InsideGolf Issue 18 // Apr 2015
www.insidegolf.com.au
Win
Golfing and touring in Vietnam Bingara’s secret golf entrÊe NZ gems set for national tournaments
FreetheenMtPrGyC into
($545 value)
a l u s n i n e P n o t g n i n r o M The Magnificent
Top courses on show for 6th Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic
Featuring a championship golf course, stunning views, luxury accommodation, and much more, Terrace Downs will deliver for golfers and non-golfers alike. Transportation is also available from the airport to the resort. Get the most out of your stay with our Golf Unlimited package. Relax in your private villa, and play as many rounds of golf on this fabulous course as you wish - cart hire is included! www.terracedowns.co.nz / golf@terracedowns.co.nz / facebook.com/terracedownsresort / +64 3318 6943 / Windwhistle, Canterbury, New Zealand
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 Chief 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: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 E: scott@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 National Golf Club
Complementing the course is a range of world-class facilities to complete the package, including a modern clubhouse, a five-star spa, a superb restaurant and excellent practice areas as well as a truly spectacular Par-3 course which features water on every hole. Accommodation options range from luxury pool villas to stylish apartments, and extensive building plans are underway to add a choice of large and luxurious course-side villas and townhouses, all available for purchase.
Black Mountain becomes European Tour Destination
B
lack Mountain Golf Club, the stunning resort which was the host and presenting partner of the hugely successful recent True Thailand Classic, has been announced as the tenth European Tour Destination, continuing European Tour Properties’ growth outside Europe. In late 2013, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai became the first Middle East Destination in the world-class network of member venues, and the expansion has continued into South East Asia with this agreement with Black Mountain, which will benefit from European Tour Properties’ focused, year-long sales, marketing and operational support. The Hua Hin-based resort opened in
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2015
2007 and quickly earned a reputation as the best golf course in Thailand, winning numerous international awards including Golf Monthly’s Best Course in Asia Pacific in 2014. It is the only Thai course to be named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses (outside the United States), and hosted three Asian Tour events before agreeing to be the home of the co-sanctioned Thailand Classic on The European Tour International Schedule until 2017. The inaugural edition, played in the second week of February 2015 and won by Australian Andrew Dodt, earned rave reviews, particularly for the Phil Ryandesigned par-72 layout and its highquality greens.
David MacLaren, Director of Property & Venue Development at The European Tour, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Black Mountain as our latest European Tour Destination and our 14th member venue. Black Mountain joins a network of world-class venues that includes outstanding facilities in Europe, the Middle East and now Asia. Harald Elisson, Managing Director of Black Mountain Golf Club, said: “Black Mountain is delighted to join the European Tour Properties portfolio. It is an honour to become part of such a prestigious group of European Tour championship golf resorts in Europe and the Middle East and to become the first member in Asia.” “Having just hosted the inaugural and highly successful True Thailand Classic, Black Mountain’s profile as a world-class golf destination has been considerably enhanced and we look forward to working closely with European Tour Properties to become even better known in the future.” For further information please visit www.blackmountainhuahin.com •
Golfing and touring in glorious
Vietnam
G
olf & Gourmet presents a Golfing Tour to Vietnam departing 16 February 2016.
In addition to seven rounds of golf over 15 Days in Vietnam (which includes caddies and carts), the tour includes local touring and a highlight overnight cruise on Halong Bay. This is the second tour Golf & Gourmet has operated on this itinerary and the feedback from the first group regarding the balance of golf, touring and the highlight cruise was exceptional. This tour will be an annual feature on the Golf &
Gourmet calendar.
Four-Star Hotel accommodation is used through the tour with daily breakfast included. The tour is escorted by a local English speaking guide who can advise on dining options, other sightseeing and local attractions. The golfing includes two rounds in Saigon at Vietnam and Long Thanh Golf courses, three rounds in Danang including Laguna Lang, Montgomerie and Danang Dunes courses, while in
Hanoi play is at King Island and Van Tri. The golf in Hanoi is interspersed by a trip by road from Hanoi to Halong Bay and return. The touring included in the tour price features a full day tour of Hue, a walking tour of Hoi An and a Hanoi city tour (with cyclo tour): Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and an hour cyclo tour through the old quarter. The overnight cruise features the Halong Bay World Heritage Area and includes meals. The planning of the tour has ensured
Left: Montgomerie Links, Danang
Caddies at Laguna Lang a variety of experiences, time to sample local cuisine and time for shopping. Airfares are not included to allow flexibility to extend to Siem Reap for golf and viewing at Angkor Wat or visiting other destinations in Asia. Golf & Gourmet will assist with planning and reservations as need. The tour cost is $3888 per person twin/double share. Departure date: 16 February 2016. For more information, contact: Fred Sparksman – email: fred@golfgourmet. com.au. Tel: 0414 799 722.
