Inside Golf Travel Nov 2016 by Inside Golf

Issue 37 // NOV 2016 www.insidegolf.com.au

: m r a h C n r Southe Road, Surf

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BLUE MOU

Special deal for readerS at terrace downS reSort for auSSie golferS november Special package Stay in Terrace Downs Resort Accommodation from Sunday-Thursday and receive complimentary green fees and discounted cart fee! Terms & Conditions • Offer is valid until 30th November 2016 • Complimentary green fees are only valid up to maximum number of occupancy rate in each villa • Offer is not valid with any other promotions or form of discount. • No early birds or extensions allowed • Offer does not extend to those who stay in privately booked villas, owners or owners’ guests who stay on site of Terrace Downs Resort.

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TRAVEL NEWS

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: Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club, The Philippines

Virgin announces Melbourne–LA, Perth–Abu Dhabi flights

irgin Australia will launch services from Melbourne to Los Angeles and Perth to Abu Dhabi in 2017, increasing competition and choice for Australian travellers.

New Qantas Beijing-Sydney service Sydney Airport has welcomed Qantas’ announcement that it will launch a new Beijing-Sydney service in time for Lunar New Year. The daily service will be operated on an A330-200 aircraft from 25 January 2017, subject to regulatory approval.

On 4 April 2017, Virgin Australia will introduce five services each week between Melbourne and Los Angeles using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. On 9 June 2017, Virgin Australia will introduce three services each week between Perth and Abu Dhabi using Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Virgin Australia Group CEO John Borghetti said: “The United States is a key market for Virgin Australia and this enables us to service Los Angeles from the three biggest gateways in Australia –Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. “In partnership with Delta Air Lines, we will soon offer 25 services each week from Australia to Los Angeles and remain the only trans-Pacific alliance to offer Business Class guests lie flat beds with direct aisle access on all services. “Our A330 aircraft will be deployed on a long-haul international route for the first

time on flights between Perth and Abu Dhabi, which increases the number of services offered on the route from seven to 10 per week through our alliance with Etihad Airways.” To enable the introduction of services between Melbourne and Los Angeles, Virgin Australia will cease its three times weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights after 4 February 2017 and will reduce BrisbaneLos Angeles flights from seven per week to six per week from 7 April 2017. Virgin Australia customers will continue to have the option of twice daily flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi, with alliance partner Etihad Airways to add three new weekly services on the route in February 2017.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Qantas’ new service from Beijing to Sydney in January, which will deliver an additional 171,000 seats a year on the route,” Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said. “The new Qantas service is expected to further boost tourism to Sydney by providing additional capacity to cater to strong demand from Chinese visitors, particularly during the popular Lunar New Year period. “It will also provide Sydneysiders with more choice when travelling to Beijing, which is the home of tourist attractions including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. The China market is Sydney Airport’s largest international visitor market based on residency and grew by 17% in the year ending June 2016.

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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.

November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Barnbougle – as good as it gets!

ou’ve heard the stories. Barnbougle is ‘as good as it gets’. It is golf that is deliciously unpredictable and highly addictive. It is some of the most exciting, picturesque and magical golf you will play in Australia. Barnbougle is as close as it gets to playing the likes of Lahinch and Ballybunion in Ireland and the famed links layouts of Scotland. And, thanks to six different set of tees, you don’t have to have a low handicap to enjoy it.

BARNBOUGLE IN JANUARY’ Every January, 80 or so lucky golfers make their way to Barnbougle for Go Golfing’s week-long Barnbougle Golf Challenge. This two-person team event features a

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

winning combination of best ball, ambrose and aggregate events. Better still you get a second crack at both courses. Some make their own way to Bridport from Hobart after the Wrest Point International Masters tournament the week prior. Others will fly into Launceston for the week. The road to Barnbougle is beautiful. As you arrive, all you see is cows grazing and potato patches. Where on earth are the golf courses? As the coach goes over the very last dune, you see it. Rolling fairways and greens as far as the eye can see. People cheer on the coach. You haven’t even checked in yet and you are excited. Here there is no flashy multi-story clubhouse. No artificially landscaped

entrance and exit roads. From the post and rail fences around the property (put together from the branches and trunks of dead trees) to the bench seat outside the pro shop (made from a fallen giant of a tree), Barnbougle is tasteful, understated and in harmony with its seaside setting.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ‘US’ AND NO ONE ELSE Every room at Barnbougle’s modern Lost Farm accommodation is reserved for the event. In fact, the event has full run of the whole place. This means that everyone at the bar, restaurant and lounge area is there to enjoy a week of golfing nirvana. It’s not long before doors are left open and bottles of wine are shared over balconies with views out to Bass Strait.

Some nights you will head on up to the restaurant. The views from the restaurant over the rolling dunes and coastal scenery makes it a spectacular setting to unwind after golf. On other nights, you may want something more casual. The sports bar with its wood-fired pizzas or ‘cook your own BBQ’ is just what you want.

A GOLFING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER The untouched wilderness, scenic coastal terrain, rolling dunes and clean air inspires you to breathe a little deeper. And you need a few deeper breaths getting to some of the elevated tees and greens. The fairways start wide and welcoming, then they start to wind and undulate. Some of the tee boxes are perched atop dunes. This

makes the green look picture postcard. While the rest of Australia swelters under the heat, you get perfect weather conditions for glorious, “tell-your-friends about-it” shot-making with mild sea breezes sweeping over the fairways. The impeccably manicured fairways and greens are beautiful. It’s as if Tom Doak and Mike Clayton simply unrolled a grass carpet across the untouched undulating landscape. You will love the challenge of ‘snaking’ a putt through the enigmatic left-right-left, downhill breaks on the slick 13th green. Or “threading the needle” on the monstrous 8th to carefully place a drive on a narrow strip of elevated fairway — flirting precariously with the ball devouring rough on the left, and the valley of death on the right. Indeed, this is golf at its finest! (Tip: the yardage book is a great asset) These are courses you will want to play twice - with hindsight assisting your shot

selection the second time round. There’s little wonder why both Barnbougle and the neighboring Lost Farm are ranked in the world’s top-30 courses.

THE GAMES YOU PLAY It’s fancy dress on the opening night in team colours. You do it because it earns your team bonus points. The past has seen green leprechauns, blue Barnbougle pencils, purple trolls and yellow daffodils. On Tuesday, your rest day from golf, there are beach games, another chance to earn points for the team and a great way to break up the week. Dust off the sand and grab a pitcher and putter for the highly anticipated chipping and putting comp. It comes with wine, cheese, beers and jeers as you barrack for your favourites as they progress through the semis to the final.

Come to Tasmania early and play the Wrest Point International Masters in Hobart. Open to male and female amateur golfers aged 35+, you’ll play at the Royal Hobart and Tasmania Golf Club with golfers your own age and standard. Whether you come to Tasmania for one week or both weeks, just don’t

miss it. You’ll have the best time of your life!

Go Golfing’s Tassie Tournaments 22-27 January, Wrest Point Masters, Hobart 28 Jan-3 Feb, Barnbougle Golf Challenge www.gogolfing.net.au 1300 55 28 55

November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

FREE Golf in Thailand

Banyan GC

OLFERS heading to Thailand to enjoy the amazing variety of golf courses, food and sightseeing now have another incentive to pack their bags. Travel agent Gimme Golf is offering what all golfers want– Free golf. All tours over five days can include a free round of golf at one of the best courses in that area. If you choose Hua Hin it will be Banyan GC, the exciting new Siam Waterside in Pattaya and Loch Palm in Phuket. They have also included Chiang Mai into their 2017 program with a free round at Chiang Mai Highlands.

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

Bonus rounds are courtesy of Thai Tourism and Gimme Golf --subject to availability and an allocation of 180 rounds. Steve Worner, Gimme Golf’s managing director, points to Hua Hin as one of the best places in Thailand with three stunning resort courses and another four courses located within 30 minutes of your accommodation. All courses are well manicured with true greens and an assortment of tee-off areas to suit all levels of golfers. Hua Hin also has excellent nightlife with an array of fine seafood restaurants and lively bars, but the town is far quieter than Bangkok with many couples choosing Hua

Hin over Pattaya and Phuket which also have quality golf courses. The new destination for 2017 in Thailand is Chiang Mai. Just over one hour’s flight North of Bangkok, return flights are normally well under $200. This new golfing area is easier to get around and offers two of the finest golf courses in Thailand, Alpine and Chiang Mai Highlands in the package. If you have been to Thailand before but not this area, do yourself a favour and try it. Packages start at under $900 for six nights’ accommodation and four rounds of golf with all transfers. As well as great golf there is an old town, shopping and some super restaurants along the river area.

