 layout features scenic oceanfront and challenging inland holes.

It is set within the rapidly developing Pecatu Indah Resort area above a soaring limestone cliff overlooking stunning Dreamland and Balangan beaches and is less than 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai Airport.

Rice fields at Nirwana Bali Golf Club

Playing a whopping 6832 metres from the back tees (6378 metres from the gold tees and 6000 metres from the blues), the front nine is in a natural tropical lowland setting with creeks, long grasses, scrub and creepers. The back nine is on the more spectacular ocean side of the course, with three holes – 14, 15 and 16 –providing excellent ocean views.

Seashore paspalum fairways and greens are always presented in excellent condition.

New Kuta’s par-3 15th signature hole near the ocean is known as the Cliffhanger.

Playing just 84 metres from the ladies tee to 140 metres from the championship tee, it

invariably draws a crowd of players waiting at the refreshment stop near the tee who enjoy sea breezes and sweeping views along the coast. Despite its lack of length par is no certainty.

This is a highly enjoyable course with a large, friendly clubhouse that is ideal for relaxing after the game. www.newkutagolf.com The Golf Academy Bali has an on-site teaching facility at which fully qualified British PGA pro, Rory Young, provides tuition to visitors. The facility includes a 42-bay floodlit

driving range, large putting and chipping green and practice bunker. www.golfacademybali.com Three days/two nights and four days/three nights stay-and-play packages are available with the New Kuta Condotel, located just five minutes from the course.

The hotel is a Lexington Legacy property with more than 300 rooms, restaurants and nightclub and is a convenient location for visitors to New Kuta Golf Club and the Bukit peninsula. www.newkutacondotelbali.com •

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

5

Southern

Charm

The Princes Highway stretching from Wollongong to the Sapphire Coast is arguably one of the best golf trails in the country. Dotted between Wollongong and the New South Wales/ Victorian border are a diverse array of golf courses. From seaside links to stunning parkland designs, this part of Australia is becoming increasingly popular with golfers from Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. When you find some time off the course, be sure to take in the region’s many attractions. Great beaches and wineries make it an ideal destination for families and groups of golf mates. So check out the courses on offer in the following pages to plan your next golf getaway to this stunning part of Australia.

Narooma Golf Club

Narooma Golf Club FOR golfers, no visit to the south coast of NSW is complete without playing a round of Narooma’s famous golf course. With its unique and stunning coastal setting, the course is both a challenge for serious golfers and a pleasure to play for the not so serious.

The 3rd Hole at Narooma has been officially

recognized as one of the country’s best, while the modern clubhouse has something for everyone. Perched atop cliffs jutting over the Pacific Ocean the clubhouse features some of the most spectacular views in Australia, with the South Coast’s rugged coastline visible to the north, Montague Island to the east and Glasshouse Rocks to the south.

PLAY & STAY PACKAGE OFFER WE CAN TAILOR ANY PACKAGE TO MEET YOUR OWN NEEDS. SIMPLY LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED AND WE WILL DO THE REST.

From $120 per person

*Terms & conditions apply

t OJHIU BDDPNNPEBUJPO UXJO TIBSF t SPVOET PG HPMG QFS QFSTPO t .PUPSJTFE HPMG DBSU GPS FBDI SPVOE t $MVC 8FMDPNF 1BDL *ODMVEJOH DPNQMJNFOUBSZ ESJOL WPVDIFST QFS QFSTPO B EJTDPVOU DMVC DBSE

The Golf Pro Shop is open seven days a week, and is equipped with a full Professional tech centre which provides golf swing analysis, accuracy and speed testing.

With stunning ocean views Paul’s on the Course represents a coastal dining experience not to be missed. Paul’s on the Course uses as much fresh local ingredients

they can source with a menu reflecting the abundance of delicious produce the coast has to offer.

Narooma’s unique location and stunning ocean views help make the Narooma Golf Club the perfect venue for business meetings, luncheons, wedding, training days or conferences.

Join our Club now and reap the benefits of

2 months

FREE

membership

when you pay $300 for 12 months STAY AND PLAY PACKAGES FROM $220 PER PERSON*

Your choice of three on course accommodation options with Amooran Oceanside Apartments, Surf Beach Holiday Park and Narooma Golfers Lodge For more information visit

www.naroomagolf.com.au

$5 OFF $"35 )*3& 6QPO QSFTFOUBUJPO UP UIF $MVC by 28 February 2014

The Country Club has all facilities t ,FOP t 'BNJMZ #JTUSP t $MVC 3BGýFT t $PVSUFTZ #VT t #JOHP

Phone: (02) 6492 1570 | Fax: (02) 6492 3855

begacountr yclub.com.au 6

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

Narooma Golf Club, in conjunction with the best local on-course accommodation, now offer a range of packages and options to suit players from the social to the professional.

Amooran, Surfbeach Holiday Park and Narooma Golfers Lodge now offer 2-3 night (or longer!) package options. These Play and Stay packages can be booked directly through either Amooran, Surfbeach Holiday Park or Narooma Golfers Lodge.

Sapphire Coast Golf School Eden Gardens

FACT FILE Narooma Golf Club 1 Ballingalla Street NAROOMA NSW 2546 02 4476 2522 www.naroomagolf.com.au

Sapphire Coast Golf School / Eden Gardens ARE you frustrated with your golf and not achieving your goals?

The experienced team at Sapphire Coast Golf School can help. They keep things simple and have a genuine enthusiasm to see you improve.

