Inside Golf Travel December 2017

Issue 50 // DEC 2017 www.insidegolf.com.au

The Coast with the most:

Great golf along the NSW Mid to Far North Coast

PLUS+

Golf in the Philippines, China, Fiji and more!

Make your next escape one you’ll never forget! Enjoy luxury accommodation with spectacular views, a round of golf on one of New Zealand’s top courses, and a delicious meal in a rustically luxurious clubhouse.

Enhance your stay with exciting activities ranging from horseback riding to sky diving, and pamper yourself in the indulgent day spa.

barnbougle

Packamges fro

$930

king island

TAKE OFF TO TEE OFF IN 90 MINS

2 day Barnbougle or King Island golf tours from $930 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

Tee off on a ‘Bucket List’ pro-am

www.insidegolftravel.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner M: 0407 000 440 E: richard@insidegolf.com.au Chief Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey@insidegolf.com.au National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au NSW Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 E: megan@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au

Cape Wickham

H

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: Bonville Golf Resort

ere’s your chance to play a ‘Bucket list’ two-day Pro-Am at King Island’s famous Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes golf courses.

The Air Adventure King Island Pro-Am will be played at Cape Wickham and Ocean Dunes on 14-15 May 2018. The event is a sanctioned PGA event which will be part of the 2018 Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.

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

2018 AfRicA bAck by pOpULAR DEMAnD 2018 bRiTiSh OpEn wiTh 7 nighT EUROpEAn RivER/gOLf cRUiSE

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.

There will be a maximum of 25 teams made up of one PGA professional and three amateurs. The amateur package will be $1295pp and will include return flights, 18 holes at Cape Wickham and

MASTERS TOUR 2018

Ocean Dunes with pull buggies, twin share accommodation, lunches, dinner and breakfast, and all on ground transfers.

Air Adventure will be coordinating the event and will organise everything for both amateurs and professionals. They will organise flights, golf accommodation and transfers, so golfers only need to 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 2000 golfers.

To register your interest to play in this event, contact golf@airadventure.com.au •

USD$1000 discount f pp o bookings r by end 20 17 Limit ed spaces le

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viETnAM/cAMbODiA 2018 incLUDing MEkOng RivER cRUiSE JApAn gOLf TOUR 2018 cUSTOMiSED DOMESTic AnD inTERnATiOnAL gOLf TOURS STACEY ARTHUR P: 02 4285 0711 M: 0402 327 606 E: stacey@itravelwoonona.com.au

• WELCOME DINNER • DEDICATED TOUR GUIDE • GUARANTEED SMALL GROUPS • 3 FINE DINING EXPERIENCES • PRIVATE TRANSFERS • EVERYDAY AT THE MASTERS AVAILABLE

FULL ITINERARY:

www.itravelwoonona.com.au

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

December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

3

On a golf ‘Mission’ to China

By MICHAEL COURT

I

T’S that time of year folks, when a young man’s fancy turns to golf.

Any just about everyone else starts to think that way as well.

And why not? The days are getting longer, and the courses are beckoning.

It’s also the perfect time to begin planning a golf holiday in China.

And why not head to the world’s biggest golf club with about 22 courses to choose from at the famous Mission Hills.

You may be unaware that there are actually two Mission Hills locations – with 10 courses at Mission Hills Resort Haikou on Hainan and 12 just as stunning layouts at Mission Hills Dongguan and Shenzhen.

China Golf Experience, a Melbournebased team, are here to educate on how

much fun golf can be at this famous location, where you get the opportunity to play courses designed by famous golfers from every continent in the world and walk in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods . . . and what the heck, let’s dream we can play the same shots as them as well on these heavenly layouts as well.

Greg Norman has designed one course there, so has Jose-Maria Olazabal. And like the golfers themselves, these will test your game to the extreme if you are brazen enough to play them off the back tees.

And the one with the most attractive views, not surprisingly, is actually the Annika Sorenstam-designed layout – her first in the world – which offers stunning views of several courses scattered around the mountainside.

Now listed as ‘The World’s No.1 Golf Club’, Mission Hill boasts a wide range of first-rate facilities for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Moss Vale Golf Club is a

Mission Hills Shenzhen/Dongguan 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 globallysignificant 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 world-class 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.

