Inside Golf Travel July 2014 by Inside Golf

The easiest place

on the planet

to relax your swing. We know that the secret to playing your best golf is to stay calm and collected. That’s why they say Fiji is a golfing paradise, because it’s easy to hit your best shot when there’s a steady sea breeze and breathtaking views to take in. We’ve got world-class courses teed up for players of any skill level. Go to www.fiji.travel to find out more.

www.fiji.travel

www.insidegolftravel.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 Senior Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey@insidegolf.com.au National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au NSW Sales: Robbie O’Donnell M: 0439 144 256 E: robbie@insidegolf.com.au Qld Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon@insidegolf.com.au 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 New Zealand Sales: Daniel Sim M: 0439 856 752 E: daniel@insidegolf.com.au COVER PHOTO: The Links Kennedy Bay; Port Kennedy Western Australia

presentation dinner. There’s over $100,000 in prizes which must be won and a car, overseas golf tours and luxury golf holidays are among the major prize draws.

TaylorMade Golf backs the 2014 World Masters Golf Championships

lub golfers are set to be the big winners with TaylorMade Golf signing on as title sponsor for the 19th annual World Masters Golf Championship on the Gold Coast from 19 to 25 October. The TaylorMade announcement marks a new beginning for this tournament which was well known as the Mitsubishi Masters. Mitsubishi Motors had sponsored the tournament since it started 19 years ago. Hosted by Go Golfing, Managing Director Peter McCarthy told Inside Golf he was grateful for Mitsubishi Motors’ longterm support and excited about what TaylorMade will bring to the event. “Mitsubishi was Go Golfing’s first ever sponsor and their support allowed us to present a tournament that has been enjoyed by more than 13,000 golfers over the past 18 years. While it may take me a little while to stop calling this event

the Mitsubishi Masters, there is genuine excitement around what TaylorMade brings to the tournament experience.” TaylorMade is well known the world over as the leading manufacturer of golf equipment for tour players and everyday golfers. Australia’s own Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Paula Creamer and Jessica Korda are among the tour winners playing TaylorMade. Part of sporting giant adidas, TaylorMade also have Ashworth and Adams Golf in their brand portfolio. The TaylorMade World Masters Golf Championship is open to male and female golfers aged 35 and over. There are 18 age and handicap divisions, guaranteeing golfers compete and play with golfers their own age and standard. Golfers enjoy a professional tournament experience as well as nightly social and entertainment events headlined by a welcome dinner featuring international comedy and a gala

Jerome Ballard from Twin Creeks in Sydney has an app on his phone that counts down the days to the World Masters. “This will be my 13th straight year. It’s just a sensational event, very social, great value and the highlight of my golfing year. It’s also hassle free as Go Golfing also book my flights, accommodation, golf transfers and valet my clubs from course to course. I love it.” The success of the World Masters on the Gold Coast inspired Go Golfing in 2000 to start the Wrest Point Masters in Hobart. Fifteen years on this event continues to attract 400+ golfers for what is arguably Australia’s best ‘week of golf’. Go Golfing’s plans for worldwide expansion of Masters Tournaments has got off to a great start with 600 golfers competing in the inaugural Centara World Masters in Thailand. China and Vietnam are also on the drawing board. Starting with the Mitsubishi Masters 19 years ago, Go Golfing Travel now takes golfers all over Australia and to 20 countries for tournaments, tours and holidays as well as hosting record numbers of international visitors here to enjoy Australia’s golf and attractions. Entry to the TaylorMade World Masters Golf Championship is $849 for the Golfer Package if booked before 31 July 2014. For more information on Go Golfing visit www.gogolfing.net.au or call 07 5536 8681. •

Book your uS MaSterS tour with itravel now! GREEN JACKET PACKAGE:

OThER PACKAGEs AvAilAblE:

Includes: • 3 days at US Masters Tournament • 5-Star hospitality centre offering breakfast, lunch, canapés, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 8 games of golf including Pinehurst No2, Pebble Beach and Spyglass • 8 games of golf *optional 2 extra games including: • 3 rounds golf at Pinehurst including No2 • Motorised carts and range balls • Golf competitions and prizes • Pre-golf clinic and lessons with our PGA professional • 13 nights of luxury including Casa Palmero Pebble Beach and The Carolina in Pinehurst • 3 dinners at Pinehurst a la carte restaurants • Canapés and cocktails at Pebble Beach Custom made tours • Breakfast daily to suit any golfers dream • Private transfers

Masters Week Augusta Package • 3 dAyS at the Masters Tournament • 5-Star hospitality centre offering breakfast, lunch, canapés, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 8 games of golf including Pinehurst No2, Pebble Beach and Spyglass • 6 nights luxury accommodation • Golf at Wood Creek Farm • Golf at The Reserve Club • Motorised carts and range balls • Return transfers from Charlotte • Breakfast daily

“Best value for money tour on the market”

uS Masters tour 2015

Las Vegas Package • 4 nights luxury accommodation • Cooked breakfast daily • 2 games of golf • Las Vegas Show

Group airfares with QANTAS available for additional cost for all packages July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

BEST IN THE WEST

Kalgoorlie Golf Course Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an absolute gem, and may very well be one of the most “Australian” courses you will ever play. Designed by Graham Marsh, and owned by the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this 18-hole par-72 championship course features an extremely playable layout, set in one of the most magnificent settings in the country. With six different tee boxes, Kalgoorlie is playable for any–and I mean ANY– skill level. Played from the black tees, the course measures a staggering 6768m, making it one of the longest courses in Australia. The “public” tees are a more manageable 5933m, while other tees are available for members, ladies and even juniors.

Kalgoorlie Golf Course

Also, much of the course is slightly “raised” off the ground – so if your ball rolls just off the fairway onto the red earth, you can find yourself wedged against a raised grass “lip”, which requires a tricky wedge shot to get back onto the fairway.

OF MEMBE

R IPS

With a course of this calibre on offer, Kalgoorlie is a fantastic destination for a quick golfing holiday, corporate event or even an annual Social Golf Weekend, as it offers world-class golf, comfortable accommodation, and a unique “frontier town” nightlife scene. After dinner, grab a few beers and mingle with the locals at one of the historic pubs, or kick back in your room at one of the 25 local hotels and dream about the next day’s round at Kalgoorlie GC. All in all, Kalgoorlie Golf Course is an amazing course with a setting that is second to none. We are confident that this course will one day find itself listed among Australia’s top rated courses. Contact: Ph: (08) 9026 2626 Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

• Listed in the Rolex top 1000 courses in the world 2011 • Consistently ranked in the top 20 courses in Australia (Australian Golf Digest) • No 4 Public Access course in Australia (Golf Australia Magazine 2013) • Range of membership packages available • Driving range open to public • Fully Licensed Club House DON’T DELAY - WHY NOT JOIN TODAY? For more information call (08) 9524 5991 or visit our website

JOIN TODAY O

The par-5s are equally strong. All four of them are solid three-shotters, including the monstrous 15th. Nicknamed the “Golden Mile”, this 569m beauty features a blind second shot, a massive ravine

KENNEDY BAY

A R AN

The par-3s at Kalgoorlie are glorious, especially the 218m 8th. With a slightly raised green, strategic bunkers and plenty of danger on each side, it’s the type of hole that can destroy a scorecard. Especially if the wind is in your face. Same with the 202m 17th, which features its own selection of nightmarish bunkers.

The Links

LE AL H C NT DAY E Y R FE ER DIF EV

Of course, the main feature of Kalgoorlie GC is the red earth surrounding the course. It not only “frames” the course in a stunning visual display, but it also provides a notorious hazard for wayward shots. Playing off the red earth is akin to a soft clay, and requires plenty of practice to master. The same can be said for the various orange-coloured “waste bunkers” throughout the course: pretty, but deadly. The sparse surrounds beyond the rough means you’ll likely find your wayward shots. But it’s a hollow victory, as the numerous prickly desert shrubs and bushes provide their own layer of peril; it is nigh impossible to play out of many of them.

Most of the holes are quite straight and wide, meaning that you’ll be relatively safe to hit driver throughout the day. But that doesn’t mean the holes are easy; on the contrary, they are anything but. A few of the doglegs – notably the par-4 12th – will require careful club selection and course management if you want any hope of par. The same can be said for holes like the par-5 9th, which features a massive (yet narrow), three-tiered green that slopes from front to back (i.e. AWAY from you), and is guarded by a deep pot bunker on the front-right. If the pin is cut on the first/front tier, prepare for an automatic 3-putt.

