IG Travel October 2016

Issue 36 // OCT 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au

THAILAND TREASURES:

Tee it up in Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket!

PLUS+

The jaw-dropping wonders of Ocean Dunes, King IslanD Resort of the month: Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club

Golf in the Philippines, Hawaii and Bali SPeCial deal fOr readerS at terraCe dOwnS reSOrt fOr auSSie gOlferS October Coring Special Package for four $580: Includes a round of golf with carts, accommodation in a villa and breakfast for four ($145per person)

NEW ZEALAND || PHONE +64 (0)3 318 6943 || golf@terracedowns.co.nz || www.terracedowns.co.nz

CAPE WICKHAM, BARNBOUGLE & OCEAN DUNES FLY DIRECT BY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT Play 3 of the World’s Top 40 Courses

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.

“I would like to thank you for an outstanding experience from start to finish, from initial contact with yourself to flying with Jack down to Barnbougle, everybody commented that it was first class.” SC, Vic

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

We recommend Callaway.

Free call 24 hours / 7 days 1800 033 160

golf@airadventure.com.au

golf.airadventure.com.au

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: Banyan Golf Club and Resort, Thailand

Volunteers wanted for ISPS Handa New Zealand Open golf tournament O rganisers of the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open are once again on the hunt for keen golf enthusiasts to volunteer – and one lucky ‘volly’ will get drawn to play in the Pro-Am section of the 2018 tournament.

The ISPS Handa New Zealand Open tournament, a tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, will be held from March 9 to 12 2017 at Millbrook Resort and The Hills golf courses in Queenstown.

The growth in tournament size - with both Millbrook Resort and The Hills hosting the event for the fourth year running - means up to 450 volunteers are needed over the first two days of the fourday tournament.

Millbrook Resort Queenstown is the official home of the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Arrowtown ‘local’ Richard Hoskin is the new volunteers’ manager, working for New Zealand sports marketing agency The Clubhouse which is managing the 2017 event.

All volunteers will once again go into a draw to win a space as an amateur player in the 2018 tournament, and there are complimentary rounds of golf on offer too.

Former first-class Otago cricketer Hoskin is also the former chief executive of Sport Southland, and he currently operates Arrowtown Lodge with wife Sally.

Daughter Laura, 21, is a rising young golf star currently training in the United States.

Tournament Director Michael Glading says volunteer assistance is “absolutely key” to the success of the event.

Hoskin is relishing his new volunteers’ role with New Zealand’s leading tournament.

“The 2017 event needs the support of enthusiastic volunteers to ensure successful delivery throughout tournament week, and across both golf courses,” he says.

“We’re looking for anyone who’ll bring enthusiasm, motivation and passion to this outstanding sporting event. You don’t have to be a golf lover to be a volunteer, though it certainly does help,” he said.

Volunteers are needed to carry out roles such as carrying scoreboards, marshaling on course, shuttle drivers, ‘ball spotting’, overseeing the leader board, walker scorers and inputting data in the media centre.

Tournament organisers are looking for ‘vollys’ for either the entire four days of the event or for just Thursday and Friday. They’re asked for a minimum commitment of six hours on any given day, benefitting in return from free tournament admission and parking, a commemorative shirt and cap, and lunch each day.

Prospective volunteers can register by contacting Richard Hoskin at richard@ theclubhouse.kiwi and all details are at www.nzopen.co.nz/volunteers.html

• 3 DAYS AT THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT (EXTRA DAYS AVAILABLE) • 13 NIGHTS LUXURY ACCOMMODATION INCLUDING LUXURY HOTEL PEBBLE BEACH & HOME2 SUITES AUGUSTA, WITH DAILY HOT BREAKFASTS AND TRANSFERS

2017

• PLAY AT SCENIC GOLF COURSES: PEBBLE BEACH | SPYGLASS HILL | PINEHURST NO. 2 | PINEHURST NO. 4 | PINEHURST NO.8 | THE RESERvE CLUB AIkEN | THE RIvER GOLf CLUB • MOTORISED CARTS, PRIZES AND RANGE BALLS INCLUDED

• WELCOME DINNER • DEDICATED TOUR GUIDE • GUARANTEED SMALL GROUPS • 3 FINE DINING EXPERIENCES • PRIVATE TRANSFERS • AIRFARES ON APPLICATION

Golf clinic And lessons PROVIDED BY PGA PROFESSIONAL AfricA 2017 on sAle now As 2016 sold out

stacey@itravelwoonona.com.au

2018 British open with europeAn river cruise with Golf At eAch port on sAle now

FULL ITINERARY: www.exclusiveworldtours.com.au

All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control such as adverse currency fluctuations, taxes and fuel surcharges.

October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

3

Magical Sri Lanka

By Peter McCarthy

A

fter flying for nearly half a day I landed in Colombo, the chaotic capital of Sri Lanka. Sure, Colombo has its own charm, amazing shopping, and a feast of exotic restaurants and all of the world’s top hotel chains are marking their territory with palatial skyscrapers.

But, for our tour to Sri Lanka we’ve decided to bypass Colombo’s sensory overload and head straight to a sanctuary of wellness in the beautiful seaside town of Beruwela and its sun-kissed beaches.

A world of wellness Sri Lanka has a rich history of using traditional Ayurvedic treatments to promote health and holistic healing effects. Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara has been voted best in the world and for good reasons and has become a destination for many wellness enthusiasts worldwide.

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Under the watchful eye of highly qualified doctors and professionally trained therapists you are taken through a journey of well-being with a regime of Ayurveda treatments and therapies in gorgeous and calming surroundings. In the restaurant overlooking the turquoise pool, you will be served up cuisine that combines brilliant cooking techniques and mouth-watering tastes that have proven medicinal value.

Ayurveda – The Science of Life Since time immemorial, man has been engaged in the pursuit of achieving and maintaining an optimum state of health.

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing. Tibetan medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine both have their roots in Ayurveda.

More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur

= life,Veda = science or knowledge). It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vital. Providing guidelines on diet, behavior and the proper use of our senses, Ayurveda reminds us that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.

Sri Lanka – The Undiscovered Country Lying between the more trodden parts of India and southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is a destination of choice for many travellers in search of authentic horizons.

Sri Lanka is kissed by tropical seas, lined with verdant tea plantations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The food for mortals is pretty good too with curry delights and roadside stalls selling fresh fruit and arrack, the potent local brew. There’s a smattering

of wildlife and best yet, some of the friendliest people I have ever met.

