Inside Golf Travel February 2016

Issue 28 // FEB 2016

www.insidegolf.com.au

The NSW South Coast >>> Eden Gardens

Coastal treasures: The Gold Coast >>> Links Hope Island

Win

tionatl Na i l a B A lf Resor Go valued Holidta$y4800! a

Mountain Magic AT TERRACE DOWNS RESORT

Make your next escape one you’ll never forget! Featuring a championship golf course, sunning views, luxury accommodation Terrace Downs has so much to offer, and there’s something for everyone! Contact us to plan your escape.

PHONE +64 3 318 6943 info@terracedowns.co.nz www.terracedowns.co.nz

Auckland

Only one hour from Christchurch airport.

Terrace Downs

Wellington

Christchurch

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 Contributor: Bill Colhoun E: ed@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 Australia/New Zealand Sales: Lisa Coleman M: 0406 031 344 E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au COVER PHOTO: Links Hope Island, and Eden Gardens

Sky Lake named best in Vietnam Sky Lake Resort & Golf Club, in Hanoi, Vietnam, was named the “Best Championship Course 2015” at the annual industry awards by Vietnam Golf Magazine in conjunction with The Vietnam Golf Association. Awards were granted based on readers’ choice via a systematic online voting procedure and the evaluation of a panel of industry professionals who visited courses eligible for voting.

This award is affirmation to the 2013 award of “Most Challenging Course” which was awarded to the membersonly Lake Course upon opening. At 7,557

yards and 7,311 yards respectively for the Lake & Sky courses, it’s easy to see how the Sky Lake is gaining a reputation as a formidable golf challenge throughout the region. Sky Lake is also part of the

IMG Prestige network with participating members provided access to the private members only Lake course. www.skylakegolfclub.vn

Mission Hills to get Wet’n’Wild Mission Hills China has announced a joint partnership with Guangxi Investment Group and leading international theme park owner and operator, Village Roadshow Limited (VRL) for the establishment of Wet’n’Wild Haikou, China’s first Wet’n’Wild water theme park.

This will be a destination water theme park, similar to VRL’s Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Wet’n’Wild Sydney and Wet’n’Wild Las Vegas.

Industries, the leading global designer and manufacturer of innovative water park products, will supply all of the attractions.

The 50,000m² Wet’n’Wild Haikou is

located within Haikou’s 1,000,000m² Mission Hills Centreville featuring Mission Hills Lan Kwai Fong- a familyfriendly cosmopolitan leisure complex with restaurants and bars, shopping, entertainment and cultural elements, internationally-renowned hotel brands and a film-themed tourism, commercial and cultural district. Wet ‘n’ Wild Haikou will also feature an 8,000 m² indoor family water park.

The estimated total investment of the Wet’n’Wild Haikou project is approximately RMB 500 million (AUD 110 million) and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Wet’n’Wild Haikou will be developed by Mission Hills Group and operated by VRL. Water Technology Inc, a leader in water park design and technology, will be the lead design consultant. WhiteWater West

BARNBOUGLE, CAPE WICKHAM & OCEAN DUNES FLY DIRECT BY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT

Prepare to take off on a golfin g experien ce above all others Select your golfing adventure…

2 DAYS / 2 ROUNDS – Barnbougle or King Is (Cape Wickham & Ocean Dunes) 3 DAYS / 3 ROUNDS – Barnbougle & Cape Wickham 4 DAYS / 4 ROUNDS – Barnbougle, Cape Wickham & Ocean Dunes Or if you have a group of 8 or more customise your own itinerary

Includes: 9 Private charter flights onboard our immaculate twin-turbine aircraft 9 On-course accommodation 9 Course fees and more If you have a group of 4 or more contact us to set your preferred departure date. For less than 4 please get in touch for available options.

While playing Australia’s best courses, use the best gear. We recommend Callaway.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

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Cape Wickham ranked 24th in the world

A completely different golf holiday: Rivers Golf Tours Most Australians are unaccustomed to golf presented as a genuine tour. They generally travel to one location and stay for a period with courtesy bus services taking them to the golf course or courses. The downside to this type of arrangement is they only see a small part of the area they are staying in and the same people day-in, day-out.

Tasmania’s new Cape Wickham Links has been ranked the 24th best golf course in the world by Golf Digest Magazine (USA). Situated near the northwestern tip of King Island and designed by American Mike DeVries and Melbourne’s Darius Oliver, the course has been open for just two months but was described as one of the “hottest new layouts on the globe”.

Tasmania is now home to three of the World’s Top 40 courses, with Barnbougle Dunes finishing 33rd and Barnbougle Lost Farm 40th.

“From day one, all involved in the Cape Wickham project knew they were dealing with an exceptional piece of land, and to create anything less than a sublime golf experience would have been disappointing,” said developer Duncan

Andrews, owner of the popular Dunes Golf Links on the Mornington Peninsula.

“I think they have achieved a sublime golf experience and it is pleasing that this is being formally recognised in a world context.”

Golf Digest editor Ron Whitten described the Cape Wickham routing as “heart-pounding, starting along rocks and crashing surf, moving inland but not out of the wind, returning to ocean edge at the downhill 10th, pitch-shot 11th and drivable par-4 12th, then wandering into dunes before a crescendo closing hole curving along Victoria Cove beach, which is in play at low tides.”

Beyond Cape Wickham and the two Barnbougle courses, there are another four Australian golf courses ranked inside

the World’s Top 50 (Royal Melbourne West #6, Kingston Heath #18, Ellerston #29 and New South Wales #30).

Only the USA has a higher number.

If you include New Zealand (Cape Kidnappers #16 and Kauri Cliffs #49) this corner of the globe has 9 courses inside the World’s Top 50, equal to the mighty links of Scotland and Ireland.

Long-established air touring company Air Adventure (www.airadventure.com.au) operates charter flights to King Island, while Drummond Golf Travel (www.drummondgolftravel. com.au) and Golf & Gourmet (www.golfgourmet.com.au) offer specialised tour packages.

Rivers Golf Tours offer a completely different holiday. You actually travel each day to different areas of the 200 km stretch of the beautiful Northern Rivers area of New South Wales. Every day you meet someone different and as a fully-escorted guided tour you will learn something about the area you may know nothing about beforehand.

It is, in fact, an adventure that also includes some pretty impressive golf courses and the opportunity to sample some very good food.

Rivers Golf Tours are the largest in Australia with domains in every state. They are not a booking agency; they do proper tours. If you book your tour with Rivers Golf Tours, your driver/tour guide is with you 24/7. With their 10-day tour, a visit to a winery in each state is included.

Their Motto “EAT, STAY,PLAY, we take care of the rest” is as it states, so join their tour and enjoy the whole way through as they present their wonderful Northern Rivers area of NSW. For more information: Phone 0428 185 301, www.riversgolftours.com.au.

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Hop on board for a cruisy golf holiday A

ustralia now tops the world for cruising. The percentage of Aussies who choose to spend their holidays cruising has surpassed North America, taking Australia to world No.1 for cruises per capita. More than one million Australians will book a cruise holiday in 2016, with golf cruise itineraries proving to be massively popular.

Much to the delight of golf travellers, Gold Coast-based Go Golfing Travel have successfully combined golf and cruising.

In 2016 Go Golfing Travel is offering

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

four golf cruises, with New Zealand and Hawaii being the destinations of choice.

Go Golfing Travel, Australia’s biggest golf travel company, hosts golf tours to more than 20 countries annually and according to the company founder, Peter McCarthy, golf cruising is relatively new.

“We have hosted golf tours for 20 years now, but it is only in the last 5 years we have offered tours that combine cruising and golf.”

“We started with cruises up to the Great

Barrier Reef, Cairns and Port Douglas, however without fixed ports, having to catch smaller tender vessels to shore with golf clubs wasn’t ideal. Most of our clients are in their 50’s, 60’s and some in their 70’s, so we now just offer cruise destinations where we can walk off the ship and straight onto a waiting coach to the golf course. New Zealand and Hawaii are just perfect. We typically take 30 golfers at a time and we had more than 50 on the waitlist. Golf cruising is proving to be massively popular.”

Aboard the luxurious Pride of America cruise ship, Go Golfing’s Hawaii Golf Cruise runs 3 to 10 September, and visits four of Hawaii’s best islands, including Maui and Kauai. Play Poipu Bay in Kauai, where Tiger Woods won the PGA Grand Slam and Kapalua’s ‘Plantation Course’, ranked as the #1 golf course in Hawaii and home to the PGA Tour’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The tour includes rounds at Mauna Lani’s North Course where the 17th hole is tucked into a natural lava amphitheatre and King Kamehameha, the only private 18-hole golf course in Maui. Be spoilt on board Pride of America with 14 restaurants, 9 bars and lounges, spacious suites and lots of balconies – perfect for whale watching, witnessing the Kilauea volcano or taking in the dramatic view of the Napali Coast.

Go Golfing has just returned from a 13-day golf cruise around New Zealand on board the Golden Princess with Christmas and New Year celebrations onboard. Sailing out of Melbourne, the first port was Auckland on Christmas Day. The following day saw the first round of golf at Mt Maunganui, just 10 minutes from the port of Tauranga. Other feature courses were Royal Wellington, Clearwater - voted New Zealand’s best course at the World Golf Awards, and a final round at Balmacewen in Dunedin.

Sailing down the east coast of New Zealand affords cruisers stunning views of the coastline. The final day of cruising was in the Fiordland National Park with Milford Sound a spectacular highlight.

Veterans of more than 20 cruises, Adelaide’s Alan Weekley and Shirley

Burton love the cruise experience.

“You unpack once and each sunrise brings a new destination and new experiences. The onboard entertainment is sensational with the stage shows, comedy acts, trivia and bingo our favourite things to do. Having had our own restaurant, we are amazed with the variety of restaurants and quality cuisine.

And being able to play fabulous golf courses as well, we couldn’t think of a better holiday.”

Pam and Gerrit de Boer from Muswellbrook were in high praise of the Go Golfing cruise experience.

“The service onboard was so good and there’s almost as many crew as there are guests. Our cabin steward carried our golf clubs on and off the ship for us. Peter from Go Golfing was a generous host, supremely organised and made it so much fun.”

Gus and Greta de Hoogd from Melbourne loved the courses and the innovative Go Golfing scoring system. “All of the courses were great and Greta took a shine to Royal Wellington, playing 10

shots better than her handicap. We like the Go Golfing scoring system where your handicap goes up and down depending on how you play and being part of a team helps you to meet new people. We enjoy these tours with like-minded golf travellers who are at a similar stage in life to us.”

In November and December, Go Golfing will have three cruises to New Zealand with Princess Cruises. Go Golfing can arrange free carriage of your golf clubs with Virgin Australia.

Australia is still a relatively young cruise

market, yet the number of Australians taking a cruise has grown by an enviable average 20 per cent a year for the last 11 years. The astounding growth is attracting more, bigger and better ships Down Under. A record number of ships will be based in Australia for the 2016/17 season including some of the biggest ships in the world, courtesy of companies including P&O, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

For more information on Golf Cruising contact Go Golfing Travel on 07 5508 2250 or visit www.gogolfing.net.au •

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Thai one on for a great golf getaway

outside of the Royal town of Hua Hin. Recent renovations and re-laying of greens has transformed this sleeping giant into one of the best golfing experiences in this renowned golfing area.

Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence provides world-class golf courses, and boutique lifestyle and facilities to give you the experience of a lifetime. Set amidst the pristine environment of magnificent green hills and beautiful lakes, the panoramic views are one of a kind.

Award-winning Banyan Golf Resort at Hua Hin is a world-class championship golf and dining facility that has been designed to be enjoyed by players at all levels. The unique contemporary Thai style designed clubhouse features luxurious changing rooms, exclusive club suite accommodation and wonderful dining experiences.

J

OHN Dunphy’s 9-day golf tour of Thailand is perfect for the passionate golfer.

Enjoy rounds of golf on four of Thailand’s most beautiful and spectacular golf

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

courses and experience the tropical climate, mouth-watering food and friendly people in The Land of Smiles.

the destination and golf courses have been carefully selected to create a truly memorable holiday.

Thoroughly researched by your host, a lifelong golfer and experienced traveller,

Majestic Creek is a 27-hole gem, lying in beautiful countryside just 25 minutes

Finally, the Sea Pine Golf Course presents the golfer with 18 beautifully designed, landscaped holes. 20 minutes from Hua Hin on Suan Son Pradiphat Beach. The Sea Pines course design and layout have been developed to provide golfers with a wide variety of challenge.

Depending on wind conditions, the course can play from relatively easy to very difficult. The course is designed with six holes lying on the beachside and the lies towards the mountains.

More information: johndunphy85@yahoo.com.au, www.thailandgetawaygolftours.com.au

glittering Golf along the

Surfers Paradise Golf Club

A Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club B Links Hope Island C RACV Royal Pines Resort D Mercure Gold Coast Resort E Lakelands Golf Club F Surfers Paradise Golf Club G Burleigh Golf Club H Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club

G l GolD COAST

W

ith breathtaking beaches, spectacular scenery, thrilling theme parks and some of Australia’s most enjoyable golf courses, the sun-drenched Gold Coast is a prime destination for golfers and holiday makers from across the globe.

From Coolangatta to Coomera, and everywhere in between, this part of Australia has long been known to golfers

for its diversity of challenging and enjoyable layouts, not to mention the numerous post-golf activities on offer.

It’s no wonder why so many of Australia’s biggest amateur and professional events are held on the Gold Coast every year.