Run by AAA rated PGA Professionals Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert, the school is located at the stunning Eden Gardens Country Club and offers the perfect way to combine golf tuition and a holiday rolled into one. “We have a diverse range of people who attend our schools as individuals, couples or a group of friends� says Lisa. “Individual lessons, group lessons, full and half day schools are all available. You will leave our

school feeling relaxed and more confident with your game.�

Eden Gardens Country Club is one of The Sapphire Coast’s real hidden gems, and is a very friendly and relaxed environment to play golf. You could easily spend a week in this part of the world, playing Golf, bushwalking, lazing on the beach and fishing. Eden is well known for its local produce and fresh Seafood.

There is plenty of accommodation available in Eden from four and a half star Motels, to B&Bs, to very modern Caravan Parks close to the Eden Gardens Country Club.

While there is no questioning the quality of the golf course, the tuition and advice you will get from Lisa and Loraine while you’re at the school will make your playing experience more enjoyable. Lisa and Loraine also have a fully-stocked Pro Shop, and are both Certified Club Fitters. “The great thing about our Golf Schools and Instruction is we have easy access to the Golf Course; we like to see you take the new techniques you’ve learnt from the Driving Range to the Golf Course to improve your scores,� says Loraine, who along with Lisa can tailor a package to suit your needs.

Eden is only a 15min drive south of Merimbula airport, and is easily accessible from Sydney and Melbourne; Canberra is just a three-hour drive.

FACT FILE Sapphire Coast Golf School Eden Gardens Country Club Princes Highway Eden  NSW  2551 www.sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au Lisa or Loraine on 02 6496 1054

Aquarius R

MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB

) 18 Hole Championship “Hilltop� Course ) 9 Hole Resort “Beachside� Course ) Visitors welcome ) Open Competitions every week ) Full Golf Memberships available for under $15 a week* ) Gaming & Function areas ) Lunch & Dinner 7 days a week ) Beachside 9 holes – from $17** ) Hilltop 18 holes – from $45** ) Hire Equipment available

MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB Beachside - Golf Avenue, Mollymook NSW 2539 Hilltop - 2 Clifford Close, Mollymook NSW 2539 XXX NPMMZNPPLHPMG DPN BV t

*Annual Membership $775 per year **Subject to time of the year

E

S

O

R

T

t EBZT HPMG QMBZJOH BU UIF CFBVUJGVM MAGIC MERIMBULA is the most popular package on the Sapphire 4BQQIJSF $PBTU DPVSTFT PG 1BNCVMB This Coast, it gets booked out early - don't miss out .FSJNCVMB 5BUISB #FBDI &EFO #FHB BOE 5VSB #FBDI "MM DPVSTFT BSF POMZ UP NJOT ESJWF GSPN UIF 3FTPSU t OJHIUT BDDPNNPEBUJPO JO B CFESPPN GVMMZ TFMG DPOUBJOFE BQBSUNFOU MJOFO TVQQMJFE

t '3&& GVMMZ DPPLFE QPPMTJEF CSFBLGBTUT CVGGFU TUZMF Packages starting from: t 'SFF VTF PG SFTPSU GBDJMJUJFT JOEPPS $489*pp / 2 Share HBT IFBUFE QPPM TBVOB TQB GVMM TJ[F UFOOJT DPVSU ##2 BSFB BOE $399*pp / 3 Share PVUEPPS QPPM $379*pp / 4 Share *Conditions apply t -BSHF (SPVQT 8FMDPNF

Phone Toll Free Ring toll free for free brochure

aquariusresort@netspeed.com.au Crn Dunns Lane & Arthur Kaine Drv, MERIMBULA NSW www.aquarius-resort.com.au

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

7

Bega Country Club

Bega Country Club THE Bega Country Club is one of the truly great courses on the South Coast of NSW. Set among the splendour of towering gums, surrounded by lush pastures and forests hugging the escarpment, the 18-hole course offers a golfing experience hard to match.

Founded in 1922 the club began as a 9-hole sand green course. The original clubhouse, built on the site of the current 11th tee, was opened in 1925. In 1957 Bega opened its new 18-hole grass green course and was, at that time, the only 18-hole course on the coast south of Nowra.

Visitors are welcome to play in weekly competitions, while social players are welcome at all times. Green fees are set at $20 for 18 holes and just $12 for nine holes.

The Club has four squash courts and offers a wonderful facility for social functions and Conference needs, just 2km from the Bega town centre. Facilities include Keno, Bingo,

Calderwood Valley Golf Club

Raffles and a Courtesy Bus. Friday nights, bring the family along and enjoy the Country Club bistro, which offers an excellent range of great value meals, or why not cook your own BBQ with salads catered by Grace’s @ Club Bega.

FACT FILE Bega Country Club Tarraganda Lane, Bega Phone: (02) 6492 1570 Functions: (02) 64921 055 www.begacountryclub.com.au

Calderwood Valley Golf Course NESTLED in a picturesque valley only 50 minutes drive from southern Sydney, designed by golf course architect Ken McKay, it’s little surprise that Calderwood Valley Golf Course is so popular with all levels of golfers.

The course is always immaculately presented with well-contoured fairways

and true greens. Each of the 18 holes has its unique features, combining clear creeks, native plant species, wildlife and stunning scenery. The breathtaking surrounds feature the rugged Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop.

Calderwood Valley welcomes social group bookings. With no need to work around competition days the course is available for social play seven days a week.

With the completion of some great upgrades on the course--stunning feature bunkers with high-quality white sand, double green and Tee levelling--Calderwood Valley Golf Course is sure to make your next round more appealing and challenging.

Being a locally operated business, the team take pride in their course and the service they provide. They love to have visiting golfers and they’ll treat you like the valued patron you are.

