Inside Golf Travel June 2015

InsideGolf Issue 20 // JUN 2015

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River

Rolling on the

Tee it up along the

Mighty Murray

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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: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 E: megan@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: Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort [INSET: Peregian Springs Golf Club]

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River

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June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

3

A warm welcome

Maroochy River Golf Club

By David Newbery

W

HAT does it conjure up when someone says “the Sunshine Coast”?

For a start, it means warm weather, exciting and challenging golf courses, walks on the beach, surf dancing, food, shopping, fine dining, cooking classes, forest walks, magical sunsets and sundowners and more.

Yes, the Sunshine Coast’s endless warm sunshine is a magnet for southerners seeking warmth and a slice of heaven.

There has always been a buzz about visiting the Sunshine Coast to play golf, but when resort courses like Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Peregian Springs and Pacific Harbour opened to rave reviews a decade or two ago the buzz became a din.

Now there is another brand-new championship course to excite golfers.

Word has it the latest addition to the

PERHAPS it was fitting Mother Nature was first to examine Maroochy River Golf Club’s Graham Marsh-designed championship golf course at Bli Bli located near the Sunshine Coast Airport.

In February, Cyclone Marcia had a crack at the course built on former cane land, but the course was virtually unscathed save for some wear and tear on the 14th hole.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Sunshine Coast, the recently opened Graham Marsh-designed Maroochy River Golf Club, is a “must-play” course.

Of course, you will have to contemplate, for instance, whether to play golf pre- or post-lunch.

You could while away the hours on a beach or sit on the balcony overlooking an ocean or golf course and consider the merits of an afternoon glass of wine versus a cold beer versus a lemon squash.

A massage may take you or your travelling companion’s fancy.

The goal here is to relax and enjoy the charm of this wonderful destination just an hour north of Brisbane.

Between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner, one can swim, play golf, hike Mount Coolum or the Glass House Mountains, visit Australia Zoo or swim with the sharks at Mooloolaba’s Underwater World.

a leisurely stroll around the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Eumundi Markets or cycle the shoreline along the Caloundra Coastal Path from Golden Beach to Port Cartwright.

You could also browse the chic boutiques, restaurants and cafes along Noosa’s Hastings Street, or take a stroll through the Noosa National Park to view the stunning five surfing points, which has seen Noosa being named the latest National Surfing Reserve.

Enjoy the Noosa Country Drive and experience hinterland villages including Cooroy, Pomona and Kin Kin. For something unique, take a river cruise from Noosa to the Noosa Everglades, one of only two Everglades systems in the world. For further information on Noosa, visit www.visitnoosa.com.au.

crafts in Montville’s charming Main Street or wandering through the creek-side shopping centre of Maroochydore’s Sunshine Plaza.

At night dance under the stars or enjoy a romantic meal on one of the many quality restaurants scattered up and down the coast.

The golf resorts and clubs, too, offer top-quality dining facilities and welcome visitors.

One of the nice things about the Sunshine Coast is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful family holiday.

There is plenty of affordable accommodation and there are restaurants galore that cater for children.

Other popular pastimes include browsing Mooloolaba’s Esplanade (famous for Ocean King Prawns), shopping for

So, when you plan your next golf holiday and you decide you want to play courses the equal of any on the eastern seaboard of Australia, make plans to visit the Sunshine Coast.

Last month’s weather event dumped 480mm on the golf course and again the drainage was able to cope beautifully.

Creating the golf course was no small engineering feat as the course was built on a “no fill in or out” agreement.

Well, the first thing golfers need to know is the golf course won’t beat you up, but you must check the wind before teeing off.

The club’s general manager Charlie McGill, with a grin wider than Jordan Spieth’s after his Masters win, said: “The drainage is fantastic and the course held up very well.”

Lakes and waterways were created and the metre or two of soil capped the fairways and greens.

If the breezes are up you might want to consider playing from the white tees.

If you’re not into thrill seeking, take

The heavy rain only enhanced the fairways and greens.

The result is a carefully crafted and welldesigned golf course with a links feel and look.

So, what can golfers expect?

There are five tee positions – black, blue, white, red and yellow – allowing golfers to choose their own medicine.

From the “whites” the course measures 5648m, from the “blues” 5918m and from

Maroochy River Golf Club the “blacks” 6441m.

The course is 1129m shorter (5312m) from the yellow tees. From the red tees it’s 5010m.

If you are a male mid-to highhandicapper the white tees will give you all the golf you want.

Low markers and gorillas might want more and play from the tips.

For the record, Maroochy River has a slope rating of 127 from the black, 125 from the blue, 122 from the white and red tees.

Some of the tee blocks resemble a landing strip. For example, the eighth tee is 56m.

From the forward tees it’s 156m and 200m from the black tees.

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While there are no tree-lined fairways, hundreds of trees have been planted in strategic locations to protect the players on tees and greens from stray shots.

Still, there is sufficient water and wetlands to keep you honest.

Most of the water hazards are directional, which means they won’t swallow a lot of golf balls unless you hit it sideways.

Many of the largish greens have open approaches and gentle contours that make the course a joy to walk and play.

During a round, golfers cross six bridges while the bunkering (there are 79 bunkers) is eye-catching and add to the layout’s aesthetics.

From the tees, the bunkers appear intimidating but most fairway bunkers can be avoided thanks to generously

wide fairways.

The par-5 fifth hole has 11 bunkers – seven fairways traps and four guarding the green.

McGill said Maroochy River was a riskand-reward golf course.

“You don’t need to take driver off the tee on every par-4 and par-5,” he advised.

The par-4 sixth and the par-5 seventh are prime examples at 266m and 453m respectively from the white tees.

Still, the eyes of the big-hitters will light up as they eye off an eagle or birdie, but birdies are possible by choosing the safer approach.

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

There are no bunkers on 18, but with the 1130sqm green and the distance from front left to back right is more than 50 metres. Good luck if you are nowhere near the pin and need a two-putt to win your match.

The four par-3s, two on each side, are memorable and require short-to mid-irons usually with a tough crosswind. Again, club selection is critical.

After golf, there is a restaurant and a separate bar with tables for dining.

The 13th at 405m rivals the 399m 18th as the toughest hole on the course.

The 18th plays into the prevailing wind.

It has water all the way down the left and crosses in front of the huge green.

The clubhouse, which offers magnificent views north to Mount Coolum, offers all the comforts required and is capable of holding multiple functions (corporate days, weddings and members’ functions)

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Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort simultaneously.

Privacy is ensured thanks to the clever design of bi-fold doors.

An all-glass frontage opens out to a terrace and amphitheatre where golfers can watch the fun unfold on the 18th green.

Currently, Maroochy River is offering a “mates rates” deal where four players can play golf using a cart for $50 per player.

MORE: Maroochy River Golf Club, David Low Way, Bli Bli. Phone (07) 5373 1000.

Pro shop (07) 5457 0900. www.maroochyrivergolfclub.com.au THIS winter, why not follow the sun to the magnificent Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort.

This pristine 18-hole championship

Clearwater Noosa Resort course is a challenging and memorable golf experience right in the heart of Noosa.

Undulating fairways are carved into bushland alongside spring fed lakes teeming with native wildlife.

Designed by leading golf course architect Graham Papworth, the stunning par-72, 6180m championship course was built to international standards and has hosted PGA qualifying events.

Playing conditions are superb year-round in subtropical Noosa.

Improve your swing at Noosa’s only practice range (floodlit Wednesday to Saturday evenings) or book a lesson with AAA-rated golf professional Peter Heiniger.

Why not double your golfing pleasure and play coast-to-coast at the superb sister golf club – Links Hope Island, Gold Coast?

Designed by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson and partner, Mike Wolveridge, it’s the Gold Coast’s most iconic golf course.

Discover why both venues consistently rank in Australia’s top-10 best resort golf courses.

Noosa Springs’ guests are invited to play Links Hope Island at a special rate of just $90pp including motorised cart.

Everything for a luxury golf retreat is catered for onsite: spacious apartments; award-winning dining; aqua day spa; heated swimming pool; tennis courts and fitness centre.

The resort’s Warm to Winter package starts at $165pp per night, quad share.

It includes: Buffet breakfast daily; Relish Restaurant lunch special: choice of three mains with a glass of wine; and your

choice daily of nine holes of golf; or a spa hydro-massage & steam experience; or one of three premium wine selections.

Mid-week bonus: Stay three nights and receive a fourth night free (room only) and a complimentary upgrade of nine holes to 18 and upgrade a hydro-massage to a spa passport. Offer valid SundayThursday only.

Register for Noosa Springs’ popular Wednesday Wine Down June 24 and you could drive away in a brand new Toyota Corolla if you score a hole-in-one on the eighth, plus win plenty of bottles of wine at each hole – six dozen in total! Cost $79 includes lunch and post-game nibbles.

For a more highbrow pursuit, the Noosa Long-weekend July 17-26 is 10 days of world-class cultural events.

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Peregian Springs Golf Club Noosa’s cosmopolitan shopping and dining strip, pristine beaches and National Park just three minutes’ drive away. Complimentary twice daily shuttle bus to Hastings Street.

Noosa Springs is 90 minutes north of Brisbane Airport and 30 minutes from Sunshine Coast Domestic Airport. Links Hope Island is on the north shore of the Gold Coast, 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes south of Brisbane Airport.

MORE: Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, Links Drive, Noosa Heads 4567.

Tel (07) 5440 3333. www.noosasprings.com.au Clearwater Noosa Resort offers a one-stop shop for your golf vacation.

Regardless of the size of your group, length of your stay or any other specific needs, they offer tailored packages to suit your group. They will even organise transfers, rental cars, vans or even buses for the larger groups. Just let them know your numbers and they will recommend the appropriate method of transport.

Clearwater Noosa Resort offers a great

location just metres from the famous Noosa River with its landscaped foreshore and picturesque shady picnic spots. A short walk from the Resort offers a multitude of restaurants, bars and cafes to socialise with your fellow golfers and friends.

Packages are generally made up of 7 nights’ accommodation with 5 rounds of golf on a selection of the Sunshine Coast’s best Resort and Club Golf courses, including Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Pelican Waters, Peregian Springs, Coolum Golf & Spa, Tewantin/Noosa GC, Mt Coolum GC, Horton Park GC, Headland GC and Caloundra GC. They can make up any number of combinations from the courses they use, and can adjust the packages to suit.

The prices are based on any size groups, and they can arrange further discounts and/or some add-ons for groups larger than 12 people.

MORE: Clearwater Noose Resort, Tel (07) 5449 9333 info@clearwaternoosa.com.au www.clearwaternoosa.com.au

Peregian Springs Golf Club is building a reputation as a must-play golf course and must-visit golfing destination for club golfers and social players alike.

The Phil Scott-designed golf course is located at the Peregian Beach and residential estate just 15 minutes from Noosa’s famous Hastings Street and the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Club CEO Declan McCollam says Peregian Springs has managed to combine the attraction of a resort-style golf destination with the charm and atmosphere of a local golf club.

And with the acquisition of a brand-new fleet of Club Car golf carts equipped with the latest Visage GPS, there is even more reason to play there.

“Aside from the local community, we get a lot of interstate visitors and players from the New Zealand market.”

Peregian Springs offers play-and-stay packages with the option of first-class facilities at the Outrigger Resort and Spa in Noosa.

An easy-walking golf course with enough challenges for players of all levels, there are five tee positions that

allows players of differing skill levels to choose their own level of difficulty.

Both nines are similar in style with treelined fairways and water coming into play on the 3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th and 13th holes.

The clubhouse is a wonderful surprise – a modern single-storey building that isn’t pretentious.

It’s pleasantly spacious inside, the focus is on comfort with two bars, a restaurant area, locker rooms and showers open to visitors.

The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday, but the bars are open every day.

Snacks are available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

“The practice facilities are first-class with a full-length driving range that has a grassed area and 12 mat tees,” McCollam said.

“There is a putting and chipping green and we also have a fully-equipped gymnasium and a steam room.

“The pro shop is the hub of our golf operations and is open 6am to 6pm seven days a week.

“It’s fully stocked with top name Australian and international brands. We

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

7

Noosa Golf Club stock fashionable apparel, shoes, clubs and an extensive range of accessories.”

MORE: Peregian Springs Golf Club, Peregian Springs Drive, Peregian Springs 4573. Tel (07) 5471 5471 – pro shop (07) 5471 5400. www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au A NEW name, a redesigned logo and new club colours greet golfers at Noosa Golf Club, formerly known as Tewantin Noosa Golf Club.

What hasn’t changed is the warm welcome golfers receive when entering the pro shop and clubhouse – always a good start to a round of golf.

The club’s general manager Allan Harris said the golf course was in excellent condition.