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Other Packages Available • Masters Week Augusta Package (6 nights) • Las Vegas Package Extension (4 nights) Stacey Arthur | www.itravel-au.com | p: 02 42850711 | m: 0402 327 606 | e: stacey@itravel-au.com | NSW T/A Licence No. 2TA4250 All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control such as adverse currency fluctuations, taxes and fuel surcharges
April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
3
Australia’s top courses on offer at
Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic
The National – Old Course
St Andrews Beach
T
he magnificent Mornington Peninsula will once again be on show to golfers from around Australia and overseas as the highlyanticipated Sixth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic tees off from 4-9 October. The week-long extravaganza is regularly recognised as one of the most enjoyable and best-value events on the annual amateur golfing calendar, and will see men and women golfers play some of Australia’s top courses in a 72-hole graded tournament, while also enjoying a fun and friendly atmosphere as they meet new friends, or catch up with friends made from previous Classics. Peter H (who has played in three previous Classics) reflects the overall sentiment of this tournament with his recent comment: “The challenge and environment is why we come to play as well as catching up with people from previous years.” This year’s Classic is sponsored by Yamaha (Premier Partner), Mornington Peninsula Shire, Flinders Hotel and Schweppes, and will rotate among some of the best courses that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer, including three of Australia’s “Top 20”. 4
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2015
The National Old Course, St Andrews Beach, The Dunes and Rosebud Golf courses will be at their pristine best for the main 72-hole Stableford event, which runs from Monday 5 October to Thursday 8 October. Golfers will tee off in either the morning or afternoon fields, and daily prizes will be awarded. There are also two optional days of golf on offer: Rosebud Country Club will host an Opening Day Stableford event on Sunday, 4 October, while Safety Beach Country Club will be the venue for the Closing Day Stableford event on Friday, 9 October. There are also optional social functions available, including two optional dinners: a gala food and wine dinner on Monday 5 October and a Sports Dinner on Tuesday 6 October. For the first time, a program for non-playing partners has been arranged and will provide the opportunity to explore the other delights of the Mornington Peninsula, such as the Hot Springs, spa treatments, High Teas, art, glass and craft gallery trips and wine, food and farm gate visits.
THE COURSES: Billed as Australia’s #1 golf destination, the scenic Mornington Peninsula is well known for the number of quality golf
The Dunes
“
For sheer variety, golf on the Mornington Peninsula is unmatched and for the traditional golfer’s welcome, it is hard to find better. - Peter Thomson
courses ranging from coastal links to resort style layouts. Here are the courses on offer for this year’s event:
St Andrews Beach Golfers sing high praise for this Tom Doak-designed beauty, which is rated the number 4 Public Access course in Australia. Doak’s design philosophies and the nature of the land provide a unique golfing experience with generous fairways and spectacular greens. The course is a true challenge for experienced golfers yet it is also still extremely playable and fun for social golfers. www. standrewsbeachgolf.com.au
The National – Old Course “One of the great golf complexes anywhere in the world”-- Robert Trent Jones Jr Currently ranked number 19 in Australia, The Old Course is a must play for every
”
golfer. The conditioning, layout, and location are absolutely flawless. This course is generally hilly, combining amazing coastal views, challenging ball carries and slick, undulating putting surfaces. There are a number of holes with ocean views as well as “inland holes” and all are framed by the natural tee tree and Moonah trees. www.nationalgolf. com.au
The Dunes “I love all the Peninsula courses but The Dunes stands out. A funky layout that is so much fun to play,” -- Jason Day. The Dunes Golf Links has consistently been rated one of Australia’s best public access courses since its inception in 1995. Tony Cashmore produced what some say is his finest design in this course, which is rated number 8 of the Public Access courses. This championship course achieves the very difficult objective of being a challenge to the low marker
Dandenong
ENTRY AND INFORMATION
Rosebud Golf without being an impossibility to the high handicapper. www.thedunes.com.au
