Inside Golf Travel November 2017

Issue 49 // NOV 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

Mission Hills, China

A Magnificent "Must-Play" Destination!

PLUS+

Golf along The Great Ocean ROAD AND The Bellarine Peninsula

Golf in The Blue Mountains, Japan and more!

GG lebe the

barnbougle

Packamges fro

$895

king island

TAKE OFF TO TEE OFF IN 90 MINS

2 day Barnbougle or King Island golf tours from $880 per person (includes everything except meals and drinks)

Select your golfing adventure…

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

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

All aboard for WESTERN Mediterranean Golf Cruise

Have a hit in the US!

Editor: Richard Fellner M: 0407 000 440 E: richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey@insidegolf.com.au National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au NSW Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 E: megan@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Australia/New Zealand Sales: Lisa Coleman M: 0406 031 344 E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au COVER PHOTO: Mission Hills, Blackstone Course.

Rome to Barcelona

L

uxury yachts are thought to be the preserve of the rich and famous.

However, a cruise onboard Seadream II is definitely within your league. The Seadream experience is one to savour. With a maximum guest count of only 112 and 95 staff, this near one-to-one passengerto-staff ratio guarantees a high standard of personal service. It is also all-inclusive, so once onboard you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy.

Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre has designed a best-of-the-best golf package in conjunction with the Rome to Barcelona itinerary, commencing 27 September 2018 for 14 nights. On this cruise you’ll have the chance to play eight or 10 courses, at a time of the year perfectly comfortable for great scoring. That’s if you can concentrate amidst

beautiful scenery and some stunning views at a new course just about every day. Then, after a great game of golf, return to home where a welcome champagne or beer awaits you. What could be better?

While the cruise itself comprises nine nights/10 days, Trendsetter has incorporated two nights pre-cruise in Rome and three nights post-cruise, two of these at the Real Club de Golf El Prat, less than one hour from the port of Barcelona. The cruise is not just about golf as there will be time to sightsee, and non-golfing partners are equally welcome. The full itinerary can be found at www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC7.

For more information please contact David Cooper at Trendsetter Travel - david@ trendsettertravel.com.au or 0413 010 638.

Ultimate Golfing Holidays is an Australian golf travel company that specialize in taking Australians to American golfing destinations. The list of golf courses they can take you to will make your jaw drop. Shadow Creek, Wolf Creek, Cascata, TPC Las Vegas, Bear’s Best, Paiute and in the near future, the Bandon Dunes resort, that has four golf courses ranked in the top 15 in America. It has been described as “The best place on the planet for golf” and it promises to be, like all their trips, absolutely unforgettable! They can take a single golfer or a group over and they provide Australian chaperones that run golf competitions at the various courses, that include cash prizes and after golf experiences as well. If you have an American destination in mind, these guys can help you get there and do it in style.

Give them a call on 0473 007 659 or jump onto www.ultimategolfingholidays.com for more details.

*Conditions Apply. Advertised price is per person twin-share and inclusive of port tax and is based on Category 5 - 8 July 2018 departure. Category upgrades and single supplement charges will apply. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and is valid for sale until sold. Prices and taxes correct as 23 June 2017. Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw offer at any time without further notice. Capacity Controlled. For full itinerary details visit www.itravelwoonona.com.au. UW160544819

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

3

Mission Hills worth the trip

C

By MICHAEL COURT

Y

OU’VE got a bucket list, right?

Let’s face it, most of us do.

Well, give some serious thought to adding to it.

You just have to include a golf expedition to the famous Mission Hills in China somewhere on that list ... and mark my words, you’re doing yourself, and your golf experiences, a dis-service if you don’t.

List me as one who never dreamt I’d be heading there to play some of the best courses – and best-conditioned layouts, that I have encountered in more than 40 years of writing and playing golf around the world.

China’s Mission Hills really is out of this world – actually it’s the best of two worlds.

Unless you’ve been there you probably wouldn’t know that there are actually two Mission Hills locations – 10 courses at Mission Hills Resort Haikou on Hainan Island and 12 more layouts, which help form part of the world’s largest golf club – Mission Hills Dongguan and Shenzhen, on China’s mainland, only two hours by car from Hong Kong.

I began sending photos to my golf-mad sons almost the minute I set eyes on the place...and that continued for most of the week I was there.

We visited Hainan first, a short onehour flight south of Hong Kong and with 10 courses to choose from, the sights and scenes never stopped – and the experiences grew with every day.

4

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

M

I’m not joking ... Mission Hills is something you really must bite the bullet and see for yourself.

Y

CM

With limited time to see all of it, I can only offer a brief summary of some of the places and courses I visited – but I have vowed to return and see more – and return to the layouts I did enjoy the most.

MY

CY

CMY

K

Near the top of the list was the muchheralded Blackstone – one of Mission Hills Hainan’s showpieces.

Don’t miss this golf course.

And put your ego aside for a moment and consider playing it off the white markers as even the likes of Rory McIlroy and a fit Tiger Woods found it a tough test off the back tees ...and we ain’t them (even though certain members of this publication might think they are).

I don’t think I’ve seen a course anywhere with as many marvellous and quite remarkable vistas from the tee. So a camera is also a must.

The choice of golf courses at this Mission Hills resort is quite staggering, but put Blackstone down on the list of the ones you have to experience for yourself.

The last four holes are as good a finish as you’ll find anywhere and the designer deserves a huge pat on the back for producing three classic risk-and-reward ‘closers’ that would match any layout anywhere in the world.

quite satisfied if you can walk off with a bogey on a few of these ‘characterbuilders’.

Built in the shadows of the mighty Mission Hills Resort at Haikou, some of the developments that are taking place on the outside of this course and beside it, are quite mind-blowing.

Let’s just say the Chinese don’t dillydally when it comes to expansion.

While the health spa and mineral springs are also a great enticement, there is a water park being built by Australian connections as well as a Hard Rock Hotel nearby that are due open in 2018.

It’s a par four-four-five finish and if the driver is your friend by then these holes might turn out to be a piece of cake.

A Ritz Carlton and Renaissance Hotel are also owned by Mission Hills and are nice additions for dining or a drink at their beautiful bars.

On the other hand...well, let’s just say don’t go looking for lost balls and feel

Mission Hills Haikou opened in March, 2010.

It cements the brand’s unique place among the world’s leading resorts, and is central to a government-led initiative to make tropical Hainan the sports and leisure capital of Asia.

Just 15 minutes from Haikou’s international airport, the resort occupies a vast, lava rock-strewn landscape of undulating terrain punctuated by ancient trees and sweeping wetlands.