“In fact, the members who have been here for over 30 years say it’s as good as it’s ever been,” he said.

Cooroy Golf Club Little wonder the club, located just 10 minutes from famous Hastings Street at Noosa, has bucked the trend with membership up 12 per cent and social play grown by around four per cent this year.

The picturesque championship golf course has stood the test of time (79 years) and like a good wine gets better with age.

It seems golfers do vote with their feet as more than 50,000 rounds are played by the members and a further 15,000 rounds by visitors.

One of the reasons why Noosa Golf Club is popular with locals and visitors alike is because it’s an easy walking and a forgiving golf course – the par rating for men is 72 and ladies 74 with a slope rating of 126.

The fairways are generous with a first cut, followed by a maintained rough so

not too many golf balls are lost.

clothing, accessories and hire clubs.

Still, the course is no pushover and can be a challenge to golfers of all levels. The true and fast greens are a reasonable size and a good target.

Golfers can enjoy the tranquillity of the course’s natural bushland setting where friendly kangaroos roam freely. There are even koalas and an abundance of birdlife on the golf course.

After playing 18, the perfect place for relaxing with friends is at the comfortable clubhouse.

The 19th hole offers a fine bistro and relaxing deck to take in the superb view over the ninth and 18th holes.

The bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and golfers can also enjoy dinner Tuesdays to Fridays.

The pro shop is one of the biggest and best on the Sunshine Coast and boasts a comprehensive range of equipment,

Social players are always welcome.

MORE: Noosa Golf Club, Cooroy-Noosa Road, Tewantin 4565. Tel (07) 5447 1407. www.noosagolf.com.au IN a recent column, I suggested golfers pack their clubs and visit some of the hidden gems found off-the-beaten-track.

Well, here’s one worth visiting – Cooroy Golf Club.

The club sits comfortably under the gaze of Mount Cooroy in the picturesque hinterland town of Cooroy just a short 22-kilometre drive from Noosa and the popular northern beaches.

“Our relaxed ambience and location in the Noosa hinterland makes us the perfect venue for a round of golf to complete your holiday experience or for your social, corporate or charity golf day,”

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9

Twin Waters Golf Club said the club’s general manager Wayne Patston.

approach with slight draw for righthanders.

“The layout is not a conventional nine plus nine.

The 176m par-3 fourth is relatively flat with a water hazard on the right and to the rear. Bunkers left, right and back protect a small green with moderate contour.

“We like to say we are a little different,” he said. “You play all the way out and then play all the way back in, similar to St Andrews.”

Golfers short on time and can only fit in nine holes can play holes one through six and then 16, 17 and 18.

On the front nine, there are three par-3s and six par-4s.

A tip: Hit straight especially on holes three and four.

The 347m par-4 third doglegs left with the fairway sloping left into trees hiding a water hazard all the way to a generous green with severe surface contours. The back and right side of the green falls away steeply.

Another tip: Favour a right centre

The second nine is 569m longer and more challenging with three par-3s, two par-4s and four par-5s. There are fewer trees, but wayward golfers will encounter watery surprises.

Tee times are available every day for social golf and cost $35 for 18 holes and $25 for nine holes.

The open-plan clubhouse has an outside deck looking over the 1st fairway and 18th green.

“It’s an ideal place to relax after a round of golf or a visit,” Patston said.

Before or after golf there is plenty to see and do in the Noosa hinterland.

The place is dotted with cafes, galleries, day spas, historic pubs and boutique vineyards not to mention the stunning scenery.

MORE: Cooroy Golf Club, Myall Street, Cooroy 4563. Tel (07) 5447 6258. www.cooroygolf.com.au THERE is a saying directed at golfers visiting the Sunshine Coast: Don’t leave home without your golf clubs … and camera.

Well, I say: Don’t leave the Sunshine Coast without playing golf at the Twin Waters Golf Club at least once.

The golf course is infectious and you’ll want to play it time and again.

Designed by Peter Thomson and Michael Wolveridge, the golf course remains a classic, which is why it’s so popular among golf pilgrims.

The club’s general manager Steve

Hutchison, voted golf club manager of the year in 2012, along with Gary Topp, the course superintendent for the past 20 years, and his staff keep the course in perfect condition all year around.

It’s one of the reasons why the PGA of Australia continues to take the Holden Scramble final back there – year after year.

In fact, Twin Waters has hosted the Holden Scramble 17 times in the event’s 22-year history.

From the championship tees, the course measures 6183 metres and requires great shot-making variety because of the contoured fairways and large greens.

For the better player, it’s a strong, challenging course, but mid to high handicappers have the advantage of playing from the forward tees.

Twin Waters, a typical links-style layout replicates some of the traditional and natural British courses, offers generous

Woodford Golf Club

Golf Packages and Tours include: • Return airport transfers to your destination from Maroochy, Brisbane or Coolangatta Airports • Your choice of excellent Sunshine Coast accommodation at either Noosa, Coolum or Mooloolaba , Gold Coast options for accommodation are Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Royal Pines Resort or the Mercure Gold Coast Resort.

• Motorised carts and reserved times at each golf course • Daily return golf transfers from your accommodation to the golf course • Storage of golf clubs during your Queensland holiday • The most cost effective Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast packages available, tailored to your requirements

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Play & Stay PaCkage availaBle • Includes accommodation at Woodford Village Hotel/Motel (2 mins away) • Full/Continental Breakfast served to your unit • 18 holes golf with shared electric cart • Free shuttle service to and from Golf Club • $180 p/night twin share • Price and inclusions based on 2 people For Bookings please phone the Club on (07) 5496 1004 “Members, Guests and Visitors are always welcome - Country hospitality at its finest”

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Woodford Golf Club Inc. Club (07) 5496 1004 Proshop (07) 5496 1522 Email admin@woodfordgolfclub.com.au www.woodfordgolfclub.com.au

• 18 hole Championship Course • Bar, Bistro & Gaming Lounge • Fully Equipped Pro Shop

landing areas and bail out areas around the greens.

Sometimes you will watch your ball sail into the distance over a bush-covered hillock at the side of the fairway and think the worst.

But you will have a good chance of finding it and still have a shot to the green because those grass hillocks are often like islands and have landing areas beyond them.

Concentration is critical on the putting surfaces because the greens are typical of links golf – large and subtle slopes. The 18th is a suitably testing par-5 and it’s a hole where many contests have been won … and lost.

The eighth hole is just one of the standouts because it has the green designed in line with the “road hole” at St Andrews. The water on the right is intimidating and is a definite “no-go zone”.

Twin Waters Golf Club is open to visitors and social clubs 7 days a week and offers packages for all sizes of groups.

Twin Waters has a unique practice facility. The aquatic driving range is only one of a handful in Queensland.

The fully-licensed clubhouse is open every day for coffee and lunch at very reasonable prices.

MORE: Twin Waters Golf Club, Ocean Drive, Twin Waters 4564.

Tel (07) 5457 2444. www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

Pacific Harbour Golf Course MANY golf travellers like to start and/ or finish their golfing vacation with a round of golf at the magnificent Pacific Harbour Golf Course, situated on Bribie Island between a national park and a marine national park only 45 minutes from Brisbane.

Designed by Ross Watson, the layout is terrific and offers many memorable holes that challenge all levels of golfers.

One of the challenges is not taking out the driver on every par-4 and par-5.

On the 12th hole, at 333m you will find a fairway metal or long iron aimed to the right will leave you a short iron to a small green with little trouble over the back.

The 16th at 349m is another hole where position off the tee is critical if you want to avoid the fairway bunkers. Your approach shot must land left-centre of the green because anything slightly right and short may roll into the water hazard

guarding the right side of the green.

The finishing hole is a super challenge and will have you fiddling with your clubs. At 408 metres you’ll want to take out your driver but with water down the right from tee to green and a couple of fairway bunkers you may be better to take out the fairway metal for safety.

Avoiding the traps and water is only half the battle. Choosing the correct club for the approach is the key to finishing with a safe par.

After a round, we suggest heading for the Deck Bar of the awarding-winning clubhouse where you can enjoy a cold drink and a light snack as you plan your next assault on the course.

The Deck Bar, Café & Restaurant is open every day and offers everything from light snacks to a highly-acclaimed a-lacarte menu.

products available, including golf balls, golf merchandise and golf fashion from premium brands at competitive prices.

Accommodation is no problem as Pacific Harbour Golf Club has partnered with some of Bribie Island’s best accommodation to offer golfers a range of luxury play-and-stay packages.

The Golfers Lodge overlooks the 18th hole and consists of two separate townhouse-style apartments.

Another option is On the Beach, which offers guests absolute beach front accommodation in one of their twobedroom ocean view apartments.

MORE: Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club. Avon Avenue, Banksia Beach 4507. Tel (07) 3410 4001.

Email info@pacificharbourgolf.com.au. www.pacificharbourgolf.com.au

The well-stocked pro shop has the latest

Special rates for social clubs

Membership now available

Visitors welcome everyday

1 Charles Woodward Drive, CALOUNDRA QLD 4551 Ph: (07) 5491 1811 admin@caloundragolf.com.au www.caloundragolfclub.com

book super discount green fees on line

www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au 151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters Qld 4564 Ph: (07) 5457 2444 www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

good holes to choose from and all with different characteristics.

The 18th hole is a great finishing hole, which leads to the clubhouse and outdoor deck.

The outdoor area is a popular gathering place for golfers after a round.

Bribie Island Golf Club is located halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast (one hour either way) and is the ideal detour or destination for those who appreciate good golf at a great price.

Golf packages can be arranged and accommodation at Fairways Golf and Beach Retreat, just next door, is perfect.

The club is open every day while Café on 18 is open for lunch daily and dinner Tuesdays through Friday nights and breakfast is served every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7-10am.

Bribie Island Golf Club THE honourboard at Bribie Island Golf Club reads like a who’s who with big-name players like Adam Scott, Rod Pampling and Amy Yang as the standouts.

Scott (1996-97) and Pampling (1990) won the Bribie Island Gold Cup while Yang took out the 2005 Ladies Classic.

Bribie Island continues to attract not only the cream of the crop, but players of all abilities.

opportunity to play a sandbelt-style course while enjoying the sub-tropical weather all year round.

The native bushland and sandy lies off the fairways accentuate the need to position your golf ball on the wellmanicured fairways and greens.

That surely is an indication of how good the golf course is.

Consistently rated in Australia’s top100 public access golf courses and recently rated in Australia’s top-10 most underrated golf courses, Bribie Island will not disappoint.

Built on natural rolling sand dunes, the championship layout offers the

The club’s motto “It’s Worth the Drive” is apt.

Links Court, Woorim, BRIBIE ISLAND, Queensland p: 07 3408 1457 www.bribieislandgolfclub.com.au e: office@bribieislandgolfclub.com.au

“When you come to play here you will find a big difference to a number of other golf clubs – serenity,” club manager Steve Middleton said.

“We are not bordered by any roads, railway lines, airport or housing.

“There is no external distraction to your game. It’s all up to you. We pride ourselves on the condition of our course and the facilities we provide in the way of food, drinks and atmosphere.”

Middleton said the course was in excellent condition going into winter.

At Bribie Island, there are plenty of

Bribie Island Invitational Golf Tournament We’re proud to announce the 2nd Annual Bribie Island Invitational Tournament sponsored by Coca Cola Amatil.

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Men’s Single Stableford Ladies Single Stableford 8 rounds with the top 5 players fom each round qualifying for the invitational final round.

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Ladies White Tee Challenge All events are played on the last Friday of the month except for June when it will be played on Friday 19th June Tee times available from mid morning.

open Event - 1 Division - Ladies only Competition

Challenge Yourself Challenge the Course

Members & Bay Golf Card Holders $11 | Visitors $31

Great Prizes • Winner - Ladies Golf Shirt • Runner-Up - Golf Hat • Play under your handicap and receive a Dozen Golf Balls • NTP’s • Ball Run Down

12

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Event sponsor

Round 4 Friday 12th June Round 5 Friday 10th July Round 6 Friday 14th August Round 7 Friday 11th September Round 8 Friday 9th October Final Friday 8th November

FINAL RouND PRIzE • 2 nights accommodation on the Gold Coast • A one day entry to the Australian PGA Championship • Entry to the Coca Cola Amatil Hospitality tent • Dinner at one of the Royal Pines Restaurants during your stay • Round of golf at Royal Pines (if possible) or another Resort course during the Championship Phone for more information and bookings: The Golf Shop - (07) 3408 2484

MORE: Bribie Island Golf Club, Links Court, Woorim 4507. Tel (07) 3408 2484. www.bribieislandgolfclub.com.au Mount Coolum Golf Club’s management and pro shop staff are still dining out on the fact Adam Scott turned up to play a round of golf earlier this year.