This month, we feature some of the most popular and unique courses and accommodation that the Gold Coast has to offer.

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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which is ideal for the non-golfing family members.

Burleigh Golf Club definitely is a golf club for golfers – just ask the “Friday Boys” from Northern Golf Club.

FACT FILE Burleigh Golf Club Cnr Hillcrest Parade and Bardon Avenue, Miami Qld 4220 Phone: (07) 5572-8266 www.burleighgolfclub.com.au office@burleighgolfclub.com.au

Links Hope Island Links Hope Island, located a short 25-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and just 40 minutes from Brisbane’s city heart, delivers big on service from the moment you arrive.

Burleigh Golf Club

BURLEIGH GOLF CLUB As a golf club, you know you must be doing something right when visitors can’t wait to return to play the golf course and enjoy the hospitality and clubhouse facilities.

Burleigh Golf Club, near Miami Beach on the Gold Coast, is one such club.

Recently the club general manager Ian Cottle received a missive from Martin Clements representing the “Friday Boys”, who play out of the Northern Golf Club in Melbourne.

“I would like to thank you and your staff for the wonderful day we had at Burleigh Golf Club,” he wrote.

“The course was in excellent condition and your members made sure we all had a great round of golf. Your welcome was

much appreciated and we all enjoyed your hospitality.

“We will definitely be back again.”

Described as a “golf club for golfers”, Burleigh Golf Club’s championship golf course offers a diverse experience with a woodland forest front nine followed by a sandbelt heath back nine.

Mondays to Fridays and Sundays and $65 on Saturdays.

Burleigh has a modern pro shop, cart and club hire and excellent practice facilities.

Since building the new $5m clubhouse a few years ago, Burleigh Golf Club has become a popular venue for weddings, functions and conferences.

The layout stretches to a modest 5935 metres and 5342m for women. There are four par-5s, five par-3s and nine par-4s.

The clubhouse can comfortably accommodate more than 200 people.

Members and visitors certainly vote with their feet as more than 55,000 rounds of golf are played at the popular course each year.

The restaurant offers great coffee, a full a la carte menu, is open for lunch seven days and for dinner Wednesday and Friday evenings.

And there are organised competitions seven-days-a-week and visitors are welcome.

A variety of golfing memberships are available including full, six-day, country, limited, youth, junior and cadet.

For visitors, the cost to play is $45

The club also offers social membership,

Pulling up under the Mediterranean Porte Cochere you get a real sense of arrival. Knowledgeable Concierge warmly greet players and whisk golf clubs away so next time you see them is when you’re on your way to the tee. Gone are the days of dragging your bag to your cart.

Entering the Clubhouse feels like you’ve been teleported to an Italian movie set, corridors lined with columns, atrium ceilings, intricate mosaic tiled features and a cascading fountain the centrepiece of a remarkable golf club design.

Beyond the magnificent club design, it is the course that shines. After 22 years, the Thomson Wolveridge design still holds its own as one of the finest Links-style designs in the country. The design duo had a tight vision for the way Links golf should be played and this layout is a testament to those values. It is ranked by Australian golfing legend, Peter Senior, as “one of the best championship courses you’ll play.”

MOnthLy Direct Debit avaiLabLe tO FULL anD 6 Day MeMbership FULL MeMbership Open

2015/16

FULL MeMbership

Membership Open – Pro Rata Rates No Joining Fee. Phone (07) 5572 8266 8

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

$1,815

6-Day MeMbership

$1,475

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BurleighGolfClub www.burleighgolfclub.com.au

Links Hope Island Recently voted #1 Gold Coast Golf Course in Golf Australia’s Top 100 Public Courses, Links consistently rates above its peers. Not only is the layout carefully mastered, the daily conditioning and playability lends ample homage to design philosophies.

On return to the Clubhouse visitors can relive their round on the Legend’s Terrace

overlooking the Aquatic Driving Range.

Links Restaurant and Bar stocks a full selection of beverages and tasty array of freshly-prepared dishes daily.

The club welcomes visitors and there are plenty of opportunities for both corporate and social golfers to enjoy one of Australia’s favourite golf clubs.

Membership is open, without joining fee.

Now you are also able to make Hope Island the base for your next golf holiday.

The finest selection of golf courses and accommodation properties are at your fingertips, ask the experienced golf event team for assistance in planning your next ‘playcation’.

Rates: $140 Mon-Thurs, $150 Fri-Sun Including shared electric cart. New

Membership options now available.

FACT FILE: Links Hope Island Springfield Drive Phone: 07 5530 9000 www.linkshopeisland.com.au golfmail@linkshopeisland.com.au

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Coast, no hotel makes you feel more at home like Mercure Gold Coast Resort.

Mention Inside Golf for special rates.

FACT FILE: Mercure Gold Coast Resort 64 Palm Meadows Drive Carrara QLD 4211 Phone: (07) 5555 7700 www.mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au golf@mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au

Lakelands Golf Club Situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course designed in Australia.

Mercure Gold Coast Resort

Mercure Gold Coast Resort The Gold Coast is Australia’s undisputed home of entertainment, constantly wowing visitors with its variety of things to see and do.

Nestled between Lakelands and Palm Meadows golf courses, Mercure Gold Coast Resort is the perfect resort for your golf holiday. With more than 40 of Australia’s finest golf courses on the Gold Coast, you will find your ultimate fairway

to heaven with one of their Golf Getaway Packages.

Mercure Gold Coast Resort partners with five golf courses, all within a tenminute radius from the resort. Play at one course or enjoy five different locations, the choice is yours.

Located in the heart of it all — 30 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport and just minutes from beautiful Gold Coast beaches, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach,

sport stadiums — Mercure Gold Coast Resort is perfectly positioned for your next golf holiday. With beautifully appointed accommodation and superb resort-style amenities, it’s one of the top hotels on the Gold Coast for relaxing, unwinding and rejuvenating away from the hustle and bustle but conveniently close to the bright lights of the entertainment precincts.

When planning where to stay in Gold

Become a Member at The Home of Championship Golf.

Lakelands Golf Club combines the traditions of golf and hospitality by providing its members, guests and visitors with the environment, facilities and services that satisfy their Golf, social and business needs and interests. Opened on 17th February 1997, Lakelands Golf Club has gained a reputation for “The Best Serving the Best” providing standards and facilities second to none on the Gold Coast.

Multiple tee positions make the course user-friendly and yet challenging, whatever the standard of golf you play.

Nicklaus has used bunkering extensively in his strategic design and water features on many of the course’s 18 holes.

With tee times available to the public every day at Lakelands Golf Club, it is a

As the home of the PGA Championship and RACV Ladies Masters, there's no better time to become a Member at RACV Royal Pines Resort.

Members Privileges include: • Five day or seven day Membership options available • New tournament course re-developed by Graham Marsh • Unlimited rounds of golf • Reciprocal access at other RACV Golf Clubs* • Reserved tee times on Saturdays (7 day membership) • Shared unlimited golf cart hire • Honour board events and weekly competitions • Discounts on merchandise, range balls, golf tuition & more 12 Month Unlimited Access Memberships

7 Day 5 Day 7 Day 5 Day

$184

†

From

per person, per month, for auto club members Host of the Australian PGA Championship and the RACV Ladies Masters.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Card Holders 1 1 2 2

Public (Non-Auto Club) $3,700 $2,960 $6,660 $5,328

Auto Club Members* $2,775 $2,200 $4,995 $3,996

For further details contact the Golf Shop on 5597 8733

Ross Street, Benowa, Gold Coast, Qld 4217 www.racv.com.au/royalpines *Conditions apply. Auto club membership includes RACV, RACQ & NRMA. Reciprocal golf course access is offered at Torquay, Cape Schanck and Creswick Resorts, and also to Healesville Country Club for RACV Club Members. Course availability subject to the demands of tournaments and some large scale events. † Price based on 5 Day Membership (1 card holder) with Auto Club Membership.

must to play this golf course which has all of the telltale signs you would expect of Jack Nicklaus designed Golf Course which is situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, less than 10 minutes from Broadbeach and 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise.

Lakelands also has full locker room facilities, Golf Shop, Signature Restaurant and Bar, a full length driving range, PGA certified coaches available each day, along with all the other facilities you would expect a facility of this reputation to have.

Whether you are there for a trip away with good friends, or on a holiday, Lakelands Golf Club is a course you must visit for a game on a beautifully presented course, making sure to enjoy a drink on the deck while overlooking those behind finishing out on the 18th green, or commencing their back nine on the challenging 10th tee with water all up the left hand side of the fairway.

Neat dress code is required at all times with strictly no denim or cargo pants permitted, collared shirt and enclosed footwear is a must while on course.

FACT FILE Lakelands Golf Club 100 Lakelands Drive Merrimac Qld 4226 Pro Shop: (07) 5510 6507 www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

Lakelands Golf Club

Surfers Paradise Golf Club Escape and play at Queensland’s friendliest golf destination, Surfers Paradise Golf Club.

This green utopia is located in the vibrant swell of the Gold Coast city, just a stone’s throw from the entertainment hub of Broadbeach.

Navigate this scenic, varied landscape and put both your strategy and skill to the ultimate test. This course is designed

with lakeside gazebos and water hazards, for both serenity and stimulation.

Their ‘Crunch & Lunch’ deal offers an 18hole walking round with their legendary burger meal, available most days for just $35.

Roll on from the smooth greens into the friendly restaurant atmosphere overlooking the 18th hole. Just five minutes from the beach, you deserve to experience one of the Gold Coast’s most

iconic golf courses.

Come on treat yourself and come alive at Surfers Paradise Golf Club!

FACT FILE Surfers Paradise Golf Club 1 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters 4226 (07) 5572 6088 surfersparadise@oncoursegolf.com.au www.surfersgolf.com.au

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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500 metres long and a 201 metre par-3.

It all adds up to a tough series of holes when you factor in the parade of bunkers that come into play on most holes, and the far-reaching swales surrounding a slew of elevated greens.

The Gold combination course is comprised of the Gold nine and the Blue nine. The blue nine, located on the western side of Ross Street, proves that shorter is not always easier in golf, and has its own distinctive challenges.

While the longer hitters may find some par-4s reachable from the tee, they are surrounded by strategically-placed bunkers, meaning even the slightest miss off the tee will likely find you in trouble.

The challenge on this nine is to play smart.

Surfers Paradise Golf Club

RACV Royal Pines Resort RACV Royal Pines resort, boasting 27 challenging holes of golf, is Australia’s Home to Championship Golf. Set against a lush background along the Nerang River, RACV Royal Pines resort is just minutes from the Gold Coast’s most famous beaches to the east and tropical hinterland to the west. Opened in 1990, Royal Pines was originally designed by Japanese course architect Tomojiro Maruyama.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Contracted to host the Australian PGA Championship for the next three years, and long-time host to the RACV Australian Ladies Masters, the championship course has just undergone a two-year, complete re-design by renowned golf course architect, Graham Marsh. The renovations have seen every green, surrounds, landing area, and bunker replaced to bring the course up to championship standards while also

retaining the capacity to cater for golfers of all abilities.

The Green combination course, which plays host to the PGA and ALPGA, re-opened for the 2015 Australian PGA Championship and proved to be a challenge to even the most astute and professional golfers. From the championship tees it measures 6,690 metres, with six par-4s that measure more than 400 metres, four par-5s that are over

Royal Pines is where the players come to play, and where fervent golfers can experience a challenging layout, combined with a 5-star environment.

With tight, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens, each nine-hole course has its own distinctive challenges, requiring a unique skill set in order to have a successful round. Afterwards, enjoy a casual meal and cold beverage on Tee’s lower terrace, overlooking the first 10th holes of the tournament course.

RACV Royal Pines Resort’s world-class practice facilities are complimented by teaching expertise from Mark Gibson’s Exceptional Golf coaching professionals.

A family-friendly environment, there are clinics for every age and every level of

RACV Royal Pines Resort experience. Combined with five tennis courts, two of which are the Gold Coast’s only undercover courts, a gymnasium, spa and brand new water park set to open in July 2016, RACV Royal Pines Resort offers five star facilities including conference and accommodation facilities that are second to none.

Rates: Rack Rate: $150; Auto Club

Members: $87; Membership: 5 Days Unlimited Golf from $2,200, 7 Day Unlimited Golf from $2,775.

FACT FILE: RACV Royal Pines Resort Ross Street Benowa Qld 4217 Phone: (07) 5597 8700 www.racv.com.au

Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club is now offering five levels of Membership, a level to suit every lifestyle. With two championship golf courses and two exceptional clubhouses, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers a unique selection of Membership

options, with or without golf, including Equity Membership, Corporate Golf Membership, Golf Access Membership, Social Access Membership and Country Club Membership.

Equity Membership to the prestigious Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club provides Members and their families the most comprehensive golf, sport and

GolF Getaway PaCkaGes From $160 per person, per night, twin share

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

Call us on (07) 5555 7700 or email golf@mercuregoldcoastresort.com.au quote Inside Golf to receive special offer.

Prices are subject to availability and blackout dates.

Premier Golf AdveNtures

AND Gol D CoA st

Ph 1300 137 950 Mob Jamie 0409 580 110 or Michael 0401 700 364 Email play@golfadventures.com.au www.golfadventures.com.au

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club leisure packages available anywhere in Australia. The benefit of this membership is that you can own your private interest in the facility which you will enjoy for many years to come.