Besides the 10 courses there’s also an outdoor water-theme park; a natural mineral springs reserve featuring 160 thermal pools; 12 delectable dining establishments; state-of-the-art recreation centre; flexible function and meeting rooms; shopping arcade centre carrying the world’s finest brands and esteemed spa facilities.

But back to Blackstone, which boasts 147 bunkers and they are consistent, which is something the club can be

Located in China’ s island province of Hainan, Mission Hills Haikou is skillfully built in a volcanic rock region that lends itself to undulating greens and generous fairways. Mission Hills Haikou features 10 golf courses, including the renowned Blackstone course, the site of the renowned Tiger/Rory challenge and the World Celebrity Golf Challenge, as well as the Sandbelt Trails Course, much loved by many Australians for its close resemblance to the Sandbelt region in Victoria and its lush natural vegetation.

GOLF COURSES The world’ s largest collection of volcanic golf courses www.missionhillschina.com

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

5

Norman, Nick Faldo, Annika Sorenstam, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Justin Rose with Ian Poulter, David Leadbetter, Jumbo Ozaki and Zhang Lian Wei. I was lucky enough to play the Olazabal Course, site of many World Cup events, which must be close to the best of a marvellous group of layouts.

Despite not having my greatest day with the driver, I played a couple of my best shots on the 18th to be beside the green and managed to get up and down for a satisfying par that gave me something to boast about in the clubhouse afterwards. proud of – I know because I found at least a dozen of them.

The surrounds of the course are a mix of jungle and black lava rock.

I also played Lava Fields which actually boasts more bunkers, although they don’t come into play as much as Blackstone, with interesting angles and carries off the tee.

Still the fairways are wide and there’s no real excuse for missing most of them.

Stone Quarry was also interesting – a Pete Dye inspired design with a rock quarry and railroad theme. There are pot bunkers and also long areas of sandy wasteland. Stone Quarry’s six par-threes, six par-fours and six par-fives are also a feature.

The old railways lines and even a few old sugar cane trucks are a truly unique feature of this course and again something unlike anywhere else I have played.

away by the ‘island’ version of Mission Hills, the courses here were even more impressive, if that’s possible.

Just walking in the footsteps of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, who played a head-to-head match at Blackstone was special. But now we were trying to hit shots like some of the world’s best players did when the World Cup was played at Mission Hills in 1995, when China hosted its first-ever international golf tournament.

“Here’s where Tiger hit it into the water, twice! This is where McIlroy putted for eagle,” are typical comments you might hear as your round unfolds... it’s all pretty special when you learn what the champions have done on these superlative layouts.

Shadow Dunes was also fun with some long walks through sand dunes and some absolutely massive greens where even a three-putt can be quite satisfying.

Mission Hills was actually founded in 1992 when the owners selected about 20 square kilometres of wasteland between Shenzhen and Dongguan to launch its prestigious business and create Mission Hills Shenzhen, the world’s largest golf complex with 12 courses featuring a total of 216 holes accredited by the Guinness Book of World Records.

After a few days on Haikou, we headed for Mission Hills Dongguan, just a short drive from Hong Kong and if I was blown

Its 12 signature masterpiece courses are designed by golf legends from around the globe: Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Greg

6

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

My playing partner also struck two superb blows on the tough 507-yard (539 off the black tees) par-five 15th to have an eagle putt. He missed it, but it gave us plenty to talk about afterwards and he was able to boast that he “took it on” despite the chance of a disastrous result should he miss on the double water carry.

It is worth noting that Mission Hills Shenzhen is the world’s only club featuring designers from five continents.

Now listed as ‘the world’s No.1 Golf Club’, it offers a wide range of first-rate facilities for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Mission Hills Shenzhen can now boast that it has hosted more than 100 major international tournaments.

That 41st World Cup of Golf in 1995 went down in history as China’s first globally-significant golf championship and was broadcast across the country.

Then, in November 2001, Mission Hills invited the then world No. 1 Tiger Woods for his first visit to China.

That visit helped established a new era in golf development.

In 2007, Mission Hills signed an unprecedented agreement to host 12 consecutive editions of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup During its 25-year existence, no-one would disagree with the revelation

Mission Hills has evolved into a worldclass conglomerate of hotels and resorts; golf and country clubs; international residential communities; award-winning spas; Mission Hills Centreville; golf academy, tennis academy (Asia’s largest tennis centre with 51 courts), and pro shops to create a comprehensive set of unparalleled, luxury lifestyle experiences.

Mission Hills Group is now rightly regarded as the leading leisure, sports investment and management firm in not only Asia-Pacific, but the world.

Oh, and don’t forget to take a stroll down Mission Hills’ equivalent of Hollywood Boulevard where superstars, film stars and golfing stars from around the world have left their handprints.

I gained great delight from discovering my hands were the same size as Rory McIlroy’s but exactly half the size of American actor Rick Yune’s gigantic ‘bats’ he has for hands. You might remember him from Olympus Has Fallen (he was the bad guy).

No.1 Mission Hills Boulevard, Haikou, Hainan, China Postal Code: 571122 Tel: (86 898) 6868 3888 Ext. 62826 E-mail: info@missionhillschina.com www.missionhillschina.com

ROOMS & SUITES

One of the most luxurious and elegant hotels in Hainan Island

LAVA LAGOON

The 20,000sqm outdoor water theme park

SPA

Traditional Chinese-medicine therapy experiences

VOLCANIC MINERAL SPRINGS

The world’ s largest natural volcanic mineral springs reserve

DINING

Abundant global delicacies

Mission Hills Haikou is nestled among lush green gardens with world-class signatures courses, an 18-storey luxurious resort block, a three-storey convention center, shopping arcades, meeting facilities, and a fully-equipped sport and recreation center. Mission Hills Haikou also offers a world-class volcanic mineral springs & spa facilities, international dining experiences, and setting Mission Hills Haikou to be one of the most sought-after destinations in China.

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

7

THESE CADDIES ARE SPECIAL THE caddies in China really are something special ... especially when it comes to club selection.

Sure, they have to battle one of the most crowded countries in the world.

Yet the serenity of these golf courses offers a strange escape from the ‘rat race’ and at times the only company you have are the remarkable caddies who work so hard to make your game a memorable one.

I had the good fortune to use five different ones during my week to remember and they were all good at their jobs and had enough English to keep you hydrated, entertained and on target for a decent round.