And why wouldn’t they?

It’s a good story and says a lot about the course’s layout when a former world No.1 chooses to play there.

Just a short drive from the Sunshine Coast Airport at Maroochydore, the club offers easy access for visitors. It’s also perfectly positioned among various

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Challenge GREAT PRIzES EvERy MoNTh Beat your handicap and win a dozen Pro-V balls

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resorts and accommodation houses in the area.

The course is nestled at the foot of spectacular Mt Coolum with the rock providing an awesome backdrop on most tees and fairways.

The club is one of the friendliest on the coast and welcomes visitors of all golfing levels.

To add to the beauty, the course has an abundance of natural flora and fauna with water coming into play on 12 holes.

Combine all this with the long, narrow fairways and you have a true test of golf on your hands.

The course layout is relatively flat, which makes it a comfortable walk and it comes as no surprise that more than 60,000 rounds are played here each year.

The club’s philosophy is to ensure members, guests and visitors receive the highest level of service and experience when attending the club or on the course.

The club’s secretary manager Sharon Purnell said the condition of the golf course was its best advertisement.

“We have members and visitors constantly commenting on how well the course is playing and how professional and friendly the staff is,” she said.

Mount Coolum Golf Club is an ideal place to hold a corporate event or trade day.

The club’s facilities include a fullystocked pro shop with motorised carts, retail and hire equipment as well as the

Mt Coolum Golf Club latest in men’s and women’s golf fashion.

Club pro Stephen Jenkins is a PGA AAA and Level 3 coaching accredited.

The air-conditioned clubhouse has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a large deck overlooking the course and spectacular Mount Coolum. The Bistro is open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday and the bar facilities and gaming lounge is open seven days a week.

Golfers can relax on the balcony after a game and enjoy lunch with views over Australia’s second largest rock – Mt Coolum.

“It’s all part of one of life’s great golfing experiences.” Ms Purnell said.

Mount Coolum Golf Club has social play on Monday, Friday and Sunday and offer discounts to social bookings of 15 or more players. The club welcomes visitors and guests to play and enjoy golf in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

MORE: Mt Coolum Golf Club, Lumeah Drive, Mt Coolum 4573.

Tel (07) 5446-3125 www.mtcoolumgolf.com

IF you want to know how good the golf course is at Headland Golf Club just ask the club’s current club champion Adam Richards.

After all, Richards should know. He’s been a member for 28 years and says the course has never looked or played better.

Richards, 40, has won the A grade club championship over three decades –1994, 2002 and 2014 – and believes the “little things” carried out in recent years have added to the overall appeal and playing condition of the Buderim course.

“In the past two years new cart paths

Green fees $50

Play a second game within a week and receive 20% OFF

Weekly green fees, 3 & 6 month temporary memberships Clubhouse open 7 days per week

Motorised Carts and a fully stocked Pro Shop

46 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin QLD 4565 (07) 5447 1407 | Fax: (07) 5449 0107 Email: golfbookings@noosagolf.com.au www.noosagolf.com.au June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

and well-established Caloundra Golf Club.

Opened in 1951 as a nine-hole course and extended to 18 holes in 1966, the golf course is set in a tranquil and peaceful environment.

It’s here where visiting club golfers feel right at home as the course is very much a product of its natural surroundings.

Of course, the challenge of the traditional Australian bushland course is another reason why the club is popular with members and visitors alike.

Headland Golf Club have been constructed and three of our five dams have been enlarged, which has added to the aesthetic appeal of the course,” he said.

“And from a golfer’s perspective, the vastly improved condition of the fairways, the tees and the brilliant greens make it an extremely pleasurable course to play.”

But that doesn’t mean Headland, a gently undulating layout with greensideonly bunkers, five water hazards and treelined fairways, is easy.

“Off the black tees (6086 metres) I rate Headland as tough as any course I have played and certainly one of the most challenging on the Sunshine Coast.”

The other major plus for Headland is its picture postcard views over the course to the Pacific Ocean with holiday havens Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland and

Maroochydore in between. Headland is also a flora and fauna reserve.

Membership is almost at its 950 capacity, with more than 100 joining in the past 18 months. And many of these new members have been women following a successful “Starting Women in Golf” (SWING) program which was instigated by former ladies golf director Laurel Opray.

A large group of beginner women golfers meet every Tuesday for nine holes and coffee, assisted by current members and with regular coaching sessions, this is a pathway for these golfers into membership.

Another recent addition to the club is professional Adam Norlander and his team.

Norlander joined Headland from Oxley Golf Club. Two members of his Oxley team,

Matt Douglas and trainee Josh Butler, have joined him at Headland and former Headland club champion Ben Wedmaier, who recently completed his traineeship, has remained as an assistant pro.

Green fees are $50pp for 18 holes. Group discounts for 12 or more players apply.

Open competitions for golf club members with a GA handicap on Tuesday (mixed) and Thursday (ladies morning, men afternoon) $40 including competition fee.

MORE: Headland Golf Club, Golf Links Road, Buderim 4556. Tel (07) 5444 5800. proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au. www.headlandgolfclub.com.au JUST a chip shot (okay three kilometres) from beautiful Kings Beach, is the popular

The golf course is 5987 metres off the championship tees (5356m for women) and features a number of tight, tree-lined holes that make accuracy and the ability to shape the golf ball off the tee very important.

There are five par-3s and they are a real test with none measuring less than 145 metres.

If that is not enough, there is water on five holes and bunkers protect most greens.

Caloundra’s final three holes are extremely demanding, just what you want from a championship golf course.

The 16th (353m) has an index of eight while the 17th (369m) and the 18th (393m) are indexed four and two respectively.

If you require one birdie from the final three holes to win a title, you are going to have to work very hard.

Caloundra Golf Club, which can lay claim to producing former British Open

Clearwater Noosa

Mount CooluM Golf Club

SUPER SPECIAL Play at Mount Coolum Golf Club during June and pay only $35 for 18 holes.

Or if zipping around the course in a cart is more your style, pay just $50 for 18 holes in a motorised cart!* *Conditions Apply. Excludes Public Holidays. Subject to availability.

Call the Pro Shop for Bookings and Tee Times (07) 5446 3125 17 Lumeah Drive, Mount Coolum (off Suncoast Beach Drive)

Phone (07) 5446 1539 www.mtcoolumgolf.com

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

• 18 Hole Championship Course • Fully Equipped Pro Shop • Bar, Bistro & Gaming Lounge • Open 7 Days a week

Your choice of resort and club courses.

• Noosa Springs • Twin Waters • Club Pelican • Palmer Coolum Resort • Mt Coolum • Noosa Golf Club • Horton Park • Headland • Caloundra • Peregian Springs Some conditions apply

champion Ian Baker-Finch, has produced numerous state and national champions.

Visitors are always welcome at Caloundra and social times are available most days.

Motorised carts and golf equipment are available for hire.

The clubhouse, which overlooks the 18th green and fairway, incorporates a fullyequipped bar and dining room while the pro shop has an excellent range of clubs and accessories.

One of the attractions is each day at 4pm the Rainbow Lorikeets arrive and visitors are welcome to participate in the feeding activity.

MORE: Caloundra Golf Club.

Charles Woodward Drive, Caloundra 4551.

Tel (07) 5491 1811. www.caloundragolfclub.com.au IF you’re looking for good old-fashioned country hospitality at its finest, look no further than Woodford Golf Club, which is located 50 minutes by car north of Brisbane and 40 minutes west of Caloundra.

Caloundra Golf Club want to conquer the tough 429m, par-4 fifth hole.

A hazard awaits down the left off the tee, out of bounds down the right and the second shot is played uphill to a narrow green.

Still, there are a number of birdie opportunities with possibly the best chance at the 436m, par-5 10th.

Located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the scenic 18-hole golf course not only attracts inquisitive golfers but an abundance of wildlife that flourish on and around the golf course.

Woodford is a forgiving golf course and won’t deplete your golf ball stock.

The golf course is undulating, not hilly, and has excellent greens.

There’s plenty of wildlife, including kangaroos, on the course.

It offers a terrific golfing experience and is well worth the drive. Speaking of drives, you’ll have to be on your game if you

It costs $28 to play golf Monday to Friday and $34 on weekends.

Once you get past the pond on holes one and four there aren’t too many other hazards.

The club’s House Manager Pat McAtee

said golfers who turned up after 1pm Monday to Friday could play unlimited golf for $20pp and after 1pm Sundays for $22pp.

The comfortable air conditioned clubhouse offers daytime snacks and sandwiches from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Dinner is available in the Bunkers Bistro on Fridays from 6-8pm and a barbeque breakfast is available from 6.30am on weekends.

Club pro Paul Cook is available for lessons.

“We have arranged play-and-stay packages with the Woodford Village Hotel/Motel, which is two minutes down the road,” Mr McAtee said.

“They have a courtesy bus and so do we so we can easily shuttle golfers between the club and the hotel/motel.”

MORE: Woodford Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Woodford 4514.

Tel (07) 5496 1004. www.woodfordgolfclub.com.au ROSS and Jamie of Premier Golf Adventures offer the “best value for money’’ golf packages on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

The company will even tailor your own personalised golf package to suit every requirement of your golfing group.

Premier Golf Adventures will arrange your return airport transfers from the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane airports to your accommodation and will book your accommodation at Caloundra, Coolum, Maroochydore or Noosa to your required rooming requests.

They will also book your golf games at

$35 for 18 holes $25 for 9 holes For walking Golf Carts are available for hire Tee times available 7 days a week Booking is essential Ph (07) 5447 6258 Just a short drive from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

Featuring tree-lined fairways the course meanders through bushland crossed by creeks with ponds, making an enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.

The relaxed ambience and location makes it the perfect venue for a round of golf to complete your holiday experience.

Cooroy Golf Club Myall Street, Cooroy, QLD 4563 www.cooroygolf.com.au Email: enquiries@cooroygolf.com.au Ph (07) 5447 6258 June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Woodford Golf Club

U Choose Golf Holiday

the golf courses of your choice and at your preferred tee times.

They will even arrange pick-up times that allow you to warm-up before your game of golf and have a few cold drinks after golf. Premier Golf Adventures even store your golf clubs every night, which saves the hassle of carting them to your room after each game.

This helps make your golf trip with Premier Golf Adventures a memorable one.

Premier Golf Adventures have access to all the golf courses on the Sunshine Coast and have golf packages available on the Gold Coast and in Thailand. Self Drive Packages are available at discounted rates.

MORE: Premier Golf Adventures, PO Box 1400 Noosaville, QLD 4566.

Tel: 1300 137 950 or +617 5470 2406.

Mobile: Ross 0418 986 237, Jamie 0409 580110. play@golfadventures.com.au. www.golfadventures.com.au U Choose Golf Holiday specialise in Australian-wide golf destinations.

Owner operators Sharon and Gary provide golfers with a professional and well-organised golf trip – every detail carefully taken care of and nothing to do but turn up and have a great time.

Golfers can choose to play resort courses like Twin Waters, Peregian Springs and Palmer Coolum Resort as well as member courses such as Horton Park, Mt Coolum and others.

They take pride in offering good value and personalised service.

U Choose also offers golfers the chance to experience many NSW, Gold Coast, West Australia, Mornington Peninsula and the Murray River destinations.

Sharon, who looks after your holiday from start to finish, will tailor a package, provide choices of accommodation, courses and optional extras all designed to suit your requirements and budgets.

“It’s definite value for money with no hidden surprises,” she said.

U Choose Golf Holiday has been growing strong each year experiencing 80 per cent of loyal repeat customers.

“The Sunshine Coast is proving to be one of our most popular destinations with a fabulous mix of accommodation and courses to suit all groups,” Sharon said.

“You can choose from Caloundra to Maroochydore, Mooloolaba to Coolum Beach and Noosa, of course.”

If you can’t decide where to play, U Choose Golf Holiday will happily put together some options Call Sharon on 0418 713 620, email sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au or check the website www.uchoosegolf.com.au As one of Australia’s leading golf tour operators, Above Par Golf Tours will take the stress out of organising your next holiday.

Privileged access to the finest public and private golf courses on Australia’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast ensure that they can satisfy the most discerning of golfers, and with 300+ days of sunshine

each year the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer the best year-round golfing destinations in Australia.

Hope Island, The Glades, Lakelands, Brookwater, Hyatt Coolum, Noosa Springs, Twin Waters, Sanctuary Cove (Pines and Palms) and Club Pelican Golf clubs all feature in the top 60 public access courses in Australia, and are available to you along with many other highly rated golf courses.

Above Par Golf Tours’ buying power at the courses and accommodation venues allow them to pass on significant discounts to all golfers, ensuring you save money as well as having an unforgettable golf experience.