All accommodation offered in the packages is minimum four-stars with a five-star hotel chosen in all major cities as pricing is still well under what you pay in Australia. All clubhouses are modern and clean, with the pick of them being Black Mountain in Hua Hin where you can purchase a large bottle of Heineken after your round for around $3 and a tasty local Thai dish for under $5. Main season to travel to Thailand for Australians is May through to September to escape the Southern winter and cash-in on low season rates. The weather is still warm and if the rain decides to come through, it’s only likely to interrupt your round by 20 – 30 minutes. Thai airlines and Qantas can offer some great specials and, coupled with Gimme Golf’s packages, pricing can be as low as under $1,700 if choosing Pattaya or Chiang Mai for an eight-day, four round golf holiday with return airfares. Steve notes that many of his groups upon return are asked for their general comments on the tour and the main feedback is on the wonderful service. The hotel staff, the drivers for course transfers, caddies and all golf staff. Just as important in the feedback is the high quality of golf courses--many guests are quite surprised at how good the golf is in Thailand. Gimme Golf is a licensed Travel agent with ATAS Accreditation and a member of Independent Travel Group. Airfares can be booked as part of your package. For more information and golf holidays throughout the world visit www.gimmegolf.com.au •

SOUTHERNCharm Curlewis Golf Club

A E

A B C D

One of Australia’s more iconic and enjoyable golf courses, Curlewis Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, continues to evolve and has earned the enviable reputation as the fastest growing golf club in Australia. Following the purchase of the club in July 2015 by Bellarine locals David and Lyndsay Sharp (renowned for their hospitality enterprises in the region), the couple embarked on an ongoing roll out of course and clubhouse improvements with

E F G H

CURLEWIS Golf Club PORTARLINGTON Golf Club LONSDALE GOLF CLUB THIRTEENTH BEACH Golf Club

Curlewis Golf Club

the goal of establishing a new benchmark in regional golfing experiences. Australian golf course designer Michael Clayton has been secured and commenced the initiation and activation of a contemporary course Master Plan while the clubhouse has enjoyed a suite of renovations with accommodation planned in the near future. An exciting recent announcement has been that of a state-of-the-art golf academy and driving range, complete with double-level driving booths, hospitality and golf simulators. This development is guaranteed to elevate

THE SANDS TORQUAY ANGLESEA GOLF CLUB WARRNAMBOOL Golf Club PORT FAIRY Golf Club

Curlewis to impressive new heights in the Australian golf arena. The Curlewis Clubhouse itself sports a retro-inspired new fit-out including a funky new Spikes Bar, making it a warm and welcome area for pre or post-round drinks or to sample the food from the updated menu. With lunch and snacks available seven days, Curlewis has also gained the reputation as a new ‘foodie’ destination of the region and has extended its repertoire to serve up top Bistro meals on Friday and Saturday nights. The “clubhouse meets

Featuring stunning beaches, historic towns, awe-inspiring scenery and, of course, spectacular golf, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula combine into one of Australia’s most enjoyable ‘must-visit’ destinations for travellers and golf lovers alike. contemporary” dinner menu has been met with great gusto, not to book will almost certainly guarantee disappointment. Curlewis has seen an influx of new members, with more than 100 members joining over the last year. Junior golfers are also flocking to the course to enjoy a range of offerings – clinics, intermediate level coaching and competitions are just part of what’s on offer here. The introduction of Golf Boards has also added another level of interest and fun to all those stepping out to tackle the hallowed Curlewis fairways. November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Post golf wining, dining and chilling on The Bellarine On the doorstep of Curlewis Golf Club are three of the best Bellarine epicurean and winery experiences around, each unique and well worth a visit when you’re not tackling the fairways of this picturesque region.

Curlewis Golf Club Just ten minutes from Geelong, Curlewis Golf Club currently boasts a 6150 metre Par-72 course with naturally undulating fairways, large contoured greens and a challenge for the serious and social golfer. With its views towards the bay and natural vegetation, Curlewis Golf Club is dearly loved as a haven for wildlife. Curlewis’s risk and reward design has been compared with some of Melbourne’s famous courses. The opening short par-5, and the following two short par-4’s would not be out of place on any of the best courses on the Melbourne Sandbelt. In 2013 the course was ranked in Ausgolf’s Top 50 Public Access courses while in 2014 Curlewis was ranked in Golf Australia Magazine’s Top 100 courses. As such, Curlewis is a must play when visiting the Bellarine. The course’s signature hole is the Par-3, 139m 8th hole. This beauty features a two-

tiered, elevated green than can be tricky if you land the ball in the wrong area. It also has deep bunkers on the front, left and right of the green. If you miss the green, and also miss the bunkers, your ball will run anything up to 15 metres into the surrounding gulley leaving a very tricky pitch. The licensed clubhouse has a fullyserviced bar and can be hired for corporate and private functions, with the dining room comfortably seating up to 120 guests. The Curlewis Staff are also available to provide information on the range of membership categories. Green fees are $35 on weekdays, $47 on Saturday and $40 on Sunday. Discounts are available for group golf bookings. For more information, phone (03) 5251 2534, or visit www.curlewisgolf.com.au

With its unrivalled panoramic views across the vines and bay to Melbourne, the You Yangs, Geelong and beyond, Jack Rabbit Vineyard has forged a reputation as a gastronomic showpiece of The Bellarine. Two dining experiences are on offer at Jack Rabbit – the Restaurant which offers a seasonal à la carte menu featuring an abundance of local produce to indulge even the most discerning culinary whim. For those opting for a more casual dining experience, the House of Jack Rabbit cellar door serves terrific café-style fare. A stable of sophisticated cool climate wines completes the picture here. Jack Rabbit is open 7 days for lunch and guided tastings with dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. www.jackrabbitvineyard.com.au Local favourite, Leura Park Estate is well and truly established as a dynamic force in the production of premium cool climate wines. A cellar door experience will delight. Enjoy the rustic chic ambience of the contemporary cellar

door, the much loved, grassy al fresco area or the Vault, an ‘Opera House-esque’ living art compound. Feast on gourmet pizzas, stunning platters, hearty steak sandwiches, freshly beer-battered fish and chips as well as a host of evolving specials, all featuring local fare – great partners for the live music Sunday offerings. Open Thursday – Sunday for lunch, guided tastings and sales, and of course, coffee! www.leuraparkestate.com.au Not far afield is Flying Brick Cider Co, another must - it’s fabulous, funky and fun! This retro-inspired landmark venue is the go for innovative space, a tasting paddle of ciders, amazing food without the ‘fancy’, the best Bellarine wines around, a solid selection of beer as well as Friday night live music which traces the roots of rock, soul, rhythm and blues. The innovative menu is designed to inspire, share and indulge with local produce and community group partnership being key features. Flying Brick ciders are traditionally crafted from 100 per cent fresh fruit and contain no sugars, colours, flavourings or concentrates. The onsite cidery is continually crafting boutique seasonal batches. Open 7 days for lunch and guided tastings. Dinner Friday and Saturday nights. www.flyingbrickciderco.com.au

Lonsdale Golf Club

18 Hole sandbelt course on the Bellarine Peninsula

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

www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au 8

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

• $30 Green Fees for 18 holes • Memberships from $12 p/w • Visitors can book online • Clubhouse & Bar open 6 days • Non-members & social golf welcome 69 Fellows Road, Point Lonsdale

Phone (03) 5258 1955

www.lonsdalegc.com.au

The Sands Torquay

The Sands Torquay The Sands Torquay is a beautifully situated golf course and resort which makes the most of fantastic scenery and the relaxed feel of the surf coast and wind-swept dunes. The course was established in 2004 and has a classic design by Australian PGA Tour Professional Stuart Appleby that allows for all levels of golfers to take on the five tee positions and different difficulty ratings available. The views throughout the course are magnificent, the greens are firm and true, and the course itself is in great condition. The Sands is a nicely manicured and quite challenging golf course which doesn’t necessarily require booming drives.

Indeed, a solid course management strategy is key to success at this wonderful course. Benefits of the course and resort include a 50 cart fleet to help move you around the course, fantastic championship level practice facilities (also open to the public outside of members times) and the beautiful Hanners restaurant and alfresco area that is perfect for golfers and visitors to enjoy a meal and a drink while overlooking the stunning golf backdrop. When visiting the Surf Coast and the Bellarine for golf, The Sands is high on the list for a weekend game with public access allowed after 10am on Sunday mornings. Mid-week golf is also available outside

of members times and enquiries should be directed to the golf operations team on (03) 5264 3307 or email to golfops@ thesandstorquay.com. Or visit www.thesandstorquay.com

Lonsdale Golf Club The Lonsdale Golf Club is situated in the beautiful seaside town of Point Lonsdale. The 18-hole sand belt course is challenging yet suitable for all skill levels. With sand underfoot you’ll never get mud on your shoes at Lonsdale, and no matter what the weather has in store on your next visit, the course is playable all year round. The course is currently undergoing some

redevelopment works which means there are temporary greens and holes on the 16th, 17th and 18th but green fees have been reduced by 25% to compensate for any disruptions. Play 18 holes for just $30, every day of the week. Or swing by and play a quick 9 for only $19. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the Clubhouse and Links Bistro 7 days a week. Meals are available most days with extended trading over the summer period. Enjoy Sunday brunch in the Bellarine’s best kept secret garden, or unwind after golf with local bands playing Sunday afternoons. A trip to the town isn’t complete without visiting the historic lighthouse and

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads has the “wow factor” you must challenge ASAP. Can you beat our Top 50 courses? Give it a crack, see how you go, take your mates’ money and walk in the clouds! PS: Divine interventions and golfing miracles are not included in your green fees. Sorry.