Rosebud Golf With panoramic views of Bass Straight and the Mornington Peninsula, this course features a truly entertaining layout for golfers of all abilities. The lush fairways and smooth, firm greens and aprons are rarely below impeccable standard, whilst extensive bunkering presents plenty of protection around the greens. Excellent use has been made of the hillside location, with a relatively flat front-9 and a more demanding back-9. www.rosebudpark.com.au
Rosebud Country Club (optional Opening Day) With 36 holes of championship golf on offer, this facility features two courses ranked in the Top 100; with each presenting different challenges. The
North Course, which has hosted two national championships, is framed by large pine trees while the South Course boasts wide fairways and large greens. www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au
Safety Beach Country Club (optional Closing Day) This resort style course, with its lush green fairways and well maintained greens, offers all levels of golfer a round that will inspire them to return to “beat the course”. This short but challenging course manages to hold its own and is rarely conquered. www.safetybeachcountryclub.com.au
The entry fee incorporates golf on four days, shared carts at The National, The Dunes and St Andrews Beach, lunches on all four days (light buffet at The National and The Dunes; prepacked at St Andrews Beach and Rosebud Golf courses). Daily and overall prizes are included as are the Welcome Function at Rosebud Country Club and a three-course gourmet buffet at the Presentation Dinner at The National Golf Club. You will also get a show bag of goodies and a souvenir polo shirt. Early Bird entry (before June 30) is just $545. Entries received after June 30 are $595.
Mornington Peninsula Golf Trail
Carrum Downs
Mornington Peninsula golf trail
Langwarrin
Mount Eliza
6
Mornington
Moorooduc
Mount Martha
7
AustrAliA’s #1 Golf DestinAtion
Tuerong
1
Tyabb
Point Nepean
4
Portsea
12
Dromana
Sorrento
11
McCrae
Blairgowrie
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Hastings
Safety Beach
Devilbend Golf Club Eagle Ridge Golf Course Flinders Golf Club Mercure Portsea Golf Club & Resort Moonah Links Mornington Golf Club Mount Martha Golf Club RACV Cape Schanck Resort Rosebud Country Club Rosebud Park Golf Course Safety Beach Country Club and Golf Course Sorrento Golf Club St Andrews Beach Golf Course The Dunes Golf Links
Bittern
Rosebud
Rye
Tootgarook
14 5 13
10 2 9
Arthurs Seat Red Hill
Balnarring
Main Ridge
www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au Email: info@golfmorningtonpeninsula. com.au
WIN: Free entry into the Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic WIN: Free entry into the Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic Inside Golf and Golf Mornington Peninsula are giving away ONE FREE ENTRY to this year’s Sixth Annual Mornington Peninsula Golf Classic ($545 Value). Terms and conditions apply. To enter, visit our competitions page at www.insidegolf.com.au Good luck!
Stony Point
Somers
MORNINGTON PENINSULA 8
Crib Point
Merricks
3
Cape Schanck
Merricks Balnarring Beach Beach Point Leo Shoreham
Cowes
Phillip Island
Flinders
www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au
Entries close on August 31 or when fields are full. This is going to be a sellout Tournament, so register early to ensure you secure your place. Refer the tournament to your family and friends to win prizes. See website for more details. Phone: 0439 396 617
C
Seaford
Frankston
11 courses in the Top 100! Golf enthusiasts keen to experience Australia’s best have discovered the Mornington Peninsula Golf Trail. The 14 clubs on the Trail are all within a few minutes’ drive, and provide some of the most memorable golf in Australia. The links, parkland and resort courses will challenge all levels of golfers. Play any seven different courses on the MP Golf Trail and be rewarded with your own free Golf Trail polo shirt and cap. Contact info@ golfmorningtonpeninsula or phone 0439 396 617 and start playing the Golf Trail now!
April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
5
Bingara’s secret golf entrée offers a feast of delights By BILL COLHOUN
finished later this year.
NSIDE Golf this month can reveal details of Sydney’s best-kept golf secret . . . The Bingara Golf Course, the newest top-class layout from famous Australian course designer Graham Marsh.
Located at Wilton, about an hour south west of Sydney’s CBD, (20 minutes from Campbelltown) by way of the M31 Hume Motorway, the Bingara Golf Course is the outstanding centrepiece of Lend Lease’s 450ha Bingara Gorge residential community, which will be home to more than 3500 residents when completed.