The Above Par Golf Tours team has many years’ experience in organising golf, accommodation and transport requirements for thousands of happy golfers.

They offer fast, efficient and great value solutions for your next golfing holiday. www.abovepargolf.com.au; enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au

SPECIAL OFFER FOR INSIDE GOLF READERS

4 x players in a cart for $200

Present this ad to redeem this offer. sunday between 9.00am & 1.00Pm & all day monday, (subject to availability). $50.00 Per Person but must be 4 Players sharing carts to redeem. expireS 30th September, 2015

Headland Golf Club InC. Golf links Road, budeRIM Qld 4556 Ph. (07) 5444 5800 proshop@headlandgolfclub.com.au www.headlandgolfclub.com.au 16

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Rolling on the river Inside Golf tees it up along the mighty Murray River region, Australia’s most frequently visited golf destination.

Richard Fellner

A B C D E F G H I

richard@insidegolf.com.au

B

Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club

C D

A E

loxton golf club inc.

Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club Mildura Golf Resort Red Cliffs Golf Club Robinvale Golf Course Murray Downs Resort cluBarham Golf & Sports Rich River Golf Club Resort Tocumwal Golf Club

J El Sierra Motel K Sporties Cobram Barooga Golf Club L Golfers Resort & Glenn McCully Golf Schools M Paradise Palms Motel Mulwala N Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort O Black Bull Golf Course P Howlong Golf Resort Q Commercial Golf Resort Albury R Thurgoona Country Club Resort

F G I K J H

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Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club

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recent report by the Australian Golf Industry Council revealed that the Murray River region is the most frequently visited golf destination by the core golf tourist in Australia.

And for good reason, with spectacular weather, picturesque surroundings and some truly memorable golf, the area has something for players of all levels.

The airport has benefitted from a recent multi-million-dollar upgrade, thus making the journey a quick and comfortable endeavour for the golf traveller from Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide. Indeed, following a quick morning flight, golfers will have plenty of time to get to any one of Mildura’s fantastic golf courses for lunch and a warm-up before tee-off.

Inside Golf recently made the trek along the mighty Murray, sampling some great courses along the way.

A feature course just over the border from Mildura is the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club, overlooking a magnificent stretch of the Murray River in the township of Dareton, NSW.

Our journey began in Mildura, the topend of the Murray River in northwestern Victoria.

While it may seem a world away from the major cities, Mildura is, in truth a short one-hour flight from Melbourne.

Stay

If you’ve never visited Coomealla, be prepared to be surprised. The course is a massive hit with golfers “in the know” from Adelaide, and we can see why, as Coomealla is as good as any course in the

region. Nestled on the banks of the Murray, the fabulous golf course provides a test for any golfer. The greens are true, large and welcoming, while the tranquillity of the course is unmatched.

If your driver is misbehaving, you can easily hit iron off the tee in most cases and still have reasonable chances for pars or birdies. There are also a variety of risk/reward options which will truly reward the big, accurate drives. All told, Coomealla is a cracker of a course, and we highly recommend you check it out if you are in the area.

A great offering by the club is the free houseboat mooring sites. So for those who partake in the great organised houseboat tours of the Murray (like Golf

& Gourmet – see the Tours section of this feature), you can find yourself right on the doorstep of Coomealla.

Alternatively, as part of the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club’s expansive array of facilities, their resort provides a range of accommodation to suit everyone’s needs, from superbly presented motel accommodation, self-contained cabins, drive-through caravan sites or even tent sites.

The driving centre of these fabulous facilities is the Main Club, providing the latest in NSW Club amenities with a reputation for high standard of service and atmosphere. The club offers club meals, KENO, bowls and more, making it an ideal spot for the “Annual Golf Weekend” or casual golf adventure.

&

Play

cluBarham

Golf Packages

2 days, 2 nights including; 2 x nights on-course accommodation 2 x magnificent days of golf 2 x continental breakfasts 2 x meal vouchers

starting at just

$191 pp twin share

03 5453 2159 Barham Golf Resort

6-8 Niemur Street, Barham NSW www.clubarham.com.au info@clubarham.com.au

*Conditions apply

www.golfonthemurray.com.au June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Red Cliffs Golf Club More information: Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club Limited.

Dareton NSW 2717.

Phone: 1800 854 737 or (03) 5027 4737 Email: resort@coomeallaclub.com.au Website: www.coomeallaclub.com.au Our next stop was the Red Cliffs Golf Club, which will celebrate its 90th year this November. Known as “The Friendly Club”, Red Cliffs is a true ‘Country’ course which has provided challenges (and fun) to all who have graced the fairways.

The unique set-up of five par-5s and five par-3s provides much enjoyment for the members and the many social players who regularly test their skills on the lovely layout.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Set on 200 acres of mallee bushland, the red-earth surrounds, lush Kikuyu fairways and true-rolling Bent greens are a pleasure to play, and are tended by a hardy bunch of members known as “Dad’s Army” in conjunction with course superintendent Simon and his apprentice, Josh. The small-sized greens provide challenging targets, and while the fairways are quite open, it’s critical to avoid the many trees lining the course, lest you find yourself being forced to “take your medicine” with a recovery/ punch shot.

A welcoming clubhouse and undercover barbeque area add to the enjoyment either before or after the round, and you are sure to find welcoming conversation among the friendly members and locals.

Mildura Golf Resort More information: Red Cliffs Golf Club, Twenty Second Street, Red Cliffs.

VIC, 3496, Phone: (03) 5024 1531 Email: redcgolf@bigpond.net.au.

Website: www.redcliffsgolfclub.net Next up was Mildura Golf Resort, which—like the local airport—is benefitting from recent upgrades, with a pair of new holes in play, and a new irrigation system and pumping station.

The new holes feature menacing water hazards which will challenge golfers of all levels. In addition, a variety of holes are currently being re-routed and/or renovated, which will help reinforce the 100-year-old course’s reputation as one of the Murray River’s most challenging and enjoyable golf layouts.

At 5971m, the challenging championship layout features immaculate greens and well-contoured fairways which feature many undulations, while the spectacular water hazards and true greens are always well presented.

Currently Mildura Golf Resort hosts various tournaments including the Mildura Golf Week – Murray Valley Championships and The Mallee Regional Pro-Am. After your round of golf, you can have a swim in the pool or enjoy a barbeque amongst the flora and fauna. If you’re hosting a special event, conference or business seminar, the resort staff can provide all your requirements, and arrange special discounted rates.

Tee it up in Mildura at the Tri-State Masters

Mildura Golf Resort

Robinvale Golf Club

For those choosing to stay for an extended period, the resort has three distinct styles of accommodation, catering for singles, groups or families. During our stay, we found our room to be comfortable and relaxing, with lovely views of the course.

Perfect for a group of mates, a couple or a family. That evening we enjoyed highquality, tasty meals at the Fairways Bistro, which is open seven days a week.

About an hour south of Mildura, Robinvale Golf Club is a picturesque course situated 3km outside of the township of Robinvale.

All told, we enjoyed our stay at Mildura Golf Resort, and recommend it for golfing groups of all sizes.

Their annual Almond Blossom Classic and week-long Festival of Golf are major attractions, drawing golfers from far and wide.

More information: Mildura Golf Resort, 287 Twelfth St, Mildura VIC. Phone: (03) 5023 1147, 1 800 011 471.

Website: www.milduragolfresort.com.au

Surrounded by vineyards (the area is the second-largest table grape region outside of Spain), the course features a challenging layout in a calm and tranquil environment.

The Almond Blossom Classic, now in its fifth year, is one of the largest golf tournaments in Sunraysia played over 18 holes. Held on August 15th, the 4BBB Stableford event is open to ladies and

men, with AM and PM Shotgun tee-offs and prizes on offer in the $8,000 - $10,000 vicinity. The major prize attraction is their Hole in One competition, with a motorised golf cart on offer.

The Robinvale Festival of Golf is played over five days, starting Wednesday 30th September through to Sunday 4th October. Now in its 48th year, the event attracts a large and diverse group of players from all over the country, featuring mixed events, 4BBB Stableford and Par with a 27-hole Stroke Festival Championship. The final day is Medley Ambrose in fours. Great prizes and trophies are on offer. These events are extremely well attended with 3000 rounds of golf played over the week.

A great opportunity to tee it up at the Mildura golf courses is via the annual Tri-State Masters Sunraysia Shane Doherty Memorial, played in May each year. The 2015 event was a huge success with over 240 players playing at Red Cliffs, Coomealla and Riverside.

Mildura Golf Resort is also in the program for an optional day of golf.

The tournament was founded by local legend Shane Doherty 22 years ago.

Following his recent passing, the event is now organised in his honour by his wife Kym and son Garth, the President of the local district association and owner of the local driving range and House of Golf.

The Tri-State Masters targets midrange club golfers who are looking for a golf holiday in which they can combine golf and social interaction with other like-minded golfers from all over Australia and New Zealand.

The trophies and prizes on offer are arguably the best of any amateur golf tournament in Australia. Optional social functions are conducted each night giving the competitors and their partners the choice of relaxing at their accommodation or stepping out with old and new friends.

More information: Contact Kym Doherty on 0408310532 or email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au

THE FULL

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

21

Robinvale Golf Club Entry forms for both events are available on the club’s website.

Before or after any round at Robinvale, the clubhouse is great place to relax with quality food and drinks. The Bistro is known locally as “the place to dine in Robinvale” and is open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch 12pm – 2pm and dinner 6.00pm – 8.00pm. It also features a large Gaming/TAB area for added excitement after your round.

Accommodation will soon be available at the course as well, with big plans well underway for the development of an accommodation complex providing 24 quality cabins by 2017.

Green fees are extremely affordable at Robinvale: 9 Holes: $11per person, 18

Murray Downs Golf and Country Club

Holes: $21.00 per person. Electric Golf Carts are also available for hire.

in Australia and it’s consistently voted one of the country’s finest resort courses.

It also happens to be a favourite of the Inside Golf team.

More information: Robinvale Golf Club, 4240 Murray Valley Highway, Robinvale, 3549. Phone: 03 5026 3286.

Email: admin@robinvalegolfclub.com.au.

Website: www.robinvalegolfcourse.com.au 90 minutes south of Robinvale, near Swan Hill, Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is golf at its absolute best.

Widely acclaimed by golfers as the Murray River’s finest course, Murray Downs is also ranked the region’s Number 1 by leading golf and travel publications. In Victoria, it has won the Victorian PGA Course of the Year. Nationally it’s in the Top 50 courses

stay&play

in sunny Echuca-Moama on a 36 Hole Championship Golf Course

at Rich River Golf Club Resort

The 6197m course is in striking contrast to the spectacular surrounding Mallee plains. It’s both beautiful and challenging, with a dramatic backdrop of river gums, artfully formed lakes and some very tricky signature holes, notably the par-3 5th, featuring a daunting carry over a lake, which follows the hole all the way to the green where bunkers guard the left side of the narrow target.

The couch fairways are superbly tended and groomed, while the bent greens are generally large, undulating and very fast with thoughtful tee positions and pin

MID-YEAR PACKAGE AVAILABLE JUNE-AUGUST 2015* 1 x night on-site accommodation 1 x day unlimited golf 1 x club voucher 1 x cooked breakfast

PRICES

Single $160pp Double $120pp Triple $110pp

Please quote

“INSIDE GOLF”

when booking this golf package.

03 5481 3333 RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB RESORT TWENTY FOUR LANE, MOAMA NSW www.richriver.com.au

03 5481 3333 www.richriver.com.au www. w rich i hriiver.com.au 22

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

*Available 1st June - 31st August 2015. Subject to availability. Excludes Queen's birthday long weekend. Minimum two-night stay on weekends.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Tailor made packages also available upon request.

placements. The layout is easy-walking, but small hills, bumps and rolls break the landscape.

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop, equipment hire and a beverage cart for that welcome break.

Following your round, the Balcony Lounge features panoramic views of the course. The Café is your spot for a quick energy top-up any time of the day, while Fairways Bistro is food central at Murray Downs – there’s a magnificent country style daily lunch, and a very extensive daily dinner menu.

Murray Downs’ on-course hotel offers 50 individually air-conditioned and wellappointed family rooms and 2-bedroom

cluBarham Golf and Sports units. If you love the independence and space of self-contained apartments, Murray Downs has the perfect answer with its newly renovated deluxe and super deluxe apartments, featuring fullyequipped kitchenettes. A continental or country style cooked breakfast can be delivered to all rooms each morning.

The resort also offers a huge heated tropical pool, running track, spa, three floodlit bowls rinks, plus superbly maintained grass court tennis for nongolfers. The kids are also catered for, with a toddlers’ swimming pool, supervised Junior Lounge and Adventure Playground (3 to 7 years), while the Underground Lounge gives older kids and teens a place to play, with free pinball, air hockey, Xbox, PS2 and more.