November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Lonsdale Golf Club watching the ships come through the heads from the Pt Lonsdale Pier. Lonsdale Golf Club is open for golf 7 days and open for bistro meals and snacks 5 days a week. Visit the website for full trading hours and extended summer hours. Green fees: $30 for 18 holes, $19 for 9 holes, $19 for Twilight Golf, Juniors $19 for 18 holes. Lonsdale Golf Club, 69 Fellows Rd Point Lonsdale VIC 3225. Phone (03) 5258 1955, visit www.lonsdalegc.com.au, or email admin@lonsdalegc.com.au

Port Fairy Golf Club Winding its way through unspoilt sand dunes, with spectacular views to be had at every turn, Port Fairy Golf Club is a classic links-style course that is reminiscent of the great layouts found in Ireland. So if you’ve ever fancied playing

a great Irish links course, but don’t have the money or time to get there, then Port Fairy is the perfect alternative. Located 5km east of the historic Port Fairy township, the course is consistently ranked in the “50 Best Public Access Courses in Australia” and in the “25 Best in Victoria.” Course designer Mike Clayton once rated it as “the best value golf in Australia.” There are numerous highlights on this outstanding course. The 5th hole, a 448-metre par-5, is one of the most beautiful holes on the course with a lovely wide and undulating fairway that sweeps uphill and curves from left to right. Strategically-placed bunkers demand accuracy on the second shot before the approach to a fast back-tofront sloping green. The 8th is a stunning 122-metre downhill par-3 to a large rolling green that requires anything from

Don’t miss the opportunity to play on two of the Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses in Australia!

from $125 per person per night (min 4 pp) *

Port Fairy Golf Club a wedge to a 3-iron depending on the wind and skill of the golfer. Holes 12 to 16 are agreed by many to be among the best stretch of golf holes in the country, with spectacular ocean views (providing frequent sightings of southern right whales during the winter and early spring) and some very challenging hole designs. The twelfth is a 470-metre par-5 along the ocean with fabulous views. The right hand side is all OOB, and treacherous swathes of marram grass await the wayward shot to the left. The 409-metre 14th plays straight at the ocean and is nearly impossible to reach in two into the wind, and extremely difficult to hold when played downwind. The course features a mixture of grasses and is immaculately conditioned. At 5887 metres it is not long by today’s standards

but with the amount of wind it still tests the game of the most proficient golfers. Picturesque and testing with spot-on playing conditions it is a game of golf not to be missed. For more information, phone (03) 5568 2866, email: info@portfairygolf.com.au, or visit www.portfairygolf.com.au

Warrnambool Golf Club Warrnambool is a classically-designed course laid out between and over a massive tertiary dune system. The course offers a unique combination of exposed holes with elevated tees together with those carved into natural ti-tree-lined dunes. Located within 2km of the regional city’s CBD, it makes for an ideal destination for the dedicated golf tourist, social golfing groups or family holiday makers.

With 22 ensuite rooms, a solar-heated pool and spa, tennis court, kitchen, comfy lounge, laundry, spacious grounds with BBQ’s and off-street parking, the Guest House, is the ideal place to unwind after a challenging day “finessing” the score card.

Port Fairy

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Warrnambool

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Shop 2/54 Sackville Street, Port Fairy VIC 3284 03 5568 3150 accommodation@hearns.com.au

Great Location | Great Service | Great Stay 10

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

Point Lonsdale Guest House 31 Point Lonsdale Road Point Lonsdale VIC 3225 Ph: (03) 5258 1142 info@pointlonsdaleguesthouse.com.au www.pointlonsdaleguesthouse.com.au

Warrnambool Golf Club The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds to the challenge of a layout that offers variety from one round to the next. It is perhaps this aspect which shaped the game of Warrnambool’s most famous golfing export, Marc Leishman, to the level of success he now enjoys. The course has received a good deal of attention over recent years and the installation of an integrated irrigation system, supplied with recycled water, has allowed the staff to present the course in immaculate condition.

In addition, the club has launched a unique moniker for a trio of their most challenging holes—starting from the short par-4 4th and ending on the slightly uphill dogleg 6th. Borrowing from the location’s proximity to Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast—up to18 ships have found their resting place within 2km of the club—Warrnambool Golf Club has named this menacing trio of holes as “Shipwreck Bend”, with the warning that these holes can easily “wreck” a good round by players of any level. Standing on the tee of the imposing

4th hole (complete with a ship’s anchor guarding the tee box), one must be sure to avoid the large waste bunker on the right side, lest you be faced with either a lost ball, or a very difficult approach shot. Similar hazards are apparent on both the 5th and 6th holes, as finding the fairways is paramount to success on these holes. There are many holes along the course which offer risk/reward options, stunning views and challenging golf. In fact, the quality of golf on this course goes beyond the typical “country course” feel, and the course would not feel out of place among

many of Melbourne’s great golfing areas, notably the Mornington Peninsula. So if you’ve never played at Warrnambool, we recommend you be sure to add it to your list. A well-stocked Pro Shop enables club professional Craig Bonney and his friendly staff to cater for all your equipment and apparel needs. For more information, phone the Pro shop on (03) 5562 8528; Club House (03) 5562 2108, email golf@wgcinc.com.au or visit www.wgcinc.com.au

November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Anglesea Golf Club

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links Just 15 minutes from Geelong on the Bellarine Peninsula, Thirteenth Beach Golf Links features two spectacular 18-hole golf courses, both rated in the Top 50 in Australia. And it is home to the Oates Victorian Open, a highly successful worldfirst tournament featuring both men and women which attracts huge galleries. Tournament professionals rate the Beach Course (designed by Tony Cashmore) and the Creek Course, (designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Tony Cashmore) equal to some of the best courses they play around the world and better than many. Both courses are built on perfect golf course land - sand over sandstone structure - and ample recycled water keeps fairways in top condition year-round. The Beach Course, much of which winds through spectacular foreshore sand dunes adjacent to the famous Thirteenth surf beach near Barwon Heads, is widely

acclaimed as one of Australia’s Best 25 courses. It is true links style. The key feature is its wonderful set of “wow-factor” par3s. There’s the brutal 180m 3rd hole, the dainty yet sinister 113m 16th, while the 7th and 12th use nature at its best, nestled in natural sand dunes with challenging greens and deep bunkers. The Creek Course is in a parkland setting, characterised by undulating Santa Anna couch fairways, huge, deep bunkers and large, true greens surrounded by interesting swales and hollows, all closely mown. The greenside bunkering helps form the slopes of the putting surfaces in the best traditions of Melbourne’s famous Sandbelt courses so much admired by Faldo. In addition, there is plenty of picturesque water hazards on seven holes which demand thoughtful ball positioning. On a daily rotating basis, one course is always kept for the exclusive use of members while the other is open to green fee players with whom the courses are

becoming increasingly popular far and wide – and they keep coming back. Equal access for males and females every day of the year is another key feature of 13th Beach. Thirteenth Beach is the only club between Melbourne and Adelaide with two courses. And it also has a first class driving range, dedicated chipping green and bunkers, two practice greens, practice nets and an expansive short game practice area. As well as great coffee in the expansive clubhouse! Former Melbourne AFL champion and SEN footy commentator David Schwarz says: “Membership at Thirteenth Beach is the best golfing investment I’ve ever made. It’s simply awesome. I can’t stop raving about the place!” And more than 1000 members agree with him! For more information: phone: (03) 5254 2922, email: info@13thbeach.net, or visit www.13thbeach.net

Anglesea Golf Club The Anglesea Golf Course, situated on the Great Ocean Road, is an undulating 6074m Par-73 layout set in natural bushland. A feature of the course is the number of elevated greens that require plenty of thought when selecting your club. Adding to the mix are 42 “sandbelt style” bunkers sprinkled throughout the course, eucalypt tree-lined fairways, and the ever-present resident population of around 300 Eastern Grey Kangaroos. These features all combine to produce a stimulating round of golf. The Club has just opened a 6-bay driving range with hire balls. One Bucket, 40 Balls, $7.00 and two Buckets for $12.00. The Clubhouse bar and bistro are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Memberships are available for 7-Day, Junior and the 18-25yo categories, and social golfers/green-fee players are welcome every day. Green fees range

“Play the course that shaped Marc Leishman’s game”

Dedicated 6 bay driving range 40 Balls $7.00 and 80 Balls $12.00

Visitors welcome

Bookings essential

Kangaroo Tours 7 Days a weeK

18 Hole Mini Golf Opening Christmas 2016 Green fees $50 for 18 holes $30 for 9 holes Junior green fees $25 for 18 holes $15 for 9 holes Social Golf Group bookings available 7 days Women’s competitions Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Men’s competitions Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Annual Tournament held over 8 days every October

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes). Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available. 18-Hole Mini Golf opening Christmas 2016. For more information: Phone: (03) 5263 1582, Golf Bookings: (03) 5263 1951, email: info@angleseagolfclub.com.au or visit www.angleseagolfclub.com.au

Portarlington Golf Club Situated on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula just minutes from the town centre of Portarlington and the waterfront, no trip along the Great Ocean Road would be complete without a round or two at the Portarlington Golf Club. While it may not be on many Melbourne golfers’ radar, this gem of a club is cherished by those “in the know”. A bustling, friendly and welcoming club, there is a certain energy about Portarlington Golf Club which you won’t find elsewhere; so it’s no wonder why their annual Pro-Am has been voted by the players of the PGA as the best regional Pro-Am Course of the year for multiple years. The course itself is a treat, with lush, Santa Ana Couch fairways along the 6015m, par- 72, tree-lined Tony Cashmore design. The greens are in excellent condition all year round, and there are a pleasing variety of holes throughout the course, with our pick being the par-3

Portarlington Golf Club 17th, which features a water carry over a serene pond to a well-guarded green. There have also been recent works done to a selection of the course’s bunkers, making the holes more challenging and pleasing to the eye. Carts are available for hire with excellent practice facilities. Green fee players are always welcome with great corporate and social golf packages on offer.