FACT FILE Calderwood Valley Golf Course 532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club THE Pambula Merimbula Golf Club is one of the most popular and successful golf clubs and golfing destinations on the Far South Coast of New South Wales.

Located just a few minutes from the centre of town in Merimbula, the 27-hole golf facility is widely regarded by amateur and professional golfers alike. The Club hosts over 70,000 rounds of golf per year, with over half of these being visitors to the Far South Coast.

The club held the NSW PGA for several years, and continues to host a number of major amateur competitions. The club also

SAPPHIRE COAST GOLF SCHOOL Shhh…The secret is getting out about the most

reasonably priced, least crowded and arguably best course on the Sapphire Coast. Challenging, though not exhausting, come and see why our loyal players return year after year.

(Just try not to tell everyone – we dare you!)

- Fully stocked Pro Shop - Custom fitting on Range - Individual golf lessons - On-course golf tuition - Seniors, women and kids golf clinics - Golf swing video/ipad analysis - Half and full day golf programs - Stay, play and improve golf holiday packages - Golf for school groups and school holiday programs

Club Professionals: Loraine Lambert Lisa Newling

Loraine & Lisa are Accredited: - PGA Members (AAA Rated) - Australia Ladies Professional Golf Member - Qualified Titleist, Cobra & PING golf club fitters - Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Instructors

EDEN GARDENS COUNTRY CLUB 79 Princes Highway, Eden NSW 2551 Ph: (02) 6496 1126 Email: reception@edenfishermens.com.au 8

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

Phone (02) 6496 1054 Loraine: 0423 149 012 Lisa: 0417 485 635

hosts two major golfing tournaments each year: The Ace of Clubs is held in June and is played across four different courses on the Far South Coast, while the Week of Golf in October has been held for 30 years and is one of the largest amateur golfing events in Australia. It is widely regarded as one of the best tournaments for golfers in Australia with visitors from every state, and several groups from overseas each year.

The event should be on every golfer’s calendar, with approximately 800 players playing a variety of competitions over eight days in a tremendously friendly, carnival atmosphere.

The Pambula Merimbula course offers a good test for any standard of player. The facilities include 27 beautifully manicured golf holes cut through natural Australian bushland, with modern clubhouse facilities that provide commanding views over the course toward the pristine Merimbula Lakes and beautiful Merimbula township beyond.

The Club recently spent a quarter of a million dollars upgrading their bunkers, presenting a course that would rival the standard of any city course.

The natural environment boasts an abundance of native wildlife, and provides an outstanding golfing experience for everybody, including the relatively inexperienced. The course is a relatively easy walk, or motorised carts are available.

The Club’s Glasshouse Restaurant delivers some of the best food in the area, with seasonal menus and an extensive wine

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

list. Live entertainment is regularly available throughout the year.

Play and stay packages as well as weekly green fees can also be arranged through the club directly.

FACT FILE Pambula Merimbula Golf Club 173 Arthur Kaine Drive, Merimbula.

NSW 2548 Phone: 02 6495 6154 Email: info@merimbulagolf.com.au Web: www.merimbulagolf.com.au

Mollymook Golf Club MOLLYMOOK Golf Club is situated at one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations; the South Coast of New South Wales.

The club features two unique courses with the 18-hole, “Hilltop” course set in a natural bushland environment, with each hole providing its own amphitheatre with tree-lined fairways. The Hilltop championship course is affectionately referred to as ‘the ultimate challenge’. The 9-hole, “Beachside” course cut along the ocean provides breathtaking views and

interesting challenges.

Mollymook Golf Club has two separate clubhouses to accommodate both courses.

The Beachside clubhouse is open for lunch and dinner seven days and nights a week and features majestic ocean views of Mollymook Beach, TAB, Gaming facilities and two bars boasting popular bar items, boutique beers and wines.

Both courses are available to for the public to play seven days a week with bookings essential for the Hilltop Course. Mollymook Golf Club is the perfect destination for

Find us on

SSEAVIEW EAVIEW W BISTR BISTRO is open lunch & dinner 7 days a week.

TURA BEACH

Offering O ffering a range off first class services whilst enjoying the spectacular ocean ff views fr rom this m from magnificent Peter Thompson/Mike Wolveridge designed CChampionship hampionsh p hipp course — rated in the top 100 Australian public access courses.

COUNTRY CLUB

Ph: 02 6495 9002

The Fairway, Tura Beach NSW 2548 www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

9

Mollymook Golf Club

couples, large or corporate groups from beginners through to accomplished players with the choice of two different courses and multiple tee options. The latest fleet of golf carts, buggies and clubs are available for hire at both courses.

Mollymook Golf Club is surrounded by motels, holiday units and apartments providing several accommodation options to suit any budget.

Troon Golf, the worldwide leader in upscale golf course management, has been managing golf course operations at the

Experience

Mollymook Golf Club. Members are able to enjoy the Troon Rewards whilst receiving preferential rates and bookings at any of the 200 Troon courses around the world.

FACT FILE Mollymook Golf Club Beachside - Golf Ave, Mollymook Hilltop – Clifford Ave, Mollymook (02) 4455 1911 www.mollymookgolf.com.au

COMBINE the family vacation with a true golfing experience on a spectacular holiday in Merimbula‌jewel of the Sapphire Coast.

Located on the south coast of NSW, Merimbula is home to two superb championship golf courses – the gardenlike, 27-hole course of Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, and the challenging 18-holes of Tura Beach Country Club where spectacular ocean views accompany golfers throughout the course.