More information: Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, Lot 1, Murray Downs Drive, Murray Downs 3585 VIC. Phone: 03 5033 1422.

Website: www.murraydownsgolf.com.au One hour south of Murray Downs, cluBarham Golf and Sports features an18-hole Ross Watson-designed championship course, which is benefitting from recent upgrades. The grass greens are magnificent and the bunkers challenging. The front nine holes of the 6140m par-73 course are gently undulating, featuring a glorious landscape of tall timbers and creek crossings. The new 9th hole is particularly challenging, played from an elevated

cluBarham Golf and Sports tee over the creek and on to a green surrounded by bunkers. The back nine holes are lined with a spectacular backdrop of golden wattle, pine and gum trees.

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop and equipment hire. The club also boasts around 256 reciprocal clubs, making it one of the most accessible clubs in Australia.

The trademark hole for this course is the 5th, aptly named ‘Gallipoli’, featuring a massive bunker at the foot of the green that has been the nemesis for many a golfer.

The Barham Services Club Bistro is a great dining option, featuring a variety of dishes at great value prices. The Golf

Howlong Golf Resort

& Sports Café also offers snacks and lunches, while a light lunch or snack can be enjoyed at Coffee on Murray, open throughout the day and evening.

The Barham Golf Resort located on course, or the cluBarham Motel right opposite the Barham Services Club, are both owned and operated by cluBarham.

The most luxurious accommodation is at Barham Golf Resort, featuring brand new 2-bedroom, 2- bathroom selfcontained units with beautiful views of the golf course and natural bush surrounds. The units are beautifully appointed, and all rooms have king size or king single beds, flat screen TVs, reverse-cycle heating and cooling and a small storage shed for golf equipment.

Play & Stay Packages starting from a CRAZY $88 per person!

5 Star Apartments available from November this year!

Luxury accommodation at an amazing price.

Stay, play, relax... be entertained at Howlong on the Mighty Murray.

Golf Club Drive, Howlong, NSW 2643 T: 02 6026 5321 E: enquiries@howlonggolf.com.au www.howlonggolf.com.au

2011 Junior Club of the year

2012 Golf Australia Centre of the Year

2014 Clubs NSW Highly Commended Award

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

23

Rich River Golf Club There are also 19 spacious selfcontained units, four luxury spa units, eight caravan ensuite sites and six RV sites at Barham Golf Resort. cluBarham Motel, just a short drive from the golf course, has a very fresh contemporary style after a full refurbishment. The two storey motel features luxury accommodation in 28 suites with queen beds, including two executive suites and two honeymoon suites with spas.

There’s a solar heated swimming pool, spa and outdoor barbecue area. Country style continental or cooked breakfasts can be delivered directly to your room.

More information: cluBarham Golf and Sports, Moulamein Road, Barham NSW 2732. Phone: 03 5453 2772.

Website: www.clubarham.com.au

Rich River Golf Club, a leisurely 1.25 hours’ drive from Barham, is a mainstay for the Inside Golf team whenever we travel the Murray. The facility features two very impressive 18-hole championship courses, the East and the West. They’ve been developed over the years to become one of regional Australia’s premier golfing venues, where golfers love the rolling fairways, carefully tended greens and towering eucalyptus.

The West Course has traditional treelined fairways with tricky, small greens that take the serious player on a thoughtprovoking and challenging 6,183m journey. The East Course, which had a major transformation after a redesign by Peter Thomson in 1998, features large greens, wide fairways and those famous

Rich River Golf Club Thomson bunkers which really keep you thinking about your strokes. Course length is 6,131m.

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop, equipment hire and a beverage cart for a quick refresher.

The 12th on the West is one of the most difficult holes on the course. A strong dogleg-right, it’s critical to hit the fairway in just the right spot (hint: Fairway metal or iron off the tee is often a good bet).

Your second shot requires a good solid strike over Howards Lake to reach the green, which is gently sloped from front to back. A par on this hole is always a good score.

The 18th on the East course is a monster

at 532m. Be sure to avoid the fairway bunker on the left from the tee, as well as the fairway bunkers on your second shot (80 meters short of the green). With water down the left of the fairway, and a green surrounded by bunkers, it’s a very challenging hole.

James Maiden Bistro is locally famous for the magnificent views of the golf course, and for the mouth-watering choices on the lunch and dinner menu.

Premium Australian and New Zealand wines and local and imported beer feature too.

You can also drop into the bistro for a continental or cooked breakfast, or for a quick snack from midday. Then there’s the Coffee Shop, where you can settle down on the terrace with an expertly brewed

Nestled on the Murray River just 3 hours from Melbourne is the picturesque Tocumwal Golf Club.

This beautifully presented 36 Hole Championship Golf Course is home to the Southern PGA Trainee Championships. The Golf Club boasts on-course accommodation, the Clubhouse is open 7 days a week with Full Dining and Bar Facilities, Keno, TAB and much more.

Book your Golfing Getaway Now

Midweek from $110.00* per person Weekend from $135.00* per person Social Golfers of all ages welcome Winter Special available between 1st June – 6th September. *Based on twin share. Prices may vary

Website: tocumwalgolf.com.au Contact Kally Morey on 03 5874 9103 or email golf@tocumwalgolf.com.au to Book your Stay & Play Package now!

24

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Tocumwal Golf Club espresso coffee and a sweet treat that’s been freshly prepared by the in-house pastry chef.

There’s also the Sports Bar and the busy Spike Bar where you can also refuel with hot or cold snacks including healthy sandwiches and fruit salads.

The deluxe accommodation has been attractively refurbished, with privacy and seclusion ensuring your own space to relax after golf. There’s a great choice of rooms too, for couples, families and small groups.

40 spacious and airy standard suites have a king split bed in the bedroom and single bed in the lounge room. The 22 deluxe rooms are rated 4-star, and feature a queen bed. If you’re travelling

with a small group, a large and fully selfcontained apartment can accommodate up to 7 people with 3 bedrooms, a welcoming lounge/dining area, 2 bathrooms and 3 toilets.

There are so many leisure options here: two outdoor pools, a spa, gym equipment, three bowling greens, three croquet courses and nine tennis courts.

More information: Rich River Golf Club Resort. Twenty Four Ln, Moama, NSW 2731. Phone: 03 5481 3333.

Email: golfpackages@richriver.com.au Website: www.richriver.com.au Less than 1.5 hours’ drive from Rich River is Tocumwal Golf Club, offering some of the most enjoyable golf in

Tocumwal Golf Club country Australia. Featuring two 18hole championship golf courses—the Presidents and the Captains courses— the golf club offers the highest level of service and quality in all aspects of the game, from course conditioning to practice facilities and the clubhouse amenities.

The course is held in such high regard that it plays host to the CPM Southern PGA Trainee Championship, challenging some of Australia’s most talented up-andcoming golfers.

With two established courses ranked in the 2013 Top 100 Public Access Courses in Australia, Tocumwal offers an experience not to be missed. The Presidents Course, the older of the two, is heavily treelined with deeper bunkering while the

Captains Course is lightly timbered, but more water comes into play. The playing surfaces on both courses feature superb couch grass fairways and slick, bent grass greens that are the envy of many. The easy-walking fairways are slightly undulating and both courses have some very pretty and challenging golf holes amidst an abundance of magnificent Australian flora and fauna.

The clubhouse features all of the dining and leisure facilities that you expect of a modern, friendly club.

Choose to dine-in or alfresco on the balcony, while enjoying the service of the attentive staff. With floor to ceiling windows, the restaurant offers panoramic views over the golf course.

Winter

stay & play specials June-August, twin share midweek (Mon-Thurs) from $84.50pp per night or weekends (Fri-Sun) from $89.50pp (2 night minimum)

www.thurgoonaresort.com.au Stay and play packages contact: (02) 6043 1666 or email motel@thurgoonaresort.com.au Pro shop contact: (02) 6043 1902 or golf@thurgoonaresort.com.au June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

25

Sporties Cobram Barooga Golf Club There are also some outstanding golf packages on offer. Enjoy the convenience of one of the 70 rooms spilling onto the golf course, within a stroll of the clubhouse, or the suite of accommodation options nearby that make Tocumwal the ideal location for your next golf holiday or as a central point to explore the Murray River region.

More information: Tocumwal Golf Club, Tocumwal Barooga Rd, Tocumwal NSW. Phone: 1800 631 197, (03) 5874 9105.

Website: www.tocumwalgolf.com.au Our next stop, a quick 20 minutes from Tocumwal, was Sporties Cobram Barooga Golf Club. With two celebrated courses set in beautiful surrounds, the

club offers the best of old and new for serious and novice golfers.

gained a strong reputation as the perfect blend of resort and modern links style.

country atmosphere and almost endless views over the golf courses.

The original 18-hole “Old” course, was constructed in 1925 and is the more famous of the two. At 6186m, its clever design and narrow tree-lined fairways provide a good test of skill for any player.

The course, with many classic holes, is framed by majestic red gums and pines.

Time hasn’t left this old favourite behind though, because the newly constructed greens are fast and true, with clever bunkering catching wayward shots hit into the greens.

With its Murray River location, an abundance of local flora and fauna plus great weather, Sporties Cobram Barooga Golf Club is a ‘must do’ for those who’d like to play on both a traditional and a more contemporary course.

The 19th hole Club Café is a busy spot every day, with light snacks, lunch specials and a delicious range of cakes.

The Bistro serves dinner Wednesday to Saturday evenings, with sharing and grazing plates, grills and more. Seniors meals are available too.

The new West Course offers wider fairways, larger greens and additional slopes that provide natural framing for tee shots. Slightly longer than the original course at 6287m, the 18-hole layout has

Tee times are available seven days a week, with services including golf carts, pro shop and equipment hire The newly renovated Clubhouse has been cleverly designed, with a fabulous choice of areas indoors and outdoors in the fresh air for lunch, a post-game drink and dinner. There’s a new Lounge Bar with spacious decks, comfortable contemporary furniture, a laid back

Accommodation at the Club is another highlight. Eighteen new, luxurious and fully-equipped units have been opened here, with ground floor units literally opening out on to the golf course, and upstairs units providing beautiful views from generous balconies.

This club accommodation is stylish and sophisticated, with beautiful bathrooms,

Book, Stay and Play at Mildura Golf reSort

Stay and Play For your next golf package contact us packages starting from $10550 pp to discuss your all including Breakfast inclusive options. and Dinner

You can contact our reception staff to discuss your golf requirements along with your accommodation and breakfast arrangements.

We will develop the package that suits you.

P: 1800 011 471 E: reservations@milduragolfresort.com.au W: www.milduragolfresort.com.au

26

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Conditions apply

Quote “Inside Golf” when booking to get the best available deal

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort supremely comfortable beds, free wifi, flat screen TV with cable channels in the large living area and a kitchenette in some units.

There’s an excellent health and fitness centre with a heated 25 metre pool, sauna, spa and aerobics room. Outdoors are two state-of-the-art synthetic greens for lawn bowls and a relaxing landscaped garden area with BBQ. More information: Sporties Cobram Barooga Golf Club, 134 Golf Course Road, Barooga NSW 3644.

Phone: 03 5873 4304.

Website: www.cbgc.com.au Nestled alongside the picturesque Murray River, a hour from Cobram Barooga, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort ticks all the boxes for modern,

comfortable golf resort destinations.

The largest public access golf resort in the country, the resort features 45 holes– two 18-hole courses, the Lake and the Murray, and a short nine-hole Executive course—all set amongst beautiful natural landscape overlooking the Murray River and Lake Mulwala. While the Murray course is one of the better known layouts at the facility, all three courses offer something special to the keen golfer, and like other courses/resorts in the area, the entire facility features a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Inside Golf have played a number of rounds here, and we have never been disappointed.

Before your round, take advantage of the state-of-the-art practice facilities with driving range, hitting nets, putting greens

Black Bull Golf Club and chipping area with bunker. There is also a pro shop open from dawn to dusk with competitively priced products and services.

The resort also offers a free smartphone app, which allows golfers to get GPS distances, track statistics, view a course tour/hole flyover, keep score via a live leaderboard and more. This is fantastic for a group event or a friendly competition between mates.

Choose from nine different styles of accommodation overlooking the golf course or native bushland with something to suit all budgets and needs, from basic cabins to luxurious apartments and villas, each with cooking facilities, private bathrooms and a car parking space. All accommodation is self-contained, family-friendly and is

Be Surprised - Play & Stay, you’ll enjoy!

only a short stroll from the clubhouse and pro shop. Long or short stay guests can explore the spectacular surrounds, tempt their tastebuds with quality dining, workout in the gym, have a hit of tennis, take a dip in the solar-heated pool or simply relax in a brand-new plush 60-seat movie theatre showing the latest releases.