From Seaside links to Country layouts to Red-Earth marvels, Western Australia offers a wide variety of the country’s best golf

along the right, bunkers at every turn and a very treacherous green. A par here feels like a birdie.

AVAILA

Proudly managed by:

Email info@kennedybay.com.au • www.kennedybay.com.au • Tel 08 9524 5991 4

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

Wembley Golf Course

The Links Kennedy Bay

The Links Kennedy Bay Nestled near the seaside town of Rockingham, The Links Kennedy Bay is a superb facility set amongst rolling sand dunes. 1991 British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch collaborated with architects Michael Coate and Roger Mackay to create an exciting and difficult links-style course among the area’s natural bushland. The terrain at Kennedy Bay makes for some magnificent scenery, with the occasional glimpses of the ocean in the distance. The area is very reminiscent of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, while the gentle (or sometimes not-so-gentle) sea breezes add to the allure. What really grabs most golfers about the course are the extremely deep and narrow fairway pot bunkers. There is only one word to describe these nightmarish creatures: penal. These are the way bunkers were MEANT to be. In most cases, if you find a fairway bunker at Kennedy Bay, your only option is to ‘take your medicine’ with a 9-iron or wedge. Automatically add

1 stroke to your score if you hit into one of these little buggers (oh, and they are strategically placed everywhere that golf balls tend to congregate.) Each hole on the course is given a name suited to the specifics of the hole itself, like “Thread the needle”, “Sunrise”, “Temptation” and the bluntly named “Hell”, which is an apt name for the 520-metre, par-5 fourth that features a replica of the infamous Hell’s Bunker at the 14th hole of the Old Course, St Andrews. There’s even one named “The Doctor”, which pays tribute to “The Fremantle Doctor”, the locals’ term for the cooling afternoon sea breeze which occurs during summer months. The greens are all very challenging, with multiple slopes and swales. They are magnificent surfaces, and they are extremely slick and true. Overall, it’s a great course to add to your must-play list. Contact: Ph: (08) 9524 5991 Email: admin@kennedybay.com.au www.kennedybay.com.au

Wembley Golf Course Just a few minutes’ drive from the Perth CBD, Wembley Golf Course is one of Australia’s most popular public golf facilities. With 36 tree-lined holes on gently undulating terrain, the course features two courses (the Old and Tuart) and is home to one of the best practice facilities in Perth. The Swing Driving Range features an 80-bay fully-automated driving range (automatically teeing up a ball every 6 seconds), dedicated teaching bays, indoor fitting room (with all the leading brands available) SAM Putt Lab and Track Man Launch monitor plus HD camera systems linked to Dartfish teaching software. To back this up there is a dedicated short game area plus grass teaching tees and fairway bunkers. 8 PGA professionals are available seven days a week. The Swing View Function room located on the second level of the driving range is a great venue for corporate events, with sweeping views of the Perth skyline

and golf course. This is all backed up by onsite physiotherapy, chiropractors and gym. It really is a facility where golfers of all levels can find something to improve their game. The hub of all this activity is the Golf Shop, which has to be one of the best on-course pro shops we’ve seen. Well stocked and large enough to handle the busy nature of the facility. The two courses at Wembley are very playable parkland courses, working there way through areas of Tuart and Jarrah trees. The Tuart course is slightly tighter off the tee with greater elevation changes. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Wembley will be launching the second stage of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment project. Wembley’s general manager Matt Day told Inside Golf that, subject to final council approvals, $10-11m would be spent in upgrades. “We are looking to build a 200-seat

OUR FREE GIFT TO YOU!

We are excited to announce we now have a smartphone app for our golf course! Look at all the great features:  GPS Yardage  Interactive Scorecard  Track Scoring Stats  Book Tee Times  Food & Beverage Menu

 Receive Last Minute Deals  Live Leaderboards  Track Favourite Golf Games  Facebook Sharing  Round History

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

function room, restaurant, bar, new change rooms, 18-hole miniature golf and a children’s playground,” he said. “It’s about updating the hospitality component of what we already have here. “This is stage two of the redevelopment. In stage one we spent $12m on the range, pro shop and car parking facility. “It means we will have spent $24-$25m in five years.” Wembley Golf Course puts through 150,000 rounds of golf and more than 9.5 million golf balls are launched into orbit on the driving range. “That’s paid golf balls and does not include teaching activities,” Day said. Wembley GC hopes to start construction next February.

take between 90 minutes and two hours to complete a “round”. “It’s something new and brings different people to the complex,” Day said. “It uses nine of the 36 holes, which are sitting empty otherwise. “It’s become popular at US courses because it’s an additional revenue stream. “We think there is a level of interest for it. It’s been well received by the people we have told and opens up new markets – kids, mums and dads. “It’s not going to replace golf … it’s just another revenue stream and it will bring other people to the facility. “We have an 80-bay driving range, which attracts the younger crowd and we believe Foot Golf will attract younger people. It’s has a lot of positives.”

In an effort to attract younger people to golf, Wembley Golf Course is launching Foot Golf at its 36-hole complex. “We are aiming to have it available to the public in mid-July,” Day said. Foot Golf started in Europe but has become a phenomenon in the US. More than 100 golf clubs already offer the service and that figure is expected to grow to 500 within the next 12-18 months. Like golf, Foot Golf has par-3s, par-4s and par-5s, but players kick a soccer ball counting kicks until it’s holed in a 55cm “cup”. “On a normal length par-5 golf hole there are three Foot Golf holes,” Day explained. “So you can get 18 holes of Foot Golf into a standard nine-hole course.” Patrons will be able to play Foot Golf at Wembley every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. It will

Wembley has also introduced an Application specifically aimed at golf. The Gallus App has a number of features including a built-in GPS system, multiple scoring methods including stableford and par scorecards, live leaderboards and even books tee times. “Once you’ve logged in, it will track your history,” Day said. “It’s got five or six features and because it’s free it’s been well received.” Available for Android and iPhones, Wembley already has attracted around 3500 downloads. “It’s also a great marketing tool,” Day said. “It lets you contact and attract customers when business is quiet.” Contact: Phone (08) 6280 1300 Email: info@wembleygc.com.au www.wembleygolf.com.au

Tranquility awaits

just 30 minutes North of Perth City

Tel: 08 9405 4888 www.lakelandscc.com.au Clubhouse Lane, Gnangara, Western Australia 6

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club

Meadow Springs Golf & Country CluB Thirty minutes south of Perth, near the coastal town of Mandurah, Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club is one of Perth’s most underrated surprises. The “sister course” of Joondalup, Meadow Springs features much of the same scenery and hole layouts as its famous sibling, albeit without the hills and rock quarries. At a recent visit, we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the entire facility. The greens were extremely soft (with plenty of bite on approach shots), yet they were as fast and true as any course we played in WA. This is a rare feat, and makes the course a pleasure to play. The quiet, secluded parklands-style course feels a world away from civilisation. With few parallel holes, you can feel like the only players on the course, which adds to the tranquillity and enjoyment. Measuring 6189m from the blues, the course offers a good selection of long and short holes. The par-5s range from 460m to 503m, but

getting home in two is no easy task for any of them. The course is guarded by plenty of bunkers, native trees, and a very thick/ dense couch rough – which can swallow your ball and make it nigh impossible for a clean shot. That said, the fairways are generally wide enough to avoid trouble. That is, except for the very tight 5th and 6th, which require you to drive your ball through a tight “tunnel” of trees. The course features some really strong par-3s, including the 160m 8th which requires a solid teeshot over a massive lake. This little gem is followed by the 396m par4 9th, which is guarded by an even larger lake on the right. You need a solid drive to clear the first part of the lake, or else you’ll be stuck in the thick couch rough, with little chance of getting home in two. Overall, we were very pleased with Meadow Springs, and would highly recommend it. Contact: Ph: (08) 9581 6360 Email: golf@msgcc.com.au www.msgcc.com.au

ARALUEn...return and embrace

UEn...there’s nothing like it L A R A R E AT YOU

OV L D n A EAT, PLAY

We welcome you back to the mountain magic of Araluen Golf Resort We know you’ll come back to dine, play and love...

...‘ There’s nothing like it!’