Your membership becomes a share and is your key to access first-class golf, sport and leisure facilities. As an asset, your share can be dealt with in a way similar to any other investment.

Corporate Golf Membership can set your business apart from your competitors. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers you the chance to build your relationships and entertain clients, or reward your staff with a perfectly executed corporate golf day. Their range of packages suit all events and are easily adaptable to your individual needs and requirements.

Social Membership incorporates unlimited access to the exclusive Golf Clubhouse for social activities and access to Members and Members’ guests-only events.

Country Club Membership provides access to over 45 aerobic classes per week, the latest gymnasium equipment, four air-conditioned training rooms including a cardio room, weight training room, secluded yoga studio and group fitness room, five flood lit tennis courts, a 25-metre heated pool with BBQ gazebo, private spas and saunas, specialised treatment rooms, first-class Kidz Club, a coffee shop, and their highly trained professional staff.

Access Membership is their latest membership package and is designed at improving Membership participation in a younger age bracket. Access Membership is available for golfers up to the age of 32 as a pathway Membership. This Membership is an extension of the Club’s 14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Paradise Golf Tours Paradise Golf Tours is the longestestablished specialist Golf Tour company on the Gold Coast (since 1989), which means that you are dealing with a very reputable and experienced company.

Over the years, Paradise Golf Tours has built excellent relationships with the Gold Coast’s premier resort courses and this means they can usually secure your preferred tee-time on all courses, on any day.

U Choose Golf junior programme and provides younger golfers an opportunity to join this worldclass facility. Access Membership opens the door to experience this unique and rewarding lifestyle including access to both golf courses and The Country Club.

With two courses and a Country Club, discover why membership at Sanctuary Cove is so much better.

FACT FILE Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Phone: 07 5699 9000 www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au info@scgcc.com.au

U Choose Golf If you need a full-service golf travel specialist to take care of everything for you, then look no further than U Choose Golf Holiday.

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.

They take pride in offering good value and personalised service.

Sharon, who looks after your trip 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, which speaks volumes about their quality service and attention to detail.

U Choose Golf Holiday offers golfers the chance to experience the best destinations that the Australia has to offer, like the Mornington Peninsula, Sydney/NSW, Gold Coast, West Australia, and the Murray River destinations.

FACT FILE U Choose Golf 0418713620 www.uchoosegolf.com.au sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au

Because of their buying power, they have access to significant discounts at a huge choice of accommodation venues as well as all golf courses – discounts which are passed on to their clients ensuring that Paradise Golf Tours provides excellent value with lower prices than can be obtained by going direct.

Let Paradise Golf Tours organise your next group trip to the Gold Coast and you too could be playing on exclusive and private renowned courses such as Links Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove Pines, Sanctuary Cove Palms, the Jack Nicklausdesigned Lakelands, the Greg Normandesigned Glades or Brookwater, the home of the Australian PGA – RACV Royal Pines, Arundel Hills and many others.

With a modern fleet of buses to provide transfers throughout your stay and a myriad of choices for accommodation, it’s no wonder they say: “We’ll cross all the tees for you!”

FACT FILE Paradise Golf Tours Phone: 0402 049 868 www.paradisegolftours.com.au info@paradisegolftours.com.au

Lakelands Golf Club / Paradise Golf Tours

Great Golf Getaways – Gold Coast Great Golf Getaways offers customised golf stay and play packages to the Gold Coast for all types of golf trips including ‘Girls Golf Getaways’ and ‘Group Golf Tours’ for social clubs, club members, and corporate incentive travel and events.

The Gold Coast is one of their most popular year-round golf destinations with many golf groups choosing to travel

to the Gold Coast annually to enjoy a different experience and itinerary on every golf trip.

A number of their valued clients have celebrated several annual tours with us in recent years. Their customised tours and packages are suitable for groups of all sizes for both guys and girls golf trips.

On the Gold Coast, Great Golf Getaways have a great choice of accommodation options to suit all types of golf travel

and budgets including beachfront apartments which are very popular, hotels and luxury golf resorts. The Gold Coast’s appeal for golfers is the great selection of top courses with over 16 different options throughout the region.

It’s an exciting golf destination that also offers an endless choice of restaurants and bars for dining out, plus great nightlife and entertainment.

Great Golf Getaways can assist you in

5 MEMBERSHIPS, 1 LIFESTYLE. GOLF ACCESS MEMBERSHIP

planning a customised tour to suit all your golf travel requirements.

Contact Lee at Great Golf Getaways for more information on their latest range of Gold Coast packages.

FACT FILE: GREAT GOLF GETAWAYS Tel: 1300 124 220 info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au

Offering five levels of Membership, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club has a Membership to suit every lifestyle.

With two championship golf courses and two exceptional clubhouses, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers a unique selection of Membership options, with or without golf, including: -

Equity Membership Golf Access Membership (For junior golfers aged 32 and below) Social Access Membership Corporate Golf Membership Country Club Membership

Selected Memberships also include access to the The Country Club with a range of first class gym equipment, fitness classes and expert instructors, plus access to the 25m heated outdoor pool and 5 flood lit tennis courts.

Conditions apply for each Membership category.

NOW AVAILABLE

Contact our Sales Team for further information on 5699 9000 Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club Gleneagles Drive, Sanctuary Cove Email info@scgcc.com.au www.sanctuarycovegolf.com.au Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/sanctuarycovegolf

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

15

The Bubbling Birdies” pictured at Lakelands Golf Club, enjoy their annual Gold Coast tour coordinated by ‘Great Golf Getaways’.

Premier Golf Adventures Jamie and Michael of Premier Golf Adventures have built their business model on customer satisfaction and value for money golfing packages. Nothing is too much trouble when it comes to looking after their clients and Premier Golf Adventures can tailor your own personalized golf package to suit every requirement of your golfing group. They will arrange your return airport transfers from the Gold Coast or Brisbane airports to your accommodation, and will book your accommodation at Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise or Coolangatta to your required rooming requests.

They will also book your golf games

at the golf courses of your choice and at your preferred tee times and arrange pick-up times that allow you to warm-up before golf and have a few cold drinks after golf. They even store your golf clubs every night, which saves the hassle of carting them to your room after each game. With access to all the public and private golf courses across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane (except The Grand) why don’t you make contact today to have Premier Golf Adventures create your groups next golfing experience. As keen, experienced golfers themselves, Jamie and Michael know what golfers want when it comes to a golf trip so you can be assured that every detail is taken care of.

Overnight packages frOm just $90pp

Premier Golf Adventures

FACT FILE Premier Golf Adventures PO Box 1400 Noosaville BC, QLD 4566 Phone: 1300 137950 Mobile: Jamie 0409 580110 or Michael 0401 700364 www.golfadventures.com.au Email: play@golfadventures.com.au

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club

Sitting near the beautiful sun-drenched beaches of the Queensland/NSW border is the picturesque Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club.

With accommodation in abundance and no shortage of shopping nearby it’s easy to see why this is one of the more idyllic and impressive golf courses in one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.

Inside a stunning dedicated nature reserve lie the River Course and the West Course, both 18 hole courses are on 101 rolling hectares and were ranked in Australia’s top 100 Public Access golf courses in 2015.

For any golfer the 36 holes will challenge and test as it weaves from gently undulating to flat, wide fairways guarded by groves of well-established trees, and plenty of bunkers and water hazards to keep golfers’ minds right on their game.

Smack-bang in the middle of the River

U CHOOSE

Golf Holiday Professionally planned and tailored golf escapes for your enjoyment

Specialising in th best ‘Australia Wid e’ Play & Stay Go lf Packages

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M. 0418 713 620 Book now

16

www.golfandstay.com.au

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

f. (07) 3200 6547 sharon@uchoosegolf.com.au

www.uchoosegolf.com.au

Above Par Golf Tours

Golf tours and holidays with Above Par golf tours are truly an ‘Above Par experience.’

As one of Australia’s leading golf tour operators, Above Par 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.

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club

They offer fast, efficient and great value solutions for your next golfing holiday.

Course is a small rainforest, and you may come face-to-face with a goanna or the many species of bird life, generations of which have happily shared their lush riverside habitat with golfers.

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is one of Tweed’s most popular and busiest restaurants, Danny’s famous seafood buffet, ready to aid the heartiest of appetites.

To play a round at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club is just a fraction of the cost of many Gold Coast courses and is available all year round.

So, it’s easy to see why for so many locals and tourists who visit the Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club they consider it one of the best.

The cost-friendly course also offers other great facilities like The Clubhouse which is perfectly situated with views overlooking the Tweed River. Along with great scenery, this fully licensed venue has a cafe, full club facilities, and a well-appointed Pro Shop, stocked to the rafters with everything a golfer needs and more.

MORE INFORMATION Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Soorley Street, Tweed Heads South (07) 5524 4544 www.cooltweedgolf.com.au enquiries@cooltweedgolf.com.au

After a challenging day on the course at

A recent addition to the company’s services are fully-packaged tours to Queenstown, New Zealand. Located on the South Island, Queenstown is one of the most naturally stunning places in the world and now boasts a selection of resort and club golf courses that are the envy of the country.

Add in jet boating, bungee jumping, canyoning and a host of other outdoor activities and a holiday of a lifetime awaits. Above Par Golf Tours will organise all your accommodation, golf and transport needs while in New Zealand.

FACT FILE: Above Par Golf Tours Address: PO Box 424, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, Qld, 4213 Phone: 1300 798 552 [Australia] or +61 7 5522 9055 [International] Website: www.abovepargolf.com.au Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au

PERSONALISED GOLD COAST AND SUNSHINE COAST GOLF TOURS Are you planning your next group golf trip?

Our golf packages can be tailored to suit your individual or group requirements with our extensive range of golf course and accommodation partners We specialise in customised group tours for all types of golf travel

• Club Members • Social Clubs • Corporate Events

THE HARDEST THING YOU WILL HAVE TO DO IS WALK OFF THE PLANE WWW.GOLFOZ.COM.AU PHONE: (07) 5575 8500

GROUP BOOKINGS & INQUIRIES National Travel Desk: Tel 1300 124 220 email: info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au

www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

17

Charm Golf along the NSW South Coast Pambula Merimbula Golf Club

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

So check out the courses on offer in the following pages to plan your next golf getaway to this stunning part of Australia.

A Calderwood Valley Golf Course B Par-Tee Virtual Golf c Worrigee Links Golf Course D Mollymook Golf Club Ltd E NAROOMA golf club F Bermagui Country Club G Bega Country Club H Tura Beach Country Club I Sapphire Waters Motor Inn J Pacific Heights Holiday Apartments K Pambula Merimbula Golf Club L Eden Gardens Country Club

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Merimbula Combine the family holiday with a true golfing experience in Merimbula… jewel of the Sapphire Coast. Located on the far south coast of NSW, Merimbula is home to two superb championship golf courses – the garden-like, 27-hole course of Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, and the challenging 18-holes of Tura Beach Country Club where spectacular ocean views accompany golfers throughout the course.

Pack the golf clubs, but don’t forget the fishing tackle and swimming gear as Merimbula has top fishing facilities and pristine beaches and lakes where you can drop a line, sit and relax or take on more adventurous water activities such as Stand Up Paddle boarding, surfing or kayaking.

Merimbula is not limited to golfing and water activities alone. Get up close and personal with marine life at the Aquarium or Australia’s native animals at Potoroo Palace. Enjoy an Oyster or Dolphin tour and for the more active family there is zip lining, water slides, mountain bike riding, water golf driving range, bowls or ten pin bowling. And with so much more to do, you’ll need an extra week in Merimbula.

Their seafood comes from an ancient landscape, their produce from paddocks bordered by national parks. From simple café to stylish restaurant, the choice is yours when dining on the Sapphire Coast.

Restaurants and eateries are plentiful with superb views of Merimbula Lake or Ocean views of the majestic Pacific.

You’ll be spoiled for choice with a variety of fresh modern cuisine and while the

Calderwood Valley Golf Course area is famous for its seafood, fishing heritage and sustainable fisheries, no doubt it’s the home-grown Sydney Rock Oysters that draw a crowd. Being part of the Bega Valley shire, there is access to some of the best produce our country has to offer. Merimbula even has a 2-hatted restaurant! It really is a ‘Foodies’ heaven.

For the family, they have two great clubs boasting fabulous bistros and ala carte menus, a Hotel with a wonderful Lake views and a grill open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

There are also walking tracks, from the leisurely boardwalk or the more challenging walks of Bournda National Park to the north or Ben Boyd to the south. Not feeling up to the challenge?

Why not take a scenic flight and enjoy it all from the air, or enjoy the option of Four-Wheel driving.

But back to what matters most ….golf!

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club is one of the most popular golf courses in regional New South Wales. The facilities include an easy-walk, 27-hole manicured course cut through natural bushland. The large subtle greens and lush fairways are set amongst the natural beauty of native bushland and the lake, with abundant wildlife all around. The fully-equipped

pro-shop offers all hire equipment including motorised carts, so book early!

Less than a 10 minute drive away is Tura Beach Country Club. Featuring the spectacular Peter Thomson/ Michael Wolveridge-designed 18-hole championship golf course. The golf course, with its panoramic views of the Sapphire Coast and adjoining headlands, weaves its way down to the beach and back again through mature Eucalyptus forest with undulating and challenging terrain. A beautiful and challenging course.

But that’s not all. There are an additional four championship courses on the Sapphire Coast. Eden, Tathra and Bega are within a 30-minute drive while Bermagui is a picturesque 45-minutes distant. For the golf enthusiast, reserve a week to sample the unique character of each of these courses while basing yourself and the family centrally in Merimbula which is the largest town in the region.