While there are quite a few male caddies at Mission Hills Haikou, the majority are young women between the ages of probably 19 and 28 and they sure do know their stuff.

On a few occasions they might arrive at you and your golf ball with three clubs

as you assess your shot to the green – because they like to cover all bases.

Take my advice and use the middle of those three clubs, because that’s usually the one they recommend and they are almost always right.

And it doesn’t take them long to work out the strong – and weak points of your game either.

I’m happy to report that on several occasions I was in two minds about a club and whether or not I had the game to take on a certain water hazard or lengthy carry.

That’s when they seem to get it right when they hand you the club that your golf game, not your ego, requires.

Certainly decisions and suggestions such as this help you enjoy the experience, post the best score possible and inevitably you leave the course with positive thoughts about the experience and the golf course itself.

And you’ll soon be plotting a return round.

A DOZEN CHALLENGES HOW do you challenge the best golfers and course designers in the world to go that extra yard: to come up with something even they hadn’t thought of doing before?

Pitch them against each other, that’s how.

How else could you explain the extraordinary golf courses that some of the biggest names in golf have come up with at Mission Hills Dongguan?

Even Group Vice-Chairman of Mission Hills Tenniel Chu agrees.

“I guess they couldn’t help sticking their heads over the fence, so to speak, to see what the other guys, or in Annika Sorenstam’s case, ladies, have come up with,” says Tenniel.

They say that Greg Norman’s course is the toughest of the 12 at Dongguan, from a field of big names like Jumbo Ozaki, Justin Rose/Ian Poulter, Annika Sorenstam, David Leadbetter, Pete Dye, Nick Faldo, Zhang Lian Wei, Vijay Singh,

Ernie Els, Jose Maria Olazabal and Jack Nicklaus.

And they also say that Annika decided the Shark’s course was so tough on women that she’d get square, so to speak, and make her first design just as difficult for the men to master.

Of course that could be just an old wives’ tale made up by someone after a double bogey, indeed the two may have even colluded because these two layouts, plus Olazabal’s first design are the three that seem to draw the most comments from Mission Hills’ visitors.

And don’t expect Tenniel to name his favourite either.

“That would be like asking a father did he love one of his children more than the others,” he says with a smile.

“They are all pretty special, as far as I am concerned.”

And while Tenniel has obviously played them all, many times, he’s also way too busy to play anywhere near as often as he would like ... even though these classic courses are right on his doorstep.

“Just because you have a swimming pool in your backyard doesn’t necessarily mean you go swimming every day,” he grins.

His duties with the Royal and Ancient at St Andrews as Asia’s only representative also draw him away from Mission Hills quite frequently.

8

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

9

SOUTHERN CHARM Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

B

A E

H

G

A B C D

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 10

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

C

f

E F G H

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

Thirteenth Beach Golf Links

D

of the best courses they play around the world and better than many. 2016 Ladies Vic Open Champ, Melissa Reid said “I think it’s fantastic. The courses are great, especially the Beach course. I think it’s stunning.”

Both courses are built on perfect golf course land - sand over sandstone structure - and ample recycled water keeps fairways in top condition yearround.

The Beach Course, much of which winds through spectacular foreshore sand dunes adjacent to the famous Thirteenth

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

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

Featuring stunning beaches, historic towns, awe-inspiring scenery and, of course, spectacular golf, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula combine into one of Australia’s most enjoyable ‘must-visit’ destinations for travellers and golf lovers alike. 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@13thbeachgolf.com, or visit www.13thbeachgolf.com

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.

The influence of the ever-present wind cannot be understated and really adds

Warrnambool Golf Club 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

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 - 9 Holes $30 - Juniors $15 - 18 Holes $49 Mention this advert and receive a 10% discount on green fees

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

In Port Fairy, along the Great Ocean Road, every day unfolds with the simple pleasures.

Enjoy a round of golf at the iconic Port Fairy Golf Links course by day, then retreat back to your perfect accommodation and be delighted by our surprising array of suburb cafes and restaurants by night.

With more than 120 properties to choose from in every style and location, we are sure to have the property to provide you with an unforgettable Port Fairy experience.

www.portfairyaccom.com.au

(Conditions apply – not available on Saturday’s)

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

Phone: (03) 5568 2866 • Email: info@portfairygolf.com.au

Great Location | Great Service | Great Stay November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

Lonsdale Golf Club

Lonsdale Golf Club Rain, hail or shine, you can guarantee a game at Lonsdale Golf Club, an 18-Hole Sandbelt-style course on the Bellarine Peninsula. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Point Lonsdale, the golf course is challenging yet suitable to all ages and skill levels. The club welcomes all golfers to use the course and club facilities. Lonsdale Golf Course is open seven days from dawn until dusk, with stunning course views of Lake Victoria.

Lonsdale Golf Club is also home to X-Golf, the World’s Leading Brand in Golf Simulation and first on the Bellarine Peninsula, with over 100 courses available. Play 18 holes in just 90 minutes, with food and beverages available.

Links Bistro is open for lunch and bar snacks from Tuesday to Sunday; dinner on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday with extended open hours over summer. Sit by the cosy fire in winter or out in the beer garden in summer.

Lonsdale Golf Club is close to the Peninsula Sea Road Ferry and only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne or 30 minute drive from Geelong.

Green fees: $30 for 18 Holes Monday to Friday and $35 on Weekends.

Lonsdale Golf Club is located at 69 Fellows Road, Point Lonsdale VIC 3225.

Phone (03) 5258 1955, email admin@lonsdalegc.com.au or visit www.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

#1 for golf packages on the Bellarine Peninsula & Surfcoast Custom Golf Tours If you have an upcoming golf getaway, send us your groups requirements and we will come up with a number of packages for you to choose from.

All budgets and group sizes catered for.

The only loCally based Golf Tour operaTors on The bellarine peninsula

CoasTal Golf ViCToria | ph 0448 904 934 www.coastalgolfvictoria.com.au heidi@coastalgolfvictoria.com.au facebook /coastalgolfvictoria

12

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

Port Fairy Golf Club 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 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

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

Curlewis Golf Club (Photo: Trung Truong)

Curlewis Golf Club Once regarded as one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Curlewis Golf Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, is now a course on many golfers’ “must play list” and earned the enviable reputation as Australia’s fastest-growing golf club.

Following the purchase of the club in July 2015 by Bellarine locals David and Lyndsay Sharp (renowned for their wineries and hospitality enterprises in the region), the couple have embarked on extensive course and clubhouse improvements resulting in Curlewis now being the place to play.