Araluen Golf resort country club Avenue, roleystone WA 6111 golf@araluenresort.com.au www.araluenresort.com.au

for booKinGs

$ $/8(1 (08) 9397 9033

ArAluen Golf resort noW mAnAGed by troon Golf , the leAder in upscAle Golf course mAnAGement

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

The Vines Resort & Country Club

The Vines Resort & Country CluB Regularly rated as one of Australia’s best golf resorts, The Vines Resort & Country Club is surrounded by native bush with abundant wildlife, manicured gardens and the magnificent Swan Valley wine region. Two equally challenging 18hole golf courses in the stunning Swan Valley await your arrival. With lush bent grass greens—among the largest in the country— unique bunkering and a beautiful natural layout, you will be tested on every hole while also taking time to soak up the surrounds. The 36-hole layout consists of two world-class championship courses: The Lakes and Ellenbrook. The experienced golfers will find plenty of challenge from the championship tees while social players will have as much enjoyment from more generous tee positions. Together, the Ellenbrook and The Lakes layout hosted some of the world’s golfing

greats like Norman, Player, Els, Langer, Daly, Sorenstam and Campbell during events including the Heineken Classic 1993-2001, the LPGA Lexus Cup in 2007 and the Johnnie Walker Classic in 2006 and 2009. The Vines Resort & Country Club, like all good championship courses, takes some thinking. Course architects Graham Marsh and Ross Watson skillfully and strategically used the stunning Swan Valley landscape to produce championship courses that command respect. The landscaping areas on the fairways are generous enough for the average golfer, but severe consequences await those who find one of the deep bunkers or grassy hollows. There is also plenty of water to grab wayward drives. The fun doesn’t end on the 18th green, with local wineries, art galleries, gourmet food and the Vines’ Resort facilities including tennis, squash, outdoor swimming pool, terrace barbeque area, restaurants, bars and gymnasium.

Joondalup Resort When the day is done, unwind with a glass of world famous Western Australian wine and watch the resident community of inquisitive kangaroos gently graze in the Resort grounds. Contact: P: (08) 9297 3000 Email: bookings@vines.com.au www.vines.com.au

Joondalup Resort You’ve likely heard of Joondalup, as it regularly features near the top of many of the regular golf course rankings. In truth, this is one spectacular facility, and is less than 30 minutes drive from Perth. With three 9-hole layouts – The Dune, The Quarry and The Lake – Joondalup offers something for golfers of all levels. The Quarry 9 is the most spectacular of the layouts, as it wends its way around steep limestone quarries and deep, menacing valleys. It is certainly the star

of the facility – and a definite must-play layout. It’s hard to name just one standout hole at Joondalup - as there are many breathtaking (and jaw-dropping) choices. But you simply can’t go past the Quarry’s 3rd and 4th holes. Though only 136m from the back tees, the Quarry 3rd is one of the more intimidating holes in Australia, as hitting the green requires a forced carry over a “valley of death” in the front and right. If you do miss the green right, there is a steep path down to the bunker below (though this is not a recommended approach option!) After navigating this tricky par-3, you then must tackle the challenging par-5 4th, a double dog-leg uphill monster which wends its way around a large limestone cliff that protects an elevated green. A par on this hole almost feels like an eagle. From tee to green, Joondalup is one of our favourite courses in WA. The perfectly manicured fairways, the soft and true

• Pro Rata Memberships and Specials Available • Competitive Green Fee Rates

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

Sanctuary Resort greens, the tremendous staff and the breathtaking scenery all combined for a 5-star experience. With your round finished, be sure to make your way to the fantastic on-site resort for some post-round drinks and dinner at Bistro 38, where you can enjoy the view over the lagoon style pool and out over the golf course. Complete the experience of this remarkable facility with a relaxing stay in one of 70 beautiful rooms and suites, seven function rooms including the stunning Lakeview Ballroom with views over the fairways (new in 2014), an outdoor lagoon style pool and heated spa, tennis courts, mini gymnasium, massage and beauty treatments, a cafe, restaurant, and cocktail lounge. In short - it is a perfect location for a golf getaway for groups of any sizes. Joondalup Resort (08) 9400 8811 proshop@joondalupresort.com.au www.joondalupresort.com.au

Sanctuary Golf Resort Sanctuary Golf Resort in Bunbury, a 90-minute drive south of Perth, is situated on 37 hectares of rolling golf terrain. This Michael Coate-designed championship course boasts 64 strategically-placed bunkers and an equally impressive collection of manmade lakes. During a recent round there, we found the course to be a very enjoyable and welcoming track, with just the right amount of “bite” to keep you on your toes. While a fair amount of courses in the world feature an “island green”, few can claim an “Island Fairway”, which is exactly what we faced at the 487m par-5 16th. You need to plan your attack very early on this hole, lest you find yourself losing all control. After a very careful tee shot down the main fairway (hint – keep the driver in the bag) you must play a delicate “approach” shot onto an hourglass-shaped island fairway that lay smack dab in the

Busselton Golf Club middle of a lake. It’s a forced layup of sorts, and it prevents all but the longest of hitters from going for the green in two. Assuming you’ve played your first two shots correctly, you will then have a relatively easy approach to the green… assuming you don’t hook it into the reeds on the left! Following your round, we recommend retiring to the clubhouse for some cold beer, fantastic food from their top-notch restaurant, and a bit of the footy on the clubhouse TV. Despite the distance from Perth, it is well worth the drive to play a round at Sanctuary Golf Resort, and even stay the night in their fantastic on-course accommodation. Contact: P: (08) 9725 2777 1800 677 309 Email: escape@sanctuaryresort.com.au www.sanctuaryresort.com.au

Busselton Golf Club Named as one of the “Top 5” courses to play outside of the Perth metropolitanaArea, Busselton Golf Club is well known for its magnificently presented true bent grass greens and deceptively long layout. Designed by Murray Dawson, the 18-Hole Championship golf course is generally flat terrain with some gentle slopes winding through some of the Southwest’s most beautiful woodland setting. The course is fully reticulated, and plays to a Par of 72 (Men) and 73 (Ladies). Annual major events at the club include the Ladies Geographe Classic (36 Holes – March), Men’s West Coast Open (54 Holes – September), Mixed Leaney Cup (36 Holes – November) and the Busselton Pro-Am (18 holes – May). Onsite you will also find a fully-stocked golf shop open 7 days a week with a great range of clothing, footwear, golf

Winter at Joondalup Resort

EXPERIENCE ONE OF WA’S FINEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSES

Winter 18 Hole Special $110pp 18 Holes of golf with a twin share motor cart PLUS a free sleeve of balls PLUS a free warm up bucket of range balls Valid to 31 August 2014. Subject to availability. Conditions apply.

Winter Walking Special $69pp 18 Holes walking, a wonderful way to keep fit during winter!

$10 PIE & BEER! Reward yourself after a round of golf with lunch at 28 Café (overlooking the fairways) with a pie & selected beer for only $10! Must present voucher when ordering. Valid 11.30am-3.30pm, 7 days to 31 Aug 2014. Cannot be used with any other offer or discount. Subject to availability.

FREE RANGE BALLS! Present this voucher to receive a FREE bucket of driving range balls with any golf experience at Joondalup Resort.

Valid to 31 August 2014, Monday - Thursday. Conditions apply.

Joondalup Resort is a 27 hole PUBLIC golf course. Memberships and Corporate Golf days are available. Tel: (08) 9400 8811 | proshop@joondalupresort.com.au | www.joondalupresort.com.au

Limit 1 per customer. Valid to 31 Aug 2014 Conditions apply.

Tel: (08) 9400 8811 July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Capel Golf Club equipment and repairs workshop to cater for all your golfing needs with competitive prices. You will also be able to take advantage of the club’s excellent practice facilities including a 250m driving range , 3 flagchipping and pitching green and 9-hole putting green.

abundance of Tuart, Jarrah, Banksia and Peppermint trees. With fully-grassed greens and fairways, the club is home to major annual events such as the Capel Open, Summer Cup, Easter Medley, Mineral Sands Cup, Capel Cup and the Capel 3000.

The next time you are planning a golf trip south of Perth, check in at the Busselton Golf Club as you will be delightfully impressed with thepProfessionalism and services the club offers to make your day a success. The Busselton Golf Club is located at 277 Chapman Hill Road, Busselton.

The history of Capel Golf Club dates back to 1928, when it was situated on Tren Creek. In 1931, the club moved to the Capel Race Course. In 1958, the club purchased land in Stratham for $3,000, and thus began a move which saw them eventually settle on their current location in 1964, with a full grassing of the holes completed by 1971.