More information: Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort. Golf Club Rd, Mulwala NSW. Phone: (03) 5744 1911.

Website: www.yarragolf.com.au Just outside of Yarrawonga, one of the most exciting new golf developments in the country, the Thomson-Perrettdesigned, Black Bull Golf Club is continuing to impress all who visit.

Wrapped around the magical waters of

Fabulous club, superb golf course, bowls, range of accommodation complimented with excellent value

Golf Packages 2 nights from

$207.50

5 nights from

$417.50

*Enquire about our

WINTER SURPRISE PACKAGE

Coomealla

memoRIal SPoRTING ClUB

email: resort@coomeallaclub.com.au Telephone: (03) 5027 4737 www.coomeallaclub.com.au June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

27

Black Bull Golf Club Lake Mulwala, the golf course has been expertly crafted to excite and challenge golfers of all levels. Thousands of golfing enthusiasts (including the Inside Golf review team) have raved about the 18hole ‘composite course’, which featured the first 13 completed holes in a looped configuration.

Now, with the final five holes to be completed this month, golfers from far and wide will be able to go head-tohead with ‘the Bull’ in all its glory. The construction of the final holes was managed by Turnpoint Company, which was responsible for managing some of Australia’s top 50 golf clubs including St Andrews Beach, Sandhurst, Magenta Shores and Sea Temple Resort, so you can be sure the holes are of the highest quality.

A feature of the new holes is the “Bull Ring”; a series of three holes that aims to test the mettle of any golfer (perhaps we should call them a bullfighter?) who enters the arena. Starting at the Par-3 15th—which features a strong water carry to a green guarded by bunkers, through to the 17th, a long and undulating hole with water and bunkers lurking everywhere, the “Bull Ring” will be a challenge to conquer.

With multiple tees and generous fairways, the golf course offers challenging and enjoyable golf for players of all levels.

“The use of Grand Prix couch grass on the fairways and the use of G2 bent grass on the greens have been very successful in providing excellent playing surfaces,”

Ross Perrett of Thomson-Perrett said.

“The feedback we are getting about the course from patrons is most satisfying especially given that the site was originally a featureless flat site.

The abundant wildlife that the newly created environment has attracted clearly demonstrates the community benefits of environmentally sustainable design.”

Located in the heart of Silverwoods, Black Bull Golf Course recently announced The Sebel luxury international four-star boutique hotel and serviced apartments will be calling Silverwoods home.

The facility will feature fine-dining restaurant, bar bistro, day spa and function areas. A marina with a resort-

style precinct is also on the drawing board.

More information: Black Bull Golf Club.

1 Phillip Hyland Drive, Yarrawonga VIC 3730.

Phone: 03 5744 0044.

Email: proshop@blackbullgc.com.au Website: www.blackbullgc.com.au Howlong Golf Resort is nestled alongside the picturesque Murray River and only 20 minutes from the regional city of Albury/Wodonga. The recently re-named and re-branded resort is one of the finest courses in the area. Situated in the heart of the Rutherglen wine and food district, it is ideally located for anyone wanting to partake in one of the many local delights while on their golfing trip away.

Motel Mulwala

Golfing Mecca on the Murray 3.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation Pool, Austar with 25 channels, walk to pubs, clubs & restaurants We tailor golf packages to suit your needs, or try one of our standard packages - conditions apply

$105pp twin share 1 nights accommodation, golf and Cooked Breakfast

Gift Vouchers AVAilAble Great Group Special

$500pp twin share 5 nights accommodation, 5 days golf & 5 Cooked Breakfast.

Groups of 6 or more further discounts apply Conditions apply

Contact Nick or Soph to discuss your next golf trip Ph: (03) 5743 2555 Email: enquiry@paradisepalmsmulwala.com 121 Melbourne Street Mulwala NSW 2647

www.paradisepalmsmulwala.com.au 28

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Howlong Golf Resort The clubhouse features all of the dining and leisure facilities that you expect from a modern, welcoming club. Choose to dine-in or alfresco on the deck, while enjoying the service of the attentive staff. With wide open windows and your choice of two restaurants, you can enjoy panoramic views over the gardens, lake and golf course.

Accommodation options at Howlong are soon to be kicked up a notch, with new apartments set to open in October.

Add to this the current offering of 25 rooms on the course, and golfers will have plenty of options to stay and play.

The club also features two bowling greens, Keno and TAB, sports bar, live entertainment and weekly raffles and promotions.

Currently Howlong Golf Resort has the largest membership base in Australia with a large number of remotely based members who enjoy the low fees and the quality course, accommodation and clubhouse facilities when they visit. Howlong hosts a number of major tournaments including the Murray Masters and the Howlong 10,000 which attracts hundreds of members and guests to the area each year.

Howlong Golf Resort is highly recognised by Golf Australia as a leading force in Junior Golf programs, receiving the 2011 Jack Newton Junior Golf Junior Club of the Year award, MYGolf Centre of the Year for 2012 and was recently received a Highly Commended award in the Clubs & Community Awards 2014.

The Commercial Golf Resort Albury More information: Howlong Golf Resort, Golf Club Drive, Howlong NSW 2643. Phone: 02 6026 5321, Email: enquiries@howlonggolf.com.au Website: www.howlonggolf.com.au Next up for our trip, The Commercial Golf Resort Albury is growing into one of the region’s best known courses.

The course features a superb 18-hole championship layout, with undulating tree lined fairways. The greens are regarded as the best in country NSW, and are renowned for their true roll and quick pace. The course is always well manicured, and provides a testing challenge for all players.

The $1.5 million renovation and

upgrade to the club has delivered an impressive layout giving the highest level of service, guaranteeing customer satisfaction and comfort. The Club features TAB, Sky Channel, Keno, bistro dining, spacious lounge and bar facilities and al-fresco balcony.

Located in the heart of Albury’s business and shopping district, Commercial Golf Resort is surrounded by a large range of accommodation. Situated only 100m from the Clubhouse in a quiet picturesque location the Resort includes 4-Star accommodation featuring modern and spacious rooms, BBQ area in beautiful landscaped grounds and swimming pool.

Commercial Golf Resort is an 18hole championship course measuring 5774m for the men and 5151m for the

GOLFERS RESORT YARRAWONGA & GLENN McCULLY GOLF SCHOOLS

Red cliffs Golf club

Celebrating 90 years A Murray classic just 15 minutes from Mildura

2 - 7 Day Golf PackaGes

3 - 5 Day Golf scHools

Groups of up to 20 welcome

Group and Private available

from (03) 5024 1531 | redcgolf@bigpond.net.au

www.redcliffsgolfclub.net

$260

per person twin share

Plus from

$650

per person twin share

See www.golfersresort.com.au | (03) 5744 1994 June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

29

Thurgoona Country Club Resort ladies. Whilst not the longest course, it requires pinpoint accuracy with its well-guarded, tree-lined fairways. The course is picturesque and undulating in parts, challenging golfers at all times.

The greens are always a feature with their quick pace and true roll. There are several feature holes on the course, particularly the third. While only measuring 355m in length, this is rated the most difficult on the course. It is a dogleg-right with large gum trees protecting the right side and a deep stormwater drain crossing the fairway 30 metres short of the green. The green is long and narrow with bunkers both sides of the green, requiring a precise approach. Players of all levels will enjoy the challenge that the course has to offer.

More information: Commercial Golf Resort Albury. 530 North Street, Albury NSW 2640. Phone: 02 6057 2800.

Proshop: 02 6057 2801.

Email: proshop@commclubalbury.com.au Website: www.commclubalbury.com.au Last, but certainly not least, our final stop on the massive Murray adventure was the Thurgoona Country Club Resort, offering golfers a mature Championship golf course located only 10 minutes from Albury, an easy 3-hour drive from Melbourne and a brief 60-minute flight from Sydney.

Designed by renowned professionals Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, the par 72 18-hole Championship

Thurgoona Country Club Resort Course plays to 6,365m from the back tees. Several tee options ensure a good test for any level of golfer. All 18 holes have recently been replaced with beautiful Santa Ana Couch grass, while the overall condition of the course has been improving rapidly. A true yearround course, Thurgoona features mature gum trees, large undulating bent grass greens, strategically placed bunkers and enough water to make even the most experienced golfer think twice. A full length driving range is open year round with grass tees and great synthetic turf.

There’s more than just golf, however.

They offer 16 championship tennis courts, a 26 room resort with spa, sauna and swimming pool, a fully licensed modern club with conference and function

facilities, a bistro, coffee shop and bar with the best prices around. Other facilities include a fully-stocked pro shop, driving range, golf tuition, hire carts, hire clubs, room service, children’s area, TAB, keno and more.

Stay and play packages are available for any sized group and include one round of 18-holes for each night’s accommodation, continental breakfast (hot breakfast option available) and a dinner voucher for your evening meals.

More information: Thurgoona Country Club Resort. Phone: 02 6043 1411, Pro Shop Phone: 02 6043 1902, Email: golf@thurgoonaresort.com.au Website: www.thurgoonaresort.com.au

Play tournament golf on the Murray!

The Almond Blossom ClAssiC

Robinvale Golf Club

Saturday 15th August Up to $10,000 of Prizes

RoBinvAle FesTivAl oF GolF Wednesday 30th September to Sunday 4th October 2015.

Entry Forms available on the Clubs website www.robinvalegolfcourse.com.au or contact the club directly (03) 5026 3286 Social golfers welcome 7 days a week!

30

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Loxton Golf Club

SOUTH AUSTRALIA While we weren’t able to visit the South Australian Murray clubs on this trip, special note must be made of the picturesque and challenging 18-hole Loxton Golf Club, located 8kms from the town. Loxton presents a relaxed and social atmosphere, perfect for golfing enthusiasts. The 18-hole course has been ranked among the Top Ten courses in South Australia, the Top 100 Australian country courses and the Top 40 Australian public access courses, playable for less than $40 green fees.

The Loxton Golf Club plays host to a large number of tournaments each year which are strongly supported by golfers from intra and interstate.

Lush irrigated fairways provide a high standard playing surface all year, although, the course usually reaches its peak during the winter season. There are

sand bunkers on 10 holes and a varied range of grassy mounds on the surrounds of most holes.

The course has an abundance of mature Aleppo Pine, various gums and other shade trees lining fairways and surrounds of most holes.

There are established practicing facilities situated near the clubhouse.

Visitors are always welcome on the course (apart from major events) and their programme can be found on their website. There is plenty to do in the town precinct which is only a 5-minute drive from the course, if the wives/partners don’t want to play golf.

More information: Loxton Golf Club.

Edwards Road - Loxton North, SA 5333.

Phone: 08 8584 1490.

Email: email@loxtongolf.com.au Website: www.loxtongolf.com.au

Golf & Gourmet

Accommodation & Tour Operators While many of the Murray River courses above feature accommodation, there are other off-course options for many golfing groups or couples. Here are just a few:

Golf & Gourmet The Murray River Golf Courses have always had an attraction to golfers Australia wide, with very good reason.

The courses are great and affordable, the attractions such as wineries, cuisine, access and the river all add to the experience of golfing along the Murray.

Innovative tour operator Golf & Gourmet has added a further benefit to golfing along the Murray: spend a week cruising along the river on a luxury

houseboat. Not your normal run-of-the mill houseboat, but one with 6 ensuite cabins fitted with air conditioning, flat screen televisions and night screens. The vessels also feature a 10-person spa, al fresco dining area and BBQs on the upper deck, great lounge area forward on the lower deck and storage for golf clubs.

The river provides an ever changing spectacle of wildlife, riverscapes, history, other vessels on the river and just knowing you are travelling on one of the great waterways that were essential to the settlement of Australia.

Mooring alongside a golf course with just a 9-iron to the pro shop, or an overnight moored along the riverbank sharing dinner and a glass of wine watching the sun set with just nature as the backdrop.

Golf courses include Coomealla, Mildura and Riverside, explore the historic town of

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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El Sierra Motel Wentworth and enjoy a cruise along the Darling River capped off by a last night dinner in Mildura make the Murray River Magic a special golf tour which departs from and returns to Mildura.

More information: Golf & Gourmet.

12 Budgeree Street, Tea Gardens NSW 2324. Phone: 0414 799 722.

Email: fred@golfgourmet.com.au Website: www.golfgourmet.com.au

El Sierra Motel Barooga’s El Sierra Motel is located halfway between Albury/Wodonga and Echuca/Moama, and offers 40 well-appointed motel units suitable for couples, families and large groups.