A family holiday as well. By all means pack

.....for a golďŹ ng week with friends or a fantastic vacation

But there’s so much more to Merimbula: ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

Merimbula‌a golfing experience

the golf clubs, but don’t forget the fishing tackle and swimming gear – Merimbula has top fishing facilities and, we very modestly claim, the best of beaches.

While dad or mum wanders the fairways in pursuit of lowering the handicap, let the family run free on pristine stretches of golden sands, or enjoy the thrills at Merimbula’s popular Magic Mountain and Top Fun. Restaurants and eateries are plentiful with superb views of Merimbula Lake. The popular Merimbula Wharf and Aquarium is yet another feature of this magical township.

But back to what matters most ‌.golf!

While the two previously mentioned courses provide all the golfer could desire, there’s an additional four championship courses on the Sapphire Coast.

Eden, Tathra and Bega are within 30 minutes drive while Bermagui is a picturesque 45-minutes distant.

For the true golf enthusiast, reserve a week to sample the unique character of each of these courses while accommodating yourself centrally in Merimbula.

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club is one of the most popular golf courses in regional New South Wales. The facilities include 27 beautifully manicured golf holes cut through natural bushland. The natural environment boasts an abundance of native wildlife providing an outstanding golfing experience for everybody, including the inexperienced social golfer.

Featuring the spectacular Peter Thomson/

t 5XP $IBNQJPOTIJQ HPMG DPVSTFT t 1BNCVMB .FSJNCVMB (PMG $MVC BOE 5VSB #FBDI $PVOUSZ $MVC t 8BUFS HPMG ESJWJOH SBOHF BU .BOEFOJ 'BNJMZ 'VO 1BSL

*UHDW ÀVKLQJ FKDUWHU FUXLVHV ODNH DQG EHDFK *RUJHRXV EOXH VN\ \HDU URXQG WHPSHUDWH FOLPDWH )DEXORXV IRRG ZLQHV DQG HDWHULHV RI DOO VW\OHV LQFOXGHV KDWWHG UHVWDXUDQW

(QWHUWDLQPHQW YHQXHV 0DJLF 0RXQWDLQ 7RS )XQ 0HULPEXOD :KDUI DQG $TXDULXP &OXEV DQG SXEV +XJH YDULHW\ RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ VW\OHV

For enquiries and bookings visit - www.merimbulatourism.com.au or FREECALL 1800 150 457 10

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

Merimbula A place for all seasons!

Michael Wolveridge designed 18-hole championship golf course – rated in the top 100 public courses in Australia.

The golf course, with its panoramic views of the Sapphire Coast and adjoining headlands, weaves its way down to the beach and back again through mature eucalyptus forest with undulating and challenging terrain.

Don’t forget to check out the golf facilities at the privately owned Mandeni Fun Park which, among other activities, provides water-golf driving range, 9-hole golf course and nine-hole pitch ‘n putt course For fur ther information, or to book your accommodation visit www.merimbulatourism.com.au or Freecall 1800 150 457

Tura Beach Country Club TURA Beach’s 18-Hole Championship Golf Course has, over an extended period, been a mainstay in the Top 100 Public Courses in Australia. Renowned for its brilliant design and unparalleled scenery, it was Australia’s first Dedicated Golf Course Community.

Hosting the celebrated Bega Cheese Pro-Am and Rated No.1 by playing professionals on the country NSW Pro-Am circuit, Tura Beach Country Club is the true golf gem of the far south coast of NSW. With its inspiring views over the Sapphire Coast and adjoining headlands, the Course weaves its way down to and along the beach and back through mature eucalyptus forest.

Designed by Peter Thomson and Michael

Picturesque Merimbula Lake and surrounds

Wolveridge, the Course abounds with memorable holes. The daunting water carry on the Par 3 (181m) 5th and split fairway on the 6th are just two examples. But it’s perhaps the classical “risk and reward� par 5’s that are most memorable; all six of them, each with its own unique bunkering and water challenges.

So while visiting the area, don’t miss the opportunity of playing this unique and challenging Course. Its reputation is growing daily and, with the clubhouse renowned for its “Million Dollar Views�, it’s fast becoming one of the most popular Golfing and Tourist destinations on the NSW coast.

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

FACT FILE Tura Beach County Club 4 The Fairway Tura Beach NSW Phone: (02) 6495 9002 turabeachcountryclub.com.au

r "MM HSPVQT PG PS NPSF QMBZFST SFDFJWF BO IPMF HJÄ› WPVDIFS r 1BDLBHFT BWBJMBCMF GPS HSPVQT PG PS NPSF 1MFBTF $POUBDU VT GPS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO Social groups and players are welcome every day of the week r 5&33*'*$ 56&4%":4 BU $BMEFSXPPE 0/-: GPS IPMFT BMM EBZ UJMM UIF FOE PG 'FCSVBSZ r GPS HPMG DBSU BOE Y IPMFT GSPN .POEBZ UP 'SJEBZ QN UP QN

r 4UVEFOUT SBUF BWBJMBCMF EBZT B XFFL r PÄŽ HSFFO GFFT GPS UIF HSPVQ XJUI BU MFBTU POF TDIPPM TUVEFOU r 1MBZ GSFF HPMG PO ZPVS #JSUIEBZ

532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park 2527 Pro Shop: (02) 4256 3055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au *Bookings required, conditions apply.

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

Big Mike’s Breakfast is a popular inclusion for groups at Pacific Heights Holiday Apartments

Tura Beach Country Club

Pacific Heights Holiday Apartments / Munn Tower House Merimbula JOIN the growing number of golfers experiencing the fantastic golf packages provided by Mike McGuire and Yumi Yoshida at the centrally located Pacific Heights Holiday Apartments, only 350 metres from Merimbula’s coffee precinct and restaurant strip.