Calderwood Valley Golf Course It’s little surprise that Calderwood Valley is so popular with social golfers. Nestled in the picturesque valley only 50 minutes’ drive from southern Sydney and 20

Narooma Golf Club minutes south of Wollongong, the course offers a relaxed friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Each of the 18 holes has stunning features, combining clear creeks, native plant species, wildlife and magnificent scenery with the Illawarra escarpment as a backdrop. The course is always immaculately presented with wellcontoured fairways and true greens.

The completion of some wonderful upgrades on the course is sure to make your next round more appealing and challenging.

With no competition days, the course is available to the public 7 days a week.

Calderwood welcomes social players, groups, charity and corporate days.

Groups are welcome to use the BBQ area and carts can be booked in advance.

The golf shop carries a good range of great value golfing products, clothing, hire equipment, accessories and snacks.

Calderwood Valley Golf Course boasts a fleet of 25 carts, Twilight golf from 2pm every day, Terrific Tuesdays (only $15 all day), Senior and UNI/TAFE discounts on weekdays, Weekday deal – only $28pp for 18 holes with a cart – 12-2pm. Lessons are also available from golf professional

Richard Jumrukovski.

Visiting golfers and social clubs are very welcome at Calderwood and you will be treated like the valued patron you are.

Be sure to book ahead and speak to their friendly staff who are sure to make your next visit memorable.

FACT FILE Green fees: $16 - $28, Carts - $32 Calderwood Valley Golf Course 532 Calderwood Rd, Albion Park, NSW 2527 Phone: (02) 42 563055 www.calderwoodgolf.com.au admin@calderwoodgolf.com.au

Narooma Golf Club A visit to Narooma isn’t complete without a hit on Narooma’s famous golf course. Described as “incredible” and “unique”, it is a challenge for serious golfers and a pleasure to play for the not-so-serious. Consistently rated in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses—and home to “Hogan’s Hole”—Narooma Golf Club is one of Australia’s premier public access courses.

Narooma’s most famous six holes are

Pacific Heights Apartments & Historic Munns Tower House

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

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

Great Golf Packages

Spectacular Sapphire Coast Merimbula

• All golf courses within 20 minute drive • Heated year round pool • Free BBQ area • 500m walk to restaurants • FSC Apartments & Munn Tower House • Sensational views of Village, Lake & Ocean

4 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

5 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

3 Rounds of golf + Carts + Breakfast each day

4 Rounds of golf + Carts + Breakfast each day

FROM

$485

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

FROM

$555

P/P Twin Share Conditions apply

Conditions apply • Pambula merimbula GC • eden Gardens GC• beGa Country Club • tura beaCh Country Club

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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FACT FILE Narooma Golf Club 1 Ballingalla St, Narooma NSW 2546 Ph: 02 4476 0500 Fax: 02 4476 2016 www.naroomagolf.com.au

Bermagui Country Club Bermagui Country Club has an 18-hole championship golf course, situated in the heart of Bermagui with fabulous views of the seaside town, Horseshoe Bay and Mount Dromedary. Their fairways are lush and most are lined by a variety of beautiful native trees.

Simply put, Bermagui is a beauty. And tough. Long par 4s - plenty in the 370-400 metre range - with sloping fairways and a number of blind shots to the excellent greens.

Many holes have doglegs.

Bermagui Country Club perched high on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean while the back-nine heads slightly inland, framed by tall timbers and meanders around a large lake that comes into play on six of the nine holes.

Of course, all great clubs provide a bistro for patrons and the Narooma Golf Club is no exception with their “Pauls on the Course Brasserie” open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Whether you Play and Stay or just

Play, they have it all. Narooma Golf Club, in conjunction with the best local accommodation, now offer a range of packages and options to suit players from social to professional. Large groups are welcome.

Their current Seahorse Package includes two Rounds of 18 holes, motorised cart for each round, $15.00 meal voucher, club welcome pack including complimentary drink voucher for $145.00 per person.

The Hogan’s Challenge Package features two Rounds of 18 holes, motorised cart for each round, a Narooma Golf Club Logo Shirt, $15.00 meal voucher a Hogan’s stubby holder and club welcome pack including complimentary drink voucher for $170.00 per person.

Narooma is a three-hour drive south east of Canberra, a four-hour drive south of Sydney and an eight hour drive northeast of Melbourne.

There are some fabulous views of the quintessential seaside town of Bermagui, Horseshoe Bay and the brooding Mount Dromedary (or Gulaga to the local Kooris).

Water features prominently on a number of holes, not least being the 164 metre, 15th, where the fairway is a lake. The 6,085 metres (par 72) course is a serious walk with plenty of hills. That said, you will really enjoy this high quality challenging course, the beautiful views and abundant bird life.

Its pristine fairways and smooth, true greens leave visitors wondering why they

• PGA certified professional golf advice and lessons for all ages and levels in an enjoyable and relaxed environment • Fully stocked Pro Shop with all the latest equipment, clothing and accessories available Breathtaking views and interesting challenges

Mollymook Golf Club is situated at one of Australia’s iconic tourist destinations on the South Coast of New South Wales. The club features two unique courses with the 18-hole “Hilltop” course set in a natural bushland environment, with each hole providing its own amphitheatre with heavily tree-lined fairways. The 9-hole “Beachside” course cut along the ocean provides breathtaking views and interesting challenges.

Lisa Newling, Certified PGA Professional, Advanced Coaching Lisa Newling, Certified PGA Professional Advanced Coaching Head Professional Loraine Lambert, Head Professional loraine @sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au 0423 149 012

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Tura Beach Country Club The Fairway, Tura Beach NSW 2548 www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au W: www.sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au E: lisa@sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au M: 0417 485 635 | Pro Shop | T: 02 6495 9068

mollymookgolf.com.au Golf Avenue / Clifford Close Mollymook NSW 2539

•

P 02 4455 1911

have not heard of Bermagui before. Over the years it has hosted many pro-ams and in 2001 it hosted the ALPG Players Championship which was won by Laura Davies. In March 2011 it successfully hosted the NSW Seniors Championship.

With ample water available the course is maintained in tournament condition all year round.

Located at the northern entrance to the Sapphire Coast, Bermagui is also famous for its deep sea and game fishing, and the Co-op offers fresh fish and prawns daily. Experience sensational scenery and coastal bush walks. Whether you golf, swim, snorkel or dive, or enjoy a guided tour of the historic Montreal Goldfield, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

A full range of accommodation from the beach, lakeside or in the bush is also available.

Worrigee links

Fact File Bermagui Country Club Telephone: (02) 6493 4340 Pro Shop: (02) 6493 4657 www.bermaguicountryclub.com bermaguicountryclub@bigpond.com.au

Club and offers not only a great golfing experience but a relaxed and friendly clubhouse atmosphere as well.

Worrigee links Worrigee Links has proven a real hit with locals and tourists alike since opening for play in 2005. A par-70 links-style layout, Worrigee Links is attached to the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Sport’s

With sweeping views of the Coolangatta and Cambewarra mountains from the course and a challenging yet fair layout, Worrigee Links has something for everyone. Stay and play packages are available which includes accommodation and 18 holes of golf at Worrigee Links Golf Course.

All competitions are open to golfers with a Golf Australia handicap and social golf is welcome, 7 days a week, bookings preferred, especially on weekends. They

have a Green Fee Special every Monday and Friday, all you can play for only $18.00. Come along and enjoy a round of golf on the course with the best greens on the South Coast.

FACT FILE Worrigee Links Golf Course 131 Greenwell Point Road Worrigee NSW 2540.

Phone : 4421 7430 www.exservos.com.au golfpro@exservos.com.au

Bega Country Club & Club Bega Bega Country Club is one of the truly great courses on the Sapphire Coast of NSW. Challenge yourself with their 18-hole course surrounded by towering gum trees and perfectly manicured fairways.

Bega Country Club’s well-stocked pro shop will ensure you are well-equipped for play with golf carts, buggies, clubs, clothing and everything else for an enjoyable day.

Visit and enjoy social play every day:18 holes is only $28, while 9 holes are $20. Or purchase an unlimited weekly golf pass for $70. Cart Hire: 18 holes $30 / 9 holes $20.

Beyond Golf Merimbula’s magic begins with a first glimpse of the beaches, brilliant beneath the bright sunshine. You can find adventure in nature; fish, kayak, SUP or scuba dive in the lake, deep sea fish, cruise the bay or surf in the mighty Pacific Ocean. From simple café to stylish restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice on the food front. And while Sydney Rock Oysters are a specialty – we have the best of local bounty, straight to the plate from land and sea. There are a number of accommodation options, B & B’s, serviced apartments, motels or cabins – on a lake, by the sea or perhaps a bush cabin is more your style.

And then there is Golf… Two Championship Golf courses in Merimbula with 5 courses within a 45 min drive: Pambula Merimbula Golf Club is the only 27 hole golf course on the Sapphire Coast N.S.W. The course winds its way through beautiful native bushland abutting the pristine Merimbula lakes. Australian wild life abounds and yet the course is only a 5 min drive from town. Tura Beach Country Club offers true championship golf on a Thomson-Wolveridge designed par 73 course with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean with an easy 10min drive from Merimbula.

eat.

play.

stay.

Contact Merimbula Tourism: Free call 1800 150 457

www.merimbulatourism.com.au February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

21

available in Merimbula and surrounds from four-and-a-half star Motels, to B&Bs, to Holiday Apartments, to very modern Caravan Parks.

While there is no questioning the quality of the golf course, the tuition and advice you will get from Lisa and Loraine while you’re at the school will make your playing experience more enjoyable. Lisa and Loraine also have a fully-stocked Pro Shop, and are both Certified Club Fitters.

Bega Country Club & Club Bega Men’s Comps are Thursdays and Saturdays from 7.30am, while the Ladies Comps are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.00am.

Group Packages: 1-8 players: $28 for 18 holes, $20 for 9 holes. 9-16 players: $27 for 18 holes, $19 for 9 holes. 17 or more players: $25 for 18 holes, $15 for 9 holes.

After your round enjoy the fantastic view from the Clubhouse where you can relax with a well-earned beverage.

FACT FILE Bega Country Club Tarraganda Lane Bega Ph (02) 6492 1570 www.begacountryclub.com.au

Sapphire Coast Golf School at Tura Beach Country Club Are you frustrated with your golf and not achieving your goals?

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

Run by Certified PGA Professionals Lisa Newling and Loraine Lambert, the school is located at the stunning Tura Beach Country Club and offers the perfect way to combine golf tuition and a holiday rolled into one.

New and experienced golfers attend their schools. Individual lessons, group

lessons, full and half day schools and Junior Programs are all available. You will leave SCGS feeling refreshed, more knowledgeable and confident with your game.

Tura Beach Country Club offers true championship golf on a Peter Thomson-Mike Wolveridge- designed par-73 overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and bowling greens and tennis courts with the best views on the east coast of Australia.

The 19th hole, views from the clubhouse overlooking the course and ocean are spectacular. Enjoy dining at the Seaview Bistro, it has a great menu and is open for lunch and dinner seven days.

“The great thing about our Golf Schools and Instruction is we have easy access to the Golf Course; we like to see you take the new techniques you’ve learnt from the Practice areas to the Golf Course to improve your scores,” says Loraine, who along with Lisa can tailor a package to suit your needs.

Tura Beach is only a 5min from Merimbula town centre Merimbula airport is easily accessible from Sydney and Melbourne; Canberra is only a 3 hour drive.

FACT FILE Sapphire Coast Golf School is located at Tura Beach Country Club The Fairway, Tura Beach NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 9068 www.sapphirecoastgolfschool.com.au

There is plenty of accommodation

Play Package Offer

We can tailor any package to meet your oWn needs. simply let us knoW What you need and We Will do the rest.

SeahorSe Package $145 per person

$499*pp / 2 Share $415*pp / 3 Share $395*pp / 4 Share *Conditions apply

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Two rounds of 18 holes Motorised cart for each round $15 Meal voucher Club welcome pack including complimentary drink voucher

hogan’S challenge Package $170 per person

Two Rounds of 18 holes, Motorised cart for each round 1 x NGC Logo Shirt, $15.00 meal voucher 1 x Hogan’s stubby holder Club welcome pack including complimentary drink voucher

Eden Gardens Country Club Eden Gardens Country Club is one of Sapphire Coast’s real hidden gems and was described recently by one golf scribe as the Augusta National of the Far South Coast. This John Spencer-designed golf course will challenge your golf while you enjoy beautiful surroundings. There is a fully-stocked Proshop, cart and electric buggy hire and great green fee packages for anyone travelling to the area for holidays.

Men have the option of two courses.

The Blue Course is a Par-71, 5734 meters and has a slope rating of 129. The White Course is 260 meters shorter with a slope rating of 122. The ladies red course measures 5277 meters and has a slope rating of 130.

Social play is available every day. There are several competition days including a Medley Stableford competition every Tuesday, Ladies day every Wednesday and Men and Ladies on Saturday morning. There are also 9-hole competitions on Wednesday and Friday that run all day.

Eden is only a 15-minute drive south of Merimbula Airport, and is easily accessible from Sydney and Melbourne.