Contact: P: (08) 97531050 E: gol fshop@busseltongolfclub.com.au www.busseltongolfclub.com.au

Capel Golf Club

with tuition, equipment selection or repairs from the fully-serviced Pro Shop. Club Fixtures are played every day except Monday and green fee players are welcome by booking, seven days a week. Membership fees are $1,090.00 per year (men) and $696.00 per year (women). Green fees are a modest $30/$40 for 9/18 holes Tues-Sun & public holidays, with non-public-holiday Monday only $15/$25 for 9/18 holes. Contact: 1380 Bussell Highway, Stratham (08) 9795 7033 www.capelgolfclub.org.au

Kwinana Golf Club Kwinana Golf Club is an A-grade championship golf course which is known for being a relaxed and friendly club. Set in a picturesque valley, the course is a relatively straightforward course with plenty of trees and a smattering of

The course measures a respectable 6271m, with two par 3s playing up the hill. There are also a variety of slopes and hills throughout the course which will challenge the golfer of every level. Kwinana Golf Club has a variety of facilities including a two storey Clubhouse and the well-appointed ‘On The Green Function Centre’ available for private functions. Their fully-stocked pro shop is manned by a pair of top-notch golf professionals who will look after your every golfing requirement, and they have a fleet of golf carts available for hire for either 9 or 18 holes.

The club’s origins began in 1958, when Mr HL McGuigan (Road Board Commissioner) formed a committee to study the concept of a sporting complex on Tasker’s Reserve. The first golf annex meeting was held under a shady tree outside Wheatfield Cottage on April 12th, 1959. The Club Constitution was

br in

hazards to catch any wayward shots.

Capel Golf Club is a friendly and welcoming 18-hole course set on relatively flat terrain surrounded by an

The club features everything a golfer may want, including club house with showers and change rooms, a fully licensed bar and function area where catering can be arranged. The function areas are also available for hire. In addition, club professional and PGA Member Jim Mercer is available to help

Kwinana Golf Club

GREEN FEES 18 holes (adults) 9 holes (adults)

MONDAY SPECIAL 18 holes 9 holes 277 Chapman Hill Rd, Western Australia (08) 9753 1050 Golf Shop: (08) 9753 1050

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

$25 $15

Perfect for the business or leisure travellers, and is only 15 min from the Kalgoorlie Golf Course. We are offering a special rate of $209 per room per night including buffet breakfast, Free WiFi, free Transfer to the course from the hotel and a $20 voucher to spend on a spa treatment of your choice.

Evening (Tues-Sun) after 3.30pm $17.50

ElEctRic caRtS 18 holes 9 holes

$35 $25

Hirer of Electric Carts must be 18 years of age and over. Conditions Apply.

www.busseltongolfclub.com.au 10

$35 $22.50

Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort & Spa is a 4.5 Star luxury resort that offers a style that is both casual and elegant.

CALL 08 9080 0800 OR BOOK ONLINE WWW.RYDGES.COM (Price is based on 1 person in a room, additional $40 for the second person) VALID UNTIL 31 DEC

Shani Waugh later approved at a general meeting, where plans for the clubhouse building, by architect Margaret Feilman were on display. The cost was estimated £25,000, as was funded by an interest free loan of £22,000 from BP and a donation of £3,000 from BHP. After many hours of voluntary labour, the farm land was transformed into 6 playable golf holes with marl putting surfaces. The inaugural game at Kwinana was played on 11th July, 1959. By 1967, with over 100 players taking part in the Saturday golf competition on a regular basis, it was necessary to construct the final stages of the golf course. A loan of $46,000 was negotiated to construct the remaining holes with full reticulation, and the clubhouse. In 1970, the second 9 holes were completed. Contact: 2 Summerton Rd, Calista (08) 9419 2888 www.kwinanagolfclub.com.au

Bunbury Golf Club

Bunbury Golf Club & Shani Waugh Golf SchooL Situated in a tranquil setting between the Collie River and the Leschenault Estuary, Bunbury Golf Club boasts a fully reticulated 18-hole golf course with undulating greens and a challenging layout. Bunbury Golf Club’s history dates back to 1948, as it was one of the first developments in the Austalind area on Western Australia’s South West coast. It is now home to the annual South West Open, which attracts the leading Australian players. The event regularly receives high praise from players and guests for the quality and challenge of the course. In September 2013, US LPGA veteran Shani Waugh relocated her Shani Waugh Golf School to Bunbury GC. It was a homecoming of sorts, as Bunbury was Waugh’s club as a junior.

Waugh’s brief was to re-establish a junior program and to carry on the important work of lady member Del MacNiel in introducing women to the game of golf and provide tuition to all interested members at Bunbury. The aim was also to attract people to the club to experience the first-class course and take advantage of the practice facilities (which are currently being upgraded), and help them improve their game through private lessons and/or the Golf Schools. Waugh played on tour for 17 years before retiring at the end of 2007 with 11 of those years spent on the tour alongside Karrie Webb and Rachel Hetherington. A multiple winner on tour, Waugh is currently ALPG President, and has been the Travelling Coach with the last five Australian National Women’s Teams. She has also been working on the South West Golf Development Program to assist clubs to set up and maintain their own Junior and Beginner Women’s programs.

Like many forward-thinking clubs across Australia, Bunbury Golf Club is currently in the midst of creating a 3-5 year Strategic Development Plan to ensure the sustainability of the club into the future. This should see Bunbury’s legacy continue as a top-quality Australian course. Visitors are welcome to play at Bunbury Golf Course, and Stay and Play packages will soon be on offer. Contact: Shani Waugh Golf School 0400 204 220 shani@shaniwaughgolf.com.au SW Golf Development Program Let’s Golf! South West 0401 604 426 letsgolf@shaniwaughgolf.com.au Bunbury Golf Club Lot 1 Lucy Victoria Avenue Clifton Park, Bunbury Phone: 08 9725 1231 www.bunburygolfclub.com.au

LF L gO AR A N E EgIO HE y WA R ITy OF T L FACI

For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play the award-winning Graham Marsh designed championship course. Situated in the heart of the West Australian Goldfields, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is rated amongst the best public access courses in the country. AFFILIATED COURSE OF THE NULLARBOR LINKS Phone: (08) 9026 2626 Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.co | www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

World Class Golf in the Outback July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Lakelands Country Club

Lakelands Country Club LAKELANDS Country Club, a private members club near Perth, says there is a new, positive vibe around the club following sweeping staff changes over the past six months. Earlier this year the club appointed general manager Linda Duncan and, more recently, Eric Dennis and Damian Chatterley arrived to take up course superintendent and club professional duties respectively. Duncan told Inside Golf the private members club needed to get back to being one of West Australia’s top courses. “About 10 years ago Lakelands hosted the WA Open and other significant events and we want to get back to hosting big events and corporate days,” she said. “Eric (course superintendent) has only

been here six weeks and already the golf course is looking fantastic.” “He was at Kwinana Golf Club, which, for a public course, probably had the best greens in WA. He has brought a new dimension to the club. “We have had good feedback from the membership with all the changes and attracting members from other clubs. Pennant players from other clubs have said the course is ‘sensational’.” That’s good news for the club, which has enjoyed a spike in membership with more than 150 new members joining the club this year. “Our membership has increased dramatically to 1115 members,” Duncan said. “When I started working here in January this year we had less than 960 members. “We are going through a growth stage whereas a lot of other clubs nationally are