Michael and Lorraine have been welcoming guests to stay for the past 19 years and have recently handed it over to the next generation, Michael

Jr and Kristen, who have continued to offer visitors unbeatable golf and leisure packages in a relaxed and friendly environment.

El Sierra’s Murray River Golf Packages include everything you needAccommodation right between the Old and West Courses of Cobram-Barooga, a continental buffet breakfast to enjoy in their lovely breakfast room which has been decorated in the family’s souvenirs from their own adventures. It also includes an evening dinner voucher to use at the clubs in Barooga. Both have had extensive renovations completed just this year and offer delicious meals and excellent entertainment. And then there is the golf: Kristen and Michael can book it all for you! It’s that simple.

Newly renovated El Sierra has refurbished its accommodation facilities, including new bathrooms in

The new look Cobram Barooga Golf Club?

Cobram barooga golf Club Golf Course Road, Barooga P. (03) 5873 4304 www.sporties.com.au

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

all the rooms. El Sierra has two styles of accommodation, twin share units and quad share units, their two room units accommodate up to five golfers. The entire motel can cater for golfing groups or families up to 150.

El Sierra has a large solar heated swimming pool, tennis court and barbeque facilities and courtyard parking on three and a half acres of beautifully landscaped gardens When it comes to packages they have thought of everything and offer groups of 12 or more a terrific deal: A FREE selfdrive Mini Bus from Melbourne. So for those interstate or international guests flying into Tullamarine your ride is waiting for you to drive up and use for your entire trip. The bus is also available from other Melbourne Metro area for groups from Melbourne. And if you’re not from Melbourne, they also have the option of

a petrol rebate per room or the organizer gets their trip for free.

All this from just $69 per person per day quad share or $79 for twin share. Large groups are their specialty so if you or your golf group are looking for a fantastic deal, contact them today.

More information: El Sierra Motel.

Golf Course Road, Barooga NSW 3644.

Phone: 1800 631 082, (03) 5873 4477.

Email: Michael@murrayrivergolf.com.au Website: www.murrayrivergolf.com.au

Paradise Palms Motel Mulwala Paradise Palms Motel Mulwala is located right in the heart of the golfing mecca on the Murray. With 12 rooms all newly renovated with carpet, couches, bedding,

Paradise Palms Motel Mulwala fixtures and fittings, Paradise Palms is a great place to base yourself to explore the Murray River golf scene. All rooms are twin share with queen and single beds, Foxtel with 30 channels, flat screen TVs, walk-in shower, tea and coffee-making facilities, BBQ area with pool and spa, and ample parking for buses and trailers.

Their package deals all include a fullycooked hearty breakfast, delivered to your room, or they can organise a buffet breakfast around the BBQ and pool area if your group would prefer to eat breakfast together. (Buffet Breakfast only available for groups of 16 or more guests)

is 5 days golf at your desired golf courses, 5 cooked breakfasts and deluxe twin share accommodation, $500 per person twin share.

Paradise Palms can cater for groups from 24 twin share to a max of 28 guests.

They can also organise a BBQ hamper with salads and meat, ready for you when you finish golf so you can relax and have a few drinks by the pool. They will take care of everything. Extra charges apply.

More information: Paradise Palms Motel Mulwala. 121 Melbourne St, Mulwala NSW 2647.

Phone: 03 5743 2555. Email: enquiry@paradisepalmsmulwala.com Website: www.paradisepalmsmulwala.com.au

One day packages start from $105 per person twin share, including golf, breakfast, and deluxe twin share accommodation. Groups of 6 or more can get further discounts. Other packages are available, and they can tailor a package to suit your needs. Nick and Sophie would be more than happy to have a chat to you about your next Murray River golfing trip.

Their great special deal at the moment

Golfers Resort Yarrawonga and Glenn McCully Golf Schools

Golfers Resort Yarrawonga & Glenn McCully Golf Schools Golfers Resort Yarrawonga is the home of the longest-running purpose-built Golf School in Australia. Established by Glenn McCully and his wife Jan in 1984, it boasts a proud reputation of helping many thousands of golfers over the past 31 years to not only improve their golfing skills, but to also enjoy their chosen sport more. Glenn, along with his son James, have a simple teaching philosophy. They take what you bring to the table, and work with you using tried and tested methods to provide you with an easy to understand programme to improve your golf.

According to Glenn, one of the most often comments they hear is “why has no one explained it to me like that before?”

Glenn says “I guess a good teacher should be able to explain ‘cause and effect’ so the pupil will know why what

you are asking them to do will help them with their golf. This develops a trust between pupil and teacher which is the best way to get results.”

The school is located on a beautiful country property just on the edge of the town of Yarrawonga in Northern Victoria.

The fully self-contained units provide a quiet haven for golfing groups playing a selection of great Murray courses, or for those doing one of the variety of School options, which include Private Schools for the one-on one-experience. Three-Day Private Schools start from $650.00 per person twin share.

Five-Day Golf Holiday Packages start from $495.00 per person twin share.

More information: Golfers Resort and Glenn McCully Golf Schools. 623 Murray Valley Hwy Yarrawonga 3730.

Phone: 0357441994.

Email: info@golfersresort.com.au Website: www.golfersresort.com.au

Commercial Golf Resort Albury

6 NIGHTS

Golf Membership Fee For 1 year will be $100 per member plus $35 Affiliation Fee - Total $135 For further information contact the Commercial Club on (02) 6057 2000 or speak to our staff in the Pro Shop 618 Dean Street, Albury NSW info@commercialclubalbury.com.au | www.commercialclubalbury.com.au

Golfers ✤ $1482 pp twin share Non Golfers ✤ $1237 pp twin share

DEPARTURES 2015: OctOber 12 & 19 | NOvember 9 & 16 DEPARTURES 2016: mArcH 15, APrIL 18, SePtember 12, OctOber 17 www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722

SOLD OUT

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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An Island golf trip fit for a King

A

ustralian golf circles are buzzing with excitement around the planned opening of the new Cape Wickham Golf Course on King Island. Due to open in October, the course—which is located on the northern tip of the island—will feature rugged coastlines, breathtaking scenery and a true linksstyle feel that is characteristic of seaside courses. Inside Golf has visited the Cape Wickham site, and we can attest that the location and surroundings have the potential to make this course one of the most exciting layouts in the region—and maybe even the world.

Golfers looking to play Cape Wickham need look no further than Air Adventure Australia, a family-owned business in operation since 1977, Air Adventure specialise in high-end air safaris to the Australian Outback, Cape York, the Kimberley, Lake Eyre and Kangaroo Island, as well as golf-specific adventures to

Tasmania and King Island.

They have recently announced some new King Island/Tasmania trips centred around the new Cape Wickham course.

The one or two-day Cape Wickham Direct tour gives you the option of either a day trip with a full round of golf, or overnight with two rounds of golf plus accommodation. Prices are $595 per person (Day Trip) or $880 per person (Overnight) and include airfares, golf and pull cart and transfers to/from airport. (Overnight package also includes accommodation in the township of Currie, King Island.)

share (add $160 for single accommodation) and includes your private charter flight, two nights’ accommodation at Barnbougle Lost Farm in a premium Ocean View Suite, 38 holes of golf at Barnbougle/Lost Farm, 18 holes at Cape Wickham, pull cart and on-ground transfers.

For golf tragics looking to add even more excitement to their trip, Air Adventure also have a three-day Barnbougle + Cape Wickham tour, which allows you to play three of Australia’s most remote, exciting and highest ranking courses all in one easy trip. Pricing starts at $1790 per person, twin

Air Adventure takes care of all of the hassles, flying you to the doorstep of each course via their ultra-comfortable and modern Cessna Conquest II, a twin-prop jet featuring leather seating, climate control and other amenities that make the trip feel like you are getting the “Rock Star” treatment. Tours depart from Essendon Airport, and with the added benefit of no security queues, no-hassle check-in and a quick flight time of around 45 minutes, you could be teeing it up in less time than it takes to just check your bags via a commercial airline. During a recent trip with Air Adventure, it was less than two hours from takeoff to tee-off. Now THAT’S a rock star trip!

For more information: Air Adventure Australia, 1800 033 160. info@airadventure.com.au, www.airadventure.com.au

Cape Wickham Golf Course on King Island is shaping up to be one of the most exciting developments in Australian Golf.

CAPE WICKHAM & BARNBOUGLE DUNES

FLY DIRECT FROM MELBOURNE BY PRIVATE PLANE 3 days – All In clusive - fl ights, accommodation , course fees, transfers & more

Tour Highlights: 9 Over 3 days play 3 of Australia’s greatest golf courses on King Island and mainland Tasmania 9 Land direct at Barnbougle’s private airfield ready for tee off 9 Travel with ease in your own private plane – no check in queues, baggage hassles or wasted travel time 9 All organised and included in the price – flights, accommodation, tee off times, transfers and more 9 On-course accommodation for 2 nights at Lost Farm Lodge 9 Get your group together (4 – 40 players) and book a departure date 9 Bring your own clubs 9 The perfect golf lovers getaway, corporate retreat or incentive prize

Play the Brand New Cape Wickham

Free call 24 hours / 7 days 1800 033 160 34

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

info@airadventure.com.au

airadventure.com.au

Golf in a World Heritage National Park?

Go Golfing L

ocated in China’s Yunnan Provence, Stone Forest has been known since the Ming Dynasty as the ‘First Wonder of the World.’ Covering an area of 400 square kilometres, visitors marvel at these forests of natural stone columns and are bewitched by the intricate formations. Somewhat controversially, the World Heritage listed National Park is now home to three golf courses at the Stone Forest International Country Club.

Covering an area of 60,000 acres, the club has three 18-hole international championship-level golf courses: Yufeng Ridge, Leaders’ Peak, which are open to visitors, and the members-only Master’s Resort, all designed by world-renowned course architect, Brian Curley.

Matching these brilliantly-designed and superbly-conditioned golf courses are quality facilities, including a public club, private club, exclusive restaurant, VIP guest boxes, function room, driving range at the back of the clubhouse, pro-shop and red wine cellar.

The landforms on each course are the result of 300 million years of geological formation. Over this period the Stone Forest area changed from sea to land

and from lowland to plateau as a result of earth movement. The initial carbonate rock that formed in the inland sea was gradually shaped into its current ‘stone forest’ presence.

Numerous stone forest clusters that formed in different geological periods coexist in the varied topography, each with particular features. There are pinnacle-shaped, column-shaped, mushroom-shaped, and pagoda-shaped groups and even some representing people and animals.

It is fair to say that Stone Forest is like no other course on the planet. In fact, when you are there it doesn’t even feel like you are on this planet. While you can’t help but be in awe of the natural stone masterpieces, the courses themselves are masterpieces that are magnificently conditioned and provide an enjoyable and fair golfing experience.

I recommend you put one extra item in your golf bag – a camera!

Stone Forest will again be a highlight on Go Golfing’s annual tour to China which runs 13 to 23 October 2015. With 8 rounds in 10 days this tour is a golfer’s delight. The tour starts with 6 nights at Spring City, so named because of its yearround spring weather, where you will play

the Lake and Mountain courses – ranked number 1 ad 2 in China.

Then it’s a short flight to Shenzhen for 4 nights at the world’s biggest golf resort – Mission Hills. Four rounds here include the famed World Cup and Olazabel courses.

China is definitely an emerging golf destination that has benefited from

recruiting the world’s best credentialed designers to construct courses that are rightfully ranked among the best in the world. Your Go Golfing tour to China guarantees you will play 8 of the best.

For more information visit www.gogolfing.net.au or freecall 1300 55 28 55.

China Spring City Golf Tour 13 - 23 October 2015 Have you been waiting to add a change of scenery to your golf swing? Join us on this tour to China in spring when the courses are at their best. China is an emerging golf destination that has benelted from recruiting the world’s best credentialed designers to construct courses that are now ranked among the best in the world.

-

6 nights accommodation Spring City Resort 4 nights Mission Hills Resort Dongguan Daily buffet breakfast Welcome dinner with drinks 8 rounds of golf including shared golf carts Kunming full day cultural sight seeing tour with dinner Farewell dinner with drinks Airport, golf and tour transfers Full non golfer Itinerary Go Gollng tour host Commemorative tour polo

Golfer- Twin Share Non-Golfer- Twin Share Single Supplement

AUD $3,799 AUD $2,299 AUD $799

+61 7 5508 2250| travel@gogollng.net.au

Go Golfing Travel PTY LTD is a member of IAGTO Terms & Conditions Apply

# 1. FOR ESCORTED TOURS

Book before 30 June and receive a $100 Drummond Golf Gift Card

Stone Forest International Country Club

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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A triple treat at

Scotland’s Gullane

By David Newbery

A

SK anyone what golf course in the United Kingdom is on his or her bucket list to not only play but visit and most will say St Andrews – the Home of Golf.