All packages provided by Pacific Heights include motorised carts, green fees, and accommodation you can choose one of the advertised packages or Mike will quote on personalised packages. For groups of four or more, Big Mikes Breakfast is provided

outdoors in the BBQ area adjacent to the swimming pool area.

The lake and village views are spectacular, as the sun rises in the East and Mike personally cooks up a storm on the BBQs; bacon, eggs, sausages, fried tomatoes, toast, tea or coffee and plenty of choice on the cereal table, with a little fruit thrown in are all inclusive in Big Mike’s Breakfast.

Being a single-figure golfer for 40 years, Mike knows what the avid golfer wants; local knowledge, the weather forecast, the latest copy of Inside Golf on the coffee table, complimentary cold beers in the fridge greets you on arrival, with ample parking and 20 units available.

Pacific Heights caters for larger groups as well as the husband and wife couple enjoying Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast.

Their units are two and three-bedroom apartments all with en-suites for each bedroom, which is great for the golfing groups. Play Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club, Eden Gardens Country Club, Tura Beach Golf Club, Bega Country Club or Bermagui Golf Club. The longest drive is to Bermagui about one hour the other clubs are between 6 – 25km from Pacific Heights.

Courtesy buses can be arranged for Tura Beach Golf Club, Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club and Club Sapphire (Bowling Club) for transport to their restaurants for evening

meals. Fishing charters and restaurants can all be organised by Pacific Heights.

For your complete golfing package in Merimbula, call Pacific Heights Merimbula and select one of their packages or arrange an individual quote for your personal golf tour.

FACT FILE Pacific Heights Holiday Apartments From $485 per person 1-7 Ocean View Ave, Merimbula.

NSW 2548 02 6495 2366, 0437 801 270 www.pacificheights.com.au info@pacificheights.com.au

Come and find out what Melbourne Golfers already know...

...that it is an experience above the rest

From April 2014 receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 › Accommodation and golf packages available › 27 spectacular holes of golf, where you can always get a game. › Clubhouse open 7 days for lunch and dinner, courtesy bus available from your accommodation. › A spectacular Function and Wedding venue, with onsite Gazebo. › We can cater for any sized function, with a clubhouse that caters for 700 people.

Memberships now open - no joining fee Country Membership also available.

Dine with spectacular views G l a s s h o u se REstAURAnt and BAR

PMGC

PAMBULA MERIMBULA GOLF CLUB

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club 173 Arthur Kaine Drive, Merimbula | Ph: (02) 6495 6154 info@merimbulagolf.com.au | www.merimbulagolf.com.au 12

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

$100

*

*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $110).

Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

Thai one on at

Black Mountain – Awarded Best Golf Course in Thailand.

H

ua Hin in Thailand was recently voted the number one Golf Destination in Asia at the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators’ convention held in Spain. On the back of this success, Hua Hin is now set to host Asia’s biggest ‘week of golf’, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship from 15-21 June 2014.

World-class golf resorts with their eversmiling and well-trained caddies, a beach resort setting with old-world charm and

HUA HIN

modern luxuries, cuisine that indulges the senses, great value shopping and markets and cool and comfortable sea breezes makes Hua Hin a natural winner.

The Centara World Masters is open to male and female golfers aged 35+. Competition is played in age and handicap divisions.

Around 600 golfers from around the world will participate in the week-long Centara World Masters event with more than 100 golfers signing up in the first two weeks.

Registrations from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines, India, South Africa and Canada confirm the event’s international appeal.

The Centara World Masters gives everyday golfers the opportunity to play in a world-class tournament with all of the trappings of a major professional tournament. The four-round tournament will also feature spectacular welcome and presentation dinners with top class entertainment and Thailand’s biggest

19th Hole party venue each night.

The event will be played at four courses in Hua Hin – Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lake View.

Black Mountain has been named best golf course in Thailand for each of the past three years at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit, as well as best championship course in Asia in 2011. It is the only course in Thailand to have been included (in 2012) in the US Golf Digest list of the Best 100 Courses Outside the United States.

Meanwhile, Banyan’s clubhouse has been voted best in Thailand for the past two years and was named best new course in Asia Pacific in 2010.

In addition to major sponsor Centara Hotels & Resorts, other international brands backing the Tournament include Coke, Chang, Thai Beverage, Thai Airways plus a host of local sponsors. The event boasts more than US$50,000 in prizes.

Golfer packages start at A$1,380 for a twobedroom private pool villa, triple share. This also includes six nights’ accommodations in Hua Hin, four rounds of championship golf at Banyan, Black Mountain, Imperial Lake View, and Majestic Creek, motorised golf cart and one caddie per person, daily breakfast, Welcome and Gala dinners with beer, wine, soft drinks and entertainment, nightly 19th hole festivities including beverages, snacks and more.

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n , co n t a c t Go Golfing on 07 5536 8681 or visit www.thailandworldmasters.com •

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

The Murray:: a

golfing haven waiting to be explored

Tocumwal Golf Club is one of the great golf facilities along the Murray

A

ustralia’s most significant river has inspired a recreational haven that seamlessly combines natural beauty and world-class golfing facilities, attracting professional and leisure players from across the globe.

The Murray River stretches almost three thousand kilometres between Victoria and New South Wales, from the Snowy Mountains to where it meets the sea at Encounter Bay.