While Sri Lanka doesn’t boast golf courses of grandeur like its Asian neighbours, it does have courses that have been around since 1845 with honour boards proudly celebrating the clubs’ impressive history.

The clubhouses ooze colonial charm.

With doting hostesses who’ll offer you a signature welcome drink, you won’t recall any club that offers a more generous hospitality.

Sri Lanka’s fully escorted tour combines magnificent and contrasting scenery, as well as relaxation, cultural immersion, exotic cuisine, wildlife encounters, golf and a healthy dose of luxury. And remember the earlier you book, the less you pay. Go to www.GoGolfing.net.au for more details. •

October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

5

Live the

“Big Island “dream in “ Hawaii T

he Island of Hawaii, often referred to as the Big Island, provides the ultimate Hawaiian golf experience, and so much more. Imagine escaping the winter of the Southern Hemisphere and enjoying a beachfront resort for seven days, Hawaiian hospitality and tropical temperatures to immerse yourself in.

Golf on the Big Island is the best value in Hawaii, great courses, fantastic scenery and a relaxed island lifestyle. Golf and Gourmet has also located local restaurant experiences that invite you to dinner Hawaiian style, where the locals go.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | October 2016

A comment from a past Golf and Gourmet guest described Mauna Kea golf course as orgasmic; yet every course has views and golf holes that will be remembered for life.

to play, possibly take a day off and enjoy a helicopter flight over the volcanoes that meet the Pacific Ocean, visit a local village or simply enjoy the fabulous Hapuna Resort.

rest of the day to shop, dine and enjoy Honolulu.

Imagine dining on the terrace of an ocean view restaurant with warm breezes wafting while enjoying a glass of wine and great casual dining. Why would you want to be anywhere else while winter engulfs the lands down under?

This program is also great for nongolfers. Let the tragics play golf while you enjoy local markets, lava vistas and ocean outlooks. It’s an amazing experience.

This is a wonderful way to take a break from the stress of everyday life, an opportunity to recharge before winter takes hold.

Golf and Gourmet allow time for shopping in Honolulu on the return leg from the Big Island. Arrive back in Honolulu mid morning and have the

More information: contact Fred Sparksman, Golf & Gourmet, Tel: 0414 799 722 or email: fred@golfgourmet.com.au

The tour is flexible in that you can choose how many golf rounds you wish

Golf and Gourmet can arrange flights or you may choose to travel with your favourite airline.

Bali National Golf Club is one of the many spectacular courses on offer.

S

ydney-based golf travel business On The Tee has quietly built up a reputation for unique, luxury, individually handcrafted trips. Established in 2015, the business has become the first choice for discerning golfers looking to explore different destinations. The people behind On The Tee are passionate golfers and business people. Together they have education and experience in business, marketing, human resources, science, and of course, golf. They are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive golf travel experience for golfers of all abilities.

On The Tee specialises in golf school retreats, and local and international small group hosted luxury tours.

Trips are organised in such a way as to allow for ample opportunities to play golf, without it being the sole focus.

On The Tee: Golf travel done differently

On The Tee has held women’s golf schools in Bowral, as well as trips to the West Coast of the USA, Bali and Mildura. Trips are planned for South Africa in 2017, the US Masters in June 2017 and Hawaii in September 2017, as well as further golf schools in Bowral and the Blue Mountains.

On The Tee’s signature and most popular trip is to the beautiful island of Bali. Only a few hours’ flight takes golfers to a surprisingly superior golf destination. A combination of relaxation in a luxurious setting and challenging golf, including one course in Golf Digest’s The World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, makes for a wonderful short break. Trips are run through the dry season, from May to October each year.

of local destinations with which they are familiar and have contacts are the Southern Highlands, the Murray River, and the Mornington Peninsula.

On The Tee are committed to being welcoming and inclusive to golfers of all standards. They provide a range of activities and experiences, including ample opportunity to play golf at some of the most interesting, challenging courses. They focus on small groups, value for money luxury, and where possible, cost trips to be largely all-inclusive.

Some tours are arranged specifically for women, and many are for mixed groups. Where appropriate, tour hosts include a golf professional, who has a remit to assist and guide all golfers in their game.

On The Tee has also arranged self-guided trips for a variety of customers, including club golfers. Examples

For more information: On The Tee, 02 9844 5458, www.onthetee.com.au, email info@onthetee.com.au

Chasing the Sun Golf Tournament Ceduna to Kalgoorlie 1 - 8 April 2017

Nullarbor Links, ‘World’s Longest Golf Course’, is unique. This 18-hole par 73 golf course spans 1,365 kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

Each hole includes a synthetic green, tee and somewhat rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. The course provides visitors with a quintessential Australian golfing experience that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Kalgoorlie

Ceduna

World’s Longest Golf Course, Australia

“Chasing the Sun” Golf Tournament has established itself as a brilliant Australian golfing experience, from the very first sip of champagne on Saturday morning at Ceduna, through to toasting the setting Sun in Kalgoorlie 7 days later.

This is memorable journey, taking you on a drive to Australia’s famous oyster beds in Ceduna, then to the wheat and sheep farming districts of Penong, Nundroo and the beautiful waters of Fowlers Bay. You venture passed the whales and the beautiful coastline at Nullarbor to arrive at the beaches of Eucla, to meet the Pirate and claim your treasure. Clutching your gold you move on to the remains of Skylab at Balladonia and the working sheep station at Fraser Range.

The Indigenous art and dance of the Ngadju people in Norseman will features strongly in your memories of the festival. The next morning you journey on to nickel mining and land sailing at Kambalda and then finally to Australia’s gold capital, Kalgoorlie.

For more information and to view the full itinerary visit www.nullarborlinks.com

H O T E L



M O T E L

October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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Ocean Dunes Raw, rugged and remarkable Richard Fellner

T

he once sleepy and secluded King Island has been making global headlines of late, most notably for the fact that it is now home to two of Australia’s (and perhaps the planet’s) most exciting and awe-inspiring golf courses.

Last month saw the official opening of the island’s latest golfing gem, Ocean Dunes. Four years in the making, Ocean Dunes is the product of an intricate design, in a breathtaking setting, built with a ruthless determination to create absolute perfection.