Canberra is just a three-hour drive. Eden is perched on the edge of magnificent Twofold Bay which is the third-deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere. Whale watching between October and November is a favourite pastime for visitors and regular cruise ships bring visitors from all around the

Sapphire Coast Golf School at Tura Beach Country Club world. For more information: www.visiteden.com.au Green Fees: 9 holes $21, 18 holes $31.

Visitor in comp $15. Seniors: 9 holes $13,18 holes $25. Cart Hire: 9 holes $20, 18 holes $36. Electric Buggy Hire: 9 holes $10, 18 holes $18.

Weekly Green Fee Packages: 1 week: $100, 2 week: $110, 3 week: $120, 4 week: $130.

Weekly golf package includes unlimited golf within the purchase dates plus social membership which entitles you to all member privileges at Eden Gardens Country Club and Eden Fishermens Club. Carts are also discounted to member prices ($26 – 18 holes, $16 – 9 holes). Junior $20 package available to golfers under the age of 18 and must be purchased with 1 adult package.

FACT FILE Eden Gardens 79 Princes Highway Phone (02) 649 61054 www.edenfishermens.com.au/golf edengardensproshop@gmail.com

Mollymook

Mollymook, nestled around a beautiful beach, is one of the nation’s most pleasant golf surprises, offering two courses; a gem of a nine-hole surfside layout, named “Beachside”, and a fullyfledged championship parkland course titled “Hilltop”.

Mollymook is a magnificent beach escape, ideal for holidays or that weekend golf getaway. The district is a comfortable three-hours’ drive from Sydney and just

Calderwood Valley Golf Course

over two hours from Canberra.

The Hilltop course is considered one of the best layouts on the NSW South Coast and has earned the infamous title of ‘the ultimate challenge’.

Green fees for visitors on Hilltop: On weekdays it is $33 for 9 holes, and $49 for 18 holes. Weekends: 9 holes is $40, 18 holes is $59. The weekday Beachside fees for visitors is $19 for nine holes, $25 for 18 holes. On weekends it is $25 for 9 holes and $35 for 18 holes.

FACT FILE Mollymook Golf Club 72 Golf Avenue Mollymook NSW 2539 (02) 4455 1911 www.mollymookgolf.com.au management@mollymookgolf.com.au

Social Club Paradise Social groups and players are welcome 7 days a week

• Fleet of 25 carts available • Terrific Tuesdays only $15 all day • Twilight golf every day - starts at 2pm • No competitions - social golfers welcome • Corporate and social group packages available • $28pp for 18 holes with a cart - Mon - Fri (12pm-2pm) Visit our website...Facebook us...or call 02 4256 3055

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

*Bookings required, conditions apply.

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

23

Golf Merimbula & Sapphire Waters Motor Inn A round of golf at a championship course can set you back over $120 at some courses, but not in Merimbula. You can play unlimited golf for a week at top quality courses for that sort of money.

Pambula-Merimbula is a 27-hole resort style course, perfectly manicured and enjoyable for all levels of golfer. Tura Beach Country Club is a championship course designed by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge with amazing views of the ocean and will challenge any golfer.

Merimbula is located half way between Sydney and Melbourne less than 3 hours from Canberra. The climate is fine all year round for golf. Both golfers and non golfers will enjoy a trip to Merimbula.

Eden Gardens Country Club

The Sapphire Coast 20th Annual Ace of Clubs Golf Classic Take the opportunity to plan a midyear escape to play four wonderful golf courses on the beautiful NSW Sapphire Coast. The 20th Annual Ace of Clubs Golf Classic provides such an opportunity at Pambula Merimbula Golf Club, Tura Beach Country Club, Eden Gardens Country Club and Bega Country Club.

Commencing on Sunday 19th June with a two ball Ambrose the contest follows over

four of the next five days. The 72-hole competition attracts competitors from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and across other parts of Australia. The tournament features daily individual Stableford events at each of the four courses. Scores from all these events are tallied up to finalise the overall total points for the 72 holes.

The players with the highest points being declared the King and Queen of Clubs at a function at the Pambula Merimbula Club House on the Friday 24th June.

With the unique climate experienced on

E6 by TruGolf

the Sapphire Coast there will be plenty to do on the Wednesday rest day. You can experience many local attractions in the Bega Valley or take a day trip to the snow. Yes, the Sapphire Coast is only a two-and-a-half hour drive to Australia’s best ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher.

Players of all levels are welcome, all you need is a current Golf Australia handicap.

For more information contact any of the participating clubs or email info@merimbulagolf.com.au or visit www.merimbulagolf.com.au

Golf Merimbula have packages staying at Sapphire Waters Motor Inn including 5 nights’ accommodation, breakfasts Unlimited Golf from just $285 per person.

That’s amazing value, so why not come play golf in Merimbula today?

FACT FILE Golf Merimbula & Sapphire Waters Motor Inn 34 Merimbula Drive Merimbula NSW 2548 Phone: (02) 6495 1999 www.golfmerimbula.com.au info@golfmerimbula.com.au

2015 Masters Champion Jordan Spieth practices on his home simulator using exactly the same E6 software that we have right here at PAR-TEE!

• Be transported to a choice of more than 83 courses around the world • Play during the day or night, regardless of the weather • Post shot analyser gives feedback after every stroke • Specialised club fitting and repairs • Ideal for friendly catch-ups, corporate team building or bucks days • Perfect way to start playing golf $40 for 1 player, 18 Holes any course | $40 per hour Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (max 4 players) $48/Hr per simulator flat rate Friday after 3pm & weekends any course (max 4 players) | $15 ½ Hr Driving Range/Practice Only Ladies play FREE on Thursday Night (conditions apply) FRi & SAT NigHT SPECiAL – FREE bucket of beers & wedges with every 2 hour booking (not in conjunction with any other offer) Discounts for Wollongong golf Club members

65 Princes Hwy Albion Park Rail NSW 2527 | 02 4256 8008 | info@parteevirtualgolf.com.au | Open 7 days from 10am

www.parteevirtualgolf.com.au 24

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Par-Tee Virtual Golf

Par-Tee Virtual Golf is the Illawarra’s only indoor golf venue with six state-of-the-art TruGolf Simulators.

The benefits of Virtual Golf are endless, including a massive variety of layouts and courses available. Improve your game while playing 83 of the world’s most impressive golf courses, day or night, without the stresses of travel and weather.

And if you’re new to the game, Par-Tee Virtual Golf is the perfect way to start playing golf! If you’ve always wanted to try golf without the intimidation of the course, in-house professional Richard Jumrukovski offers private lessons, ladies and junior clinics, club fitting and repairs like nowhere else in the Illawarra, with the world’s best brands.

It is the ideal setting for friendly catch-ups, corporate team building or bucks days.

Par-Tee Indoor Golf Center gives golf lovers and would-be devotees the chance to play at the world’s most popular golf courses, any day of the week, in rain, hail or shine. The indoor centre opens its doors from 10am to 10pm, allowing swingers to play at a time that suits them, with six TruGolf simulators providing dynamic graphics, real physics, and realistic 3D imagery. Golfers drive their way through courses like Pebble Beach, St. Andrews or Royal Melbourne, while the post-shot analyser gives feedback after every stroke and provides both clubhead data as well as ball statistics. As well as everyday play,

The

Mollymook Golf Club Par-Tee Virtual Golf Centre offers fully customised function/drink packages for any occasion, specialising in corporate days, team building, bucks, and birthday parties. You can bring your own clubs or hire a left or right-handed set for just $8.00.

Rates: $40 for 1 player, 18 Holes any course. $40 per hour, Mon-Fri 10am-3pm (max 4 players). $48/Hr Per simulator flat rate Friday after 3pm and weekends any course (max 4 players). $15 half-hour Driving Range/Practice Only. Ladies play FREE on Thursday Night (conditions apply).

Fri & Sat Night Special – FREE bucket of beers and wedges with every two-hour booking (not in conjunction with any other offer).

Augusta

Great Golf Getaways

There is also a unique and exclusive arrangement for Wollongong Golf Club members to practice and play at the facility: Wollongong Golf Club members will receive discounted rates on simulators and golf products, while joint play/stay packages are available with Wollongong Golf Club and Par-Tee Virtual Golf venue.

FACT FILE Par-Tee Virtual Golf 65 Princes Hwy Albion Park Rail NSW 2527 (02) 4256 8008 info@parteevirtualgolf.com.au www.parteevirtualgolf.com.au Open 7 days from 10am

of The SouTh CoaST

The Sapphire Coast is a real hidden gem and one of the most scenic golf destinations in Australia. Located on the New South Wales’ South Coast, about a 5-hour drive from Sydney, this is a great coastal wilderness area surrounded by National parks and pristine beaches. The coastline stretches over 100kms from Bermagui at its northern point to the coastal village of Eden in the South.

This region is the perfect destination to plan a 7-night or longer golf trip where you can play a variety of local courses and take time to relax, unwind and enjoy the spectacular scenery too.

The vibrant coastal township of

Social play available every day Great weekly golf packages with Unlimited Golf starting from $100 18 holes - $31, 9 holes - $21 Seniors 18 holes - $25, 9 holes - $13 Motorised carts and electric buggies available for hire

Eden Gardens Golf Club 79 Princes Hwy, Eden NSW 2551 (02) 6496 1126

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

25

The Sapphire Coast 20th Annual Ace of Clubs Golf Classic Merimbula is a great base for your Sapphire Coast golf adventure which offers easy access to several top courses in the area including Bermagui, Bega, Tathra, Tura Beach, Pambula-Merimbula and Eden Gardens Country Club. Direct flights are available to Merimbula from Sydney and Melbourne (via Rex) or take the relaxed route and plan a self-drive tour to this exciting region. For longer stays, apartment-style accommodation is popular but there is a great range of accommodation options from quaint B&Bs to holiday houses and beachside resorts ideal for groups, couples and family golfing holidays.

Golf Merimbula & Sapphire Waters Motor Inn Great Golf Getaways provides customised golf travel packages tailored to suit your preferred travel plans, accommodation and choice of golf courses. Contact Lee at Great Golf Getaways for further information on their range of Sapphire Coast packages.

FACT FILE GREAT GOLF GETAWAYS Tel: 1300 124 220 info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au

Par-Tee Virtual Golf

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

All packages provided by Pacific Heights include motorised carts, green fees, and accommodation you can choose one of the advertised packages or Mike will quote on personalised packages.

For groups of four or more, Big Mike’s

Breakfast is provided outdoors in the BBQ area adjacent to the swimming pool area.

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

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

GOLF MERIMBULA

THE PERFECT GOLFING DESTINATION FOR 2016 GETAWAY THIS SUMMER FOR UNLIMITED GOLF

5 night Stay and Play including daily continental breakfast and unliMited golf *Conditions apply

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From 3pm 18 holes - $20, 9 holes - $15

Golf MeriMbula and Sapphire WaterS Motor inn 34 Merimbula Dr Merimbula (02) 6495 1999 www.golfmerimbula.com.au | info@golfmerimbula.com.au 26

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

• Come and Enjoy the friendly and beautiful Par 72 Bermagui Country Club • 18 holes $36, 9 holes - $11 • Great Reciprocal rates available • Golfing, Snorkeling, Fishing, Bushwalking, Exploring, Foodies welcome

Tuross Street, Bermagui NSW 2546 | Ph (02) 6493 4340 | bermaguicountryclub@bigpond.com.au www.bermaguicountryclub.com

“The Bundy Group” enjoying another annual golf trip with Great Golf Getaways parking and 20 units available.

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out these reviews from a pair of recent guests: “Myself and four mates came down for a golf weekend and it was superb. The owner Mike greeted us after our first round of golf at Bega, thoughtfully putting some beers into the fridge (complimentary). Rooms great, views brilliant. Service magnificent.

We had a great cooked breakfast and it was quiet. I would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it.”

And...

“Went to Pacific Heights with friends for

a golfing weekend from Canberra. Very easy to get to, only 2 hours from Canberra.

Excellent accommodation - roomy and very well set up, great hospitality from Mike (including excellent breakfasts by the pool), and Mike did a super job of organising our golf at 3 local courses. Highly recommended.​ “ Pacific Heights caters for larger groups as well as the husband and wife couple enjoying Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast. Their units are two and threebedroom apartments all with en-suites for each bedroom, which is great for the golfing groups. Play Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club, Eden Gardens Country Club,

Played at the 4 finest clubs on the NSW South Coast!

• PAMBULA-MERIMBULA • TURA BEACH • EDEN • BEGA

Big Mike’s Breakfast is a popular inclusion for groups at Pacific Heights Holiday Apartments Tura Beach Golf Club, Bega Country Club or Bermagui Golf Club. The longest drive is to Bermagui about one hour; the other clubs are between 6 – 25km from Pacific Heights.

Courtesy buses can be arranged for Tura Beach Golf Club, Pambula/Merimbula Golf Club and Club Sapphire (Bowling Club) for transport to their restaurants for evening meals. Fishing charters and restaurants can all be organised by Pacific Heights.

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

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

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

Bega Country Club Come and enjoy soCIaL play every day 18 holes $28 ➤ 9 holes $20 Unlimited weekly golf pass $70 Mens Comp ➤ Thursday and Saturday from 7.30am Ladies Comp ➤ Wednesday and Saturday from 8.00am Cart Hire ➤ 18 holes $30 / 9 holes $20

Group paCkaGes

1-8 players $28 for 18 holes ➤ $20 for 9 holes 9-16 players $27 for 18 holes ➤ $19 for 9 holes 17 + players $25 for 18 holes ➤ $15 for 9 holes After your round enjoy the fantastic view from our Clubhouse where you can relax with a well earnt beverage.