I
It was an exciting revelation last month when a dozen golf writers were given a tantalising playing introduction to the second nine holes of the 6700m championship course – which will be
Marsh nominates a hole across one of Bingara’s spectacular gorges -- the par
three 16th -- to be The Bingara Course’s signature hole. “The spectacular tee shot, playing from amongst the sandstone boulders, directs play across the gorge to what is virtually an island green,” Marsh said at an opening preview for residents late last year. “A beautiful waterfall is just upstream of the line of play and although the 16th is short at only 150 metres, great precision will be required to score well as any
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2015
wayward shot will be punished severely. “One of the most exciting things about Bingara is the site itself. It is a wonderful area with many spectacular features to make use of and where we can craft a course that fits into the natural contours. “I am truly excited about this project; it’s going to be a great course that will challenge golfers of all levels.” The Bingara Gorge course will be a different style to anything seen before in
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Sydney where Marsh has also designed the highly rated Terrey Hills and Twin Creeks layouts. In adopting a minimalistic design, rather than a water-hungry resort style course, Marsh will allow the natural landscape to speak for itself. “This site deserves a different approach,” said Marsh. “Every hole, apart from four that take their context from the irrigation lake, has a relationship with the gorge and a backdrop of mature trees. The site has beautiful undulating areas and we’ve created a great mix of holes -- dogleg rights and lefts, downhill, uphill, some that are dead flat and some that play across the gorge. “From each set of tees there is a challenge. On the back tees there will be plenty of championship golf but from the forward tees there will be all the challenges you would want if you were just an average player.” Though famed for his bunkering, Marsh has included only 65 in the Bingara Gorge design. “There are so many features on
this course we didn’t want the bunkering to stand out,” said Marsh. “We wanted to be able to feel the synergy between grasslands, lakes, trees and gorges.” “Every hole, apart from four that take their context from the irrigation lake, has a relationship with the gorge and a backdrop of mature trees.”
management companies and already boasts a PGA professional in Ethan Shanahan, who trained at Concord Golf Club.
The Bingara Golf Course apparently will be unique in Australia in having the initial use – at Marsh’s insistence -- of the newly developed T1 Creeping Bent grass on its large undulating greens.
While the nine-hole layout currently in play is solely for the use of residents and their guests at weekends, the opportunity for Corporate Golf events is available midweek.
He has been very impressed with the use of T1 in the US and there have been glowing reports from Australian trials by the Golf Course Superintendents Association.
The facility is well-prepared to offer topclass golf days with 20 of the latest model Club Car carts, complete with the latest GPS video technology, available along with gourmet catering options.
Another interesting modern feature Bingara will boast is a variety of routing options, offering convenient three and five-hole rounds for time-poor golfers.
The nine-hole layout available already has a healthy GolfLink slope rating of 135 (holes 10-18 off the black tees) and with plenty of on-course watering the course is in pristine condition.
The golf facility is being overseen by Clublinks, one of Australia’s leading golf
Clublinks covers golf operations,
course maintenance, structuring, hospitality, estate maintenance, private security, country club precinct design, business opportunities, finance and administration. A small number of privileged Bingara Gorge Community residents and their guests already have formed a golf club with popular regular weekend competitions. A spokesperson for Lend Lease said that the front nine holes will be open for play late this year or early in 2016. Judging by the golf entrée currently on offer, when the front nine holes is opened for play, The Bingara Golf Course will be a golf feast and one of Sydney’s must-play layouts. www.bingaragorge.com.au/Living-inBingara-Gorge/Golf-Course •
The world’s most beautiful playground is calling. Play at Jack’s Point championship golf course then relax in luxury at The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Contact reservations@therees.co.nz for golf stay, play and dine packages.
April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
7
Southern gems in line for national tournaments Wanaka Golf Club
W
hile Millbrook, The Hills and Queenstown Golf Clubs have been constantly in the news of late with the recent success of the 2015 New Zealand Open, two other southern New Zealand courses, Wanaka and Te Anau, have been awarded hosting rights for upcoming national tournaments. Wanaka Golf Club, who last hosted in 2012, the New Zealand Women’s Seniors Match Play Championships, will host the 2015 New Zealand Mixed Foursomes Championship over Labour Weekend, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2015. The New Zealand Mixed Foursomes Championship, managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays under the auspices of New Zealand Golf will feature a great social programme along with a competitive golf format.