Australian golf course designer Mike Clayton and his team have been

commissioned and are currently working through the second year’s improvement works of a five-year Master Plan. These works have seen Curlewis rocket to 42nd in the Golf Australia 2017 Top 100 Public Access course rankings.

A new, state-of-the-art, 18-bay golf driving range academy and mini golf facility will soon open on site, further bolstering Curlewis as a place you want to visit. This amazing new facility features a fully-licensed café, a 150-person function room, auto-teeing, two X-Golf simulators and on-site PGA Professional equipped with the latest analysis hardware for lessons and club fitting. The mini golf course has been designed and

36 Spectacular Holes.

2 Championship Courses.

1 Great Club.

constructed by Richard Chamberlain, who is acclaimed for his work throughout Australia.

The Curlewis Clubhouse itself sports a retro-inspired recent refurbishment including a funky Spike Bar, making it a warm and welcome area for preor-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 ‘foodie’ destination of the region and has extended its repertoire to serve up top bistro meals on Friday and Saturday nights. The “clubhouse meets 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 200 members joining over the last two years. Junior golfers are also flocking to the course to enjoy a range of offerings – from clinics, to advanced level coaching and competitions are just part of what’s on offer. The introduction of GolfBoards and a nine-hole FootGolf course has also added another level of interest and fun to all those stepping out to tackle the hallowed Curlewis fairways.

For more information, phone (03) 5251 1111, or visit www.curlewisgolf.com.au

13th Beach Golf Links is famously known for its two unique, highly ranked, championship golf courses. The Beach Course is true Links style, designed by Tony Cashmore.

The Creek Course is a parkland layout, designed by Tony Cashmore and Sir Nick Faldo (6 time Major winner).

Facilities include a driving range, golf shop, modern clubhouse, restaurant, and golf carts for hire.

Visitors are welcome 7 days a week.

CONTACT US P. 03 5254 2922 E. info@13thbeachgolf.com Barwon Heads Road, Barwon Heads VIC 3227 www.13thbeachgolf.com Join the conversation

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

Anglesea Golf Club

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 from $30 (9 holes) to $50 (18 holes).

Junior rates are $15/$25. Club, pull buggy & motorised cart hire available. 18-Hole Mini Golf now open.

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

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.

Golf Packages Available

Portarlington Golf Club 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 best way to come from Melbourne is to ditch the car, and jump on the Port Phillip Ferry at Docklands, straight to Portarlington. The Club’s courtesy bus will pick you up and take you directly to the course within minutes.

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 17th, which features a water carry over a serene pond to a well-guarded green.

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

$30

Green Fees For 18 Holes Monday to Friday

$35

Green Fees

> Online bOOking available on Weekends > bistrO & bar Open 6 days > nOn-members & sOcial gOlfers welcOme > play X-gOlf – the wOrld’s leading brand in gOlf simulatiOn

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

14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

Lonsdale Golf Club - 69 Fellows Rd, Point Lonsdale Phone: 52581955 / Email: admin@lonsdalegc.com.au / www.lonsdalegc.com.au

Great Golf Getaways

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.

Barwon Heads and Torquay are a great starting point for this tour, with several top courses in the area including: 13th Beach Golf Links (Creek and Beach courses), Barwon Heads, The Sands at Torquay, RACV Torquay, Lonsdale, Curlewis and Portarlington golf clubs.

From Torquay, touring along the Great Ocean Road, you experience spectacular coastal scenery as you wind your way

through the picturesque townships of Lorne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell and Warrnambool.

Golf Getaways 7-night/4-round tour package”. Some feedback about their experience:

Spend a few days exploring the historic towns along the “Shipwreck Coast” and include a round at the local courses in Angelsea, Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

Group Tour Testimonial - Westward Ho Golf Club Adelaide, SA

Great Golf Getaways carefully plan and customise packages to suit your preferred travel dates, accommodation and golf courses, transport (coach or car/bus rental) and flights for interstate travellers.

Customised tours are available for groups of all sizes and stay and play packages can be arranged for weekend getaways, or longer golf tours of 7-14 days where you can play a different course every day.

A group of 22 club members (pictured above) enjoyed a memorable golf trip to Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula on a “Great

“We arranged an invitational tour to the Bellarine Peninsula for a group of 20+ golfers from Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne in March this year. Great Golf Getaways (GGG) have superbly handled all arrangements for us on previous tours to the Mornington Peninsula and Queenstown NZ, and our group were satisfied and assured the Bellarine tour would be another success, which it was.

“Tee-times and order of play at all courses were booked to our requirements together with all carts and playing partner names displayed and confirmed before our arrival, this made it very

easy for the event coordinator. Our accommodation including a welcome BBQ and final event presentation dinner were organised by GGG. The pricing of the tour and having the overall arrangements professionally managed by Great Golf Getaways was a great benefit also.

“Earlier this month, some of the group enjoyed another Great Golf Getaways 4-round event to Coffs Harbour and we will be back for more! It’s the personal touch that makes it work for us, Thanks Lee”. (B Oats Adelaide SA) Contact Great Golf Getaways to assist you in planning your next group trip.

For more information phone 1300 124 220, email info@ greatgolfgetaways.com.au or visit www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

15

COASTAL GOLF VICTORIA

As the area’s only locally-based golf tour operator, Coastal Golf Victoria will take the stress out of organizing your next golf holiday to the Bellarine Peninsula and Surfcoast.

Access to the finest public and private golf courses on the coast ensures that they can satisfy even the most selective golfer. Direct and personal relationships with all of the courses, built through 14 years of working in the golf industry in the area, ensures VIP service for all their guests.

Their buying power at the courses and accommodation venues, along with local knowledge, allows them to come up with tailor-made packages perfectly suited to each groups requirements, whilst at a competitive rate.

Along with tee times, accommodation and transport requirements, they can also include meals or dinner reservations, winery tours, X Golf bookings, BBQ hampers, plus anything else you need to make your getaway stress free and memorable.

Stay and Play packages to the Mornington Peninsula (just a 40-minute ferry ride away) and King Island (35 minute flight from Barwon Heads airport) can also be arranged by Coastal Golf Victoria or added onto one of their packages.

The team at Coastal Golf Victoria pride themselves on outstanding customer service by going the extra mile for all their guests. So whether you have a small or large group, social trip, mates weekend or quiet getaway coming up, save yourself time and money by contacting Coastal Golf Victoria to come up with a package for your group. www.coastalgolfvictoria.com.au heidi@coastalgolfvictoria.com.au

Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation

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 dream to life, catering for golfing groups large and small in a range of stunning accommodations.