Dotted along the river, golf courses have been designed by some of the world’s legends and as a result offer a variety of challenges and experiences for golfers to savour.

Golf courses near Swan Hill offer scenic greens and fairways, highlighted by the premier championship golf course at the Murray Downs Resort. Large greens are undulating, fast and complemented by perfectly manicured and groomed fairways.

The Barham Golf & Country Club boasts an 18 hole championship golf course with magnificent grass greens, challenging bunkers and four new holes designed by Ross Watson.

Further along in bustling Echuca-Moama you’ll find golf can be conveniently mixed with papering and sightseeing. It was once the hub of Australia’s riverboat trade and paddlesteamers still grace the might waters.

Nearby is the well-regarded Rich River Golf

Club Resort with its two award-winning 18 hole championship golf courses. The West Course has traditional tree-lined fairways with small tricky greens. The East Course, redesigned by Peter Thomson, has large greens, wide fairways and Thomson’s signature bunkers.

Nestled on the riverbank is the impressive Tocumwal Golf Club with its Captains Course offering quick greens and gently undulating fairways, and the heavily treed Presidents Course.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is Australia’s largest public access golfing complex with 45 holes. The Murray Course meanders through towering river gums and sandy river flats where numerous lakes and lagoons demand precision and the 56 bunker Lake Course requires pure skill.

In neighbouring Cobram-Barooga there are two championship courses waiting to be experienced at the Cobram Barooga Golf Club. The 18-hole Old Course features a clever design with narrow, tree-lined fairways sure to put any golfer to the test and the West Course has far wider fairways and larger greens with many more slopes.

Midway between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga is an important gateway to great golfing. An impressive clubhouse makes the 18-hole Commercial Golf Resort in Albury a must visit for the golfing enthusiast.

Along the Murray River you will never be far from a golf club waiting for you to rise to the challenge. www.golfonthemurray.com.au •

T HEALS D

LI ON

NE

12 MAGNIFICENT COURSES ALBURY • YARRAWONGA-MULWALA • COBRAM-BAROOGA TOCUMWAL • ECHUCA-MOAMA • BARHAM • SWAN HILL www.golfonthemurray.com.au 14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

THAI JUNIORS

prove age is no barrier

By Peter Croker I RECENTLY just returned from Thailand where I was delivering Key to Golf Schools for Thai PGA Professionals, adult amateur golfers and many enthusiastic junior golfers.

In Chiang Mai, my first teaching destination, the junior class ranged from 4 years of age up to 18 years and all were signed up for long-term lesson programs.

Kitti Sornkaew, who developed his junior golf program over the past 10 years, has many of his juniors playing on low single-figure handicaps and scratch and below. Several have become tournament professionals – one of the team, Prasertsak Pongsawaleesri, had just recently shot 15-undertpar in a Thai PGA Tournament.

In Thailand there are approximately 650 tournament professionals and 950 teaching professionals. In recent times we have seen Thai pros more prominent on the leaderboards of Asia, Europe, and now on the Asian Swing of the USA PGA Tour.

Most Thai golfers are to be found on the driving ranges--more than here in Australia--as playing on the golf courses is expensive by Thai standards. There are more than a million golfers in total and golf is in a positive growth trend as many golfers come from Japan, China, Korea,

Europe and even Australia to have golfing holidays in Thailand.

A Thai professional, Boonchu Ruangkit, was Number 1 on the European Senior Tour in 2010 and it looks like more is to come when I see the work ethic and passion that starts in their junior programs.

In junior golf, the World Junior US Kids Championships saw Thai juniors either winning or high on the results lists - Amazing stuff! These junior golfers were just terrific and their ability to produce a great golf swing on a repeating basis at such an early age was awesome.

To watch how they did the drills correctly as well as hitting an endless number of golf balls was an example of how age is not a barrier to learning to swing a golf club correctly and to learn in a way that will lead to long-term improvement. Being a little inconsistent did not stop them from trying to do what the coaches asked of them. This is “childlike learning” at its best and a good thing to copy for us in the older categories.

Two brothers impressed me a bunch: Axel Moe, 8 years old, and Jonas Moe, 6 years of age.

I played 9 holes with Axel and he drove the ball consistently straight down the fairway and over 180 metres. His short game was excellent and he loves competition. It will

be interesting to follow his progress over the years ahead.

While Jonas was not as powerful as his older brother, his consistent and straight shots were amazing to watch. His swing was copybook and he could play all the shots chip, pitch, irons, driver, and bunkers. Their father is American and mother from the Czech Republic and the family has chosen Chiang Mai to live. Both boys attended the International School. The boys have been learning from Kitti for around two years.

Following from my time in Chiang Mai, the next two-day school was in Bangkok for junior golfers. Again I was amazed with how the younger students were just as dedicated as the older ones to “swing like a pro.”

The son of Ting Sornkaew (Croker Golf

System Instructor/Coach in Bangkok), Natthabut Sornkaew, is now 11 years old and hits the ball like a pro. He has won over 100 junior tournaments, the biggest being the combined India, Malaysia, and Thailand 11 and under Championship. I remember giving Natthabut a lesson with his father when he was 4 and right from the start he had a keen interest to “Enjoy the Hit!” Again it will be of interest to see how he progresses over the following years.

He certainly has a strong base to build from and his father and mother have made sure his schooling is not neglected.