The club’s annual events such as the signature Carnival of Golf, as well as the Award-winning Pro-Am held in February this year, attract golfers of all ages and experiences to this wonderful club. The clubhouse offers something for everyone with ample entertainment, including TA B, Keno and Foxtel, as well as function areas and their award-winning bistro, which is open 7 days for both

lunch and dinner (and trust us, the food at the clubhouse is delicious and offers good value for money). Overall, we recommend a round (or many) at Portarlington. You won’t be disappointed. Portarlington Golf Club is located at 30 Hood Road, Portarlington 3223. Phone the Pro Shop on (03) 5259 3361, or visit www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

So much more in Geelong and The Bellarine E

xceptional food and wine, worldclass golf courses and shopping, coupled with a village atmosphere and striking bay and ocean views, Geelong and The Bellarine will captivate you.

Geelong Victoria’s second largest city, more now than its industrial and manufacturing past, boasts a stunning waterfront bustling with activity. It’s also basking in a renaissance of reinvention as breweries, galleries, markets, cafes and more are the new life of old woollen mills, industrial spaces, wine barrel halls, recycled shipping containers and more. Generations have enjoyed Geelong’s Waterfront with its bounty of whimsical bollards, restored carousel and picturesque Cunningham Pier, art deco promenade and swimming pavilion. You’ll find markets, events and places for a lazy lunch with a view. The city itself hosts museums, a new architecturally designed library, galleries, and retail precincts. This is a city with a regional feel, one hour’s easy drive from Melbourne. Geelong enthrals with its myriad events throughout the year from sporting events, food and wine festivals, sailing and boating regattas, music festivals, cultural festivals and more. Keep in mind the Oates Vic Open Golf Championships,

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

Festival of Sails, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Geelong Cup, Queenscliff Music Festival. Visit www. visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/whats-on. Geelong is also home to a burgeoning café, restaurant and brewery scene; from hot coffee spots, cosmopolitan wine bars, trendy cafes, award-winning restaurants such as Igni and eclectic brewery establishments, such as Little Creatures Brewery, the city is blossoming. To the north and east sit the reputable wineries and farmgates in the hills of the Moorabool Valley.

the bellarine It’s hard to believe that the rural vistas and small-town charms of The Bellarine begin just over an hour from Melbourne. Here you can discover the gentle pleasures of coastal walks, fishing, wine tasting and the freshest local produce. Blessed in its location, The Bellarine faces Port Phillip Bay on its northern and eastern shores and Bass Strait to the south. Water activities abound in the warmer months, ranging from swimming and fishing in the bay to sensational surfing, paddle boarding, swimming with dolphins and meeting marine life. In winter and spring The Bellarine is equally charming, offering a wealth of maritime history to uncover, a

sophisticated food and wine scene and pretty villages to discover. The hamlet of Barwon Heads, located at the mouth of the Barwon River, has quiet river beaches, friendly cafes and fishing opportunities. Barwon Heads is well known for its world-class links-style golf courses. Thirteenth Beach Golf Links features two prestigious courses, both of which have been recognised on lists of Australia’s best. Nearby, Barwon Heads Golf Club has a National Trust classified clubhouse famed for its ambience and old world charm, and a course with breathtaking ocean views, fresh sea air and friendly wildlife. The historic village of Queenscliff has elegant Victoria-era buildings, art galleries, boutiques and provedores line the streets and there are delightful places to eat. History buffs will enjoy visiting Fort Queenscliff, where you can learn about 19th-century military history, or the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the area’s seafaring traditions. Queenscliff Harbour is a modern marina development that serves as a working harbour and tourism precinct. It is from here that a number of water-based tours depart, including dolphin swims, fishing charters, eco cruises and the famous Searoad Ferries service from Queenscliff

to Sorrento. In the harbour tower is the stunning 360Q restaurant. Portarlington is famous for mussels, and its annual mussel festival each summer draws thousands of people from near and far. It’s also home to the largest Celtic celebration in the southern hemisphere. Outside the main villages, the Bellarine offers a host of food and wine experiences that can be uncovered by following the Bellarine Taste Trail. The Trail stops by farmgates, wineries, provedores, restaurants and cafes. You might find yourself at an olive grove, a berry farm, a goat’s cheese farm or a tomato growing provedore, before taking lunch by the beach, on a hillside or amongst the grapevines. Visit www.thebellarinetastetrail.com.au. The wineries offer magnificent views over Port Phillip Bay to the You Yangs and across to Melbourne. Some sit on the edge of Swan Bay with stunning vistas across to Queenscliff, others have quirky highlights such as upside-down house cellar doors, and many are awardwinning. The Bellarine boasts a new cidery and is home to Victoria’s largest theme park. On the cusp of the wineries and with spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the You Yangs sits much-loved Curlewis Golf Club. The club continues to grow and is about to have a state-of-the-art golf driving range and training academy installed. Geelong and the Bellarine is the perfect short break getaway. Further information on Geelong & The Bellarine go to www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au or phone 1800 755 611. •

Coastal Golf Victoria “Where to stay, where to play, how do we get around?” These are just some of the problems Coastal Golf Victoria can solve for you when you are looking to plan a golf getaway to the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast. Coastal Golf Victoria’s aim is to make it as easy as possible for you to visit and experience the fantastic courses in the area.

Sandcastles

Shearwater House

Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean and knowing all you have to do that day is play 18 glorious holes of Golf at Port Fairy. Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation can bring that thought to life, catering for golfing groups large and small in stunning accommodations. Sandcastles is one such property, sleeping 12 people, this ‘Aspen inspired’ 6 bedroom, 3 bathroom property offers absolute beachfront views, so for those of your group who may prefer to relax in luxury and be in strolling distance to the heart of Port Fairy, rather than wandering the beautiful Port Fairy Golf Links, this property is ideal. Affording the same luxurious feeling, Shearwater House also has 6 bedrooms, and has the added bonus of 6 ensuite bathrooms, perfect for the ladies getting ready for a meal out after a personal best game. Located right on the Moyne River, Shearwater House is a hop, skip and

jump to all the wonderful restaurants Port Fairy has to offer. Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation in association with Port Fairy Golf Links and Warrnambool Golf Club offer Stay and Play packages and discounts through the off season, making trips to Port Fairy the ideal weekend getaway. If a romantic couples escape and golf for two is more to your liking, Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation oversee the spectacular Hearn’s Beachside Villas, nestled in the sand dunes. Available in one, two or three bedroom Villas, these architecturally designed, contemporary accommodations offer peace, privacy and complete beach frontage, just a 10-minute drive to town and the course. Managing over 100 properties, Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation will be sure to have a property to suit your needs. www.portfairyaccom.com.au

Simply provide your dates and a brief description of your group’s requirements, and Coastal Golf Victoria will provide a number of packages to choose from. They do the calling around to find the best tee times, rates and venues for your group, to ensure the best prices and best fit for an enjoyable getaway. In addition, they also provide course addresses, dress codes and any other relevant information so that you don’t have to spend time researching. Locally based and with over 12 years’ experience in golf on the Bellarine and Surf Coast, they can expertly recommend where to play and stay. They have personal relationships with the courses and accommodation venues, ensuring you get the best rates and service. Easy payment terms, plus the ability to pay by credit card is just another reason why booking a package through Coastal Golf Victoria is an easier option. Start planning your next golf getaway to the Bellarine Peninsula & Surf Coast now, and email them with your requirements. 2 night / 3 day packages start at just $248pp (quad share). For more information on Coastal Golf Victoria, phone 0448 904 934, visit www.coastalgolfvictoria.com.au, or email heidi@coastalgolfvictoria.com.au

www.portfairygolf.com.au This natural links style course with spectacular ocean views, winds its way through undulating sand dunes. The course is less than five minutes from the centre of charming, historic Port Fairy, along the Princes Highway in the Shipwreck Coast and Great Ocean Road Tourism regions. Fully Licensed Club House

Green Fees: $40 - Nine Holes $25 - Juniors $15 Phone: (03) 5568 2866 • Email: info@portfairygolf.com.au November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Great Golf Getaways Great Golf Getaways can assist you in planning your own “personalised golf tour” to include Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula. This combination tour featuring three different regions, is the perfect itinerary for a leisurely golfing holiday with over 10 different courses to enjoy along the journey. The Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast are a great starting point and for interstate visitors arriving at Melbourne Airport, it’s just over a 1-hour drive. The coastal townships of Barwon Heads and Torquay offer a great variety of accommodation including apartments and hotels/resorts with on course accommodation options also. There are several top courses in the area including Thirteenth Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads Golf Club, Lonsdale Golf Club, Portarlington Golf Club, Curlewis, The Sands Torquay and RACV Torquay Resort. Touring along the Great Ocean Road, from Torquay, you’ll also experience spectacular coastal scenery as you wind your way through the picturesque townships of Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Warrnambool. Spend a few days exploring the historic towns and sites along the “Shipwreck Coast” and include a round at the local courses in Anglesea, Warrnambool and Port Fairy. Great Golf Getaways provides customised golf tours for groups of all sizes including golf travel for club members, social clubs and corporate tour events. Golf Packages are available for weekend getaways, or longer golf tours of 7-14 days for those keen to play a different course every day. Contact Great Golf Getaways for further information on their latest range of stay and play packages for your next golf trip. Phone 1300 124 220, www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au or email info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au.