Nestled on the west coast of the island, just 4km outside of the central town of Currie, Ocean Dunes has everything that the passionate golfer could want, from spectacular ocean views to challenging world-class golf. Covering 285 acres, incorporating rolling dunes and unsurpassed views along 2km of majestic coastline, the course features subtle, rolling greens set in picture-perfect, natural locations.

Meandering along the rocky coast, the opening holes are simply jaw-dropping.

Though images of California’s famed Pebble Beach, or even St Andrews in Scotland immediately spring to mind, the truth is that there are few courses on the planet that offer a comparable experience to what you’ll find here.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | October 2016

The first few holes set the stage for your day: from the opening teeshot on the 500m par-5 first hole—which requires a well-placed drive over the dunes to a dog-leg fairway, to the blind approach on the 280m par-4 second hole (again, over a dune), you’ll need to learn quickly to focus on your game (and not the awe-inspiring views). The following holes are no picnic, especially on a windy day. Both the 425m par-4 third and the amazing 130m par-3 fourth require water carries, but if you

keep your wits about you, you can safely navigate the course, and keep the ball dry!

You continue your journey along the front nine by continuing inward, winding through and around the dunes, (but the ocean views will stay with you throughout). With each hole you become more and more mesmerised by just how special this course really is.

The back-nine features even more of the raw beauty, and pure, rugged golf, starting

with the par-3 tenth, a 210m brute which plays across 3 Rivers Bay. Among our favourite holes are the 13th and 14th, both at the highest points on the course. The 13th is a drivable par-four for the bigger hitters (310m) while the 14th is a short par-three (110m) from an elevated tee. But don’t let the distance fool you – with some wind in your face, the hole could require a LOT more club than you think.

In truth, there are no weak holes at

Ocean Dunes. All throughout the course, you are presented with a variety of risk/ reward options, daunting tee shots, troublesome rough and well-protected greens. Firm and fast conditions are the name of the game here. But the biggest potential hazard is simply trying to avoid distraction from the magnificent views all around.

Our tip: check your ego at the door and play from a set of tees commensurate with your skills and/or the weather. Especially if the wind is up, as the course plays remarkably different according to the conditions, whether you’re playing on a calm morning (with gentle ocean breezes), or in a windswept afternoon (where it will require knockdown, links-style golf).

Multiple tee blocks are available for players of all standards to choose from, with between four and seven tee options on each hole. So whether you opt to take on the “teeth” of the course from the back tees, or simply choose the more “friendly” forward tees, there is something for golfers of every level/skillset, offering everyone a chance to not only try and tame the course, but to also have one heck of a fun time.

All up, Ocean Dunes is a true golfer’s golf course. It’s perfect for the player who prefers a challenging, raw, bump-and-run type of golf (the way golf was meant to be played), yet also enjoyable for the higher marker, as its rugged charm is equalled only by its sheer beauty. It is one cracker of a course!

If ever there were a “Must-play” golf course to place at the top of your golfing bucket list, Ocean Dunes is it!

More information: OCEAN DUNES 365 North Rd Loorana, TAS 7256 Par: 72 – 6,435 metres www.oceandunes.com.au 03 6462 1633

Note: Accommodation is available at the King Island Hotel—just 5 minutes from the course. Recently purchased

by Ocean Dunes, it is a comfortable and convenient place to dine and bed down after a day’s golf or touring the Island. A golfer’s lounge, where players can relax with a beer or glass of wine in front of an open fire, will be a highlight of the revamped hotel.

Scottish Links On Tasmania’s King Island

18 holes Officially Open for Play

www.oceandunes.com.au October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

9

The luxurious interior of Air Adventure’s Cessna Conquest II aircraft.

An experience fit for a King

L

ong famed for its cheese, free-range beef and laid-back atmosphere, King Island in Bass Strait is also quickly becoming known on a global scale for its amazing, world-class golf. With two brandnew courses now gracing its shores, Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham, golfers from far and wide are buzzing with excitement.

Indeed, the tiny island is on the verge of a major boom in golf tourism, as the courses, services, accommodation and food are all becoming renowned across the globe.

Inside Golf has travelled to King Island on a variety of occasions, and we have developed a bit of a “golf crush” on the island. Though windswept and still a bit “raw” it offers golfers a pure, endearing and exciting golf adventure that must be experienced to be appreciated.

Getting to King Island is now easier than

ever, with charter aviation companies now offering high-quality service to the island, as well as neighbouring Tasmania to take in the amazing Barnbougle Dunes.

One airline that ticks all of the boxes for the modern golfer is Air Adventure, a Melbourne-based private charter golf tour specialist. A family-owned business in operation since 1977, Air Adventure specialise in high-end air safaris to the Australian Outback, Cape York, the Kimberley, Lake Eyre and Kangaroo Island, as well as golf-specific adventures to Tasmania and King Island. Not only do they have high quality aircraft (they operate two Cessna Conquest II aircraft), they also offer professional service; organising every element of your golf trip for you, including accommodation, dinner reservations, golf and all on ground transfers. Air Adventure even own their own bus on the ground

in King Island and once safely landing the plane, their pilot (with a minimum of 1000 hours) converts to the bus driver and acts as the group tour guide doing transfers on the island everywhere from golf, dinner, the King Island Dairy and even the bottle shop if groups need extra supplies.

More information: Golf.airadventure.com.au, golf@airadventure.com.au, 1800 033 160 Another charter flight company is Express Golf, specialising in golf flights from Sydney to Tasmania, particularly Barnbougle Dunes and King Island.

Their aircraft is a ‘Beechcraft Super King Air’ as used by the Royal Flying Doctors Service. It’s pressurised, climate controlled and cruises at 500kph. They offer two separate styles of travel. Their “corporate” configuration offers leather seating for 8 passengers, plus the ability to bring your

Express Golf offers a pair of seating configurations, including corporate and commuter options. own clubs and bag, plus a soft (Country Rd style) carry-on bag for a combined total of 15kgs per person. The “Commuter” configuration offers a cloth interior, with seating up to 10 passengers, and clubs transported via “Pencil” bags. Express Golf have a partnership with Fixed Base Operator, NavAir at Bankstown airport for use of their executive lounge. The lounge provides comfortable seating with a kitchen, bathrooms, WIFI and free parking for their passengers.