I look forward to returning to Thailand in 2014 to continue the training of PGA Instructors and to be involved in their junior golf development. •

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

15

Hoi An:

Fun, Food and Fashion WORDS: Yvonne Fellner PHOTOS: Vicki Wise

While W hile golf golf in in Vietnam Vietnam is is certainly certainly growing growing in in popularity, popularity, there there are are many many enticing enticing activities activities for for the n on-golfers iin n tthe he ffamily. amily. Here Here a re jjust ust a ffew. ew. the non-golfers are

T

he riverside town of Hoi An is a welcome stopover for anyone travelling in central Vietnam. UNESCO listed, this ancient town is a true gem, offering travellers rest, relaxation and (more importantly) shopping and fabulous food.

The town is easy to navigate and dotted with historic buildings, bridges and an abundance of handmade lanterns. Bring your walking shoes, your appetite and a credit card!

Hoi An is about a 45-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport. On the drive you will notice many high-end resorts, golf courses and a fairly impressive casino. The beaches on the drive are spectacular, and are a big drawcard to tourism in this area.

Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a fantastic example of a south east Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It is famed not only

Sunset on the River - at Vinh Hung Riverside Resort Hoi An

for its ancient beauty and history, but for its abundance of tailors and shoemakers.

You will literally see hundreds as you get to know the town. There are many tips to finding a good tailor, but word of mouth is probably the most powerful tool. While some big hotel chains have agreements with specific tailors, keep in mind that these tend to be pricier. Most tailors can do a 24hour turnaround on clothes, but it is always

Only 3 rooms left!!! Book your US Masters Tour with itravel now!

16

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

The bicycle is the most popular form of transportation around Hoi An.

Above: The historic trading port has a rich and treasured history.

Left: Handmade lanterns are an iconic part of Hoi An. Below: Try your hand at a popular cooking class.

a good idea to allow a couple of extra days for more than one fitting—this will help ensure you are completely happy with the piece. For fittings, bring your patience and

There are a bounty of sightseeing options

put on your “haggling hat”, as prices are very negotiable.

Shopping is unavoidable, even for the most hardened traveller. Hoi An has boutiques and markets that will cater to all your clothing, jewellery and knick knack needs. Things you didn’t even know you wanted will suddenly beg to be snapped up in purchase. Be prepared to be hassled by shopkeepers and by vendors in the market. Put on a brave face and if you are not interested in a store or its items, then don’t even linger, lest you will be instantly “pounced upon” by the merchant. Most boutique stores are fixed priced, but haggling in marketplaces is a necessity.

It’s best not to be on a diet while visiting Hoi An. The food is fresh, tasty, and cheap.

Good restaurants are in abundance, serving classic Vietnamese delicacies such as crispy Hoi An pancakes, rice paper rolls and Pho Bo (beef noodle soup). If you like a cold beer after a hot day, then look no further. Local made beer can be as low as 25c a glass.

Tailors offer quick, affordable and good quality pieces.

One popular activity while in Hoi An is to participate in a cooking class. Often run by popular restaurants, these classes teach you how to create tasty local dishes at home.

Getting around Hoi An is a breeze, especially if you are staying closer to town.

Walking is your best bet, as many streets are closed to cars and motorcycles. Most hotels have bicycles for guests to use or they are easily rented for around $1 a day.

The advantage of riding around town is that there is less likelihood of being hassled by shopkeepers as you speed by.

If you’ve had enough of shopping and eating and want a change of pace, there are local tourist activities such at the UNESCO ruins at My Son, a day at the local beach, motorcycle tours and photo sunrise/sunset tours.

If all the shopping and eating has worn you out, drop into a local spa and have a massage to relax for a fraction of the price it would cost back home. Spas and salons are dotted throughout the old town. •

The food is fresh, tasty and cheap.

Recommendations:

A Accommodation d ti Vinh Hung Riverside Resort and Spa. Situated on the opposite side of the bridge from Old Town on the banks of the river. Breakfast is included as is a night time market of free local food tasting. The staff are excellent and the hotel is clean and accommodating.

Food Morning Glory Restaurant. 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Cargo Club Restaurant. 107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc Red Bridge Restaurant. Thon 4, Cam Thanh Tailors Miss Forget Me Not. 37 Phan Chu Trinh St Cooking Schools (enquire at the restaurant) Morning Glory Cooking School. 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Red Bridge Cooking School.Thon 4, Cam Thanh

CENTARA WORLD MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 15-21 June 2014 | Hua Hin, Thailand

Tournament Packages from

Thailand’s BEST WEEK

AUD $ 1,380

of Golf and Fun OPEN TO ALL MALE & FEMALE AMATEUR GOLFERS AGED 35+

View Full Event Details at www.ThailandWorldMasters.com

February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

17

P TO ES S ’ F RS OL OU G C E LF ID NS ” GO I F Y E O PLA ON ST U “M

Kauri Cliffs A New Zealand gem

For golfers travelling to New Zealand’s rugged North Island, the beautiful and ultra-playable Kauri Cliffs should be top of the list, as Richard Fellner discovers

The spectacular 7th hole

I

n a country that boasts the secondhighest number of golf courses per capita in the world (behind only Scotland, and slightly ahead of Australia) New Zealand is a golfer’s dream. Lush, green and eye-poppingly scenic, there are golf courses at nearly every turn, and you’d be hard pressed to find a town without even a nine-holer in its midst.

Topping the charts of golf in the land of the Kiwi are a pair of world-class courses Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, and sister Kauri Cliffs GC. Located north of Auckland near The Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs is a par-72 beauty set on 6,500 acres near Matauri Bay. Measuring 6539m from the back (and a more manageable 5930m from the whites) the course features ocean views from nearly every hole and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. It has also been home to The Kiwi Challenge PGA Golf Event.

While Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers are often spoken in tandem, they are very different courses. Whereas Kidnappers is a rugged, windswept beauty (similar to, say, Barnbougle Dunes) Kauri benefits from a more manicured, resort-style approach. In my eyes, it is much more playable by a wider variety of golfers than Cape Kidnappers. But they are both must-play, bucket-list courses.

Designed by David Harman, the course at Kauri Cliffs owes a lot to nature, as it weaves around the amazing rolling landscape. But the layout smartly takes full advantage of the scenery without sacrificing playability. This is key, as some designers are so tempted to make a beautiful, jaw-dropping picture that it can sometimes result in a hole that is nearly unplayable in some conditions.

There are no unplayable holes at Kauri Cliffs. Every hole provides a combination of an amazing view with a challenge for every level of golfer. But there are also

strategically-placed bail-out areas and “easy routes” to appease even the highhandicapper.

There is one caveat, however: check your ego at the door.

If you want to enjoy Kauri Cliffs – I mean REALLY enjoy it – then you must play from the tees that match your skill level. Middle or high handicappers who are tempted to play it from the tips (aptly named the “Tiger” tees) will not only lose a lot of balls, but they may lose all semblance of sanity – especially if the wind is up.

Playing from the proper tees at Kauri will give you a MUCH better feeling of how the course is meant to be played. So, instead of hacking your way through the shin-high rough (if you can even find your ball, that is) you will be able to appreciate the routing of the holes, the well-placed bunkers, the tricky false fronts, the slick greens and the ultra-manicured fairways that are a dream to hit from.

Take, for example, the Par-4 17th (“Rainbow”). From the Tiger tees, you need to hit a dead-straight 230m laser-guided bullet for any chance of clearing the ravine and hitting the fairway, which runs almost perpendicular to your drive. If the wind is in your face, you need to be even longer.

From the White or Green tees, however, the ravine is out of play, and the fairway is wide open. It’s still a very difficult hole, however, as you’ll have a tricky 200m+ approach to a well-protected green (bordering a sheer cliff, by the way).

This is also evident on some of the amazing par-3s, like the 7th hole (“Cavalli”).

Playing over a massive valley, the Tiger tees require a full 200m shot to a tightly guarded green, which features bunkers, swales and the ever-present wind (which in my case was pushing left-to-right, out to sea). The Green/White tees, however play around 160, while the Red and Yellow give you 135 and

Getaway Mid-week t Two nights accommodation for two in a two bedroom ensuite apartment t Daily Buffet Breakfast per person t Choice of 1 day of unlimited golf (including motorised cart hire) or 1 x 2 hour Spa Passport experience (includes HydroMassage Pool, infrared sauna, steam sauna and blitz shower) t Complimentary wi-fi t Access to fitness centre and heated swimming pool t Shuttle twice daily to Hastings Street available

From $540 Bonus - Stay from Sunday to Thursday and receive an extra night (room only mid-week) FREE! For more details visit www.noosasprings.com.au or call 07 5440 3333 18

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2014

Looking out at the ocean from hole 4.

96, with less ravine to manage, and a nice safety area on the left.

The two nines are very different from each other. The front nine introduces you to the spectacular coastline, the wind and the style of play that is required for the day – which is most likely the low punch shots, bump and runs or the occasional high approach to an elevated green. The fairways are mostly wide open, the holes straightforward.

The back nine, however, is a different story altogether. Holes 10-13 take you into a seemingly calm and picturesque valley which is reminiscent of the country, complete with grazing cattle, valley views and even a few marshy areas guarding

The Kauri Cliffs clubhouse secluded greens. Just as you are lulled into a false sense of inner calm after putting out on 13, you soon find yourself right back at the coastline for the closing holes, battling the wind, ravine-guarded doglegs and ball-grabbing bunkers – like the migrainecausing set on the par-4 16th (Temptation).

If you manage to escape without a “Saddam Hussein” in here (i.e. going from bunker to bunker), consider yourself lucky.

The course also feels like you have it all to yourself. Each hole is isolated from the others, so you’ll really feel as if you are the only player or group out there.

The golf complex/facility itself is top notch.

The world-class practice range features grass tees, full putting and chipping greens, and

pin/green targets down the range. The golf shop is stocked with everything you need (including premium hire clubs), while the food & beverage options are five-star quality.

Like the golf course itself, the main lodge offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. On-site facilities include tennis courts, an infinity swimming pool, Luxury Spa and fitness centre. There are also three swimming beaches, which are also available for picnics and barbeques.

Accommodation is also spectacular. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs was named the 6th best hotel in the world according to the 2011 Condé Nast Traveller readers’ poll.

The Lodge has 22 guest suites, which sit

alongside the 10th fairway and offer private porches, bedroom with Super-King beds, sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in “His and Hers” wardrobes and more.

Overall, Kauri Cliffs has notched its spot among my favourite golf courses. I highly recommend you give it a hit at your earliest opportunity. •

Course Notes Lodge Tel: +64 9 407 0010 Golf Shop Tel: +64 9 407 0060 Email: info@kauricliffs.com

Visit our website for our full hole-by-hole photo gallery of Kauri Cliffs.

Create Your Own Dream Holiday Online!

GOLD COAST SUNSHINE COAST QUEENSTOWN, N.Z.

N O I T A C O L W NE , N.Z

INSTANT ONLINE QUOTES 24/7

QUEENSTOWN

HOT DEALS DISCOUNTED GREEN FEES

Golf Tours

Visit us today at:

www.abovepargolf.com.au Call Michael now on 1300 798 552 or 0415 046 426 Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au February 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

19

December 2013 | INSIDE TRAVEL

1