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

in a state of decline. “We waived the joining fee and we are engaging more with our members. “I am a general manager that is here on weekends talking to the members – not hiding in an office. I am a golfer, too, so they see me playing in the men’s fields on Wednesdays and Saturdays.” Lakelands Golf Club’s members are also celebrating the relaxation of the club’s golf cart policy. Until recently, only those members with a medical certificate had access to golf carts. “We have brought golf carts to the club, which will allow our older members to stay in the game of golf longer than they normally would have,” Duncan said. “It enables those that are nursing an injury to continue playing and also promotes the enjoyment of golf when otherwise you may have not played. “It will provide an option to members that would otherwise not play a round of golf and it will attract corporate and social golfers to Lakelands.” Duncan said the club was in the process of rebranding the product. “We have also made some structural changes to the clubhouse to make it more inviting,” she said. “We are continuing our renovations on the golf course, and have recently developed a new practise chipping and putting area and further changes are being reviewed. “We have spruced up the place and are getting it back to where it should be.” More women and more juniors playing

golf is another area the club is focusing on. “Club pro Damian Chatterley’s first priority is to develop junior golf and encourage more women to have a go at golf and hopefully this will lead to joining the club,” Duncan said. “We want to become more women friendly, the course to be more aesthetically pleasing and develop a good sense of community amongst the members. “That is my focus over the next 12 months.” Today Lakelands Country Club is a vibrant highly respected challenging golf course. A recent rating by Golf WA places it is one of the more difficult courses in WA with slope ratings of Blue 73 – 125; White 71 – 125; Red 74 – 128 and Yellow course 69 – 124. The rating reflects the difficulty of narrow fairways, some smallish greens and you definitely need to play target golf to ensure the best place to get a clear shot to the green. The Club is experiencing unprecedented growth. This is a result of a culmination of marketing strategies including: joining the local business associations, main road static signage, improved web site presence, improved course presentation, engaged pro shop staff and general member satisfaction. The member satisfaction levels have been measured recently with the completion of a Strategic Plan. The plan has developed 6 clear strategies to assist the Board and management staff lead the Club towards new milestones. Contact: P: 08 9405 4888 www.lakelandscc.com.au

Capel Golf Club is renowned for its superb greens, known as the best greens in the South West of Perth.

Corporate and Social group bookings seven days a week, please contact the Capel Golf Club for Corporate and Social golf group rates.

Naturally Friendly

Capel Golf Club Inc. 1380 Bussell Highway Stratham, WA 6230 P (08) 9795 7033 | Pro Shop (08) 9795 5023

www.capelgolfclub.org.au

hole. If you’re a sucker for an elevated tee, then you’ll love this hole, as the green sits some 150 feet below the teeing area! After you strike the ball, it can take all of 10 seconds before the ball lands on the green (or into the pond just short of the green). If that isn’t scary enough, they are currently building another teebox that would make the hole a 207m monster with a drop of 180 feet! But that is just one of many holes that stand out here. In fact, unlike the average golf course that may have a handful of standout holes, every hole at Araluen is distinctly memorable, and you’ll walk away from your round with 18 distinct memories. That’s a rarity these days.

Araluen Golf Resort

Araluen Golf Resort Located 40kms south-east of Perth – tucked away in the beautiful hills of Roleystone – the Araluen Golf Resort offers one of the most unique golf experiences in Australia.

forest and the Canning River, and has a distinct alpine feel. Designed by Roger Mackay and Michael Coate, the course has large undulating greens, strategicallyplaced water hazards and bunkers, and a collection of holes that are unique in character.

Originally an ultra-exclusive membersonly course, Araluen is a challenging 18-hole track that is bordered by state

The course also features some truly testing changes of elevation. One of the more exciting holes is the 165m Par-3 16th

The 9th and 18th are especially memorable, as they are equally challenging – albeit in totally different ways. The 9th is a tricky downhill 398m par-4. A well-struck hybrid or long iron hit to the crest of the hill can gather enough roll to find the ball-grabbing lake guarding the green 300m away. But beware: if you don’t get all of your tee shot – and get stuck at the crest of the hill, you’ll be faced with a very long downhill approach over said pond. The 18th is another gem. This 395m uphill dogleg par-4 can be deceiving; you will need every bit of your long game here for any chance of a green in regulation. And you’ll need to be straight, otherwise you’ll risk the nasty creek on the left (which also crosses the fairway), or perhaps the walled greenside pond that is flanked with bunkers.

But Araluen’s magic doesn’t stop at the 18th hole, as the facility also offers some world-class dining. The restaurant at Araluen would not be out of place in the CBD foodie havens of Melbourne or Sydney. Whether you’re enjoying one of their hand-made pizzas for lunch, the mouth-watering rack of lamb at dinner, or any number of Thai, Malaysian or European selections, the food at Araluen is as memorable as the golf. The entire facility at Araluen Golf Resort is a great setting for not only a round with mates, but is also perfect for social groups, weddings or other functions. As a whole, Araluen is not just your average course. It’s something special, and it deserves a visit the next time you’re in the area. The club is now managed by Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf management, and with impeccable course conditions and services to match they aim to be the number one choice for corporate golf days, social golf clubs, weddings and functions. Golf at The Araluen Golf Resort is available to the general public. For all booking enquiries contact the Proshop on (08) 9397 9033 Araluen Golf Resort Country Club Ave Roleystone, Western Australia Ph: 08 9397 9000 www.araluenresort.com.au

COME AND PLAY OUR NEW LAYOUT

Membership options available for 5, 6 or 7 day Membership 144 St Andrews Dr Yanchep WA 6035 | 08 9561 1148 | 0438 877 203 www.suncitycountryclub.com.au July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

The Peel Golf Academy The Peel Golf Academy was established over a period of seven years by PGA professional Craig ‘Tappie’ Tapp. One of the most friendly and hard-working professionals around, Tappie’s goal is to provide outstanding golf tuition for players of all levels. And having seen him in action, we can definitely attest to his dedication, approachability and positive attitude.

Sun City Country Club

Sun City Country Club A multi-million dollar redevelopment at Sun City Country Club is paying huge dividends for the Yanchep-based club, located 45 minutes north of Perth. Last year’s completion of Stage One marked the beginning of a complete overhaul of the 40-year-old course, undertaken by Sun City Country Club with Ogilvy-Clayton Design. Stage One saw holes 13, 14 & 15 realigned and made wider than the original holes. New Santa Ana Couch grass was planted on the fairways, while landscaping work was undertaken along the boundary between the Club and Yanchep Golf Estate. The second phase of the course redevelopment, completed early this

year, focussed on the second and eighth holes. The new second hole is a short parfour where the longer hitters can fly the ball over the bunkers on the right and up to the front of the green, while the parthree eighth green becomes the course’s longest green at over 50m long. Moving forward, four more holes (3, 10, 11, 12) are currently under construction.

Member numbers continue to climb steadily year on year, as the club has many innovative membership options available. In addition, the introduction of the Jim Danas Golf Academy in February this year is set to build their base of juniors and women, capitalising on the population growth in the surrounding Yanchep area.

Inside Golf toured these new holes last month, and we were extremely impressed. And we’re not alone in this viewpoint. Though only five holes have been completed in the overhaul, the course has already jumped in stature and rank. In February this year, the course returned to the Top-100 in Australia, while it has also received high praise from the players at the recent Yanchep Golf Estate Sun City Pro-Am.

Sun City has maintained a quality 18hole layout during the course of the transformation, and the facility offers a remarkable natural setting, warm country welcome and excellent golfing experience. Contact: 144 St Andrews Drive Yanchep Western Australia 6035 www.suncitycountryclub.com.au Golf Centre: +61 (8) 9561 1352

Stay and Play at Secret Harbour Golf Links for just $299 WA GOLF FACILITY OF THE YEAR 2012 Package includes:  18 holes of golf for two players  Shared cart hire  Lunch at the secrets brasserie  1 nights accomodation at the golfers lodge twin share  Continental breakfast  Logo golf shirt for each player  Package available 7 days

www.secretsgolf.com.au e: info@secretsgolf.com.au | p: (08) 9524 7133 14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

The Peel Golf Academy is based at Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club. Since opening, the Academy has instructed thousands of students, working with all levels of players including many tour professionals, state representatives, and elite golfers. Craig’s approachable and easygoing manner, combined with his golfing knowledge and video analysis, makes the learning experience both informative and enjoyable. The Academy boasts an outstanding 300-meter driving range and short game facilities the equal of any in Western Australia. The Peel Academy are able to offer the most up-to-date computer-based swing analysis, and have access to some of Australia’s best golfspecific Biomechanists, Physiotherapists, Personal Trainers and Massage Therapists. Contact: www.peelgolfacademy.com.au 0419 403 508 E: admin@peelgolfacademy.com.au

Where to Stay...