More information: www.expressgolf.com.au, 0402 353 378, info@expressgolf.com.au

Express Golf is a bespoke aviation company based in Sydney focusing on Golf charters to Tasmania, primarily the world class and remote Barnbougle Dunes, Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham courses.

Sydney (Bankstown Airport)

direct to

King Island golf course’s

in under

2 hours!

2016 special price $9,500 inc GST for 8 passengers with private corporate leather seating or 10 passengers in commuter seating.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | October 2016

Get in touch info@expressgolf.com.au Ph. 0402 353 378

Something for everyone at Terrace Downs Resort

All aboard for the Golden Oldies Golf Festival

Beautiful autumn weather will provide ideal golfing conditions during April 2018, for the Christchurch Casino Golden Oldies Sports Celebration 2018. Four days of golf in Christchurch with the Golden Oldies trademark of ‘Fun, Friendship and Fraternity’. No scores will be published; it’s all about having serious fun.

Golf is a relatively new addition to the Golden Oldies stable, making its debut in 2015 in Rotorua. Golden Oldies Golf Festivals are ideal for golfers who want to try their skills on courses around the world that they might not normally experience.

L

ocated an hour’s drive from Christchurch International Airport sits the stunning golfing retreat of Terrace Downs Resort, which is set amongst the beautiful farmland of the New Zealand’s High Country and perched on the edge of the beautiful Rakaia River under the shadow of Mt Hutt.

Whilst at the resort you can enjoy a game of golf on one of New Zealand’s top courses. The 18-hole par-72 course consists of a parklands-style front-nine and a links style back-nine, which is highly playable for all levels of golfers. The signature 16th hole provides a perfect location for the inner photographer to practice those landscape shots.

where you can enjoy a refreshment in the café during the day or dining in the Hunters restaurant at night. The clubhouse is also equipped with a gym with sweeping views of the golf course, and luxury appointed locker rooms.

Terrace Downs Resort offers a choice of two deluxe accommodation options. The Villa suites are selfcontained units with luxurious beds, a delightful raised spa bath and spacious open-plan living areas. The chalets are separate four- and seven-bedroom houses spread amongst the resort; these beautiful chalets boast all modern conveniences and great indoor-outdoor living areas.

Golf is not the only reason to visit the Resort, as Terrace Downs offers something for everyone; from the famous clay shooting and archery provided by Newzengland ltd, jetboating on the Rakaia River, Horse Trekking, tours of real working New Zealand farms, fishing, skiing in the winter season, plenty of walking tracks to experience and many more activities in the surrounding area.

Terrace Downs also offers beautiful locations for ceremony sites, perfect for any season. The Events Team offer a personalised service and are dedicated to ensure your day is seamless.

Also located on the premises is the indulgent Day Spa with a range of treatments to relax and treat yourself..

More information: www.terracedowns.co.nz, or phone:+64 3 318 6943

The clubhouse provides the perfect setting to relax,

Transfers from the airport can be arranged prior to your arrival via reception, with ground and helicopter transfers available.

land • a e Z w e N • urch Christch .p.

ZD$1,525 p

The week opens with an opening ceremony on Sunday 8th. Monday 9th is an 18-hole Par-3 competition. Tuesday is the second day of Festival play, featuring stroke and stableford competitions.

Wednesday is Picnic Day in the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Thursday is the third round and Friday the final day followed by the closing function in the evening.

April 2018 will see 10 Golden Oldies Sports Festivals in Christchurch and the city will be alive with people from all around the world having fun, playing and socialising.

Talk to VSL Golf about arranging a South Island golf tour following the week in Christchurch. There’s a golf course and photo opportunity around every corner.

Contact Mike Godinet – mike@govsl.com - or visit www.christchurchgoldenoldies.com.

s e i d l O n e d Gol l a v i t s e F f l World Go on of Golf built n io t a r b le e c A week londgship and Fraternity n Fun, Frie 8 - 14

Certainly those who come to Christchurch will enjoy courses of the finest quality as Christchurch abounds with fantastic courses including Clearwater Golf Club, Pegasus Golf and Sports Club, one of the newest and best facilities in the Christchurch area, Harewood Golf, Christchurch Golf Club at Shirley, one of the oldest golf clubs in the Southern Hemisphere, (est 1873) and Russley to name a few.

April 2018

Golden Oldie s Christchurch Four Course Challenge

ROM N S START F PACKAGE ation d o m accom Festival • 6 nights n io ly prizes and ct n ai u d F , e es m fe co en • Wel uding gre s of golf incl • Four day ainment, meal, entert e rs u d juices co Awards e re eer, wine an inner -th b D r s fo d ar ar b w A en and op • Finale prize-giving awards and ift g d andbook an ies.com • Festival h hgoldenold

tchurc

www.chris

8a Anzac Street, PO Box 331 469, Takapuna 0740, New Zealand • Ph: +64 9 486 1644; Fax: +64 9 486 1639 Email: golf@govsl.com October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

The Philippines: GREAT GOLF, casinos and people

The 17th green at Riviera Golf and Country Club

W

ith its stunning international championship golf courses set in a range of unique settings, The Philippines is an ideal golf destination.

Play your way through verdant valleys, across mountaintops and along spectacular beachside links courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, and Graham Marsh, to name a few. At night try your luck at one of the many world-class casinos including James Packer’s recently opened City Of Dreams Casino in Manila.

Sample the exotic night life at the high quality night clubs and bars, delight in the wide range of traditional and international cuisine offered at myriad restaurants, cafes and specialty venues. You feel safe in the Philippines with its stable government; while English is spoken widely so communication with the extremely friendly, easy going Filipino people is not a problem.

The Philippines have a rich heritage and cultural history with its ancient Asian influences, and nearly 400 years of Spanish colonisation followed by over 50 years of American involvement.

The Philippines is emerging as one of Asia’s newest golfing destinations for club tours and individual golfing holidays.

Philippines Club Tours, with offices in Manila and Sydney, organises “Members On Tour” for golf clubs around Australia.

They offer a number of tour packages playing international championship courses and staying in 5-star resorts and hotels. The packages ranging from 7-day/6night, staying in Manila and Tagatay on the main island of Luzon and playing five international courses. Other packages are 12

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | October 2016

Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club

9-day/8-night, which also include staying and playing on the idyllic islands of Cebu or Boracay and playing six championship golf courses. Club tours can also be tailored for individual clubs’ special requirements. All club tours are fully hosted by Philippines Club Tours’ professional staff and are complete with caddies, buggies, daily breakfasts, hosted dinners, cultural show and tour as well as round-trip golf club, airport and hotel transfers.