Sandcastles’ is an ‘Aspen inspired’ six-bedroom, three-bathroom property offering absolute beachfront views. So for those of your group who may prefer to relax in luxury and be within strolling distance to the heart of Port Fairy, this property is ideal.

Saltwater Lodge is ideally located just a threeminute drive from Port Fairy Golf Links course. With absolute beach frontage, this stylish modern property can sleep up to 16, with two master bedrooms, two bunk rooms and two bathrooms.

Shearwater House offers spacious luxury living located right on the Moyne River. With multiple indoor

and outdoor living areas and six bedrooms (each with their own ensuite), Shearwater House is just a hop, skip and jump to all the wonderful restaurants Port Fairy has to offer.

If a romantic couples’ escape and golf for two is more to your liking, Hearn’s Beachside Villas are the perfect choice. Nestled in the sand dunes with absolute Southern Ocean frontage, their one, two and three-bedroom architecturally-designed villas offer a luxurious escape with peace and privacy just a 10-minute drive to the golf course and six-minute drive to town.

Managing over 120 properties, Hearn’s Port Fairy Accommodation will be sure to have a property to suit your needs.

Contact Hearn’s Port Fairy for more information and prices on their extensive range of Port Fairy accommodation.

Hearn’s Port Fairy Holiday Accommodation is located at Shop 2/54 Sackville Street, Port Fairy. Phone (03) 5568 3150, email accommodation@hearns.com.au or visit www.portfairyaccom.com.au

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

Summer memberShip Special

15 Months for the Price of 12 - coMMences 1 DeceMber $1200 Dedicated 6 bay driving range 40 Balls $7.00 and 80 Balls $12.00 Kangaroo Tours 7 Days a weeK

18 Hole Mini Golf Now Open

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

16

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

Visitors welcome

|

Bookings essential

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.

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 post-mortem 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.

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 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

Portarlington golf club www.portarlingtongolf.com.au

grEEn fEE PlaYErS WElcoME Bistro open 7 Days - taB - KEno

130 Hood road, portarlington, Victoria clubhouse: (03) 5259 2492 www.portarlingtongolf.com.au November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

17

Discover Geelong and The Bellarine

Exceptional food and wine, world-class 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 – 1-4 February 2018, Festival of Sails, Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Geelong Cup, Queenscliff Music Festival. Visit www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/ whatson.

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 (Best Regional Restaurant Australia) and eclectic brewery establishments, such as Little Creatures and White Rabbit Brewery, the city is blossoming.

To the north and west sit the reputable wineries and farmgates of the Moorabool Valley, found on the new Moorabool Valley Taste Trail.

18

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

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 (Beach and Creek), 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 is also high on the best lists in the country.

The historic village of Queenscliff has elegant Victoria-era buildings, art galleries, boutiques, a world-class harbour and 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. Cross the bridge to Sway Island to experience the unique Queenscliff Golf Club with sensational views and friendly wildlife.

Portarlington is famous for mussels, and its annual mussel festival each January draws thousands of people from near and far. It’s also home to the largest Celtic celebration in the southern hemisphere, the National Celtic Festival, and the esteemed Portarlington Golf Club.

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 farm fresh 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 a upside-down house cellar door, many are award-winning.

The Bellarine boasts its own 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 is growing at a rapid rate and production is in place for a stateof-the-art driving range and training academy.

Geelong and the Bellarine is the perfect getaway. Arrive by car, train, Avalon Airport or via two ferries, either from the Docklands to Portarlington (Port Phillip Ferries) or Sorrento to Queenscliff (Searoad Ferries).

Further information on Geelong & The Bellarine phone 1800 755 611 or go to www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.

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 with many native birds and ducks that thrive on the course and waterways.

T

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.

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.

Into the blue...

Great golf in The Blue Mountains

Blackheath Golf & Community Club

by all who play there. It is the highest in the Blue Mountains and among the most beautiful courses in Australia.

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 is 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

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

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 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

www.blackheathgolf.com.au November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

19

beverage list. The comfortable clubhouse offers all the facilities you’d expect including gaming, pool tables and television screens to watch the latest sporting events.

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.

Leura Golf Club

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.

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 par-5s (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.

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.

After the round, enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the course, or stay for dinner. The highly recommended Clubhouse Bistro is open Wednesday to Sunday for Lunch (Midday to 3:00pm), and Thursday, Friday and Saturday for Dinner (6:00pm to 9:00pm). Closed Monday and Tuesday. The Bistro offers affordable meals and an enticing

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 $729 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 20

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

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 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.

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 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

Springwood Country Club before the round to be at your best, or book a lesson with their friendly Golf Professional, Eugene Finn. Eugene has been at Springwood Country Club since 2016, following roles at Avondale Golf Club and Elanora Country Club. He has introduced more opportunities for golfers in the mountains to improve their play by providing individualised and group lessons across all age groups. He has been quick to adopt new technologies in his coaching methodologies using video analysis of golfers’ swings after capturing them on tablets and other digital platforms. He has also upgraded the pro shop by

Above the smog and below the fog

making changes to the display areas and expanding the choices available to golfers.

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. They also have the new Orchard Brasserie operated by Paul and Vickie. Open 7 days for lunch from 11.30am and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30pm.

Corporate and social golf day enquiries are also always welcome. The club also has 32 carts available for hire for social and competition golf.

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 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.

• • • • • • •

Only 1 hour from Sydney and 15 mins from Penrith Fantastically maintained course with 360 degree views of nature at its very best 32 carts available for hire for social and competition play 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 Rd, Springwood, NSW, 2777 Pro Shop (02) 4751 2484 | Clubhouse (02) 4751 1122 springwoodgolfshop1@gmail.com or info@springwoodgolfclub.com.au

www.springwoodgolfclub.com.au November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

21

Swing with Okinawa’s subtropical breeze and ancestral thread.

From undulating courses, ocean and coral hazards, to time-honoured architecture Okinawa offers the perfect landscape to raise your game and be cultured.

 visitokinawa.jp  Okinawa Story

 visit_okinawajapan

Join the swing to beautiful Okinawa I

NSIDE Golf Travel always features the world’s best golf experiences for Australian holidaymakers and this month we can reveal a truly unique destination – the beautiful islands of Okinawa in golf-obsessed Japan.

For the past 30 years the Japan golf industry’s world standing has been second only to the USA in numbers playing the game.

And with more than 2,000 golf facilities -- to cater to about 10 million golfers -- it is third in the world behind the US and Canada in places to play.