But here’s another piece of Scottish history worth visiting – Gullane Golf Club.

Never heard of it?

Well, Gullane Golf Club will host the Scottish Open from July 9-12 – a week

before the 144th Open Championship at St Andrews (July 16-19).

So if you are going to the Open Championship to breathe in the golfing atmosphere why not take the time to experience the Scottish Open.

Gullane has three courses so make sure you take your clubs because you’ll want to sneak in a round there.

The three golf courses are simply known by number to reflect their age.

Designed in 1884, Course No.1 is carved into the ancient links turf. Pot bunkers, wispy grasses and smooth-running greens offer a unique challenge for the serious golfer.

towards home and the visitors’ clubhouse.

The PGA voted it the fifth most picturesque golf spot in the world.

It may be the shortest of the three courses, but it provides a wonderful test based on shot-making skills rather than power.

Course No. 2 (1898) runs alongside No. 1 for the first seven holes. The course sweeps down to a nature reserve next to Aberlady Bay before turning back

Of all the courses at Gullane, No. 3 (1909) enjoys some of the best views across Aberlady Bay to Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth beyond.

Gullane even has a layout designed for children.

Discover fantastic golf destinations across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific with our FREE interactive Golf Map. Download the Inside Golf iPad app from the App Store today!

E E R F InsideGolf AustrAliA’s Most reAd Golf MAGAzine

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

The championship course for the Scottish Open will incorporate 16 holes from Gullane’s renowned No. 1 Course and two holes from its striking No. 2 Course, which was laid out by Willie Park Jr, the winner of two Open Championships (1887 and 1889).

While Gullane has staged final qualifying events for five Open Championships, this will be the first time in its 133-year history that it has hosted the Scottish Open.

Mind you, the Scottish Open is relatively young having started in 1972.

Australian golfers have a special link with the Scottish Open with Graham Marsh (1973), Craig Parry (1991), Peter O’Malley (1992) and Wayne Riley (1995) all winning the tournament.

Gullane is without doubt an overwhelming favourite with both Scottish and visiting golfers.

In mid-summer, golf is played late into the evening, occasionally as late as 10:30pm, which allows a full round to be completed after dinner.

That’s why Gullane is a popular destination for golfing tourists.

From the top of the hill on each course there is a fine view over Aberlady and Aberlady Bay towards Edinburgh and the Fourth Bridge as well as the coast of Fife and the Lomond Hills.

There is plenty to see and do in Gullane, which is a well-kept village along the coast of the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh.

Scotland’s Gullane golf course

The village is popular with celebrities like actor and comedian Ronnie Corbett, a long-time resident.

Gullane has a superb sweep of beach that attracts legions of sandcastle makers or windsurfers.

Nearby attractions include the very well-kept Dirleton, with its double village green and ruined castle, Myreton Motor Museum and the Museum of Flight at East Fortune.

There has been a church in the village since the ninth century.

For the record, Muirfield, host of the Open Championship on many occasions, is just two kilometres away.

In addition to Muirfield, Gullane is the site of several other high-quality golf courses in the village and surrounding area.

Musselburgh Links, 40kms down the road, has plenty of history.

Musselburgh Links is an original Open Championship venue and there is documentary evidence proving golf was played on Musselburgh Links as early as March 2, 1672 although Mary, Queen of Scots reputedly played there in 1567.

This year, golf travellers to Scotland should not miss this magnificent double-header – the Scottish Open at Gullane Golf Club followed by the Open Championship at St Andrews. •

17 – 27 November 2015 After 15 years of running tournaments in Tasmania, Go Gollng has introduced its lrst Totally Tasmanian Tour, featuring all of the activities you have come to expect from a Go Gollng Holiday. Spring in Tasmania is a spectacular time to visit, with long sunny days and freshness in the air that you don’t experience anywhere else in Australia, join us for 11 days of amazing golf, sightseeing, food and hotels!

• • • • • • • •

9 nights accommodation inclusive of daily Breakfast 6 lunches & 3 dinners All entrances and touring as per itinerary Return airport transfers Touring coach throughout 6 rounds of golf including Barnbougle Dunes & Lost Farm Fully Escorted by Go Gollng’s Experienced tour escort Commemorative Tour Polo and handbook

Golfer Package $2,699 Non Golfer $2,299 Single sup $ 899

+61 7 5508 2250| travel@gogollng.net.au

Go Golfing Travel PTY LTD is a member of IAGTO Terms & Conditions Apply

# 1. FOR ESCORTED TOURS

Totally Tasmania

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Tee off in exotic Oaxaca Richard Fellner richard@insidegolf.com.au

T

ucked away in the southernmost end of Mexico, the state of Oaxaca (pronounced: wah-hah-ka) is one of Central America’s hidden gems.

Bordered by the states of Guerrero, Puebla, Veracruz, and Chiapas, as well as the Pacific Ocean to the south, Oaxaca is home to over 3.5 million people, and boasts a vibrant, rich, diverse culture.

Getting to (and travelling within) Oaxaca is an adventure in itself. One of the challenges of Mexico travel is the lack of structure in airline/bus/train timetables and schedules (everyone seems to operate on “Mexico Time”, which can mean anything from 5 minutes to 5 hours).

From the sparkling blue ocean bays, to the mountainous and rugged “lost cities” of Mesoamerican civilisation, the state of Oaxaca offers a combination of adventure and relaxation in a single place.

Catching any outbound flight from Mexico City Airport, for example, may require a bit of wandering and general detective work to determine which gate your flight may actually depart from.

Steeped in history, and filled with architectural “must-visits” like the Catedral de Santo Domingo, Oaxaca City offers adventure for all levels of traveller. Upon arrival in the city (a short taxi ride from the airport), a trip to the Zocalo (town square/plaza) is a must; specifically, the marketplace of Mercado Benito Juarez.

The Mexican equivalent of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Markets (though far more rustic), the Mercado offers a massive

The ruins of Monte Albán (photo: Matt Saunders)

variety of foods, handicrafts, clothing, livestock and entertainment (many times all in the same stall!). Shoppers and curio-seekers will be in their element; exploring cavernous rooms filled with piles of colourful Mexican clothing and fabrics, sampling from the wide variety of organic spices/foods/chilies, or trawling through the thousands of handmade trinkets on offer, with prices all negotiable (bargaining down is part of the culture).

There are two must-buy items when visiting Oaxaca City: 1) The famed Oaxacan/Mexican chocolate (arguably the best-tasting chocolate in the world) and 2) the exquisite, hand-carved wooden

Colourful and creative Alebrijes

PATTAYA GOLF WEEK 17 - 24 October 2015

www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722 www.thailandgolftours.com.au

All golfers are welcome to join this luxury golfing experience in Thailand • Package Inclusions • Airfares and Departures taxes • 7 nights accomm with breakfasts • 4 rounds of golf with caddie & carts • Two Group dinners • Welcome gifts and souvenirs • Daily and overall prizes.

• All golf & airport transfers • All taxes and service charges Contact Mark Penfold Thailand Golf Tours info@thailandgolftours.com.au Ph: 0419 264 800 PRICE Twin Share $2,695 For more information go to www.thailandgolftours.com.au/tourdates

Early Booking discount 1 free night for bookings and payments before 15th Aug. Other tours we have: Cambodia - Aug 2 / Vietnam - Aug 19 / Hua Hin - Oct 10 / Chiang Mai - Oct 24 38

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | June 2015

Alebrijes (Ah-lay-bree-haze). These bright, colourful carvings are modelled after a variety of mythical beings and nearly every animal under the sun, from lizards, turtles, flowers, monsters, dragons, dogs and more. Best of all, most are thoughtfully constructed with the tourist in mind (most can be taken apart for safe packing in your baggage).

After a good session of fossicking, settle down for an authentic (and delicious) Mexican lunch of tlayudas; a big, crunchy tortilla covered with any combination of refried beans, cabbage, meat (shredded beef, chicken, chorizo or pork), Oaxacan cheese, and salsa – cooked over hot coals or a “comal”, which is a type of frying pan.

On occasion, you may also get a generous spread of Mole Negro or Mole Poblano.

Mole (moh-lay) is a special sauce prepared with a combination of dried/char-grilled chilies, ground nuts, seeds, spices, Mexican chocolate, salt, and any number of other ingredients. It can take hours (or even days) to prepare a proper mole, with very few chefs willing to give up their own secret recipe. Oaxaca is famous for their mole sauces -- hence the state’s nickname “Land of the Seven Moles”.

The more adventurous traveller may wish to sample a local snack called Chapulines; a delicacy composed of grasshoppers fried with chilies, garlic and lemon juice. Chapulines are available in large or small sizes, and are thought to have been used as food for over 3000 years. (And what do they taste like, you ask? Well, they taste like…er….fried grasshoppers.). But not bad, really.

When planning your day, keep in mind that most shops, businesses and, well everything really, close for siesta (nap/rest) between 2-4pm. In reality, this can extend from 1:00-4:30. During siesta, the city can be like a ghost town – and if you find yourself hungry (or in desperate need of something to buy) you’ll be out of luck. So plan your time wisely (or, simply go with the flow, find a nice, shady tree or hammock and take a nap like everyone else!)

A few kilometres outside of Oaxaca City are the archaeological ruins of Monte Albán – the former capital of the Zapotec and Mixtec empire (circa 600 and 900 AD). Constructed on a flattened mountain-top around 500 BC, and reminiscent of many of the lost cities of the Maya and Aztecs, Monte Albán has a magnificent collection of stone carvings, pyramids, buildings, monuments, and, of course, wandering vendors. On any given day, the vendors may outnumber the tourists by at least 5 to 1, with just about every vendor offering “unique historical artefacts” for sale (usually coins, masks or mini pyramids made of malachite – most having no historical significance at all). Regardless, you can be certain that anything you buy from the vendor (or taxi driver, or kid on the street, etc) will be marked up by at least 500% compared to the prices from the vendors in the Zocalo.

The ruins of Monte Albán are a real treat to explore, with hidden passageways, intricate carvings, unexplained structures (like the mysterious Ball Court), and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ranges. One mystery that I

failed to solve: the doorways and interior tunnels of the buildings are quite low (suggesting that the Zapotecs/Mixtecs were a very short people) yet each stair on the exterior of the pyramids rises nearly half a metre (suggesting they had massively long legs). Whatever their stature, the people of Monte Alban certainly built an impressive city.

A short plane “hop” down the mountain from Oaxaca City, the southern coast of Oaxaca has some of the most beautiful coastline in Mexico. With crystal-blue waters, pristine beaches (untouched by human “progress”) and breathtaking natural forests and vegetation, the coast provides a tranquil and almost surreal experience for the traveller looking to “get away from it all”. Among the standout cities/villages in the area are the Bahias

Golf at the lush Campo de Golf Tangolunda de Huatulco, a collection of tranquil bays and beaches. Once touted as “a future Acapulco” the areas surrounding Huatulco were generously fitted with many of the modern conveniences that are generally lacking on other parts of Central America (fresh water, internet connections, electricity, outdoor plumbing, etc).

There’s even a championship golf course in the area, Campo de Golf Tangolunda, which features its own resident crocodile.

Challenging, scenic and recently upgraded, the course sits in a valley near the bay, and offers an enjoyable round for all players.

So, whether you’re after a relaxing Central American holiday, or a rugged sightseeing adventure, Oaxaca offers a little something for everyone.

13 Days of Christmas Cruise 21 December - 3 January 2016 Forget the last minute shopping, slaving in a kitchen and hosting family and replace all this with a luxury cruise this Christmas. Play 4 of New Zealand’s premier and most scenic courses while cruising the land of the long white cloud on the Golden Princess.

• 12 nights accommodation in your choice of Stateroom • $185 on board credit per cabin if booking before 30 June • Daily on board meals at selected restaurants (B,L,D) • 4 rounds of golf inc cart (Royal Wellington, Mount Maunganui, Otago and Akaroa-walking) • Welcome dinner & Farewell presentation dinner • Christmas Eve cocktail party • Christmas Day & New Years Eve on board celebration • Commemorative tour polo shirt • Scenic cruising Fiordland National Parkm / Private winery tour • Fully escorted by Go Gollng’s experienced tour host Outside Stateroom Golfer* From $4,499 (twin share) Outside Stateroom Non Golfer* From $3,899 (twin share) Outside Stateroom Single Supplement* Add $2,231 *Cabins subject to availability at time of booking. Cabin upgrades available upon request.

+61 7 5508 2250| travel@gogollng.net.au

# 1. FOR ESCORTED TOURS

** Early Birds** Book by 30 June to receive a GPS Watch valued at $440 plus bonus $100 cabin credit.

Obviously the birds don’t read the sign at the golf course

June 2015 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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