Located in the heart of Manila and set within the historic Walled City of Intramuros is Intramuros Golf Club.

Here you will have a unique golfing experience playing on this historic venue.

Orchard Golf Club in Dasmarinas features outstanding courses designed by golfing legends Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. It was also the venue for the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic and the 1996 Johnnie Walker Super Tour.

Getting to the Philippines is quite easy and affordable. While many airlines service the region, Philippine Airlines is a popular choice, offering regular flights from most Australian capital cities direct to Manila, with flight times usually around 7.5 hours.

No Visas are required for Australian citizens if you are staying for less than 21 days.

The Australian Dollar also goes a long way with the Philippine Peso, so shopping is a pleasure.

The Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club in Tagaytay City is very proud of its Greg Norman-designed course.

The course offers a wonderful golfing experience and views of the highlands, Lake Taal and Taal Volcano.

Golf in the area is world-class, and there are many must-play courses.

At Riviera Golf and Country Club, golfers are promised a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. Featuring two championship golf courses designed

by Fred Couples and Bernhard Langer, showcasing beautifully manicured greens and fairways.

Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club in Cavite has 4 international championship golf courses designed by Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Isao Aoki, and Andy Dye, while Alta Vista Golf & Country on Cebu Island features the world-class, golf course designed by Gary Player and is nestled over 500 feet above the nearby beaches. It boasts some of the most picturesque holes in the Philippines with breath taking views of Mactan and the bay.

And at the end of your day’s golf, enjoy the delights of the Philippines, the culture and its people. The friendly Casino Filipino Tagaytay is located directly opposite Taal Vista Hotel, just 50 meters from where golfers will be staying. Or, make the most out of your stay in Cebu on Mactan Island at Movenpick Mactan Resort & Spa. Explore the underwater life of the sea, bask in the warm sun or dig your feet into the fine sands. A gastronomic adventure and show awaits you at the Ibiza Beach Club from exotic local dishes to authentic international fare.

For more information: Call Les Smith, Philippines Club Tours.

0413 931320, 02 4871 3363, golftours@philippinesclubtours.com, www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au. •

THAILANDTreasures Our top picks for a “Royal” golf adventure

By Paul Myers and the Inside Golf team

F

or more than 90 years, since King Prajadhipok (Rama V11) built a summer palace in Hua Hin, the beachside holiday destination 200 kilometres south of Bangkok has been famous for its royal connections, an abundance of recuperative spas and the town’s attractive five-kilometre beach.

While wealthy and well-connected Bangkok residents have long appreciated what Hua Hin has to offer, international visitors have also discovered its secret: few locations in Asia within easy of reach of a major city can match Hua Hin’s friendly, laid-back atmosphere, stable climate and eclectic mix of dining, leisure, sporting and lifestyle experiences.

In the past decade, golf has become one of Hua Hin’s major attractions. With nine courses, the greater Hua Hin-Chaam region has become one of Thailand’s premier golf destinations, boasting two of the best in the kingdom.

In 2012, Hua Hin was named Golf Destination of the Year for Asia and Australasia at the annual International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) convention, confirming the region’s growing status as a world-class golf tourism destination.

Thousands of Europeans – many from Scandinavia, Germany and the United Kingdom – flock to Hua Hin during the “dark months” in their homelands between November and February.

This is when Hua Hin is really buzzing, its narrow car-free streets in the town centre packed with holiday-makers and the many outdoor and indoor restaurants filled with people. W The low season, from May to October, is equally appealing. Located in a dry area of Thailand, the region experiences no wet season. Occasional, and usually brief, afternoon rain at this time of year is the worst you can expect.

Just 15 minutes from town, Black Mountain Golf Club opened in 2007, quickly began picking up awards: best new course in Asia (2007), second best course in Thailand (2008) and, for five years from 2011, the premier accolade of Thailand’s best course.

With natural creeks running through the course and stunning black rock mountain backdrops, Black Mountain is also one of Thailand’s most beautiful. Numerous downhill and uphill holes, several with difficult water carries, and interesting man-made rock formations make it a wonderful visual as well as playable golf experience.

In early 2017, Black Mountain will open another nine holes, bringing its total to 27.

The new nine replaces a par-3 course that didn’t attract the patronage it deserved.

The addition not only makes Black Mountain more attractive to play, but opens up new tee times that will facilitate more rounds in peak season.

As host of the 2009 Black Mountain Masters and 2015 and 2016 Thailand

Classic won by Australians Andrew Dodt and Scott Hend, it can be among the most challenging courses in Asia when played from the back tees – 7550 yards in total.

But don’t let this put you off: there are four other forward tee options that make the course easier for higher handicappers, down to just 6084 yards from the easiest.

Whichever tee you choose, the views are always scintillating.

A few kilometres away, Banyan Golf Club and Resort, which opened in 2009, also has collected numerous plaudits and awards. It was named third best course in Thailand at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit in 2011 and in 2013 picked up the accolade for the best clubhouse in Asia Pacific.

Pineapple patches, bougainvillea beds and banyan trees come into play on the course, which is built on a hillside layout.

Due to its often-sloping fairways and thick rough, many keen golfers believe Banyan plays a few shots harder than Black Mountain.

The clubhouse, situated on the highest part of the property, offers stunning vistas of the Burmese Mountains, especially at sunset. Set in several linked “pods”, Bangkok-based architect Smith Abayawat created a design that general manager, Stacey Walton, says will never age.

“The design gives visitors a true Thai

golf, leisure and dining experience,” he says. “Banyan is a resort course, not a members’ facility, so it’s important visitors can relax and enjoy themselves.

Trip Advisor lists Banyan as the number one tourist attraction in Hua Hin. A lot of people come out for food and beverage and for the total experience.”

Among the other golf courses in the Hua Hin area are Royal Springfield, a 27-hole facility designed by Jack Nicklaus that opened in the early 1990s, Majestic Creek, Imperial Lake View and Sea Pine, while Royal Hua Hin – dating back to 1924 and the first golf course built in Thailand, is just a kilometre from the centre of town.

Every year, Hua Hin (which means “head rock” in Thai) has a festival of golf during August and September, when green fees are cut to as low as 1200 baht (about $A45) at some courses. Otherwise, it’s best to book through one of many local tour operators such as Hua Hin Golf Tours.