Surprisingly many well-travelled golfers say some of the most beautiful courses in Japan are in lesser-known Okinawa, the 1,000km chain of 160 islands which make up the most-southern of its 47 prefectures (states).

Okinawa’s climate is subtropical, with average temperatures of 17C making it ideal for year-round golf on any of its 27 major courses, many of which are exciting seaside layouts.

The seas surrounding Okinawa’s islands are considered among the world’s most beautiful with numerous coral reefs and

abundant marine wildlife. Consequently -- apart from golf -- snorkelling and scuba diving are among Okinawa’s top family holiday attractions. Okinawa also hosts one of the biggest aquariums in the world, Churaumi Aquarium. It welcomed its 20 millionth visitor back in March 2010.

Okinawa Islands (640km south of the rest of Japan) is the largest of the Ryukyu chain of Islands with a population of about 1.4 million. It is about 120km long and 11 km wide, with an area of 1,200sq km.

Its golf course settings are superb with a string of unique world-class layouts: some holes are perched beside steep cliffs, others require shots across the sea, all with great views of the blue sea and sky in a rich tropical natural setting.

A representative working with the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau says, “Okinawa offers not only great golf but many other unique cultural experiences that the whole family can enjoy. We expect that that they will find that Okinawa is not just another resort, but a new, exciting place to visit all while testing their golfing game.”

THE GOLF “Good shot” and “nice putt,” are said to be the best-known English phrases understood and spoken in Japan, so you can be sure golf visitors to golf-happy Okinawa will get a warm welcome.

Some of the leading courses include: Atta Terrace Golf Resort Play while taking in the undulating beauty of the Onnadake highlands overlooking the East China Sea. Hot springs. www.terrace.co.jp/en/atta/ Emerald Coast Golf Links Boasting an impressive course and fine food. www.tokyugolf.com/emerald/course/in_course/index.html (Link in Japanese) Kanucha Golf Course and Kanucha Resort Okinawa 2.64 million square meters of open playground, originally developed as a championship course. www.kanucha.jp/en/golf/index.html Motobu Green Park Hotel and Golf Course Seaside course, abundance of subtropical flowers, 5-minute drive from world heritage site Okinawa Nakijin Castle and Ocean Expo Park. www.hmi-resort.jp/motobu/golf/ (Link in Japanese) Southern Links Rated one of the best challenges of the main island; two famous holes where you can hit over the ocean. Hot springs. www.southern-links.co.jp/access/index.php Shigira Bay Country Club Stretching along the southern coast of Miyakojima, a championship-calibre course, with fairways that are perfectly maintained and fit with nature. www.nanseirakuen.com/en/activity/index.html Ocean Links Miyakojima Splendid bath overlooks the ocean and has a large observation deck, gourmet restaurant with views of Miyakojima. www.ocean-links.co.jp/index.html For a full list of golf in Okinawa: www.golf-in-japan.com/courses-okinawa.php

Special Offers: $100* off flights to Okinawa will start in late November on Webjet.com.au.

More: www.webjet.com.au/destinations/okinawa Photos supplied by Kanucha Golf Course, Kanucha Resort Okinawa and The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

23

Four cars up for grabs at EF King Island Classic T he inaugural Essendon Fields King Island Classic will be played at Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes on 10-11 February 2018. The trip will depart from Essendon Fields Airport which is part of the Essendon Fields precinct in Melbourne.

Played over a weekend during King Island’s peak golf season, the event presents a fantastic opportunity to play two of the world’s best courses in tournament conditions. Cape Wickham is ranked number 24 in the world and Ocean Dunes is also sure to rank highly when future world rankings are released - as the course only opened in October 2016 it has not yet received a world ranking. It has, however, been ranked as the 4th best public access course in Australia.

Both courses have magnificent coastline and ocean views are prevalent on the majority of holes making King Island Australia’s hottest new golf destination.

In addition to playing these fantastic courses, there will be four cars up for grabs for anyone who is able to nail a hole-in-one, courtesy of the Andrews Wallis Motor Group at AutoCentro, Essendon Fields.

“Wouldn’t that make for an all-time highlight - achieving a life time dream of hitting a hole-in-one, playing two bucket list courses and taking home a car for your troubles?” said Pasquale Scaturchio,

General Manager of Airport Toyota, Andrews Wallis Motor Group.

There will also be many other great prizes on offer.

Air Adventure will be coordinating the event for Essendon Fields and will organise everything for you. For only $995 per person, Air Adventure will organise flights, golf accommodation and transfers for you, so all you need to do is book, turn up and enjoy a magnificent golf experience. Air Adventure are King Island’s most experienced travel operator having organised King Island trips for over 2,000 golfers.

Find yourself in Africa with Sandy’s Safaris Join us on the safari super trail or the road less travelled, the choice is yours

“We’ve taken thousands of happy golfers to play King Island over the last two years – the feedback has been resoundingly excellent with the courses exceeding all expectations. Playing for exceptional prizes on world-class courses, while supporting a great cause - this promises to be a very memorable tournament,” said John Dyer, Air Adventure Managing Director.

“Essendon Fields Airport is delighted to be hosting the inaugural Essendon Fields King Island Classic. King Island is only a 35-minute flight from Essendon Fields Airport and you can arrive at

Ocean Dunes’ first tee in 90 minutes,” said Essendon Fields CEO Chris Cowan.

“The event will be supporting MakeA-Wish Australia which gives very sick children and teenagers hope for the future, strength to face the challenges of their illness, and joy from their incredible wish experience. Through this tournament we are aiming to raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Australia,” added Chris.

To play in this event or for more information contact golf@airadventure. com.au or call 1800 033 160. •

Your Safari destinations: • • • •

Jock Safari Lodge - private conservancy, Kruger National Park; The V&A Hotel - The Waterfront, Cape Town; Fancourt Golf Resort - The Garden Route; Dwyka Tented Camp & The Explorer Camp - Sanbona Game Reserve, The Little Karoo • The Palace of the Lost City - Sun City - Pilanesberg National Park

Your Golf Courses in the wild: • • • • •

Leopard Creek • Kambaku Pearl Valley • Pinnacle Point St Francis Links • The Lost City The Gary Player Country Club Fancourt - Outeniqua, Montagu & The Links

• Skukuza • Simola • Pezula

Book Now! • 2018 itineraries available now - book early, don’t miss out • Join a group (maximum adventurers 24); or we’ll create a bespoke itinerary for your own adventurers • Fully escorted from Johannesburg

Contact Sandy

sandy’s safaris 24

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

Email: sandys.safaris@gmail.com Website: sandyssafaris.com

Mobile: 0408169879 facebook: Sandy’s Safaris

Tee off on an

Unforgettable Golf Adventure

L

ooking for an unforgettable golf and travel experience? Whether you are flying solo, travelling as a couple, or with a group of friends, Unforgettable Golf Adventures provide amazing golf in stunning locations that you will never, ever forget. Your Unforgettable Golf Adventures host is passionate about taking you to landmark golf course locations in boutique, escorted groups.