& Queen of Clubs Trophy • King the Sapphire Coast’s • Play top four golf courses and Ladies • Men’s individual competitions

The Country Club has all facilities Keno • Squash • Club Raffles • Courtesy Bus • Bingo

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

www.begacountryclub.com.au February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

27

Heaven on Earth: Golf in Bali

I

David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au

Bali National Golf Resort F you’re looking for a new golfing destination, consider embarking upon a Bali golfing holiday in 2016.

Today, golfers from around the globe are marvelling at the tremendous value of golfing holiday opportunities available.

Bali has five golf courses, but it’s the variety of layouts and the Balinese hospitality that brings golfers back.

Many of the best course designers including Greg Norman, Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge have created layouts consistently ranked among the top-100 golf courses in the world.

Most golf resorts have on-site accommodation or there are first class hotels and resorts within walking distance.

B

A C

A Bali National Golf Club B Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort c The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Bali 28

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

The sound of crashing waves is the perfect lullaby and I dream of teeing it up on the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course.

The next morning, member and guest relations officer Pasko Arma is there to greet us, assign caddies and joins us for a round.

As a golfer, you probably know the absurd optimism that floods your brain on the first tee of an unfamiliar course when you hope that you will at least play to your ability.

Now imagine how we felt, standing not just on edge of this impressive golf course on the southwest coast, but on the brink of visiting a different course every day for the next four days.

Inside Golf recently travelled to Bali to check out the golf scene as well as explore accommodation options. Here are some of our highlights (see our website for more):

You can’t do that at home with family and work your priority.

Following a mid-morning flight from Brisbane to Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, we make our way to Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort just over an hour from the airport.

Pasko tells us Nirwana Bali golf course is famous for its signature seventh hole – a dramatic par-3 over an ocean inlet to a well-guarded green with a distracting view of the famous Tanah Lot Temple resting on the rocky outcrop in the ocean.

We check into an ocean villa overlooking the 12th green and indulge in a sundowner followed by a sumptuous meal at Driftwood Restaurant – one of a number of eateries on offer.

The stunning ocean views are mesmerising, but our conversation turns to golf and a challenge – a putting duel on the 12th green conveniently located metres from our villa.

The sun has disappeared over the horizon so we rely on a dim cart-path light that casts long shadows. Putting in poor light is challenging, but it’s an excellent end to an adventurous day.

So, for us, golf in Bali was something to savour without qualm.

It’s a beauty, but the golf course is much more than a one-hole wonder.

It is one of the most picturesque golf courses ever built in Asia. A US golf magazine listed it as one of the world’s top100 courses.

Norman’s layout takes golfers on a rollercoaster ride through rice-terraced valleys, across streams, through jungle, over a beach and along stunning ocean cliffs.

Whether the wind is blowing or not, this is a challenging golf course.

From the Shark tees, the course stretches

Bali Golf Feature

Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort

Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort to 6220m (slope rating 146) and a manageable 5768m (slope 142) off the championship tees. From the women’s tees, it’s 4716m (slope 136).

Our next stop was Bali National Golf Resort. Formerly known as Bali Golf and Country Club, Bali National Golf Resort is simply stunning.

The closing three holes are among the strongest in Bali as all have narrow streams guarding the approach.

I guarantee that it will take just one look from Australian golfers to fall in love with this beauty.

There is little doubt this is one of the most interesting and challenging golf courses.

Originally designed in the late 1980s by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright, the golf course closed in 2012 for a total revamp and redesign.

Add to this a 2500sqm Balinese-styled clubhouse with restaurant, locker room and pro shop facilities, Nirwana Bali truly is a truly top-class golfing experience.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club Phone pro shop: +62 361 815 900 Website: www.nirwanabaligolf.com Green fees: $155 for Pan Pacific guests and $240 for non-guests Caddies: Yes. Club hire: Yes. Shoe hire: Yes Handicap required: No Golf lessons available: Yes Practice facilities: 12 bays for driving practice as well as short-game practice areas.

The new-look course crafted by Nelson Haworth Golf Course Architects reopened in March 2014 to rave reviews … and awards.

General manager Mark Holland, formerly of Links Hope Island on the Gold Coast, told Inside Golf that Bali National had been voted third best renovated golf course worldwide in 2014, and in 2015 they were named the fifth best resort course—Asia Pacific Golf Group (making them the No 1 Golf Resort in Indonesia). They also recently hosted the Bali National Golf Championship (Asian

Development Tour) in 2015.

“One of the major changes was a switch in grasses away from 328 Bermuda to new paspalum fairways and tees and TifEagle greens,” said long-serving course superintendent Mark Isley.

There isn’t a blade of grass out of place and the ball sits beautifully atop the grass inviting a clean strike.

This scenic 6552m championship course features three distinctive environmental settings.

Creeks, canyons, cascading waterfalls, verdant native vegetation and even a temple complement the picturesque landscape.

Another standout feature is the kaleidoscope of colour produced by the magnificent trees, garden shrubbery and flowers.

The first part of the course plays inland, uphill and then down through tropical vegetation.

The first nine holes unveil panoramic

views of Nusa Dua, the Indian Ocean and distant islands and volcanoes.

Things change noticeably on the back nine.

“We call holes 10 to 16 our bunker holes because we have waste bunkers running from tee to green,” Isley says.

These holes have gently sculptured fairways set amongst a mature coconut grove where some palms, reaching as high as 35 metres, provide vertical definition to the holes.

The 17th and 18th holes are brand-new and eye-popping.

“The 17th used to be a par-4 going up to the beach,” Isley said. “Now it’s a par-3 (167m from the championship tee) with an island green. It’s our signature hole and it is very much reminiscent of the 17th at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

“Usually, you are playing into the prevailing breeze off the ocean.”

There’s plenty of discussion, banter and club swapping on the tee, but we all find

John Dunphy’s

Thailand Getaway Golf Tours

HUA HIN

Men’s August 2016 9 Day Golf Tour of Hua Hin,Thailand 27th August 2016 to 4th september 2016 Limited seAts AvAiLAbLe your aSian golf Tour iTinerary “just a taste” Day 1. 27 aug:

The april 2016 Tour iS now fully BookeD. The auguST 2016 Tour iS now availaBle for Booking! please noTe: “lImITed seaTs avaIlable”

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Arrive Bangkok travel to Hua Hin, staying at the Wannara Hotel ( ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭, breakfast included) 18 holes of golf at Majestic Creek Golf Resort Leisure Day 18 holes of golf at Palm Hills Country Club Leisure day including Beach Lunch 18 holes of golf at Sea Pine Golf Resort Leisure day 18 holes of golf at Banyan Golf Resort followed in the evening by a farewell dinner & presentation Travel to Bangkok for return flight to Australia

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John Dunphy: Phone 0423 003 124 Email: johndunphy85@yahoo.com.au

www.thailandgetawaygolftours.com.au See website for Terms and Conditions

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

29

Bali Golf Feature

Bali National Golf Resort the putting surface with our tee shots from 142m (blue tees) and walk off with pars.

course is it’s not a ball thief. To lose a ball, you have to hit a very ordinary tee or approach shot.

The 18th doglegs left around a lake and water cross the fairway in front of the green. A waste bunker lines the water down the left.

There are so many good holes on this golf course including the par-4 ninth.

At 372m (championship tees) and 324m (blue tees) it isn’t the most intimidating par-4, but plenty of golfers drown balls there.

Our group doesn’t suffer the same fate and we head to the clubhouse well satisfied with par on a picturesque finishing hole.

At Bali National, the fairways are generous, even on the back nine where waste bunkers take up plenty of real estate.

The other nice thing about the golf

It’s a terrific hole, which has a rock wall virtually ringing the green.

A tree, left-centre in the fairway, stands guard while water and a large bunker protect the green.

The par-3s are a treat and vary in design and length.

You must play this fabulous course and relax in its equally attractive Balinese yet ultra-modern clubhouse with wellappointed locker rooms, pro shop, Golfers’ Restaurant and Terrace overlooking the 18th green.

Bali National Golf Resort After a round, it’s the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch. You must try the delicious nasi goreng.

The award-winning Bali National Golf Bali National Golf Resort Tel: +62 361 771 791 Website: www.balinationalgolf.com Email: reservations@bngr.co Championship tees 6552m – slope 137; Tournament 5888m – slope 132; Resort 5416m – slope 129; Women’s tees 4650m – slope 126 Green fees: A$225 – three-round pass A$565. Green fees are inclusive of cart, caddie, warm up practice balls, mineral waters and all taxes.

Play-and-stay packages: Yes.There are seven two- and three-bedroom villas and a presidential villa – see website for details.

Resort – located at Nusa Dua in the centre of Bali’s hotel, resort and shopping precinct – is just 20 minutes from the airport.

Club hire and shoe hire available.

Handicap required: No Golf lessons available: Yes Practice facilities: Yes. Bucket of 50 balls $8.

Golf Academy: Resident golf professionals are available for golf lessons and there are complimentary golf clinics on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Shuttle Bus Service: Bali National Golf Club offers complimentary shuttle bus service to the Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa and Jimbaran area.

THE LAGUNA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, NUSA DUA, BALI Combine the pleasure and elegant stay experience at The Laguna Bali which features 287 guest rooms, suites and villas complemented by 24-hour Butler Service, complimentary Wi-Fi, 5,000sqm of swimmable lagoon, enticing direct Lagoon Access rooms, 3 exquisite dining venues, a stunning state of the art Lagoon Spa and a Fitness Center with a day of sporting challenge.

Book the exclusive Golf Escape package to enjoy the spectacular green landscapes of Bali National Golf Park, 5-minutes away from the resort.

Package for Single or Double Players including breakfast buffet, one green fee per person per stay and 20% off for spa treatments at Lagoon Spa.

For reservations, please call +62 361 771327 or email laguna.reservation@luxurycollection.com www.thelagunabali.com/golf-package THE LAGUNA A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N2 PO Box 77, Bali 80363, Indonesia

30

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

31

Bali Golf Feature

WIN The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa , Nusa Dua Bali Ideally situated on Bali’s southern peninsula, and set amidst 5000 sqm of vivid tropical gardens and sparkling lagoons, The Laguna Bali offers an exceptional tropical paradise experience with unrivalled beachfront sophistication and authentic Balinese hospitality. In collaboration with the spectacular Bali National Golf Club, which is only 5 minutes’ drive from the resort, The Laguna Bali invites golf enthusiasts to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Hit the right tee shot at the newly upgraded flagship of Bali golf and experience a truly memorable stay at the enchanting beachfront resort.

A package for one or two players includes accommodation in a Deluxe Garden View room at The Laguna Bali, daily breakfast buffet for two persons and one green fee for 18 holes for one or two players.

Guests can also enjoy 20% discount on Lagoon Spa treatments. The package is offered from $USD 216* per room per night for the One Player Golf Package and $USD 284* per room per night for the Two Players Golf Package (*Rates quoted are subject to 21% tax and service charges).

Providing indigenous service for guests discovering the hidden treasures of Bali, The Laguna Bali features 287 guest rooms, suites and villas with spectacular garden and lagoon views and includes 48 deluxe rooms with direct access to an expansive lagoon. Guest room interiors reflect modern Balinese design with polished teakwood flooring and carved detail, complemented by a personalized 24-hour on call butler service, complimentary Wi-Fi, meeting room

and wedding capacity for up to 600 guests, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center and unsurpassed pampering indulgence at the Lagoon Spa. The Laguna also delivers a wide range of dining options from around the world: Banyubiru, panAsian and international cuisines; Arwana, beachfront unparalleled premium coastal cuisine with fresh, live seafood, oyster and sushi bars; Cornerstone, private wine room and Deli highlighting the sambal corner, homemade treats and daily specialties. Signature cocktails, wines, spirits, and light bites on offer throughout the resort- at our poolside KuKul Bar, Cascade Garden Lounge & Bar, and Sapphire Lagoon Bar. For more information, please visit www.thelagunabali.com

Inside Golf and Bali National Golf Resort are giving one lucky reader the prize of a lifetime: a trip to Bali to tee it up on one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses The prize includes: •R eturn economy airfare to Bali from an Australian capital city •A irport transfers to/from Bali International Airport and Bali National Golf Resort.

• F our nights’ accommodation in a Bali National Golf Villa including 24-hour Butler service and breakfast.

• F our rounds of golf for one person To enter, simply visit www.insidegolf.com.au/competitions and answer the following five questions (The answers can be found in this month’s feature) 1. Name the signature hole of Bali National Golf Resort 2. In which area within Bali is Bali National Golf Resort located?

3. What award did Bali National Golf Resort receive in 2015?

4. How many luxury villas are available at Bali National Golf Resort 5. What professional event did the club host in 2015?

Good luck!

MERCURE BALI NUSA DUA

NOVOTEL BALI NUSA DUA

An affordable level of comfort accommdation with true Balinese hospitality for midscale business, leisure travellers & golfers

The award winning resort is located in the heart of tranquil Center Nusa Dua, Novotel Bali Nusa Dua provide everything you need on both leisure and business travel.

starting from 75 AUD

starting from 135 AUD

Reservation at info@mercurebalinusadua.com

Reservation at info@novotelnusaduabali.com

JI. Nusa Dua Selatan Lot SW 03, 80363 Nusa Dua, Bali - Indonesia Tel: + 62 (0) 361 846 7000 | Fax: + 62 (0) 361 846 7001 www.mercure.com/8006

Jalan Pantai Mengiat, ITDC Complex, Nusa Dua Bali Tel: 62-361-8480555 | Fax: 62-361-8480556 | www.novotelnusaduabali.com

www.accorhotels.com

32

A luxury golf trip to play and stay at Bali National Golf Resort VALUED AT $4800

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

33

Bali Golf Feature

WHEN TO GO Visit mid-May to mid-October for optimal weather although June to September is the most popular time as humidity is lower and nights are cooler.