The Centara World Masters, played at several Hua Hin courses including Black Mountain and Banyan in June each year, is open to club golfers with a handicap and attracts 400-500 participants every year, including many from Australia.

Queensland-based Go Golfing and Bangkok golf tour operator Golfasian are the organisers.

October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

WHERE TO STAY

with bright local fabrics. The hotel is upmarket without being pretentious and a great choice for a Pattaya golf vacation.

Pattaya City is an internationallyrenowned seaside resort, but is also a vibrant city by day complemented by its eclectic nightlife and some of the best restaurants in Thailand. Pattaya offers a colourful potpourri of mixed nationalities from near and far. It has a vast array of tourism-related activities ranging from relaxing on the beach or aquatic sports of numerous varieties, to visiting the scores of local attractions in and around the Pattaya / Chonburi area.

Banyan Resort, on the other side of a mountain from the golf course, offers self-contained one and two-bedroom villas, meandering central swimming pools, restaurant and bar, and is ideal for visitors who want resort amenities at an attractive price.

Black Mountain has onsite villas that are ideal for families and groups. There is a supermarket under the clubhouse and a restaurant, spa and tennis courts.

Beside the beach near ChaAm, 18 kilometres north of Hua Hin, Veranda Resort & Spa is a sumptuous 118-room resort featuring modern Asian architecture and a relaxed ambience. The resort is perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations.

In Hua Hin itself, try the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, or the classic Centara hotel, formerly the Railway hotel built in 1924, which is one of Asia’s great traditional hotels.

Many other hotels and resorts are dotted along the beach north and south of Hua Hin.

Adding credence to Pattaya’s golfing popularity, in 2012 it was voted the No 1 golf destination outside Europe and America.

THAI one on for the Amari Pattaya Golf Week A lmost 120 club golfers from 22 countries are expected to contest the Amari Pattaya Golf Week 19-25 March 2017.

This week-long tournament for all golfers (with and without handicaps), includes four rounds of golf at Championship venues, plus nightly social and entertainment events. Also catering for non-golfers, tours are provided of the region’s popular attractions and tourism experiences.

The host hotel of this unique golfing experience is the Amari Pattaya. This superbly appointed resort, which is situated in 10 acres of tropical gardens, provides first class accommodation and facilities which include a range of dining options, two outdoor pools with jacuzzi plus fitness and business centres. Both the beach and golf courses are within easy access.

The guest rooms have spacious interiors and are tastefully furnished and decorated

Golfers will experience the best of the best and play at Siam Country Club’s three world-class courses, all of which will be LPGA and Asian Tour venues in 2017. The fourth round completing tournament golf will be the Jack Nicklaus-designed Laem Chabang, widely hailed by critics as the best layout in Pattaya and for its unique usage of the land’s mixed terrain of mountains, lakes and river valleys.

An optional fifth recreational round is available at Burapha Golf Club when there is a rest day halfway through the week.

Packages start from $2695 including airfares with Thai Airways.

For further detail Mark Penfold on 0419 264 800 email info@ thailandgolftours.com.au or visit www.thailandgolftours.com.au

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HUA HIN

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | October 2016

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Red Mountain Country Club

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18 holes of golf at Laguna Gulf, measuring 6,756 yards, and discover the scenic lagoons, coconut groves and undulating fairways. The third course, Mission Hills, has stunning sea views, overlooking the Andaman Sea. Last, but definitely not least, experience the amazing Red Mountain Country Club. Built around a valley it has breathtaking views, and is one of the harder courses which gives even the most experienced golfer a challenge.

Your group will be staying in a fourstar resort including buffet breakfast.

You will be transferred to all courses with private transfers and all green and caddy fees included. All you need to do is bring your golf clubs and a love for golf!

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October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

15

One night (and two rounds) in Bangkok…

Nikanti Golf Club

Matt Cleary matt@mattcleary.com

T

hough the famous 1980s song by Murray Head touts the delights of “One night in Bangkok”, you could easily spend a full month in the heaving millennial mega-city and you’ll still only scrape the surface of the food and culture and night-life and shopping and all-round mad action of the second-biggest city (behind Jakarta) in south-east Asia. It’s a cracking joint, Bangkok.

But if you do only have one night in Bangkok - and let’s assume two full days either side - then you should forget the shopping and temples and all that stuff, because they’re not going anywhere.

Instead you should explore the excellent golf action within an hour of the CBD.

To wit, to the west, is the freshly-minted Nikanti Golf Club which is named after a Sanskrit term loosely meaning the step Buddhists reach just before full-on enlightenment. Speaking of enlightened, Nikanti eschews the traditional dual 9-hole configuration for three six-hole loops. Within each set of six are two par3s, two par-4s and two par-5s.

The clubhouse is all smooth lines and glass and timber, and objets d’art. High ceilings, airy and good. Architects would swoon.

The change rooms are the latest in luxury with a mighty spa and sauna, and many different deodorants and talcum powders, and fluffy towels and little white slippers.

So new it doesn’t have a gate or a sign at the front, driving in the course looks pristine and manicured. It’s all green with flashes of purple wheat and orange jacaranda. But mainly the green you’ve seen in Vietnam war movies. The Delta and the DMZ, all that.

Our caddies are uniformly young and attractive, and dressed in tight pink kit and giant hats. They’re like a crack squad of fit girls. If it is hot they will hold an umbrella over your head and fan you.

And it’s perhaps not PC as we Western types understand it, but it’s a relative thing. It is, after all, Thailand.

At the spanking-new $30 million clubhouse our bus is greeted by dozens of staff dressed like ancillary Bond movie extras in smart, clean kit. They have tight white pants and walkie-talkies, and they nod hello by holding their hands in praying fashion.

And so I step up onto the 7th tee - the 1st in the mid-loop six - and slog driver far away onto an adjacent fairway and all four of our caddies yell “Fooooore!” from the moment I strike the ball until it lands.

It’s like an air-raid siren. It’s quite funny.

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And we’re away, whacking away around the swales and lakes and amoeba-shaped bunker complexes. The par-3s are long and strong. There are short par-4s and long ones. The par-5s are relatively easy; reachable in two for the bombers, though a guaranteed regulation par for the smart/timid.