Point Lonsdale Guest House

Point Lonsdale Guest House Make the most out of your Bellarine Golf adventure by basing yourself in the conveniently located Point Lonsdale Guest House, circa 1884. On the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road and close to the Sorrento – Queenscliff ferry, let yourself relax in the old world charm of days gone by and chill out in the comfort of an unhurried lifestyle. With 22 ensuite rooms, a solar-heated pool and spa, tennis court, kitchen, comfy lounge, laundry, spacious grounds with BBQs and off-street parking, the Guest House is the ideal place to unwind after a challenging day “finessing” the score card. An end-of-day postmortem in “Basil’s Bar”, the Guest House’s very own 19th hole, allows you to celebrate in style (by unmercifully boasting about your conquests) or to drown your sorrows (by systematically blaming anything and anyone for your lamentable performance).

Within a healthy drive and a short putt of the sleepy little hamlet of Point Lonsdale you can savour the best of the brilliant Bellarine golf scene, wine and dine like royalty and marvel at the spectacular coastal scenery, including the iconic Lighthouse – and all this with a lung full of clean, fresh air! Point Lonsdale Guest House is located at 31 Point Lonsdale Road Point Lonsdale VIC 3225. For more information, Phone 03 5258 1142, email info@ pointlonsdaleguesthouse.com.au, or visit www.pointlonsdaleguesthouse.com.au Would you like to see your club or course included in a future Inside Golf feature? Then have your General Manager or Marketing Manager contact us for details.

Portarlington golf club www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

Golf memberships 7 Day $743 6 Day $631 Including $50 House Levy (Valid to 1st July 2016)

• Green fee players welcome • Clubhouse facilities Bistro Open 7 Days - TAB - KENO • Winner of the PGA Regional Pro-Am Course of the Year 2012 & 2013 • Winner CCV “Best Golf Club 2014”

130 Hood road, portarlington, Victoria clubhouse: (03) 5259 2492 www.portarlingtongolf.com.au 16

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

#1 for golf packages on the Bellarine Peninsula & Surfcoast Being locally based means we can personally recommend where to stay & play. Catering to groups large & small, and all budgets. Email us now with the requirements of your next golf getaway. heidi@coastalgolfvictoria.com.au

STAy 2 nIGhTS & PLAy 3 COuRSeS from only $248pp (quad share)

Visit our website or Like our Facebook page to keep up to date with promotions & packages.

COASTAL GOLF VICTORIA | Ph 0448 904 934 www.coastalgolfvictoria.com.au Facebook /coastalgolfvictoria

International and domestic golf travel specialists

Thailand Super Specials 2017

Pattaya $985 4 Star Centara Hotel $1,260 5 Star Marriott Hotel • • • • •

Pattaya 1 Free Round Burapaha GC

6 Night’s accommodation and daily buffet breakfast 3 rounds of golf with carts and caddies each round Laem Chabang Siam Plantation and St Andrews All private transfers airport, golf and hotel air conditioned modern van English speaking driver and assistance throughout tour

Hua Hin $1,060 4 Star Amari Hotel $1,230 5 Star Hilton Hotel • • • • •

Hua Hin 1 free round Banyan GC

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

Phuket

Chiang Mai

$1,295 4 Star Phuket 1 free Swissotel round Loch Palm Hotel GC $1,445 5 Star Dusit Thani Hotel

$875 4 Star Holiday Inn $1,175 5 Star Ratilanna Riverside

• • • • •

6 Night’s accommodation and daily buffet breakfast 3 rounds of golf with carts and caddies each round Red Mountain, Blue Canyon and Laguna CC All private transfers airport, golf and hotel air conditioned modern van English speaking driver and assistance throughout tour

Chang Mai 1 free round Chiang Mai Highlands

6 Night’s accommodation and daily buffet breakfast 3 rounds of golf with carts and caddies each round Alpine, Summit Green and Royal Chang Mai All private transfers airport, golf and hotel air conditioned modern van English speaking driver and assistance throughout tour

All tour prices above are based on Low season 7/5/2017 and 30/09/2017 but pricing can be provided outside of This. Prices are also based on minimum 4 golfers. Surcharges can apply for weekend golf in Pattaya. Gimme Golf provides bonus rounds at 4 golf clubs in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Phuket until our allocation of 180 rounds is complete for 2017. Gimme Golf is a licensed Travel agent and airfares can be added to all packages.

Into the blue... Great golf in The Blue Mountains B C

D A

A B C D

Leura Golf Club/Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains Blackheath Golf & Community Club Springwood Country Club Ltd Wentworth Falls Country Club

HERE are a number of hidden gems scattered about the Blue Mountains and each offers a panorama that could even inspire non-golfers to break the mould and have a game. Just look at the photos on these pages and you will see why these courses offer some of the best value for money golf facilities in the country. The Blue Mountains, a 90-minute drive from Sydney, has other advantages – it’s where you’ll start to breathe in the crisp, clean fresh air. 18

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

There is plenty of debate among the golf clubs over who has the best views in the mountains. Still, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the friendly rivalry will continue for a while yet. The Blue Mountains is picturesque with vistas to die for and the colour and the hues of the flowers and trees, particularly at Blackheath, are magnificent. Golfers and non-golfers alike are missing out if they don’t book a Blue Mountains holiday.

Leura Golf Course Leura Golf Course was established in 1902 and is the oldest course in the Blue Mountains. You will be presented with the most spectacular views of the Jamison Valley while enjoying 18 holes of fine golf. Variety and fine conditioning define Leura Golf Club’s 18-hole golf course. Located just over a 90-minute drive from Sydney, Leura Golf Club has been luring golfers for more than 100 years. That’s because it’s nestled high up in the Blue Mountains, which come alive when playing golf at Leura.

Locals say it’s close to heaven both geographically and in the hearts of members and visitors. The golf course has exceptional views from every hole, but it’s the 14th that leaves everyone gasping in awe. Bordered by one of golf’s biggest hazards – the Jamison Valley – the 14th hole is simply stunning. The views across the valley are breathtaking, and that’s why brides flock to have the best day of their lives recorded near the green with the valley and mountains as a backdrop.

Leura Golf Club They reckon there are more shots taken with cameras than golf clubs on this hole. The green has a 40 to 50-kilometre unimpeded view straight down the Jamison to faraway Mittagong and the Southern Highlands. Mind you, the entire course is picturesque and one of the best challenges in the mountains. The back nine is more demanding, particularly the 13th, 14th and 16th holes. With four par5s (two on each nine) and seven par-3s, the challenging layout allows golfers to use every club in the bag. The course has it all – narrow chutes, acute shot angles, blind tee shots, doglegs, testing rough and undulating slopes. The uphill sixth hole offers the first glimpse of the magnificent Jamison

Valley – a welcome bonus especially if you’ve made a mess of what is arguably the hardest hole on the course.

expect including gaming, pool tables and television screens to watch the latest sporting events.

Some of the highlights would include the drives on the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th dealing with water, OOB, narrow shot lines, precipitous slopes and untouched eucalypt forest with all its difficulties of leaf, stick and bark litter and overhanging branches. That’s an incentive to stay on the fairways.

Tuition and group clinics for conference delegates can be arranged with the Pro Shop. Carts and hire equipment are also available. Also try out the TruGolf indoor simulator, with loads of internationally renowned courses to play or simply spend some time at the driving range when the weather is not your friend.

After the round, enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the course, or stay for dinner. The highly recommended Clubhouse Bistro is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday and offers affordable meals and an enticing beverage list. The comfortable clubhouse offers all the facilities you’d

For accommodation packages look no further than Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. Located just across the driveway, take advantage of the awardwinning resort facilities for the ultimate weekend golf escape.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Leura Golf Club Sublime Point Road, Leura NSW 2780 Pro Shop: (02) 4785 0034 / Clubhouse Bistro: (02) 4785 0036 www.leuragolfclub.com.au

Golf: proshop@leuragolfclub.com.au Functions: conference@fairmontresort.com.au For accommodation see www.fairmontresort.com.au

18 Hole Weekday Social Fee: $35 pp ($5 off if staying at Fairmont Resort) Club Hire: $25 Motorised Cart Hire: $40 Golf Simulator: $35 for a 1 hour session

Stay and Play Golf Package $699 for two people Stay & play in style and discover the stunning Leura Golf Course complete with views of the Jamison Valley. Complete your day with a well-earned drink and delicious dinner in Embers Bar ready for round 2 the next day. Perfect for a bit of bonding and golfing amongst mates. Package is for 2 people and includes: • Two nights accommodation in a Superior Room • Full Buffet Breakfast daily • Two Rounds of Golf including Buggy per person • $100 credit to use in Embers • Sydney Brewery Beer and Snacks on arrival • Complimentary in room movie each night Call Fairmont Resort on 02 4785 0000 to book your stay

Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel 1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, 2780 | Call: 02 4785 0000 Email: reservations@fairmontresort.com.au | Web: www.fairmontresort.com.au November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

with many native birds and ducks that thrive on the course and waterways. The clubhouse is the place to enjoy genuine mountains’ hospitality with Bistro on Brightlands, bar, gaming area and barbecue. The Bistro can cater for all occasions including corporate golf days, weddings and all other social events. The clubhouse is a great place to relax with friends and family no matter the occasion or time of year. So why not visit Blackheath Golf & Community Club and enjoy a game of golf? The well-equipped Golf shop will insure you have everything you need for your round. Later, dine in the clubhouse or on the deck overlooking the course. Have a relaxing drink and ponder your round and create a memory that will stay with you for a long time.