Let UGA take the hassle and stress out of organising your own golfing holiday,

Just a short 45min flight from Melbourne, come and experience the wild exposed coastline and test your skills on a true links style courses

Enjoy these truly Unforgettable Golf Adventures in 2018:

starts by watching the first three days of the Australia v. South Africa Test in Cape Town, followed by four unforgettable golf games at world-class courses nearby George. You’ll finish this tour with an amazing three-day safari at Shamwari Game Reserve.

South African Cricket Swing (March) A jam-packed sporting tour. Join UGA for an incredible cricket, golf and safari experience co-hosted by legendary South African cricketer Barry Richards. The tour

South African Golf and Safari Swing (May) This tour is for classic golf fans. Enjoy playing seven games of golf, including top-three ranked courses in South Africa;

so you can focus on enjoying your unforgettable experience.

The only requirement is a love of golf and a love of travel!

Fancourt ‘The Links’; Sun City’s ‘Gary Player GC’; and the private ‘Leopard Creek’ golf club on the edge of Kruger National Park where a three-night safari experience is included and should not be missed.

USA West Coast Swing (August) Relish in golf luxury by staying on-course at the exclusive Pebble Beach Lodge, guaranteeing a tee time on the famed Pebble Beach course, plus additional golf on Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay. An unforgettable experience of 7 games of golf, including Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton stay and play San Francisco golf; and San Francisco City, Alcatraz and Napa Valley wine tours.

VIC/TAS Swing (November) A big tick off any golf course bucket list, you’ll play no less than six of the top-10 ranked courses in Australia. Play Royal Melbourne West, Kingston Heath, Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes - King Island, plus the Dunes and Lost Farm Barnbougle. Included also are Yarra Valley Wineries, Sports Tour of Melbourne, and fine dining on the memorable Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.

Unforgettable Golf Adventure tours are unique by providing access to some of the most exclusive golf courses around the world. They pride themselves on pairing amazing travel destinations to complement the incredible golf courses you will remember forever.

MORE INFORMATION: Peter Gunn: Phone: 0402 324 182, www.unforgettablegolf.com.au, or email peter.gunn@unforgettablegolf.com.au

03 64621633 | enquiries@oceandunes.com.au

www.oceandunes.com.au November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

25

Golf adventures

to Hawaii, Vietnam, Cambodia and Fiji Pro-Ams

R

ichard Ellis was once a leading tournament professional. These days, Queensland-born Ellis is the owner of the very successful New Zealandbased golf management, tour and event company “Pacific Golf Management”. He has over 25 years’ experience running golf tours, international amateur and professional tournaments around the world.

Richard has a very impressive 2018 golf holiday and tournament program to Hawaii, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and the Pacific Islands.

Perhaps you enjoy the world-class resort courses and magnificent beach-front hotels in Hawaii or travelling to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand and challenge yourself playing some of the best championship courses in Asia.

Maybe closer to home would suit, playing in the South Pacific’s biggest four-round pro-am event at Natadola Bay and Denarau Golf & Racquet Club with over $130,000 professional prize money and amateur prizes.

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

5th annual Hawaii International Golf Week & the Best of Hawaii Golf Tour (August 18th to 30th) The big Island of Hawaii is a 30-minute flight from Honolulu. There are seven world-class golf courses within 15 minutes’ drive of the magnificent Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel at Mauna Kea Resort where you will spend seven nights in an ocean view room.

You will love playing five rounds on the best of these amazing courses, plus there’s two PGA golf pros on tour to help sharpen your skills (all included in the cost). The four-round tournament is played in different divisions for women and men (even a scratch event for the guns), great prizes, opening cocktail party, nightly drinks and fun tournament dinner to finish. Get in quick, this event has sold out the last two years.

Hawaii is a long way to go for just a week and a few days in Waikiki is a must do, so for those who wish to spend more time in golfing paradise, take a short flight back to Honolulu and spend four nights at the fantastic Prince Waikiki Hotel, and a round of golf at Hawaii Prince course.

Waikiki is also a shopping paradise with the famous Ala Moana Shopping centre only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.

2018

The South Pacific’s biggest pro-am tournament with over $130,000 in professional prize money and amateur prizes. There are amazing individual and teams prizes for the amateurs. You will have a professional in your group for all four rounds of the tournament, two rounds at the fantastic Vijay Singh-designed Natadola Bay, and two rounds at Denarau Golf & Racquet Club. Five-star accommodation at Sheraton Fiji Resort, opening cocktail party, nightly drinks at the tournament bar, gala final night banquet and entertainment fantastic value for this all-inclusive package. Get in quick, this event sells out every year.

Vietnam & Cambodia (February 28th – March 10th) Four nights in Da Nang, Five-star beachfront accommodation, three nights at the Saigon Sheraton and three nights at the Angkor Palace Resort in Cambodia; seven rounds of golf on fantastic courses designed by the best in the business, fun tournament, golf pro on tour for daily tips, caddy and cart each round. Limited to the first 28 golfers plus non- players.

Go To www.pacificgolf.co.nz for full information or email richard@pacificgolf.co.nz phone +64 21989996.