Wanaka Golf Club
test drive heaven! holiday properties Harrington & Crowdy Head
Tournament Director Denise Langdon states the fun programme including the addition of a welcome registration happy
hour, midway BBQ and a farewell lunch in conjunction with the awards ceremony will add to the camaraderie of the championship. With only an hour’s drive to Queenstown airport, the tournament will attract golfers from around New Zealand and Australia. The Wanaka Golf Club is a magic venue as the images demonstrate. Set amongst the hills above the Wanaka Township, the front nine fairways, tees and greens enjoy vistas of Lake Wanaka. Views of the Crown Range to the southwest compete with the views over Roy’s Bay and Lake Wanaka to the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park to the north. The front nine up Faulk Hill is the more testing of the two nines. It has some hilly layouts with the back nine a flatter layout, located on the old Wanaka Station. Don’t be fooled by the back nine, however – although not a long course the subtle swales on many approaches to the greens trap many a golfer.
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2015
Te Anau Golf Club The club, which dates back to the 1920’s, has over 1000 members from a township of only 5000 people. Many members are from around New Zealand who enjoy coming to Wanaka for the summer and winter ski season. The New Zealand Mixed Foursomes Championships will be Wanaka Golf Club’s third national tournament. The tournament was first played in 1973 with names on the trophy including professionals Brenda Ormsby, Grant Waite and current New Zealand Golf Manager, Phil Aicken. While the top division is fiercely competitive, the tournament is open to all ages and handicaps with many divisions, competing in fun foursomes match play with much camaraderie over three rounds of match play. Just down the road, the Te Anau Golf Club will host the 68th New Zealand Women’s Senior Match Play Championship, from
22 - 25 February 2016. The Te Anau Golf Course has its own stunning setting with views over Lake Te Anau and across to Fiordland National Park. The golf club’s web site proudly states that they are ‘one of the most scenic in the South Island’, and again the images bear this out. The small club prides itself on wellmanicured fairways with a course that is rated high, especially off the back tees. The 2015 New Zealand Women’s Senior Match Play Championships has just been hosted at Hamilton Golf Club with Jill Morgan from Waikato, the eventual winner. The tournament includes an 18-hole Stroke Play Championship that doubles as the match play qualifying event, with players then split into groups of 16, to advance to handicap match play, except the top division, which is off the stick match play.
Te Anau Golf Club The tournament has regularly attracted players from overseas with golfers from New Caledonia and Australia in the 2015 field. Te Anau is the gateway to the famous Milford Sound and this scenic location is also expected to attract a large field from around the country, along with visiting international players.
PaR nz Golfing Holidays, under the auspices of New Zealand Golf will manage the 2016 tournament and will release entry forms shortly. For more information, email denise@parnz.co.nz or visit www.parnz.co.nz or www.golf.co.nz
Traditional Golf Package
Championship Golf Package
2 x Nights Accommodation 1 x Round of Golf at Nelson Bay From: Twin Share - $230 per person Quad Share - $180 per person
2 x Nights Accommodation 1 x Round of Golf at Nelson Bay 1 x Round of Golf at Pacific Dunes From: Twin Share - $340 per person Quad Share - $305 per person
Packages are subject to availability at time of booking and exclude all long weekends, public holidays and Xmas school holidays.
THE LANDMARK NELSON BAY Reservations: (02) 4984 4633 | Freecall: 1800 200 755 | Group Consultant: (02) 4984 8963 | Fax: (02) 4984 4677 Email: res@landmarknelsonbay.com.au | Groups Email: groups@landmarknelsonbay.com.au April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
9
Go‘Royal’ in Las Vegas
“Hell Bunker” fronts the clubhouse at Royal Links. endowed country singer Dolly Parton. Royal Links Golf Club’s equivalent of the Road Hole at the Old Course at St Andrews.
I
F you’re into glitz, glamour and gambling then Las Vegas is the place for you.
The city bills itself as the entertainment capital of the world and is famous for its mega casino–hotels and associated entertainment. It’s a hedonist’s dream. But there is a fourth “g” that will interest readers – golf. There are around 50 immaculately laid out golf courses to choose from but one, Royal Links Golf Club, is unique and one definitely worth playing. It comprises 18 holes replicated from courses in England and Scotland that have been the venues for the Open Championship over the decades. For example, you could play Royal Troon’s famous par-3 “Postage Stamp” or tackle the Road Hole and Hell Bunker from the Old Course at St Andrews. Other courses in the loop include Carnoustie, Turnberry, Royal Liverpool, Prestwick, Royal Lytham, Muirfield and Royal Birkdale. According to the advertising blurb, Royal Links captures the soul of Scotland and the adventure of Las Vegas.