Golf Downunder

Sanctuary Golf Resort

Sanctuary Golf Resort Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort & Spa

Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort & Spa Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort & Spa is a 4.5 Star luxury resort that offers a style that is both casual and elegant. It is perfect for the business or leisure travellers, and is only 15 min from the Kalgoorlie Golf Course. The resort is the only accommodation in Kalgoorlie with couples’ spa baths in all rooms and there are 91 studios, onebedroom and two-bedroom rooms with all new LCD 42 inch Sony Bravia Televisions, 12 free Foxtel Channels with movies, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and heated spa. There are versatile function and wedding areas and all-day dining in Prime West Grill Rydges Kalgoorlie Resort & Spa are currently offering a special rate of $209 per room per night including buffet breakfast, Free WiFi, free Transfer to the course from the hotel and a $20 voucher to spend on a spa treatment of your choice. (Price is based

The accommodation is great for play-andstay, and perfect for visiting Bunbury, or taking a day trip to the Margaret River region. The Resort offers a selection of beautifully appointed studio suites and 1 and 2-bedroom self-contained apartments. Accommodation includes in house movies, spa suites, tennis court, resort pool, heated spa and retreat services.

Joondalup Resort

on 1 person in a room, additional $40 for the second person). Offer is valid until 31 Dec 2014 Call 08 9080 0800 or book online www.rydges.com

If you love your golf in WA, then perhaps a Golf Downunder Card is just the ticket. Golf Downunder has teamed up with some of Western Australia’s best golf courses to help golfers experience these quality layouts at discounted rates. For just $59, the Golf Downunder card gives you exclusive discounted golf rates from participating Golf Courses, including The Vines, Sanctuary Golf Resort, Joondalup, Secret Harbour, The Links Kennedy Bay, Meadow Springs and many, many more You’ll also receive invites to golf events and tours, and entry into monthly competitions that include free games of golf and golf products. In addition, you get a FREE dozen golf balls when joining. The card is valid for 12 months from purchase. You can only buy the Golf Downunder Card online, or in person at the Secret Harbour Golf Links. You can also ring 1300 040 612. More information: www.golfdownunder.com.au.

On-site facilities like we found at Joondalup Resort just add to the experience of a great day of golf. With fantastic rooms, superb restaurants and impeccable service, the resort is world-class all the way. Be sure to take in breakfast while you’re there, and watch as the resident Kookaburras join you for a morning meal on the terrace. www.joondalupresort.com.au

play stay

VINES RESORT

SWAN VALLEY

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Kuala Lumpur - for families, sports lovers and adventurers Awana Genting Golf Club

By Richard Fellner “This is ridiculous”, I thought, as I plunged my feet into the luke-warm water of the makeshift kiddie pool, and watched as hundreds of tiny guppy-like fish swarmed around my ankles like a school of hungry piranha. As they began to gently nibble between my toes, life in the market around me continued in a frenetic pace: hawkers yelled out specials, shoppers negotiated prices and kids chased each other from stall to stall. “It’s all about reflexology” said a friendly chap sitting next to me, munching on his Corn in a Cup (a popular market snack). “The fish eat away the dead skin, activate trigger points in your feet, and improve your well being.” All I know is that they tickle. A lot. If sitting ankle-deep in a “Fish Spa” while surrounded by market stalls seems a bit

“MissMissNiceBagComeLook… GenuineCopy”. (That’s right, the age-old “Knock-Off” has been creatively rebranded!)

odd, well, it is. But it’s one of the truly marvelous experiences that makes Kuala Lumpur a real gem. And while many tourists view ‘KL’ as just a stopover on the way to somewhere else, there are some really magnificent sights and adventures that make it a destination in its own right.

Despite the noise, the buying process can be a lot of fun. In one instance, a salesman was deftly showing my wife a “handmade” leather bag -- waving a lighter’s flame all along the surface to verify its authenticity (a great feature if my wife takes the handbag into a volcano). As the three of us realised that a sale may be imminent, our brains went into instant negotiation mode. The man whipped out a calculator (a common practice) and showed us his “best” price for the bag. We respond by typing in a price around 75% less. This cat-and-mouse game goes on for a bit -- we feign disinterest, he reiterates the bag’s features and quality, we pretend to walk away, etc.-- until he grudgingly accepts a final price… at which point we

Take the shopping. While you’ve probably been to a “Chinatown” in any number of large cities in the world, and perhaps dabbled in buying the cheap knock-off “Rollexx Watches” or “Praada bags”, nothing can really prepare you for the KL’s Chinatown district. With hundreds of stalls -- offering a variety of knick-knacks, souvenirs, and food ranging from chicken satay to frog porridge -- it can be a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated. Not the least of which would be the hawkers’ incessant shouting of “SirSirComeInGoodSunglassesBestPrice” or the very common

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BARNBOUGLE DUNES INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

While bargain shopping is an adventure in itself, KL offers a number of other adventures for sightseers and visitors. One great day-trip is the Batu Caves, a natural cave formation on a cliff-side 13km north of the city. Said to be around 400 million years old, the caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, and are the focal point of the annual Thaipusam festival which attracts over 1.5 million pilgrims at a time! (the queue for the restrooms must be unbearable). Braving the 272 steps to the top, we were greeted by scores of macaque monkeys – most looking to grab a free meal from unsuspecting tourists. But they are a welcome distraction from the tiring climb. The views from the top of the steps were stunning, while the various paintings, temples and rock formations

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quickly add “…and throw in THAT bag too”. He shrugs, we shake hands, and a deal is done. (Despite all this, we both know he is still making a killing. But it’s all part of the fun.) One tip: be sure to shop around – that “one-of-a-kind” bag or wristwatch will certainly have a few “cousins” at the very next stall!

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Genting Highlands within the caves were certainly a highlight of the trip. There are many other shrines, temples and mosques worth visiting in KL. One of our favourites was the Thean Hou Temple. One of the largest temples in Asia, it features beautiful pagoda rooftops, ornate sculptures and statues, a walkthrough garden with all the animals of the Zodiac, a massive turtle pond, and more stunning city views. For the kids, you can’t go past the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, adjacent to the Perdana Lake Gardens. Housing over 5000 birds, it is the largest bird park in South-East Asia. Alternately, check out the nearby Butterfly Park, featuring over 6,000 butterflies flying freely in a simulated natural rainforest environment.

Saujana Golf & Country Club Getting around KL Driving in KL is best left to the professionals. While the city has the usual modern-day road rules, the locals don’t seem to care (or know) about them. So hiring a rental car can be like taking your life into your own hands. A far more relaxing (and enjoyable) option is to use a dedicated touring company. Alternately, the city has a fantastic network of trains, busses and even a monorail. Taxis are a relatively cheap way to get around, but like many other cities in the world, the

drivers can spot a dupe a mile away. So be sure to do two things before getting into any KL taxi: A) ensure that the meter is on (and working!), and B) negotiate a price to your destination. This will help you avoid many sticky situations.

rainforests and sea-side settings is, to some, second to none.

Golf, Family Activities and Accommodation

The best part is that a few of the golf resorts also cater to families and general leisure-seekers. With a full complement of activities, rides, swimming pools and more, the entire family can stay entertained for days!

Malaysia is a well kept secret in the golfing world. Those “in the know” regard many of its world-class courses as a true challenge, while the mixture of spectacular scenery in the mountains,

A regular host of the Malaysian Open and other international events, The Saujana Golf and Country Club has been voted Malaysia’s Number 1 Golf Club, and has been named among the

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

100 best golf courses outside the U.S. It features two Ronald Fream-designed championship courses: The Palm Course (‘The Cobra’) which offers an extremely challenging layout (including the par-3 2nd -- rated the Most Difficult hole in Malaysia), and the Bunga Raya Course (‘The Crocodile’), a more open and serene layout – yet equally challenging. The courses are both amazing and beautiful. Painstakingly manicured and conditioned (some areas are even hand-trimmed!), they felt like courses suited to a PGA Tour event.

It all adds up to a marvelous golfing experience. The standout hole would have to be the par-3 fourth hole. Beautiful and challenging, it features a narrow, firm green guarded by a massive pond in the front, a massive valley in the back, and trouble left and right. Walk away with anything close to a par and consider yourself lucky. For families, the theme park is truly a must-visit. Water slides, roller coasters, and dozens of kid-friendly activities will keep the little ones busy for hours on end. And the casino & entertainment area is a real marvel – with a roller coaster running through the casino, a dodge-em cars area, indoor archery, and, believe it or not, an indoor snow centre with real snow, it’s as if the designers took all the best bits of Las Vegas and condensed it into one megacasino. While there, be sure to check out the outdoor adventure course & teambuilding facility, and take a ride on the scenic sky tram.