Blackheath Golf & Community Club

Blackheath Golf & Community Club Blackheath Golf & Community Club offer first class golfing and clubhouse facilities and a very warm welcome to both members and their guests at a location near the top of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Blackheath Golf & Community Club are just 10 minutes west of Katoomba and about 2 hours’ drive

along the Great Western Highway from the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1924 the club is home to a mature 18-hole course that is rated highly by all who play there. It is the highest, and among the most beautiful courses in the Blue Mountains. The par 69 course measures 5350m from the black markers. It is not a long course but with many well established trees and small greens you will not be

able to take it for granted and a good score is always a challenge. In springtime, parts of the course abound with colourful flowering azaleas, rhododendrons, cherry and apple blossoms and many other botanical treasures that flourish in this special part of the Blue Mountains. This is no more apparent than on the beautiful 17th, the feature hole of the course. The parkland-like setting also abounds

Blackheath Village has much to offer including a vast variety of accommodation. Including Redleaf Lodge Resort just across the road and the world famous Hydro Majestic Hotel less than a 5-minute drive away. FOR MORE INFORMATION Blackheath Golf & Community Club Cnr Brightlands Ave & Valley View Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Club: (02) 4787 8406 Proshop: (02) 4787 5643 www.blackheathgolf.com.au info@blackheathgolf.com.au

• Stunning natural park like surroundings • Enjoy mountain hospitality at the popular Bistro on Brightlands • Stunning venue for Wedding receptions or Conferences. Ph. 4787 8406 • Stay at the Redleaf Resort across the road from the course. Ph. 4787 8108

Blackheath Golf & Community Club Cnr Brightlands Ave and Valley View Rd, Blackheath Contact: Proshop (02) 4787 5643 20

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

www.blackheathgolf.com.au

Wentworth Falls Country Club

Wentworth Falls Country Club For more than a century, Wentworth Falls Country Club has been a golf pacesetter on the Blue Mountains and with a new Club Professional recently appointed there already is a super-value deal now on offer for visitors, particularly social clubs. Just by mentioning this article and Wentworth Falls’ advertisement in Inside Golf, a group of 12 or more golfers can play the championship par-70 course and enjoy a burger and chips meal for just $45 a head – and for $10 extra each you can ride in a cart. Head Professional Robert Kennedy and the management team at Wentworth Falls are keen to enhance the well-known welcoming reputation the club has with

social clubs and groups visiting from western Sydney, which is less than an hour’s drive. “While I have only been here since September, I can see some fantastic opportunities for the club,” Kennedy says. “The Blue Mountains has some of the most spectacular natural golf-course landscape in Australia and brings thousands of visitors to the area every weekend.” Formerly the professional at Moss Vale Golf Club in the golf-popular NSW Southern highlands, Kennedy says a focus for him and the club will be to promote Wentworth Falls Country Club as one of the great golfing destinations. “We not only want to attract more

visitors with top-value deals and play-andstay packages, we hopefully want them to regularly return to on an annual basis,” he says. “We will be looking to build stronger relationships with local accommodation venues and really promote some attractive stay-and-play options. “All of our competition days on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are open events and we welcome men and women visitor from other clubs wanting to take on our winding fairways and immaculate but tricky greens.” Wentworth Falls Country Club has been a quality centre of golf on the Mountains since 1913. The facilities at the Wentworth Falls golf course are first rate with two

Above the smog and below the fog

driving nets for a quick warm up and a large, gently-sloping practice green. The course plays 5719 metres and has a par of 70 for men and 74 for women. It is considered to be one of the best golf tests in the Blue Mountains. All the fairways are lined by native trees, mountain pines and large gum trees. The course is easy walking with only a couple of uphill holes. FOR MORE INFORMATION Wentworth Falls Country Club 206-220 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 Pro-Shop: (02) 4757 1899 www.wfcc.com.au admin@wfcc.com.au

• • • • • • • • •

Only 1 hour from Sydney and 15 mins from Penrith Fantastically maintained course with 360 degree views of nature at its very best Well stocked Pro Shop for your golfing needs. Fleet of new golf carts Fully licensed clubhouse Enjoy a cold drink on the balcony with views over the course and with a backdrop of the Sydney skyline Kids play area. Corporate and social bookings welcome Range of Memberships available

Springwood Country Club | 70-84 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood, NSW, 2777 Pro Shop (02) 4751 2484 | Clubhouse (02) 4751 1122 www.springwoodgolfclub.com.au | springwoodgolfshop1@gmail.com or info@springwoodgolfclub.com.au November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

kids’ play area where you can keep an eye on them whilst enjoying a cold drink on the balcony, all the time enjoying the views. Make the most of the great practice driving range and putting green before the round to be at your best, or book a lesson with their friendly Golf Professional, Eugene Finn. For the more energetic, they have two Squash Courts that are available to help burn off the calories from lunch, which is available from the Bistro. Corporate and social golf day enquiries are also always welcome.

Springwood Country Club

Springwood Country Club Located in the beautiful Blue Mountains and just one hour drive west of Sydney and only 15 minutes from Penrith, Springwood Country Club is the ideal course to start your golfing tour in the Blue Mountains, or, make it your last stop on the way back to the hustle and bustle of the city. There couldn’t be a better way to start or finish your golfing tour.

At 371 metres above sea level, you can take advantage of the temperate climate of the region and escape the heat of the Sydney basin, whilst enjoying 360 degree views of nature at its very best. With a fleet of new golf carts, playing the wonderfully maintained course couldn’t be easier or more relaxing. The par-69, 18-hole course has been established on its present site for over

FOR MORE INFORMATION Springwood Country Club 70-84 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood NSW 2777 Pro Shop (02) 4751 2484 Clubhouse: (02) 4751 1122 www.springwoodgolfclub.com.au springwoodgolfshop1@gmail.com or info@springwoodgolfclub.com.au

100 years and warmly welcomes you as a visitor to enjoy their fantastic course. After your round, relax on the Clubhouse balcony and enjoy the views over the course and the backdrop of the Sydney skyline.

Would you like to see your club included in a future Inside Golf feature? Then have your General Manager or Marketing Manager contact us for details.

The facilities at the Club include a recently refurbished Pro Shop for all your golfing needs, while the fully licensed Clubhouse has a Bistro and a fantastic

Come and experience the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere that is Wentworth Falls CC Less than an hours drive from Western Sydney

Wentworth Falls is an easy walking must play 5719m Par 70 and 74 delight

Groups of 12 or more Enjoy 18 holes and a Burger & Chips Lunch for only $45 pp! ($10 pp more for drive cart) Wentworth Falls Country Club 206-220 Blaxland Road, Wentworth Falls Ph: (02) 4757 1202 www.wfcc.com.au

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

King Island Golf:

can it really be THAT good?

The opening hole at Ocean Dunes

Richard Fellner

ver the last few months, you will have doubtless heard all the hype about Australia’s latest golf courses on King Island, namely Ocean Dunes and Cape Wickham. Golf magazines across the globe have touted the rugged beauty and true linksstyle nature of these courses, with some journalists placing these courses among the top in the world. But do these two seaside layouts really live up to all the hype? Are they really THAT good? Having recently been to the island for the official opening of the courses, I can say without hesitation that the answer to both questions is a resounding YES.