Designed by Dye International, the golf course, which stretches to 7209 yards (6592m), is a traditionalist golfer’s dream. The holes present challenges and drama that players will not encounter anywhere else on the American continent. The fairways, bunkers and greens are true to the originals although there may be a few yards’ difference in the length. Still there is one difference on Royal Links’ 10th hole, patterned after the Road Hole at St Andrews. There is no hotel to hit over or around – just a large sign. But the infamous deep bunker with steep back wall in front of the green is there as is the stone wall behind it. At Royal Links, the Scottish gorse bush is known as “smutz” and it’s not easy to extract your ball from it. Royal’s 16th hole, inspired by Carnoustie’s 15th hole, is known as “Car-nasty” because of its narrowness and strategic bunkers. On the 18th (the 14th at St Andrews), a golfer on the tee has to hit over what locals call two “Dollies” – two large mounds which recall the physical attractions of well-
Legend has it Tiger Woods had a crack at playing Royal Links and returned a five-under par 67. His only bogey on the day came at the 432m 12th hole – a copy of Royal Birkdale’s sixth. The clubhouse resembles a Scottish castle, in front of which stands a large replica of the Open Championship trophy. The details of the holes at Royal Links Golf Club with Scotland and England equivalents are: Hole 1: 334-yard par-4 (10th at Royal Lytham St Annes). 2: 390-yard par-4 (seventh at Royal Troon). 3: 171-yard par-3 (second at Prestwick). 4: 602-yard par-5 (eighth at Royal Liverpool). 5: 325-yard par-4 (12th at St Andrews). 6: 410-yard par-4 (10th at Royal Birkdale). 7: 466-yard par-4 (13th at Royal St George). 8: 126-yard par-3 (eighth at Royal Troon). 9: 559-yard par-5 (fifth at Muirfield). 10: 467-yard par-4 (17th at St Andrews). 11: 335-yard par-4 (sixth at Royal Cinque Port). 12: 473-yard par-4 (sixth at Royal Birkdale). 13: 356-yard par-4 (15th at Prestwick). 14: 201-yard par-3 (15th at Turnberry). 15: 553-yard par-5 (fifth at Turnberry). 16: 459-yard par-4 (15th at Carnoustie). 17: 223-yard par-3 (17th at Royal Troon).18: 520-yard par-5 (14th at St Andrews). Footnote: Inside Golf is indebted to the late James Shrimpton for parts of the article.
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2015
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Fowler signs on at
Terrace Downs
N
ew Zealand’s Terrace Downs Resort has announced that Peter “Chook” Fowler has signed on as the club’s official Golf Touring Pro Ambassador.
greens, and roughs of native grasses create a challenging yet invigorating round of golf. The par-72 course tests the abilities of all players, from the novice to the professional, with nine lakes and over 60 bunkers. The rustic resort features sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, and is renowned for making it difficult to keep your eye on the ball as you play the course’s parkland front nine and links back nine.