They’re also brutal. My caddie spoke only a handful of words in English, but one phrase that she repeated after many of my tee shots was “fifty-fifty”; which is a common saying to indicate the odds of finding your wayward tee shot. Indeed, some of these holes are so difficult that I found myself muttering “fifty-fifty” prior to even teeing off. Playing these courses requires accuracy, a bit of luck, and – when the weather is hot – a bit of endurance (be sure to stay hydrated!). But they are an absolute treat to play, and I highly recommend them both. For a family adventure of a different style, be sure to check out the Genting Highlands: City of Entertainment -- an integrated resort and family destination center perched high on a mountain peak above the cloud-line. Featuring six hotels (over 10,000 guest rooms) a massive 38acre family theme park, a mammoth LasVegas-style casino, over 90 dining outlets

Batu Caves and a whopping 80 retail stores, there is something there for everyone. The Ronald Fream-designed golf course (part of the Awana Genting Golf & Country Resort) offers a drastically different experience from other KL courses. The cool, crisp mountain air (a welcome respite from the humidity of KL) does wonders for the spirit, and the breathtaking scenery almost makes you forget about the narrow, winding fairways flanked by towering rainforest

trees and golf-ball-grabbing jungle shrubs. The rough (known as “cowgrass”) is a broad-leafed indigenous grass that is very difficult to play from (trust me!). The bent-grass greens are firm and speedy -difficult to hold from approach, and even more difficult to read. And if that wasn’t enough, golfers also have to contend with the forest’s ever-watchful, mischievous monkeys, who’ve been known to snag everything from balls to food and even mobile phones.

Travel Notes: Many airlines service Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines, Jetstar, Air Asia X, Tiger, Emirates and others offer a variety of options direct or via Singapore (Note that routes change often so check online, or contact your travel agent for information) Links: Saujana Golf & Country Club: www.saujana.com.my Genting Highlands: www.awana.com.my •

Riverside Oaks Golf Resort p 02 4560 3200 info@riversideoaks.com.au www.riversideoaks.com.au

Stay

Play

Dine

Winter Warmer – Stay and Play Special • 1 nights stay in one of our • 2 rounds of golf with GPS • $ 249 per room per night Sun-Thurs deluxe rooms golf cart on our tournament course • Full Breakfast for 2 • $ 299 per room per night Fri or Sat

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

‘Red Jacket’ treatment in Vietnam

Vietnam Getaway itineraries can be modified or extended to suit how much golf you wish to play. Golf in Vietnam has been named as the “Undiscovered Golf Destination” with its ancient culture, superb climate and offerings of fantastic championship golf courses. It is one of the best up-andcoming golfing destinations in the world; the country is dynamic and safe with its natural beauty and smiling locals. Vietnam is a very special place, to not only play golf but to experience a host of amazing choices, from the modern Saigon to the thousand-year-old streets of Hanoi, to the resorts on the South China Sea, combine this with world-class Vietnam Golf and you have the foundation for the ultimate Vietnam Getaway Golf Holiday. More information: www.vietnamgetaway.com.au, Daryl Sutherland 0417 602 008, vietnamgetaway@bigpond.com •

Laguna Lang Golf Course, Vietnam

olf Clubs and groups can have the opportunity to play their own Tournament on some of the most stunning golf courses with Vietnam Getaway’s Vietnam Holiday & Golf Tournaments. Vietnam Getaway specialise in Vietnam Holiday and Golf Tours and provide a complete experience with fantastic golf, fascinating history, fabulous shopping and exotic cuisine, where everything is taken care of. Tournament Winners are even presented with a Trophy and Red Jacket. Vietnam Getaway do not have set dates

for their Golf Tours; instead they offer your Club or group flexibility to select the date you wish to travel. The only requirement is that you time your arrival to be in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) on a Saturday, as this is the day their Golf Tours commence. To make it easy for your travel arrangements all tours commence and finish in Saigon. Tour prices are based on Land Content and are fully inclusive of all meals (B,L,D) where you will delight in the fine cuisine of Vietnamese restaurants combined with Europe’s culinary traditions; including a Welcome Dinner, Trophy & Red Jacket Gala Presentation Dinner and a Farewell

Vietnam Dinner Cruise on board the 40m Dragon Boat on the Saigon River. All accommodation, green, caddy & buggy fees, golf course transfers, vietnam domestic air fares and all tours and entrance fees are all included. Nongolfers are also taken care of with a range of activities; cooking class and spa treatments to shopping excursions and tours. Quality and value are the hallmark of these Tours with personalised service as you are greeted at the Airport by the Director of the Company who accompanies you on the full tour.

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

The ultimate

Tassie golf adventure

to the Australian outback, Cape York, the Kimberley, Lake Eyre and Kangaroo Island, as well as golf-specific adventures to Tasmania and King Island. We flew Air Adventure Australia’s Barnbougle Dunes tour, and it was a first-class experience all the way. Owner/ Operator John Dyer has put together a package that is more than just golf – it’s an all-out experience. After your short flight from the mainland aboard your 10-seat Cessna Conquest II, your day begins with 18 holes at the spectacular Barnbougle Dunes, rated Australia’s Number 1 public access golf course. This links-style course is an absolute must-play on any golfers’ bucket list, and features sweeping views, a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels and plenty of risk-reward options.

Tackle Tasmania’s Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm golf courses -- among the best layouts in the world

MAGINE your dream golfing trip: You rock up to the airport, find a quick (and free) carpark, bypass all the check-in/baggage/security queues, and make your way straight to your own personally-chartered, executive-style aircraft. Buckled in to your comfy leather seat by the window, you are whisked into the sky. A quick 45 minutes later, you land on a private airstrip which is just metres from one of the world’s best golf courses.

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

You casually hop on to a special golf cart and are driven to the clubhouse… where your clubs, tee time and overnight accommodation are all arranged for you. After a coffee and/or a quick warm-up on the range—you are soon playing 18 of the most spectacular golf holes ever designed. All this in the same amount of time that it would take a normal commercial flight to just get off the ground.

It’s the sort of “Rock Star” treatment that’s usually enjoyed by the ultra-wealthy or PGA TOUR pros. But now, it’s available to everyday golfers. And once you try it out, you may never want to go back to commercial air travel again. It’s made possible by Air Adventure Australia – a charter aviation company out of Melbourne. A family-owned and operated business, Air Adventure Australia specialise in high-end air safaris

Barnbougle Dunes is a true golfer’s golf course. It’s for the traditionalists who adore rugged, raw, “knock-down, bumpand-run-the-way-the-game-was-meantto-be-played” golf. It’s a humbling, aweinspiring course that demands accuracy, exceptional course management skills, and a smidgen of good-old-fashioned risktaking “guts”. Golf purists will revel in Barnbougle’s simple, non-commercial splendour, and the absence of the modern-era “just make it long” mentality. Golf tragics will become mesmerised with the sheer work-of-art beauty of each hole, and the Zen-like feel of the course itself. Following your round, if staying overnight, you’ll retire to the comfort and tranquillity of your Ocean View suite at

Air Adventure Australia’s 10-seat Cessna Conquest II is the ultimate in comfort and style. the Lost Farm Lodge, which features all the amenities and style of a world-class resort. You can indulge in the top-quality, locallysourced food at the restaurant; relax in the tranquil oasis of the Spa, or simply catch up with your partners for a beverage at the fully-equipped Sports Bar. The next day is back to the golf, with 18 holes at Lost Farm, the younger “sister course” to Barnbougle Dunes. While just as picturesque, Lost Farm offers a distinctly different golfing experience to its older sister; wide-open, more forgiving fairways, less undulations around the greens, and more options for the higher handicapper to golf their way around the course without losing a bagful of balls. Mind you, this is not an easy course by any stretch. It will still bring you to your knees if you aren’t careful. The ballgrabbing marram grass and cavernous bunkers are but a few of the hazards you’ll experience along the way. Lost Farm features a unique 20-hole layout, with a pair of extra par-3s for those wishing to squeeze in every bit of golf they can muster. The holes—13a and 18a—are both short but extremely difficult, and definitely worth having a go. Besides, it

The private airstrip at Barnbougle Dunes is only a lob wedge away from the course itself. gives you two extra chances for a hole-inone!