Golf courses are open year-round.

GETTING THERE Many international airlines including Virgin Australia and Jetstar fly to Denpasar daily. Flying time is less than four hours from the west coast and less than six hours from the east coast.

GETTING AROUND Handara Golf & Resort Bali

BALI FACT FILE

GENERAL INFORMATION For general information, call the Bali Tourism Board or visit the website.

Phone: 62 (361) 235 600 Website: www.balitourismboard.org Email: info@balitourismboard.org Bali shares the same time zone as Perth, is two hours behind Queensland, three hours behind NSW, Victoria and Tasmania and 2.5 hours behind South Australia during summer.

At press time, 9707.81 Indonesian Rupiah equalled one Australian dollar.

Bali accepts US dollars. The price for the 30-day visa on arrival is US$35. Pick up your US currency before departure.

The country code for dialling is 62.

34

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

Navigating your way around Bali is part of the appeal. Forget car or motorbike hire. Most resorts offer shuttle services to most places while taxis are relatively inexpensive. Many roads are rural and one lane and car travel may take longer than your map suggests.

MUST-PLAY GOLF COURSES Bali National Golf Club Kawasan Wisata, Lot S-5, Nusa Dua Bali Tel: +62 361 771 791 Website: www.balinationalgolf.com Email: info@balinationalgolf.com Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Kediri, Tabanan 82171 Tel : + 62 361 815 960 Website: www.nirwanabaligolf.com Email: golfreservation@panpacific.com

The beach at Bali National Golf Resort New Kuta Golf Club Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Kawasan, Pecatu Indah Resort, Pecatu – Jimbaran 80361 Tel. +62 – 361 8481 333 Email: info@newkutagolf.com Website: www.newkutagolf.com Handara Golf & Resort Bali Desa Pancasari- Singaraja, Bali Indonesia Tel: (+62-362) 342-2646 Email: sales@balihandaracountryclub.com www.balihandaracountryclub.com NOTE: all courses provide a caddie service, which is included in the green fee. Tips can vary so it’s best to check with the caddie master at each facility.

To finish the trip it’s a short flight back to Honolulu and the final night of the tour is at the famous Waikiki.

Starwood Golf Classic Fiji (June 7th to 11th) The South Pacific’s biggest pro-am tournament with over $130,000 in pro prize money and amateur prizes. There are amazing individual and teams prizes for the amateurs. You will have a professional in your group for all four rounds of the tournament, play two rounds at Natadola Bay and two rounds at Denarau. Five star accommodation at Sheraton Fiji, opening cocktail party, nightly drinks at the tournament bar, final night banquet and entertainment fantastic value all-inclusive package. Get in quick: this event sells out every year.

Tee off on a luxurious Pacific Golf tour

A

with a fun pro-am tournament in Fiji or the excitement of playing in the South Pacific’s biggest four round pro-am event with over $130,000 to be won in amateur prizes and professional prize money?

ustralian born golfer Richard Ellis was once a leading tournament professional. These days Richard is the owner of the very successful New Zealand based golf management, tour and event company Pacific Golf Management, he has over 25 years’ experience running golf tours, international amateur and professional tournaments around the world.

Richard has an impressive 2016 golf holiday and tournament program to Hawaii, Thailand and the Pacific Islands.

You don’t have to be a great golfer to join in the fun of these tours and tournaments and there is always plenty of activities for the non-golfing partners , if you enjoy playing fantastic golf courses staying at top notch resorts and hotels and having a great time, maybe one of the following tours will suit you.

Perhaps you enjoy the world-class resort courses and magnificent beachfront hotels in Hawaii or traveling to Thailand and challenge yourself playing some of the best championship courses in Asia? Maybe closer to home would suit,

Best of Hawaii Golf & Hawaii International Golf Week (20 August to 1st September) the big Island of Hawaii is a 30-minute flight from Honolulu. There are seven world-class golf course within 15 minutes’ drive of the magnificent Hapuna

2016

Beach Hotel at Mauna Kea Resort where you will spend seven nights in an ocean view room.

You get to play five rounds on the best of these great course and there’s a day where you can sharpen your skills at the golf school run by PGA professionals (all included in the cost.) The four-round tournament is played in different divisions for women and men, great prizes, nightly drinks, cocktail party and a fun tournament dinner to finish.

For those who wish to spend more time in golfing paradise, you’ll take a short flight to the island of Maui, spend four nights at the beautiful Westin Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach and a round of golf at the Plantation course at Kapalua. Home of the PGA tour’s tournament of Champions.

Natadola Bay & Denarau Golf Course June 7th - June 11th 2016

• 5 nights twin share accommodation at Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau Island • Return airport / hotel transfers from Nadi International Airport • Daily full breakfast • 4 rounds of golf in the Pro-Am including carts and range balls daily • Daily lunch and on course drinks during tournament play • Gala Welcome Cocktail Party • Nightly drinks in the tournament bar (during the tournament) • All transport from Hotel to golf courses during the tournament • Player gift pack valued at $150.00 • Over $130,000 in Prize money and Prizes • Final night Gala Banquet dinner, drinks and entertainment

More information: www.pacificgolf.co.nz richard@pacificgolf.co.nz

Cost $AUD1698.00 per person (non-GoLFer $AUD1215.00)

The Tournament Package

AIR NEW ZELAND PRO-AM - FIJI Natadola Bay & Denarau Golf Course May 25th - May 29th 2016

The Speical Event Package

INTERNATIONAL GOLF WEEK - HAWAII Resort Course Championship August 20th - August 27th 2016

Thailand Championship Tour (March 30 –April 9 ) This is the real golf enthusiast tour: seven rounds in 10 days on courses voted best in Asia. Five star accommodation in Bangkok, Hua Hin & Pattaya, great competition plenty of side bets.

Golf Tours

The Tournament Package

Golf Classic Fiji International Pro-Am

Air New Zealand Fiji Pro-Am (May 25th – 29th) Come and play the 20th anniversary of this fun pro-am tournament.

You don’t have to be a great player, just have an official handicap. Enjoy three rounds of golf, one day at the fantastic Natadola Bay course and two rounds in the fun pro-am tournament at Denarau Golf Course. Excellent amateur prizes, Sheraton Fiji Resort accommodation, two cocktail parties and the famous final night theme dinner.

• 7 nights at five star Hapuna Beach Hotel & Spa, ocean view rooms • Daily full buffet breakfast • 1 practice round at Hapuna Beach course plus free PGA professional coaching & clinics available all day • 4 tournament rounds of golf including cart, Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach, Mauna Lani North & South courses • Range balls before play each day • Entry into the Hawaii Resort Course Championship tournament • Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel • Nightly drinks for one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament • Player gift pack including tournament logo polo & cap ,valued at over $130 • Final night gala prize presentation dinner and drinks • Great prizes • Full tournament & event organisation by Pacific Golf Management • All transport to and from golf courses during the tournament plus return Airport transfers • Daily hotel resort fee, includes- free Wi Fi & in room internet, parking, gym access, range balls • All tax’s on accommodation, golf , meals and drinks included in the package Cost $Us2596.00 pp tWIn sHAre (non-GoLFer $Us1739.00)

• Four nights deluxe twin share accommodation at the 5 star Sheraton Fiji Resort • Daily full buffet breakfast, Return transfers from Nadi Airport to the Sheraton Fiji Resort • One round of golf at Natadola Bay course including, carts, range balls, coach transfers, lunch and drinks • Pro-Am tournament entry package, including two rounds with a professional at Denarau golf course, carts & range balls before play • On course food and beverage and post round drinks during the tournament • Player’s gift pack, including tournament logo shirt, cap & Sulu Shoot Out golf wear • Fantastic prizes, Two cocktail parties and Sweepstakes evening • Invitation to the Grand Finale tournament theme banquet dinner & live entertainment • Theme costumes for the final night dinner

Cost $nZ1654.00 per person (non-GoLFer $nZ1117.00)

Special Tour Package

• • • •

BEST OF HAWAII GOLF TOUR 3 ISLANDS - 13 DAYS August 20th - September 1st 2016

• • • • • • • • •

7 nights at five star Hapuna Beach Hotel & Spa, ocean view rooms 4 nights at five star Westin Maui Resort & Spa • 1 night at Hawaiian Prince Hotel Waikiki Full buffet breakfast included daily 6 Rounds of golf including cart on world class course , Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Mauna Lani North Mauna Lani South and Kapalua Plantation course Ranges balls before play each day • Entry into the Hawaii International Golf Week tournament 1 day golf school before the tournament including PGA professional clinics and individual lessons Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel Nightly drinks, one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament.

Player gift pack including tournament logo polo & cap valued at over $130 Tournament prize presentation dinner and drinks • Great prizes Full tournament & event organisation by Pacific Golf Management All transport to and from the golf courses plus Airport to Hotel return transfers All tax’s on accommodation, golf, meals and drinks included in the package

Cost $Us3951.00 pp tWIn sHAre (non-GoLFer $Us2854.00)

www.pacificgolf.co.nz February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

35

Wanaka To Host National Foursomes on the great time that they had at this southern gem. They appreciated touches such as the welcoming happy hour, the breakfast pre-round on the first day of competition, and a lunch to complement the last day’s awards and prizing-giving ceremony.

By Denise Langdon PaR nz Golfing Holidays

in partnership with her husband, Grant Dooley.

W

anaka Golf Club is set to welcome back the New Zealand Amateur Mixed Foursomes for the second consecutive year in October 2016.

The tournament attracts players of all abilities from both sides of the Tasman, with flights and plates for each of the multiple divisions. Past winners of this championship have included professionals Grant Waite and Brenda Ormsby, as well as well-known amateurs Kaye Maxwell and current Golf Manager with NZ Golf, Phil Aickin.

An array of district representatives have excelled at the tournament since it began in 1973, including current titleholder Claire Hunter, who won the 2015 event

Originally, the event was a joint collaboration between the then NZGA and NZLGU – now amalgamated as New Zealand Golf. A fresh approach in recent times, under management by PaR nz Golfing Holidays, has revived interest in the event and added to players’ enjoyment. The tournament is now held over the New Zealand Labour Weekend in late October, and is set down for October 22-23, 2016.

In the 2015 event, the field of players was split into divisions of eight pairs, competing in foursomes match play. Only the top division competed in off–the-stick match play. All other divisions competed in handicap foursomes match play.

Many 2015 competitors reported back

DUBAI GOLF TOUR

Though sometimes in the shadow of nearby Queenstown golfing beauties such as The Hills, Jack’s Point and Millbrook, the Wanaka course’s challenges and vistas are right up there for visiting national and international golfers. The club has hosted several national golf events, including the New Zealand Men’s Seniors in 2009.

The golf club was formed in 1922 on a site lower than its present layout, which dates back to the late 1960s. Two nines, split over two sides of Ballantyne Road, were fully opened for play to make up a championship 18-hole course.

The first nine holes were based around Faulks Terrace and Stone Street, which have elevated perspectives and provide panoramic views over the township and lake towards Mt Aspiring. The back nine, the second stage to be opened, are sited on former Wanaka Station land. This section is more park-like with views of Mt Iron, Mt Gold and Cardrona Valley.

The club is welcoming and accommodating to visitors with a fully stocked pro shop, good practice facilities

and a plentiful supply of golf buggies. The club is in a healthy financial position with more than 950 members – not bad for a township with a population of about 7400.

A picturesque setting at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, along with its historic roots in the 19th century gold rush era, makes Wanaka a popular year-round holiday destination. The town is still growing, much like nearby Queenstown, which is only a 45-minute drive away. The population of the greater Queenstown lakes district, of which Wanaka is part, has grown by 50 per cent over the past 10 years.

In addition to its golf course, Wanaka is known for its easy access to the Mount Aspiring National Park – part of a World Heritage Area – and its proximity to the headwaters of the South Island’s longest river, the Clutha. The biennial Warbirds Over Wanaka air show and Rippon Festival of New Zealand music regularly draw thousands of national and international visitors to the region, and the town is also credited with being the first place to host sheepdog trials.

Entry forms for the 2016 New Zealand Amateur Mixed Foursomes will be available shortly on www.nzgolf.org.nz and www.parnz.co.nz with an easy online registration option. •

Howlong Golf Resort

Discover how old traditions merge with modern living in a cosmopolitan city, where humble fishing villages meet the global metropolis of some 200 nationalities.

Join us as we mix pleasure, leisure and culture in one go.

Explore the bustling souks and the vibrant historic places of Dubai while you enjoy playing Golf in the most prestigious golf courses in the city. What better way to indulge yourself some fun with a taste of a culture that has been kept alive over many centuries.

26th March - 2nd april 2016 ACCOMMODATION: ✓ Stay at the 5-star Intercontinental Dubai Hotel ✓ 6 nights with breakfast ✓ Twin sharing (Unless requested otherwise) ✓ Drinks & canapés upon arrival at the Intercontinental including a Welcome Gift Pack TRANSPORT: ✓ All airport and golf courses transfer are provided GOLF TOURNAMENT: • Creek Dubai Course • Arabian Ranches Golf Club • Faldo Course-Emirates Golf Club • Al Badia, Golf club

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

✓ Four rounds of golf ✓ Eighteen holes per round ✓ Shared golf carts ✓ Driving range balls included

5 Star Apartments available from November this year!

Luxury accommodation at an amazing price.