Fowler, who played at the New Zealand Open last month, will wear shirts and caps with the Terrace Downs logo for this season. “I’m delighted to join Terrace Downs as their touring professional and be an ambassador to such a magic resort,” Fowler said. “A most beautiful destination with breathtaking views of the Alps and a golf course to match the views. I’m honoured to be chosen as their ambassador.” Fowler is 55 years of age and was born in Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia but now has residence in New Zealand. He turned pro in 1977 and has 14 professional wins to his name, the most famous victory came at the Australian Open in 1983. He has spent a large part of his career on the European Tour and won the BMW International open in 1993 where the runner-up was Ryder Cup
captain Ian Woosnam. His best finish at a major championship was T22 at the Open Championship in 2003. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier golf resorts, Terrace Downs Resort showcases the best of its Canterbury High Country setting. Perched on the edge of the spectacular
Rakaia Gorge, in the foothills of Mt Hutt, Terrace Downs is secluded yet accessible, being less than one hour’s drive from Christchurch International Airport. The resort’s defining feature is the championship golf course, sculpted to fit perfectly within this unique environment. The manicured fairways, well-maintained
This stunning High Country resort is the perfect stay-and-play location, with luxury accommodation available on-site. Stay in Villa Suite apartments, all featuring jaw-dropping views across the 18th fairway and back 9 holes to the majestic Mt Hutt beyond. The villas sleep up to 6 people and feature all modern conveniences including full kitchens, separate living and dining areas, a spa bath, bathrobes, and laundry facilities. For larger gatherings, the Chalets house up to 13 people in luxurious comfort in large private houses. www.terracedowns.co.nz, info@ terracedowns.co.nz, +64 3318 6943. •
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and if your problems seem far away that’s because they are. Join us on this tour and find out why out why they say Fiji is where happiness finds you! TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • 6 nights accommodation at the Sheraton Denarau • Daily buffet breakfast • Return airport to hotel transfers • Welcome dinner and drinks • 3 rounds of golf including shared buggies on all courses • FJD 400 - Resort Credit for non golfers for use in Spa/Restaurants or Bars • Mamanaca Day Cruise with lunch and drinks • All transfers throughout • Day tour to Cloud9 with lunch and drinks • Farewell Fijian Feast
Golfer package Non golfer package Single supplement
from AUD 1899 per person (twin share) from AUD 1899 per person (twin share) AUD 849
+61 7 5508 2250| info@gogolfing.net.au
Go Golfing Travel PTY LTD is a member of IAGTO Terms & Conditions Apply
# 1. FOR ESCORTED TOURS
Fiji - Fun in the Sun
Book by 30 June and receive a complimentary upgrade to an 06 – 12 November 2015 Ocean View Room.
April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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WARM UP. PLAY GOLF. AND WARM UP AGAIN.
Practice on our short game facility.
Hit the fairway.
Reward yourself.
WINTER ESCAPE - WITH FREE GOLF* THIS WINTER, GUESTS WHO BOOK A STANDARD ROOM AT OUR NORMAL BED AND BREAKFAST RATE PLAY GOLF FOR FREE. WANT AN EVEN BETTER REASON TO TAKE A BREAK? THE CLUB IS RATED ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S TOP 10 PUBLIC ACCESS COURSES. FROM
$240
PER ROOM PER NIGHT
BARWON HEADS, GOLF VILLAGE BY THE SEA.
phone: 03 5255 6255 email: golf@bhgc.com.au
www.bhgc.com.au
* Valid Sunday - Thursday only. 1st June to 30th August. New bookings only. Subject to availability. Max 2 guests per room. F•S•A/BAR0101
O
ne of Inside Golf’s favourite “quick getaway” locations is the marvelous and tranquil Yering Gorge Cottages, just 45 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.
Yering Gorge Cottages
Owned and managed by The Eastern Golf Club, these luxury, self-contained, private spa cottages are located on a private nature reserve on the banks of the Yarra River, and are adjacent to a Greg Norman-designed golf course currently under construction, which will be the future home of The Eastern in early 2015. During a recent stay, we found the cottages to be extremely comfortable and relaxing, and contained everything you need for a weekend away or short escape. There are eight free-standing onebedroom cottages (perfect for couples), two free-standing two-bedroom cottages (ideal for families), and two adjoining two-bedroom cottages which can be booked separately or together to create a four-bedroom complex. They feature full
tick all the boxes kitchens, modern bathrooms with Spa baths, AC/Heating, gas barbecue, outdoor decks, broadband internet and all the modern conveniences. Of course, the standout of any stay at Yering Gorge Cottages is walking along the tranquil banks of the Yarra, enjoying the company of the resident wombats, rosellas, rabbits and kangaroos. And if
you’re lucky, you’ll even spot one of the two rare white kangaroos that calls the reserve home.
For more information, visit www.yeringcottages.com.au, or phone (03) 9739 0110. •
All in all, Yering Gorge Cottages ticks all the boxes for a relaxing getaway, or a home-base for a trip to the Yarra Valley, which is fast becoming a popular destination for both wine and golf enthusiasts. Highly recommended!
• • • • • • • • • •
5 nights accommodation at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort Breakfast daily 2 rounds at The Palms including shared electric cart 2 rounds at The Pines including shared electric cart Golf lunches after each round Welcome dinner including buffet & beverages Presentation dinner with 3 course menu & beverages Great daily & overall prizes including lucky draws Commemorative tournament polo shirt Fully hosted by Go Golfing’s experienced event team
Golfer package Non golfer package
$1,799 per person (twin share) $1,199 per person (twin share)
# 1. FOR TOURNAMENTS
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove 4Ball Challenge 4 - 9 July 2015
“I heard about Go Golfing’s 4 Ball Challenge through friends so I decided to see what all the fuss was about, and boy was I glad I did. Go Golfing ensured that everything was looked after right down to the smallest detail. The whole week was marvellous and I would recommend Go Golfing’s unique 4 Ball format to all club golfers.” Ted Barnes (Magenta Shores, NSW)
In the words of Adam Scott
“When I think of great golf in Australia, I think of The Pines at Sanctuary Cove.”