I’ve played courses all over the world, and I have never sampled layouts quite like these two beauties. Raw, rugged and

remarkable, they absolutely tick all the boxes. Seaside links is the way golf was meant to be played. Bump-and-run shots, punched irons under the wind, and proper course management are the name of the game, and you’ll find it all at King Island. From your opening tee shots at both courses, you are immediately dumbstruck by the natural beauty of the surrounds. With breathtaking views in every direction, it can be near impossible to concentrate on your golf. Especially when you come to holes like Ocean Dunes’ par-3 4th, or Cape Wickham’s par-3 17th, which each require a carry over the crashing waves. And while much has been written about the seaside holes at these courses, these layouts also make their way through the rolling dunes, offering a mixture of risk/

reward opportunities and pure golfing joy. Holes like Ocean Dunes’ 13th – a short uphill par-4 with danger lurking all around, to the blind teeshot of its par-4 17th (how much of the corner do you dare to take on?)—stand out in this regard. A recent trip to the island, however, brought to light one very important consideration for ANYONE planning a King Island holiday: Choose your dates wisely. Firstly, there is not a lot of accommodation available, (though it will be getting better as Cape Wickham is set to finish their beautiful on-course accommodation soon). So you’ll need to book well in advance. For our trip, we stayed at the King Island Hotel (managed by the team at Ocean Dunes). Only five minutes from the course (and 10 minutes from the airport), it is a perfect spot for

a group trip or weekend getaway, as the rooms are clean, comfortable and recently renovated. And the food at the hotel is of an extremely high quality, as we sampled local delicacies including crayfish, scallops, lamb, beef and, of course, the famous King Island cheese. Secondly, you need to plan around the King Island weather. We were there the first week of October, and the weather was quite unfavourable. During our trip, Mother Nature “treated” us to everything she had. But, despite the rain and wind at times, the clouds eventually parted, giving way to some bright sunshine. And though the wind stayed to keep us company, we found that both courses were extremely playable in even the strongest gales. This is due to the fact that each hole was designed with the weather in mind. For most of the holes, the wind was either into us, or with us. And while we encountered a few crosswinds, the fairways and first cut of rough were generally wide enough to contain even the most wayward of shots. If you haven’t booked your trip to sample these two courses, then I highly suggest that you do so immediately (or at least immediately after you finish reading this month’s issue of Inside Golf, cover to cover!) Getting to King Island is a breeze, with charter aviation companies offering high-quality service to the island. Among our favourites are Air Adventure, a private charter golf tour specialist out of Melbourne (Golf.airadventure.com.au, golf@airadventure.com.au, 1800 033 160) and Express Golf, specialising in golf flights from Sydney (www.expressgolf.com.au, 0402 353 378, troy.doak@gmail.com). More information: www.oceandunes.com.au, and www.capewickham.com.au.

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Discover golf in the Philippines By Sam Arthur

S a holiday and golfing destination, the Philippines doesn’t receive the acclaim some of its near neighbours enjoy yet the country is home to some of the finest golf courses found anywhere in the world.

The archipelago is also a beach lover’s paradise with more than 7000 islands to explore.

Robert Trent Jones II, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Greg Norman and others have left an indelible golf design mark in the Philippines.

Friendly locals, inexpensive food, good weather and recreational infrastructure mean the Philippines attracts more than one million tourists annually.

This I discovered recently on an actionpacked four-day trip to Manila, the capital.

Of course, the mouth-watering Filipino cuisine is delicious thanks to Chinese, Malay, Indonesian and Spanish influences.

Golf was first played in the Philippines as far back as the 1800s when the British were working on the first railway there and the game has gained in popularity ever since. In 1913, Manila Golf Club hosted the first Philippine Open, which later moved to Wack Wack Golf Club where it was played for the best part of 50 years. A number of Australians have won the Philippine Open including Norman von Nida (1938-’39), Bruce Crampton (1959), Frank Phillips (1960), Peter Thomson (1964), Adam Le Vesconte (2005), Scott Strange (2006) and in 2014 Marcus Both lifted the trophy. Aside from the first-rate golf courses, there are plenty of five-star hotels to choose from as well as shopping malls and casinos.

It’s also one of the world’s best diving and surfing destinations and all within an hour from the capital Manila.

Restaurants are enthusiastic about fusion as well, adding modern influences to Filipino dishes. We dined out at a different restaurant every day and the various dishes were sensational – great flavours and some of the best pork dishes I have tasted. The best time to play golf in the Philippines is during the cool, dry season from November to April. I had an amazing time in the Philippines and I will be going back sooner rather than later. If you prefer organised tours, contact tour operator Les Smith, whose details are in the Fast Facts section of this story.

Fairways to Paradise & Greens of Dreams

Philippines Club Tours Golfers the Philippines is a must for your Club’s next “Members on Tour” • Playing 6 Championship Courses, designed by legendary golfers. • Staying In 5 Star Luxury Hotels. • At night sampling the exotic Filipino culture. • Rolling the dice in world class casinos. • Tours are tailored to suite your club’s special needs and dates. For a Club Tour that you will never forget contact: Les Smith, Philippines Club Tours. Mobile: 0413 931 320 Office: (02) 487 13363 Email: golftours@philippinesclubtours.com www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au www.tourismphilippines.com.au 24

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

17th Green, Langer Course, Riviera Golf Club, Philippines

THE COURSES

The Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club at Tagaytay City, about an hour from Manila, is a magnificent Greg Norman-designed course that is a delight to behold for any golfing aficionado. Here, Norman created a course that reflects his philosophy – “a design that is challenging, playable and creates a memorable golf experience for players of all skill levels”. The result is undulating fairways, hilly terrain and ravines, doglegs and strategically placed bunkers. It is truly a majestic course sprawled on a 152-hectare man-made valley nestled amidst the mountain ridges of the Grand Taal, with a dramatic view of the Taal Volcano and lake. The par-72 course’s signature hole is the par-5 second, which features a 200m carry over a ravine and a 90-degree dogleg that swings right. The wind also makes the course play longer than its 6398m from the back tees. It’s one of the best Greg Normandesigned courses I have played and the views from every tee box across the valley are amazing. It’s a type of course you’ll want to play more than once and you should if you want to really appreciate the topography and the effort that went into the course’s design and build. It’s definitely worthwhile making the trip to play this Greg Norman gem. The clubhouse provides members and guests with facilities such as centrally air-conditioned men’s and ladies’ locker rooms equipped with individual showers, Jacuzzi, sauna and massage rooms. Splendido Taal also provides practice putting greens, tee houses on the fairways, pro shop and the clubhouse boasts two premiere culinary destinations in the Tagaytay Ridge area.

If you are staying in Manila and Splendido Taal golf course is on your schedule, leave very early or later in the day to avoid peak hour traffic. Better still, stay at the Taal Vista Hotel because there are a number of sensational golf courses in the vicinity. A two- or three-night stay is ideal. To find out more, go to the website www.splendidotaalgolfclub.com Located 45 minutes from Manila, Orchard Golf & Country Club offers two championship golf courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer (Legacy course) and Gary Player (Tradition course). The Palmer course opened in 1994 and was the venue for the 1995 Johnnie Walker Classic won the Fred Couples and the 1996 Johnnie Walker Super Tour, which was contested by Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Nick Faldo and others. Overall, the facility is amazing. It’s the ultimate country club as it has a 25-metre pool, 12-lane bowling alley, movie cinema, fitness centre, great locker rooms/showers, indoor tennis courts, a basketball court, five restaurants and of course a 500-seat grand ballroom. Built in an old mango orchard (hence the name), the Legacy course is quite hilly but it’s a player-friendly resort-style layout with generous fairways. There is plenty of variety and challenges with one par-4 measuring 417 metres to another at just 296 metres and a short par-3 of 108 metres. Irrespective of your ability, your skill will be challenged from your opening tee shot to your final putt. That’s because there is plenty of variety with doglegs left and right and double doglegs. It’s a great course to start your Philippines golfing adventure. For information, go to the website: www.theorchardgolf.com

November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

FAST FACTS

Getting there: Philippine Airlines (PAL) fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin and from Brisbane it’s just a quick stop over in Darwin. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying cocktails at your hotel – all in just over eight hours. Visit the website www.philippineairlines.com or call Reservations: 1300 887 822. Climate: The average temperature ranges from 25C to 32C. March to May – hot and dry months. Wet season – June to October.

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

We visited in August and, like Tropical North Queensland in the wet season, it says it’s going to rain every day but it only rained a couple of times on day two and being on the coast it blew over quickly. November to February – cool and windy. Language: Filipino is the national language, but English is widely spoken. There are also 176 other local dialects. Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP) 1000 Pesos is about $27 AUD. A local beer and a bottle of water cost 110 pesos ($3) from a supermarket.

Time zone: GMT + 8:00 (Manila is two hours behind Brisbane’s time zone). Water: Like most parts of Asia, it’s best to buy bottled water from your hotel, supermarket or convenience store. Transport: Jeepneys. The colours, trimmings and pop culture icons that adorn this public vehicle make it modern art. The jeepney traces its roots to U.S. military jeeps left behind after World War II. Enterprising individuals have adapted the colourful jeepney. Religion: 90 per cent of the population are Christians (Catholic).

Water activities: You can scuba dive on some of the world’s best sites from World War 11 wrecks to UNESCO World Heritage Reefs. Surfing, windsurfing and kite boarding are popular pastimes. Lifestyle: Filipinos love to celebrate on the beach, the street or anywhere in the city. It’s very easy to make friends as the people are genuine and friendly. Golf tour packages and bookings: Call Les Smith on 0413-931-320 or email golftours@philippinesclubtours.com or lessmith46@bigpond.com

PAL’s support for SPORTS

Philippine Airlines’ commitment to sports runs for almost 70 years. An ongoing PAL Foundation corporate social responsibility initiative – RPRSNT PINOY – provides air transport assistance (free tickets) to financially strapped but deserving Filipinos representing the country in international competitions, such as sporting events.