LEISURE: ✓ Exclusive look at an iconic architecturally renowned site with a tour guide ✓ Local fine dining at one of Dubai’s restaurants serving the finest authentic Emarati Cuisine * Farewell dinner/winners award presentation PACKAGE EXCLUDES: ✓ Airline tickets ✓ Personal Items and Meals PACKAGE COSTS: Price per golfer, shared room = $2,145 in USD Price per golfer, single room = $2,770 in USD

Nabil Bisher 0419 552 324 uaegolftours@gmail.com www.uaegolftours.com 36

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

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

Pinjarra Golf Club Signature hole #4th, par-3 What makes it great: THIS dramatic par-3 is both picturesque and intimidating.

At 167 metres (127m for women), the hole is quite deceptive due to the wind which can dictate a two or three-club difference in club selections.

Here, accuracy is the key to success as the undulating green is virtually surrounded by water hazards.

The best piece of advice locals can give is “play safe”.

Aim for the front of the green, take two putts and move swiftly to the next tee.

Located an hour south of Perth and close to the coastal city of Mandurah, Pinjarra Golf Club has a lot to offer golfers of all levels.

It’s no one-hole wonder, as it has a number of equally impressive holes.

two water hazards (one on either side of the fairway) or do I go for glory and risk it all”.

With the right conditions, the green is reachable in two but there is also tree protection on the right side of the green.

Only the most precise approach will suffice.

It’s a great finishing hole, but so are those before it – the 16th and 17th holes.

The 343m (318m for women) par-4 16th is a dogleg left, but the two water hazards at driving distance do come into play.

Negotiate those and an undulating green awaits. Tip: Leave the ball under the hole.

The 343m (317m for women) par-4 17th is not long but an off-centre tee box requires thought as it is Out of Bounds down the entire right side of the hole.

For example, the double dogleg 490m (425m for women) par-5 18th hole. It’s a beauty.

Water right and behind the green and a bunker left guard the green.

It’s one of those risk-and-reward holes that will leave you in two minds.

Three of the four par-3s are water carries while the 166m 15th has three bunkers as protection.

If you produce a good drive then it’s decision time – “do I lay up short of the

The four par-3s are terrific.

The 127m par-3 second hole is the

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shortest, but looks can be deceiving.

Water and bunkers front and right protect the generous-sized green. It looks easy enough, but many players have walked off shaking their heads in disappointment.

General Manager Phil Elliott said Pinjarra was a warm and friendly golf club that welcomed visitors.

three practice bunkers.

The comfortable clubhouse has bar facilities and the pro shop has a wide selection of equipment and apparel. Cart and club hire available.

Make sure you introduce yourself to the club’s new professional Matthew Heath.

He’s available for lessons.

Special packages:

“Visitors are always welcome,” he said.

“It’s an easy walking golf course that challenges players of all levels.”

The golf club offers nine- and 18-hole meal-deal packages on Fridays.

Course information:

The per person offer of $39 (nine holes) and $55 (18 holes) includes golf in a shared golf cart and a meal.

Original architect/designer Dr Eustace Cohen

Group rates are also available. Contact the pro shop for details.

Course length: Blue 5984m; White 5670m; Red 5346m Slope Men blue Men white Women red

130 – par 72, scr 72 126 – par 72, scr 70 129 – par 73, scr 74

Amenities: The practice facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping green and

Pinjarra Golf Club Cnr Pinjarra Road and Sutton Street Pinjarra WA 6208 Phone: (08) 9531 1252 Pro shop: (08) 9531 2588 Email: admin@pinjarragolf.com.au Website: www.pinjarragolf.com.au

GOLFING TOUR TO

IRELAND AUGUST 2016

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February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

37

Those great Scots Legend Golf Resort in South Africa the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at over 9000 ft and Gulmarg GC over 7000 ft high in the Himalayas?

Playing in the shadows of the pyramids in Egypt at Mena House Oberoi

Bob Davies

W

ho would have thought that in the mid 1400s, those few brave gentlemen of Scotland who started the modern version of the game of golf, could have possibly have foreseen or imagined just what they had started and where it would take the game of golf?

From playing on links courses—rough grassy areas between sea and land, and usually not fit for housing or farmland— and using wooden golf clubs and feathery golf balls, to today’s ultra-modern golf

equipment and golf courses, and countries and places all over the world. Would those great Scots have ever imagined that the game of golf could and would be played by nearly every nationality in the world?

Imagine how those early Scottish golfers would have felt if they could be playing on the most beautifully maintained and manicured courses and greens like Pebble Beach of America, Royal Dornoch of Scotland, St Leon-Rot of Germany, Royal Melbourne of Australia, Royal Lytham & St Annes of England, and others.

And what about the unique and wild

courses like Coober Pedy GC in South Australia (which has no grass, so you carry a piece of artificial grass to tee off on the fairways)? Or be playing golf on the lonely and desolate One Boat GC on Ascension Island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, where the greens (which are brown) are made of sand and smoothed down with oil?

From the wee hills of Scotland, could they have imagined playing golf on golf courses that are built high amongst the world’s highest mountains like La Paz in Bolivia at 10,000ft, in the Andes; China’s

From the wee Glens and Valleys of Scotland to places like Furnace Creek in Death Valley, America, which is 214ft below sea level and is the lowest golf course in the world, as well as being one of the hottest golf courses in the world— where the temperatures can reach 50*C. From feeling a wee bit of a chill of those long ago Scottish winter days playing golf on a wee bit of frosty grass or fresh snow and the cold wind blowing in their faces, could they have ever imagined, that today you can be playing golf on ice on the Arctic Circle? Like the Drambuie Ice Championship held in Greenland, where the golfers must wear special kits because the wind chill factor can reach minus-50

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

DEPARTURES 2016: MARCH 15, APRIL 18, SEPTEMBER 5 & 12, OCTOBER 17 For bookings deposited aFter 01 January 2016 the prices will be: golFers: $1540 pp twin share & non golFers $1295 pp twin share

www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722 38

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | February 2016

$1482 are)

(pp twin sh

The floating green at Coeur D’Alene GC, Idaho and they use a fluorescent orange golf ball and hope that the Polar Bears don’t fancy their golf balls.

And not forgetting the workers at the various stations like Scott Base in Antarctica who make their own golf course and hold the Ross Island Masters each year. As well as the men and women of McMurdo Station and also on Macquarie island where they all play their own game of golf around the huts and buildings.

And then there is “The Alpine Cup” held in Malbum, Lichtenstein, where there is no golf course but they play in the mountains where it is too dangerous to carry a full bag of clubs, so they use only three clubs and must wear sturdy boots for safety.

How would those Scotsmen long ago— hitting wee feathery golf balls with wee wooden golf clubs on a wee bit of rough sandy ground—have ever dreamt where

golf courses today could and would be built, like some of the world’s totally desert golf courses like Rossmond GC on the Namibian desert or Alice Springs in Australia, or among the pyramids of Egypt? And could they have imagined playing out of some of the largest and deepest sand bunkers in the world?

Those early Scottish golfers probably would have seen and watched a rabbit or hare running across their own local links course, not realising that hundreds of years later the variety of wildlife in and around the water hazards of different golf courses around the world would be so diverse. Like crocodiles at the famous Lost City Golf Course, and the hippos at Hans Merensky Golf Resort; Piranhas and Caymans at the Amazon GC in Peru; and not forgetting the wild moose, red foxes, and rare lynx at North Star GC in North

International and domestic golf travel specialists

Snow golf in Finland America where you also have a checklist on your scorecard of the wild animals you’ve seen. And not forgetting, of course the kangaroos, wallabies (and even sharks) in Australia.

Would those few Scotsmen also believe that you could now play on a golf course with an airport runway on the golf course like on Cocos Island GC or play golf inside a prison like Prison View GC in Louisiana, or play golf in a nudist camp like La Jenny GC in France, or even play on a course which spans two countries and two time zones like Finland and Sweden? Or take a helicopter ride to the top of a mountain to tee off like the Legend Golf Resort in South Africa, or having to take a wee boat to reach the floating green at Coeur D’Alene GC in Idaho, America. We could go on and on.

It’s hard to believe what those early

Scottish gentlemen started over 400 years ago, but it does not stop there. What about all the golf courses and resorts that employ pros and green keepers, the golf designers and architects, the golf writers, the golf magazines, golfing memorabilia, and not forgetting all the different types of golf clubs, to the different types of golf balls that travel great distances those early golfers could only dream of. And the tour operators who organize golfing tours to every part of the world, and all the different golfing societies and museums who collect and protect and look after those famous artifacts and golfing history for us all to enjoy today. And most of all, to all the golfing fraternity in over 230 different countries from all over the world who enjoy this great game of ours.

We certainly owe those early Scottish golfers a wee dram. •

Phone +61 3 9809 1022 info@gimmegolf.com.au wwww.gimmegolf.com.au

2015 2016 ExtENd your goLf HoLidAy iN BANgkok 1 frEE rouNd At SuwAN gC (May-SepteMber)

Pattaya

$1,180 4 Star Page 10 Hotel $1,525 5 Star Marriott Hotel • • • • •

PAttAyA 1 FREE RouNd BuRApAhA GC

6 Night’s accommodation & daily buffet breakfast 4 rounds of golf with carts & caddies each round Laem Chabang, Siam Plantation, Siam Old and St Andrews All private transfers airport, golf and hotel in an air

conditioned modern van English speaking driver and assistance throughout tour

HUa HIN $1,125 4 Star Amari Hotel $1,285 5 Star Hilton Hotel • • • •

huA hiN 1 FREE RouNd BANyAN GC

6 Night’s accommodation & daily buffet breakfast 3 rounds of golf with carts & caddies each round Black Mountain, Majestic Creek and Springfield All private transfers airport, golf and hotel in an air conditioned modern van English speaking driver and assistance throughout tour

PHUKEt

$1,745 5 Star Angsana Laguna Hotel $1,585 4 Star Nap Hotel Patong • • • • •

phukEt 1 FREE RouNd LoCh pALM GC

6 Night’s accommodation & daily buffet breakfast 3 rounds of golf with carts & caddies each round Red Mountain, Blue Canyon and Laguna CC All private transfers airport, golf and hotel in an air

conditioned modern van English speaking driver and assistance throughout tour

All tours based on low season 8/5/2016 – 30/09/2016. Prices are also based on minimum 4 golfers.

Surcharges apply for weekend golf in Pattaya Gimme Golf provides bonus rounds at Golf resorts in Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phuket until our allocation of 180 rounds is complete for 2016.

February 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

39

PLAY THE PEEL

VISITPEEL.COM.AU

BOOK A MULTI-COURSE GOLFING ADVENTURE IN THE PEEL REGION, JUST 50 MINUTES SOUTH OF PERTH. The cut

secrets GOLF Country Club Drive, Dawesville 08 9582 4444 golf@the-cut.com.au the-cut.com.au

Secret Harbour Boulevard, Secret Harbour 08 9524 7133 info@secretsgolf.com.au secretsgolf.com.au

On the edge of the Indian Ocean, this is WA’s must play golf course. The James Wilcher designed 18 hole course offers spectacular ocean views and has been created to excite and challenge golfers of all abilities. An unmissable adventure!

This links course is inspired by the classic Scottish courses. Designed by golf architect Graham Marsh and crafted into the spectacular ocean side landscape, this course boasts 18 superb holes all set against a breathtaking Indian Ocean panorama.

MANDURAH COUNTRY CLUB

THE LINKS KENNEDY BAY

16 Marsh Place, Halls Head 08 9581 2968 admin@mandcountryclub.com.au mandcountryclub.com.au

Lot 199 Port Kennedy Drive, Port Kennedy 08 9524 5991 admin@kennedybay.com.au kennedybay.com.au

This incredible course enjoys an elevated location to offer superbly challenging golf through a parkland setting with majestic trees keeping it interesting all the way. Do not miss your opportunity to play this hidden gem of the Peel region.

Acclaimed as one of WA’s best, this course is characterised by beautifully undulating landscapes, fast running fairways and superb greens. This is a true and traditional links course and with 115 pot bunkers it presents an enjoyable challenge.

MEADOW SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

PINJARRA GOLF CLUB

23 Meadow Springs Drive, Mandurah 08 9581 6002 golf@msgcc.com.au msgcc.com.au

Cnr Pinjarra Rd & Sutton St, Pinjarra 08 9531 1252 admin@pinjarragolf.com.au pinjarragolf.com.au

This course has proudly hosted 7 WA Opens and is your chance to experience immaculate fairways gently meandering through towering Tuart trees.

This is a course that is both a highly regarded test while also being very playable.

Dating back to 1912, this historically impressive course offers golfers a fantastic day of play. Hone your skills on the practice fairways, take lessons with a Golf Pro, or simply soak up the charming scenery - all just 80km from Perth.

THE SEBEL 1 Marco Polo Drive, Mandurah 08 9512 8300 h8767@accor.com thesebel.com Superbly located on the breathtaking Mandurah Estuary The Sebel Mandurah offers jaw-dropping views and 4.5-star guest rooms and apartments, complemented by exemplary Sebel service and world class facilities for all travellers.