Golf Tours

Tour Package

DA NANG, HO CHI MINH & SIEM REAP 7 Rounds of Golf, 5 Star Accomodation February 28th - March 10th 2018

The Sheraton Golf Classic Fiji (June 12th –16th)

• 4 night’s accommodation at Pullman Resort Da Nang • 3 night’s accommodation at the Sheraton Hotel Saigon • 3 night’s accommodation at the Angkor Palace Resort Hotel & Spa Cambodia • Full buffet breakfast daily • All airport to hotel return transfers • 7 rounds of golf including cart and personal caddy • Tour of Angkor Wat • All transport to golf courses • Welcome cocktail function in Da Nang • Final night dinner and prize presentation in Cambodia • Daily and overall tournament prizes • Player tournament gift pack • Richard Ellis tour and tournament organiser

GOLFERS PP US$2595 (NON-PLAYERS US$1515) TWIN SHARE

Tour Package

NATADOLA BAY & DENARAU $130,000 PRIzE MONEY & PRIzES JUNE 12TH - JUNE 16TH 2018

5TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL GOLF WEEK World Class Golf Courses GOLFERS PP US$2896 (NON-PLAYERS US$1930) TWIN SHARE August 18th - August 25th 2018

GOLFERS PP $1879 - NZ$1985 TWIN SHARE

(NON-PLAYERS $1298 - NZ$1384)

Tour Package

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

• 5 Nights twin share accommodation at Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau Island • Return airport / hotel transfers from Nadi International Airport • Daily full breakfast • 4 rounds of golf in the Pro-Am including carts and range balls daily • Daily lunch and on course drinks during tournament play • Gala Welcome Cocktail Party • Nightly drinks at the tournament bar (during the tournament) • All transport from Hotel to golf courses during the tournament • Player gift pack valued at $120.00 • Over $130,000 in Prize money and Prizes • Final night Gala Banquet dinner, drinks and entertainment

BEST OF HAWAII 12 Days in Golfing Paradise August 18th - August 29th 2018

• 7 nights’ accommodation at the five-star Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel & Spa, ocean view rooms • 4 nights’ accommodation at the five- star Prince Waikiki Hotel, ocean view rooms • Daily full breakfast, 11 days • 6 Rounds of golf including cart on world class course, Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Mauna Lani North Mauna Lani South and Hawaii Prince • Ranges balls before play each day • Entry into the Hawaii International Golf Week tournament • Practice round at Hapuna Beach & free golf tuition with PGA professionals before the tournament • Welcome function at Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel • Nightly drinks, one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament.

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

GOLFERS PP US$3776 (NON-PLAYERS US$2697) TWIN SHARE Extra nights available at both hotels for those who wish to extend their stay.

www.pacificgolf.co.nz 26

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | November 2017

Featured Favourites >

MURRAY DOWNS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB M

urray Downs Golf and Country Club is golf at its absolute best.

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

it’s consistently voted one of the country’s best resort courses. It also happens to be a favourite of the Inside Golf team.

The 6197m course is in striking contrast to the spectacular surrounding Mallee plains.

It is both beautiful and challenging, with a dramatic backdrop of river gums, artfully formed lakes and some very tricky signature holes, notably the par-3 5th, featuring a

EN SUITE CABINS / GREAT GOLF / SCENIC CRUISING

MURRAY RIVER MAGIC Includes r DEPARTURES Rive Murray olf 2018: G ic g a M Shirt 16 Apr; 23 Apr; 30 Apr; 21 May;

01 Sep; 24 Sep; 21 Oct; 28 Oct; 04 Nov GOlFER TWIN SHaRE $1730 | NON GOlFERS TWIN SHaRE $1260 | SINGlE OCCUPaNCy GOlFER $2490

EXOTIC SRI LANKA Starts Colombo: 05 February 2018 Ends Colombo: 15 February 2018

- 4.5 or 5 Star Accommodation including 2 Nights Shangri La Resort & Spa - Full Daily Breakfast - Touring including Colombo, Kandy, Elephant Orphanage, Tea Plantation and much more.

- Welcome and farewell Dinners - 4 Golf Games includes caddies but not carts (except Shangri La - Carts & Caddies Included) - Cooking Class - Private Coach Touring

$3198 GOlFER PP TWIN /DOUBlE $2798 NON GOlFER PP TWIN/DOUBlE $1650 SINGlE SUPPlEMENT

daunting carry over a lake, which follows the hole all the way to the green where bunkers guard the left side of the narrow target.

The course fairways are superbly tended and groomed, while the bent greens are generally large, undulating and very fast with thoughtful tee positions and pin placements. The layout is easy-walking,

but small hills, bumps and rolls break the landscape.

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

Following your round, the clubhouse balcony room features panoramic views of the course with floor to ceiling windows.

The café is the best spot for a quick energy top-up any time of the day, while Fairways Bistro is food central at Murray Downs.

The bistro offers a magnificent countrystyle lunch and an extensive dinner menu with specials changing regularly. The Club is also host to three magnificent floodlit bowls rinks, supervised Junior lounge and adventure Playground, while the teen lounge gives older kids a place to play pool, Wii, Xbox, PlayStation and more.

Murray Downs’ on-course resort includes 50 individually air-conditioned and wellappointed family rooms and 2-bedroom units. If you love the independence and space of self-contained apartments, Murray Downs Resort is the perfect place for you, with its deluxe and super deluxe apartments, featuring fully-equipped kitchenettes with a continental or country style cooked breakfast which can be delivered to all rooms each morning.

The resort also offers a huge heated tropical pool, toddlers swimming pool, running track, spa, plus superbly maintained grass court tennis for nongolfers.

For more information: www.murraydownsgolf.com.au, www.facebook.com/murraydownsgolfclub

AMAZING IRELAND

- Wonderful Accommodation in Castles, Hotels & Lodges - 7 Gourmet dinners 15 Full Irish Breakfasts - 8 Golf Games on the great Irish Courses - Private Coach Touring - Full Non Golfer Program

16 DayS ExCEPTIONal ValUE FROM $13795 PER PERSON SHaRE TWIN

Departs Dublin 06 August 2018 Ends Dublin 21 August 2018

NEW ZEALAND

“MEET THE LOCALS” 2 Tours can be combined - BONUS FREE Night Downtown Auckland

NORTHLAND

Starts Monday 09 April 2018 Ends Monday 16 April 2018

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND Starts Monday 16 April Ends Wednesday 25 April

- Enjoy playing with local golf club members at some clubs in the itinerary - Enjoy Free Days in the iconic Bay of Islands. Doubtless Bay, Mount Maunganui & Rotorua - 9 Golf Games including Wairakei Golf Club - Daily Breakfasts - Private Coach Touring - Great local Accommodation

FROM jUST $2275 PER PERSON TWIN SHaRE (NORTHlaND TOUR)

TO RECEIVE OUR QUaRTEly NEWSlETTER SIMPly EMaIl US WITH yOUR NaME, EMaIl, TElEPHONE, MaIlING aDDRESS: fred@golfgourmet.com.au Go to www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722 November 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

27

www.fiji.travel

COLENSO0206

They say that Fiji is the happiest place on Earth. We know they’re right because even if you end up in the rough, it’s hard to wipe the smile off your face. The tee is waiting for you at one of our world class courses. Go to www.fiji.travel to find out more.