The traditional emergency airlift support provided during calamities has been extended to Filipino athletes competing in different sports – bowling, tennis, swimming, figureskating, table tennis and many more. In the late 1970s to early 1990s, PAL held the PAL Manila International Marathon long before marathons became vogue. PAL invited foreign runners who were encouraged to fly to Manila to pit their skills against local bets. Hundreds of runners hurdled the relatively flat course from Roxas Boulevard to various major roads up to the metropolis major highway, EDSA, and back. Back then, finishing the course was considered a key life accomplishment. PAL’s most enduring commitment is in golf. Team golf, in particular. In 1947, a year after PAL resumed operations in the aftermath of World War II, PAL started the Inter-club golf

tournament at Wack-Wack golf course in Mandaluyong, in order to stimulate domestic travel. Teams from major provincial cities were invited to participate and fly to Manila or designated city-venue. Today, the Interclub is held alternately every year in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod or Cagayan de Oro with golf clubs as hosts to accommodate the volume of golfers. The Interclub eventually grew in number of participants so that a Seniors division was formed to allow those who still want to play even after many years of play. In the 1990s, another branch spawned from the clamour for wider participation. This time, lady golf clubs were accommodated to start the PAL Ladies Interclub, which is currently running its 11th edition. Next year, PAL will hold the 70th Interclub Golf in Davao with more than a thousand golfers from more than a hundred teams, many coming from various parts of world. The PAL Interclub is the acknowledged oldest and largest team golf championship in the country. Teams return to compete year after year not for the prizes but for the bragging rights and the camaraderie formed over the decades.

Ms. Norjamin Gallardo- Delos Reyes | Tourism Attaché for Australia and New Zealand Philippine Department of Tourism Suite 703, Level 7, 301 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 t +61 2 9279 3380 | f +61 2 9279 3381 www.facebook.com/TourismPhilippines.anz | www.instagram.com/tourismphilippines November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club opens on Bali Novel course featuring all par-3s debuts in style on island’s spectacular southern tip

ali’s evolution into a legitimate international golf destination gained some remarkable new standing last month with the opening of Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club, the fifth golf venue on the Island of the Gods and the first 18-hole par-3 championship course in Indonesia. Designed by Bob Moore of Californiabased JMP Golf Design Group and managed by AccorHotels, Bukit Pandawa

G&CC is also the first phase of an unprecedented hospitality project taking shape on Bali’s southern coastline, where the club’s ownership group, luxury resort developer PT Bali Ragawisata, is planning to add hotels and residences managed by world-renowned brands Mandarin Oriental, Waldorf Astoria and Swissôtel and a soon-to-be-announced enterprise that has long been synonymous with the finest things in life.

“We’re setting the stage for everything that’s to come here,” said Stephen Banks, general manager of Bukit Pandawa G&CC. “We’re equal parts groundbreaking, eye-popping and extraordinary.” To drive home the level of excellence golfers can expect at Bukit Pandawa G&CC, the course partnered with iconic automaker BMW — which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year — to hold a novel, grand opening tournament on Oct. 8 for 160 invited players, each of whom had 18 chances to win a range of BMW-brand vehicles.

World Class Golf Course in the Outback

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

“I’m not sure there’s ever been a tournament where at each hole you could win a car — let alone a premium car — with an ace,” said Djie Tjian An, president/director of PT Bali Ragawisata. “Even though we didn’t see a hole-in-one, everyone sure had fun trying.” The tournament was followed by a surprise unveiling of the futuristic BMW i8 that was celebrated with a champagne toast sponsored by French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH. Located on a spectacular limestone clifftop overlooking the worldfamous surf breaks of Bukit Peninsula,

AccorHotels’ flagship course in Asia offers 18 exquisite par-3 holes ranging from 117 to 244 yards in length. From the back tees, it plays 3,027 yards, a few hundred yards longer than lauded Turtle Hill Golf Club at Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, which ranks among GOLF Magazine USA’s top 10 par3 courses in the world. Some holes at Bukit Pandawa G&CC are back-dropped by the Indian Ocean. Others are accented by waterfalls, lakes or terraced rice paddies. All are subject to the wind. “It can be a real test,” said Banks, a former playing professional from Manchester, England. “When the breeze is up — and it almost always is — there’s a good chance you’ll use every club in the bag. Even driver.” One standout hole is the 148-yard 13th, which is framed by three bunkers and features curved stone walls in the foreground and a traditional Balinese kulkul tower in the background.

Given how short the par-54 layout is compared to standard 18-hole setups, Djie Tjian An anticipates it will be especially popular with short-stay visitors and families. “So often, a golfer might pass on the opportunity to play on vacation or during a business trip because it can burn a large portion of the day,” he said. “But here, that’s not an issue. A round takes no more than a couple hours to complete.” In designing Bukit Pandawa G&CC, Moore, whose firm is responsible for championship-caliber designs all over the world including the acclaimed Royale Jakarta Golf Club in Indonesia’s capital, embraced the contours and characteristics of a site that was rife with rock outcroppings, architectural ruins and sea views. Indeed, the ocean is visible from 15 holes. To round out the total golf experience at Bukit Pandawa G&CC, a 3,000-squaremeter clubhouse inspired by the ancient temples and towers of Bali has been constructed.

Conceived by accomplished architects Antony Liu and Ferry Ridwan from StudioTonTon in Jakarta, the imaginative, twin-block structure was designed to blend into its natural surroundings through the liberal implementation of local materials (such as stone and wood), native grasses and, above all, water, which flows seamlessly through many of the building’s spaces. That includes the singular facility’s signature component, the rooftop restaurant, which overlooks the ocean and course and features al fresco dining and lounge areas that ooze exotic elegance. “We’re extremely proud of this project,” said Liu, who is one of Indonesia’s foremost modern tropical architects. “It perfectly harnesses what’s so great about the location — the views — and it has so much character, to boot.” For more information: www.bukitpandawagolf.com

STAY PLAY in Byron Bay

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November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

RESORT OF THE MONTH >

Black Bull Golf Course

arrawonga has always been known in the golfing circles as a great place to base yourself and experience multiple golf courses when travelling along the Murray River. The last twelve months has seen the rapid rise of the Black Bull Golf Course located on the banks of Lake Mulwala. The Championship Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett design has received fantastic reviews from all who have played. With large rolling fairways and undulating greens the course is set up to challenge the most discerning golfer from the Black tees or enjoy a casual round from the social tees. The biggest obstacle is known as “The Bull Ring”. A three-hole challenge that pays homage to a life before as a Black Angus Stud. The three holes consist of a long par-3, demanding short par-4, and the hardest par-4 on the course. To accept the challenge of these holes you will need to negotiate the water on each of the holes, and the strong bunkering which is waiting to catch any errant shot. The job is still not done when you reach the putting surface, as there are plenty of places to hide the pins. The tip from the Pro is that when you see red flags flying, aim for the centre of the green. Black Bull has joined forces with the Yarrawonga / Mulwala Golf Club Resort in hosting the Shepparton BMW Victorian Seniors Open. The success of the 2016 tournament has seen the Victorian Seniors Open voted Legends Victorian Tournament of the Year and has now secured the event for another two years. Those intending to play at this stage are Terry Price, Mike Harwood, Roger Davis, Peter Fowler, Peter Senior and Peter O’Malley. Defending Champion from this year’s 2016 event, Lucien Tinkler will be competing in the forthcoming 2017 event. If all do end up 30

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2016

playing in this incredible event, this would be the best Australian line-up of past champions to contest the event. It’ll be a pretty exciting tournament! The Black Bull Golf Course will have the first of many great facilities, with a few already expected to open around Christmas including the new Pro-Shop, new Silverwoods Land Sales Office and new Driving Range. This will all create a wonderful golf and leisure experience for all. Lake Mulwala used to be one of Victoria’s best kept holiday secrets. But now it’s continuing to forge a name as one of the best lifestyle destinations all year round thanks to the area’s magnificent weather, exquisite waterways and golfing greens. Black Bull Golf Course is situated in stunning ‘Silverwoods’ – in an amazing and exceptional lakeside location. This is only set to tremendously improve in coming years with the anticipated delivery of The Sebel, Yarrawonga. The Luxury international four-star boutique hotel and serviced apartments

(Part of Accor) will include a 300-seat conference facility, fine dining restaurant, bar bistro, day spa and other function facilities within the resort when due for proposed completion in 2018. When completed, the hotel will sit in a prime position on the edge of Lake Mulwala, known as The Point and will be the centrepiece for all golfing and waterfront activity enthusiasts when staying. It will

boast some of the finest accommodation and food to be found along the river. You’ll be spolit for choice when coming and playing golf and the variety of lifestyle on offer! Black Bull Golf Course is blessed with stunning surrounds, beautiful weather and scenery. The tranquility of its pristine location right on the banks of Lake

Mulwala and the Murray River make this a truly very special and wonderful place. So when next travelling along the Murray or planning that next getaway for a great game of golf, you must come down, say hi to Charlie in the entrance of “The Bull Ring” and challenge the “Bull”. Black Bull Golf Course and Silverwoods has everything to Live, Stay and Play!

More information: Black Bull Golf Club. 1 Phillip Hyland Drive, Yarrawonga VIC 3730. Phone: 03 5744 0044. Email: proshop@blackbullgc.com.au Website: www.blackbullgc.com.au

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Golf Club Pro Shop & Bookings: 03 5744 0044 blackbullgc.com.au silverwoodsyarrawonga.com.au November 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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