+61 7 5508 2250 info@gogolfing.net.au
April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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Give me another go! By Peter McCarthy “I would love to have another crack at that course” It’s one of the most common things we hear on Go Golfing tours and tournaments. It’s like an earnest request for a ‘mulligan’, only on a much bigger scale! When travelling, it makes sense to experience as much as you can. So more often than not Go Golfing tournament and tour itineraries have you playing a course once and moving onto the next challenge. But as you reflect on your round, thoughts of how you would play certain holes differently run rampant until you have enough alcohol to think you might be good at karaoke. So now at Go Golfing, we have a number of tournaments, and occasionally a tour, where courses are so good – they demand a second chance. It is now standard that Go Golfing’s 4 Ball tournaments have you playing two courses, twice each, in a popular competition format featuring best ball, ambrose and aggregate events. Here are two events that give you a second chance.
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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2015
nt Go Golfing Tour
Competitors get ready for play at a rece
Sanctuary Cove 4 Ball Challenge 4-9 July 2015 Sanctuary Cove on the northern end of the Gold Coast sets the benchmark for resort living. Since Frank Sinatra opened
the place in the early 80’s, Sanctuary Cove has hosted big stake Skins tournaments, multi-million luxury craft at the annual International Boat Show and remains a playground for the rich and famous. Boasting two courses, The Pines and The
Palms, Sanctuary Cove is where Adam Scott honed his skills and still calls home. The Palms underwent a major re-design three years ago and the addition of a few risk and reward holes gives the course real character. The Pines is exclusive –
members only, that’s until the course is closed to members for the hosting of the Sanctuary Cove 4 Ball Challenge. The opulent new member’s clubhouse is home for the tournament and the daily lunch presentations. Here, the locker rooms have chesterfield couches and a full selection of bathroom amenities – everyone comes to lunch smelling like roses, or Chanel, or Armani.
Barnbougle 4 Ball Challenge 16-22 January 2016 Barnbougle is in the north of Tasmania. Okay, it’s a little different to Sanctuary Cove. You won’t find boutique fashion or a marina – although there are fishing vessels aptly named ‘junks’. You won’t find pretence here. What you will find is a farmer who has converted rugged coastal dunes where cows once roamed into two of the most spectacular links courses you will find anywhere on the planet. Barnbougle Dunes and the neighbouring Lost Farm, both with spectacular view of Bass Strait, are both ranked in the world’s top 100 courses and are Australia’s #1 and #2 public access courses. These are a couple of golfing gems you’ll want to play again and again! The Barnbougle 4 Ball Challenge will have you staying at the newer Lost Farm villas with views of the ocean or golf course. The beds are so comfortable you wouldn’t get up early for anything other than golf. The clubhouse is a sports bar showing every sports channel on earth. There’s even a TAB for the punters and a
Dressing up in team co lou
rs is part of the fun at
day spa to pleasure the girls. Wood fired pizzas and cook your own BBQ packs are great value or there’s the fine dining and magnificent views from the hilltop restaurant. WARNING – this event sells out faster than a new iPhone release.
Go Golfing 4 Ball tourna
ments
Go Golfing was recently awarded Oceania’s Best Golf Tour Operator at the World Golf Awards in Portugal. Established 20 years, Go Golfing hosts events, tours and holidays all over Australia and 28 countries worldwide.
Your golf clubs fly for free when you book your flights through Go Golfing Travel. For more information visit www.gogolfing.net.au •
CENTARA WORLD MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 14-20 June 2015 | Hua Hin, Thailand
GREAT COURSES &
SENSATIONAL PRIZES
Thailand’s
BEST WEEK of Golf and Fun
OPEN TO ALL
MALE & FEMALE AMATEUR GOLFERS AGED 35 AND OVER
www.ThailandWorldMasters.com Proudly presented by
For Reservations & Information Toll Free Call: 1300 55 28 55 register@thailandworldmasters.com April 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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