I liked the par-5s because I hit them all in regulation and parred all six. Had a couple of putts rolled in I’d have really liked them. But making pars makes me happy. Is that enlightenment? Yes it is.

The tees are tight paspalum, the fairways Bermuda. The greens are grainy, Bermuda TifEagle. They aren’t slow as sub-tropical greens can be. Nor are they super-slick. They’re consistent, uniform. It doesn’t take long to get the speed.

There are many thin palm trees dotted around the place, straightened by

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four-prong bits of timber called “tree straighteners”, like timber teepees. And they are all, every one, GUR. Trees are not an issue at Nikanti GC.

PLAY Thai Country Club 88 Moo 1, Bangna-Trad Km. 35.5, Thambon Pimpa Bangpakong District, Chacheongsao p: +66 38 570 234 e: inquiry@ThaiCountryClub.com w: www.thaicountryclub.com

There isn’t a jaw-dropping “signature” hole at Nikanti, though the first one you see driving in has “wow” factor. Indeed on our bus an Indian professional in the seat behind me saw the 1st green and exclaimed: “Oh, yeah baby.”

Nikanti does many things very well. For a start it’s an all-inclusive price: 4500 baht ($170) on week days; 5500 baht ($210) on weekends. After that you needn’t put your hand in your pocket again. A delicious buffet breakfast or lunch is included, along with caddies, cart, green fees and soft drinks. A bottle of local Singha beer is 150 baht, about $5.

Nikanti Golf Club 333 Moo 2 T.Dhammasala A.Muang, Nakhon Pathom p: +66 34 965 666 e: info@nikantigolfclub.com w: www.nikantigolfclub.com Thai Country Club Excellent practice facilities. A Great White Shark restaurant. It’s 30 minutes from the CBD and 15 minutes from the Airport.

There’s an executive chef and a Director of Golf Course Maintenance (Aussie Brad Revill, formerly of Charlotte, Brunei and Bermagui). The staff are friendly, helpful and proficient. Think of the best-run corporate golf day you’ve been to, the one with no expense spared. Nikanti on a Tuesday.

Bottom line: for value, grooming, conditioning, change rooms, pro shop, restaurant (particularly), cabana bars, staff, the job lot, Nikanti offers probably the best golf experience in Thailand.

The next day we’re on the first tee of Thai Country Club, about 30 minutes from the CBD and, importantly, about 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai CC has a stately, “colonial” looking clubhouse and quality, mahogany finishes throughout.

Lovely restaurant and bar overlooking the 18th hole, and a dressing room that’s like a health spa for the rich.

Onto the course and I’m paired up with an English fella of the same handicap and of course we play for the Ashes. The loser of the nine will pay for lunch, the other nine for the cab to the airport. We join up with two Koreans who challenge the two of us to a beer-drinking competition. And we’re away.

The course is dotted with ghostly prickly palms and other palm trees laden with coconuts. We stop at cabana bars and order beers (the Koreans quit the competition after their shout. “You win!”.)

There are many fun holes at Thai CC. It’s flat and unpretentious in terms of a golf challenge, but the conditioning is very tidy. It’s a members’ course though international visitors are welcome. Caddies are excellent and know the way to the hole, though it’s fairly obvious.

Muang Kaew Golf Course, just 20 minutes from town, is a “semi-private” club open for visitors. The greens are huge Tiff-Eagles, the hazards are lakes and “klongs” (canals) which wind through the course. There are mature trees and fine bunkering, and a swimming pool should you wish to cool off after play before drinking a beer in the fine bar overlooking the 18th.

With a few more days I’d have checked out Greg Norman’s Thana City, a sports club with golf course that hosted the ’93 Thailand Open, the Johnnie Walker Super Tour in 1996 which was won by Ernie Els. Zoisia fairways, Bermuda Tifdwarf greens.

Muang Kaew Golf Course 52 Moo 8 Bangna-Trad Highway KM 7.7 Bangkaew Bangplee Samutprakarn p: +66 2740 2694 e: sales@muangkaewgolf.com w: www.muangkaewgolf.com

Nearby - and under the flight path of Suvarnabhumi - is Green Valley Country Club Golf Course, a par-72 Robert Trent Jones Jr design with water in play most holes and many hundreds of trees and shrubs.

Gently sloping fairways and large undulating greens. “The clubhouse is opulent and dining here is expensive,” warns the website.

And that’s how I spent one night - and two days - in Bangkok.

Thana City 100/2 Moo 4 14 Bangna – Trad Highway, Bangchalong Bangplee, Samut Prakarn p: +66 2 336 1968 e: reservation@thanacitygolf.com w: www.thanacitygolf.com

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17

RESORT OF THE MONTH >

Sanctuary Cove

Golf and Country Club

By David Newbery

I

greens are dry and we can get carts on paths and still play golf.”

MAGINE a place to golf with two worldclass golf courses ranked among the best in Australia.

Another nice touch and talking point around The Palms is each hole has a name that tells a story.

A place with little traffic, plenty of golf carts, every facility imaginable including fine dining, expert tuition, copious breeds of wildlife and just the right amount of rain to keep it looking picturesque all year round.

Some of the names are a reminder of the old Fred-Bolton-designed course while others were named during construction.

For example, the 163m par-3 second hole has an association with course designer Ross Watson.

That place is Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, which is in the suburb of Hope Island in the Gold Coast area.

It’s called What-O-Hole and virtually has three meanings.

At most, it’s a 50-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD and airport and 45 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport.

A lot has been going on at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club in the past few years and there’s a lot to like.

The strategic and innovative bunkering makes scoring from 100 metres particularly challenging.

Improvements to The Pines golf course, Australia’s only Arnold Palmer-designed layout, have given the layout a fresh new look and the members couldn’t be happier.

Undoubtedly, the par-3s require excellent shot-making skills while the par-4 17th and par-5 18th are spectacular finishing holes.

“We have refurbished all the greenside and fairway bunkers,” Golf Course Superintendent Paul McLean said.

Meanwhile, The Palms golf course is maturing beautifully after it received a major overhaul in 2011 when Golf Course Architect Ross Watson turned it into a wonderful “risk and reward” layout.

Gently undulating fairways require accurate shot-making from uneven lies, while numerous bunkers and pristine lakes demand calculated shot selection.

18

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | October 2016

The Palms leaves a lasting impression and certainly keeps players of all levels coming back.

“The maturity and condition of the golf course just keeps getting better as it gets older,” McLean said.