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Both Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm are walking-only courses (a motorised cart can be arranged in advance, but you will need to be driven around by a staff member/guide). The Lost Farm is a bit flatter than Barnbougle Dunes, but both are equally walkable, especially with the great Big Wheel pull buggies on offer from

the pro shop. Following your round on day two, enjoy a celebratory beverage in the sports bar -- your commercial pilot will handle the driving! Back on board the Cessna, it’s a quick 45 minutes later, and you’re off the plane, bags in hand, happy and stress-free from your Tassie adventure. Now THAT’S the way to travel! Air Adventure Australia’s Barnbougle packages are very affordable, with options for one or two-day packages. A “Day Trip” starts at $529 per person, while the two-day overnight tour starts at $895 per person. The cost includes return airfare from Essendon Airport (with free car parking), premium accommodation and full breakfast (overnight option), plus golf at Barnbougle Dunes/Lost Farm and buggy/bag hire (if necessary), and all onground transfers. All up, it represents great value. Most importantly, you will save HOURS of travel time versus a commercial flight.

Consider this: my last commercial flight from Melbourne to Barnbougle chewed up a massive 6 hours (with parking, checking in, oversize bag check, security, waiting to board, 60-minute flight, baggage collection in Launceston, sorting the rental car and then the 90-minute drive from Launceston to Barnbougle Dunes, sorting my clubs, etc.) Flying via Air Adventure Australia, however, and it was only two hours from takeoff to tee-off. That’s a savings of four hours. That’s a full round of golf. I’m sold! Air Adventure Australia are also available for customised departures. So, if you have a group of four or more, they can schedule a departure date that works for you. This is a great option for social golf clubs or travel events. For more information, visit www.airadventure.com.au, or phone 1800 033 160. •

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

MOUNTAINMagic

Terrace Downs is a 50-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, with the route offering scenic views of the Canterbury plains and countryside. This location is the perfect starting point for your South Island golf tour, being just off the main road through to Queenstown. When you arrive, the tussock-lined driveway will lead you past the golf course to the Clubhouse. This luxuriously rustic

building is the hub of the resort, where you will find the pro shop and two restaurants, along with other services such as the gymnasium, well-appointed locker rooms, and conferencing facilities. The best way to start a visit to Terrace Downs is to pause in The Café to admire the views over a tasty meal and beverage. The Café is open throughout the day, offering casual cabinet, blackboard and a la carte meals in a warm and friendly environment. The large windows offer expansive views of the back nine holes of the golf course and the gorgeous mountain backdrop. The 18-hole championship golf course features manicured New Zealand Brown Top fairways and Egmont Bent greens, while native grasses create a natural rough. The par-72 (6,406 metres) course was designed by Sid Puddicombe, and

While the golfers are golfing, there are a wide range of other activities available at the resort, including gentle walks or longer hikes, clay target shooting, archery, or the luxurious day spa, where a wide range of lavish treatments are available, from deeptissue massages for sore golfer muscles, to pampering facials and manicures to treat the girls. When you return to the clubhouse, enjoy a shower in the luxurious locker rooms before relaxing in Hunters restaurant, where gourmet meals await you, or watch the sun set on the balcony overlooking the golf course with your favourite drink.

Try and keep your eye on the ball: The beautiful and challenging 16th hole at Terrace Downs. he high country of Canterbury, New Zealand, is home to one of the nation’s most spectacular golf courses. Recently under new management that is making great strides in improving all facilities, especially the golf course, Terrace Downs lies nestled at the foot of Mt Hutt. This luxury resort that takes advantage of its mountain setting provides an exceptional experience for golfers and non-golfers alike.

atmosphere you encounter everywhere you look.

officially opened to the public in 2001. The arresting views throughout the course are culminated on the signature 16th hole, which hugs the corners of the Rakaia Gorge. This short par-3 is not to be taken lightly – a drive too far to the right could see your ball fly down to the meandering river far below. This is a very special hole that really earns its reputation of making it hard to keep your eye on the ball. Equally special is the 10th hole – you can view this one from the comfort of the clubhouse, so it’s a great opportunity to show off your driving skills to all those watching above. The large drop from the tee to the fairway provides a great example of the terraces from which the resort takes its name. Scattered among all the unique holes on the course, you will find 63 bunkers and 9 lakes, all just adding to the picturesque

Complete your high country experience by staying the night in a Terrace Villa. This luxurious accommodation has all modern comforts, including a spa bath, fullyequipped kitchen and laundry. Every room has comfortable and spacious living areas and a private balcony or garden terrace. The Villas showcase panoramic views over the 18th fairway and entire back nine, as well as the mountain vista beyond. Their Golf Unlimited package is the best way to make the most of your stay – a night in a Villa with as much golf as you like, carts included, starts from only NZD$370 for 2. Ensure you get a great night’s sleep, and are well-rested for the adventures the next day is sure to bring. For more information on Terrace Downs and all it has to offer, visit www.terracedowns.co.nz, email info@terracedowns.co.nz or phone +64 3318 6943. •

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin Amateur Golf Week 11 - 18 October 2014 in Hua Hin, Thailand

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | July 2014

www.thailandgolftours.com.au PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Airfares and departure taxes • 7 nights accommodation in Hua Hin at Hyatt Regency • Daily breakfast and 2 dinners with free flow soft drinks and beer • 4 rounds of golf with caddie & cart • Airport transfers Golf course transfers • Fully guided with English speaking tournament director • Goody bag with exclusive tournament souvenirs • Event scoring and winner’s prizes • All taxes and compulsory service charges

Package A: Accommodations at 5 star Hyatt Regency Guest Room Price per golfer, twin sharing = $2,995 Price per golfer, single room = $3,495 Package B: Accommodations at 5 star Hyatt Regency Regency Club Room Price per golfer, twin sharing = $3,395 Price per golfer, single room = $4,295

Information and Reservations Email: mark@thailandgolftours.com.au | Phone: 0419 264 800

Golf in Egypt: A chip off the old Pyramids

Red Sea - Cascades at Soma Bay Perched on the edge of the Red Sea, playing a round on the Cascades course is guaranteed to be a unique golfing experience. Designed by South African golf legend Gary Player, the course sits atop cliff faces, creating a dramatic atmosphere as they are struck by the ocean waves. There are several 5-Star resorts in Soma Bay, including the 310 room Sheraton and 300 room Robinson. Both provide a great relaxation point for winding down after a day on the course. For more information: w: www.thecascades.com t: +20 65 3542 333

Tee off at Mena House Oberoi and you’ll literally be playing in the shadows of the pyramids

The ancient pyramids, a cruise down the Nile and colourful bazaars are at the heart of any visit to Egypt, but there are also a number of world class golf courses scattered throughout the country that are a must-see for beginners and pros alike.

nbeknownst to many, Egypt is home to a diverse range of golf courses, each offering a truly unique experience. If hitting a drive along the Red Sea coast, sinking a putt in ancient Alexandria or playing the 18th hole next to the famous pyramids of Giza appeals to you, read on to discover a handful of landmark courses that should not be missed by any golfer.

Cairo - Mena House Oberoi When past visitors tell you they played golf in the shadows of the Egyptian pyramids, a trip to the Mena House golf course will prove they were not exaggerating. Located alongside the famous Pyramids in Cairo, Mena House has history dating back more than a century. With an 18-hole golf course and 5 Star hotel, visitors can play a round on the lush course before relaxing

in luxury during the evening. Renovations in 2008 made this location even more spectacular. Top golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. updated the course from a par 69 to 70, whilst a new pool and driving range were also added for guests to enjoy. For more information: w: www.oberoihotels.com t: +20 2 3766 6644

Alexandria - Alexandria Sporting Club The Alexandria Sporting Club dates back to the late 19th Century and is a haven of tranquillity within the bustling city of Alexandria. Retracing the steps of Cleopatra, the course conveys the rich history of the region, providing numerous bunkers and large trees that more than account for the 5,450m distance. Whilst the Alexandria Sporting Club is extremely exclusive, visiting golfers are welcome to play a round on the course before relaxing at the club restaurant, or even taking advantage of the swimming pools, tennis courts or the other many facilities available. For more information: t: +20 3 5433 6278 For more information on the above and more of Egypt’s golf courses, visit www.egypt.travel •

July 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Peregian Springs Golf Club Peregian Springs Drive Peregian Springs QLD 4573 Tel: (07) 5471 5471 Fax: (07) 5471 5444 email: info@psgc.com.au www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

18 Holes with Cart and Range Balls prior to play

Book now and play Peregian Springs Golf Club any day of the week for $79 with a golf cart and range balls prior to play Expires 30th September 2014