“The TifEagle greens are more receptive and great to putt on and the bunkers are more user-friendly, which means everyone enjoys their golf.”

Sanctuary Cove’s Senior Manager of Operations David Saunders said an additional set of tees shortened the

layout to make it easier for the less-skilled player.

With five sets of tees – three for men and two for women – golfers of differing skills can choose their own degree of difficulty.

From the black tees the course stretches to 5890m, from the blue tees it’s 5530m and from the white tees it’s 5103m. For the women, the course measures 5103m from the white tees and 4645m from the reds.

Another bonus for golfers is both courses are seldom affected by extreme wet weather.

“Both The Pines and The Palms are allweather golf courses and it’s extremely rare to close them completely,” McLean said.

“After heavy rain the bunkers, tees and

“It’s a play on words because there’s water so you say water hole,” Watson explained.

“Or you could say, wow, what a hole and finally my nickname was Watto so you can say Watto hole.”

Other memorable names include Double Trouble (the 5th), Fred’s Hill (the 14th) and Amen the par-3 16th.

Serving The Pines golf course is a clubhouse of pure opulence. Some years ago, touring professionals voted it the best in Australia.

The Pines was created out of a forest of conifers that line the fairways and Palmer’s brief was to make it “the best”.

When The Pines opened to wide acclaim in 1989, Palmer was delighted and in early 1990s it hosted a skins game featuring Tom Watson, John Daly, Peter Senior and Laura Davies.

Never one to hold back, Daly lit up the

FACT FILE Professionals: Michael Jones, Steve Darmody and Terry Price.

Practice facilities: The club recently installed a new shortgame practice facility. The putting green is three times larger than previously, there is a new chipping green, new bunker area and approach area.

Club hire: Available.

Motorised carts: Yes – compulsory.

Accommodation: Stay-and-play packages available.

(See advertisement on page for details).

Dining: Recently refurbished, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club’s restaurants and bars offer the best in comfort, ambiance and service for all your food and beverage desires. gallery when he hit his drive at the 325m sixth hole over the trees lining the left side of the water, across the large lake and onto the green.

The smart play, of course, is to go for placement, not power, unless your name is Daly.

With a slope rating of 132 off the black tees (6581m), The Pines is one of the toughest courses in Australia. Off the blue tees (6147m) the slope rating is 127 and off the red tees (5364m) it’s 126.

As tough as it is, The Pines is a wonderful, picturesque layout but miss the pristine fairways and the penalty can be severe.

Water comes into play on 15 holes making it a definite challenge.

“The back nine holes would be one of the strongest designs in golf and as good as you will find anywhere,” Saunders said.

Off the black tees, the 428m par-4 10th is index 1. You need an accurate drive down a narrow undulating fairway and a hybrid or long iron to the elevated green.

Go to the right with either shot and you’re in the water, go to the left and you’re in the trees.

Membership: Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club offers five levels of membership – a level to suit every lifestyle.

The 425m dog-leg 18th (index 3) has water from tee to green on the left and an errant drive to the right could finish in the water, bunker or trees.

Kidz Club: A membership program designed for kids so that they can enjoy the action in a fun educational environment.

It’s operated by professional childcare and sports trained staff.

Former British Open champion Ian Baker-Finch once described the 18th as “one of the world’s great finishing holes”.

Lifestyle: Members and guests have access to the gymnasium, swimming pool and tennis courts.

If you feel peckish or thirsty going around you need not worry because a drinks carts is not far away on both courses.

Conference and events: The Palms provides the perfect backdrop for conferences or events. There are three private function rooms within the Country Club, each overlooks the golf course and gardens. The rooms are available for hire and cater for 5-150 guests. The club offers Day Delegate packages, function menus, room hire only and can tailor packages to suit all requirements and budgets.

At The Pines and The Palms, you’ll find a wellstocked golf shop as you would expect.

Green fees: Public $150. Attractive stay-and-play packages available.

The Pines is reserved for members and guests they invite and those people enjoying the stayand-play packages available. The Palms welcomes visiting golfers and is open to the public most days and Saturdays from 6.30am.

Location: Gleneagles Drive, Hope Island, Gold Coast 4212.

“With all the positive changes, the condition of the course is a lot tidier and is more consistent,” Saunders said.

For more information: Visit Sanctuary Cove and Country Club’s website www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au Telephone: (07) 5699-9000.

October 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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VIETNAM SOUTH TO NORTH

DEPA T S 07 MAR RC 2017 H

Includes: 4 Star Hotels, Full Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner; 9 Golf Rounds on Superb Golf Courses; Golf Carts & Caddies; Touring & Transfers PLUS An Overnight Cruise on Halong Bay. Escorted Tour also features Local Guides. $5633 Per Person Twin Share | $7443 Single Occupancy | $2899 Non Golfer Twin Share

A Great Hawaiian Experience Lovedale Long Lunch plus Golf

19-22 May 2017

Tastes of Rutherglen plus Golf

3 Nights at Harrigan’s Resort Hunter Valley with Breakfast 3 Games of Golf: Cypress Lakes; Hunter Valley Country Club & The Vintage 2 days entry to The Lovedale Long Lunch A Hunter Valley Dining Experience on Friday Welcome drinks Thursday Airport, Golf & Festival Transfers

3 Nights at Club Mulwala Resort with Breakfast 3 Games of golf: Yarrawonga Lakes & Murray & Black Bull 2 Days entry to the Tastes of Rutherglen A Stone Grill Dining Experience on Friday Welcome Drinks on Thursday Golf & Festival Transfers

$1372 PP twin/double share $1937 PP single occupancy

$1105 PP twin/double share $1427 PP single occupancy

A Golf & Gourmet tribute to THE SCIENCE OF FUN

5 Golf Rounds on the Big Island of Hawaii Stay 6 Nights at the fabulous Hapuna Beach Resort with American Breakfast 1 Night in Honolulu for shopping Golf & Resort transfers on the Big IslanD $3999 per person twin/double share | $1808 single supplement

TO RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER SIMPLY EMAIL US WITH YOUR NAME, EMAIL, TELEPHONE, MAILNG ADDRESS: fred@golfgourmet.com.au AND COMPLETE OUR 2017 GOLF QUIZ TO JOIN US FOR FREE ON A TOUR IN THE FESTIVAL SERIES. Go to www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722