But why not find out for yourself – and let the boys from CGE tailor your golf trip to suit your own needs . . . believe me, they can do it.

Check out their website and even view some sample itineraries at www.cgegolf.com.au and see for yourself why they have been nominated for Australia’s best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2017. Or, for further information call 1300 CGEGOLF.

Golfer’s Paradise Stay and play package $330 for 2 people per night in a standard room includes: Accommodation, breakfast, a 2 course dinner, golf and a cart (subject to availability).

Package available Sunday through Thursday nights only. Not available on Public holidays.

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf

Ph: (02) 4868 1800 www.dormiehouse.com.au ARTHUR STREET MOSS VALE | P: (02) 4868 1811 | e: dormie@mossvalegolfclub.com.au | www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au 4

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

Nudgee members enjoy a thrilla’ in Manila

The Nudgee players about to head back to the Taal Vista Resort, with Dianne Wilkins feeling particularly relaxed.

J

ohn Downs, Nudgee Golf Club’s long time Golf Professional and 15 of his regular touring members headed off to the Philippines for a thrilling tour, playing 6 international championship courses designed by the world’s top golfing legends. The tour was organised and hosted by Philippines Club Tours of Australia. The tour consisted of a mixed group, men and women, singles and partners, seven ladies and nine gents, all keen golfers with a wide range of handicaps. All had been on many of John’s international tours over the years.

Patrick and Dianne Wilkins arrived 6 days earlier for a side trip to Subic Bay, also hosted by Philippines Club Tours.

They played Anvaya Cove Golf & Country Club and had a great warm up for the tour plus some additional sightseeing.

The courses played were designed by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Fred Couples, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Isao Aoki.

Clubs featured on the tour included, Orchard Golf Club, with two outstanding

courses, and hosts of the Johnnie Walker Classic and Johnnie Walker Super Tour events. Riviera Golf and Country Club, Splendido Golf & Country Club, Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club and Sherwood Hills Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus signature course, Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses outside US rated at No 85.

The group stayed in the five-star New World Hotel in Manila, in the heart of all the action and night life during the first part of their stay. They were able to access courses easily from the hotel and return for afternoon sightseeing and evening activities including visits to the James Packer City Of Dreams Casino and the new theatre night club Ibiza Beach Club for a five course dinner, spectacular show and dancing.

On the fourth day the group travelled in their 32 seater air conditioned coach to Tagaytay in the higher cooler regions, just a couple of hours out of Manila to stay at the historic five star Taal Vista Resort for four days. On the way to Taal Vista the

group did some sightseeing as well as playing the Fred Couples’ course at the Riviera Golf & Country Club.

That night the group were special guests of the Philippines Tourist Department at the world famous Antonio’s Restaurant and enjoyed another five course Filipino style dinner.

During the five days at Taal Vista Resort with its stunning views of Taal Lake and extinct Taal Volcano the group travelled short distances to play the Greg Norman course at Splendido Golf & Country Club, the Nick Faldo and the Isao Aoki courses at Eagle Ridge Golf & Country Club.

On The Sunday, the group travelled back to Manila and played the stunning Jack Nicklaus course at the Sherwood Hills Golf & Country Club. The last night was at the New World Hotel in Manila where they enjoyed a hosted Awards Dinner in the signature restaurant. At each course on the trip a different competition was

held, the overall winner on the tour was Philip Green.

On the final day, the group took a last sightseeing tour culminating at the American War Memorial where there is a special section dedicated to the Australian armed forces and their role in defeating the Japanese military.

Back in Queensland, John is now planning another trip in March 2018 with 20 golfers. Of the trip and Philippines Club Tours, John said “The organisation and hospitality shown towards the group was absolutely outstanding, the courses were excellent, accommodation luxurious and the Philippines amazing. The tour was so well organised all I had to do was play golf with the members and enjoy myself”.

For more information on golf tours of the Philippines contact Les Smith on 0413931320 or email: golftours@ philippinesclubtours.com

Fairways to Paradise & Greens of Dreams Philippines Club Tours Golfers the Philippines is a must for your Club’s next “Members on Tour” • Playing 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 For a Club Tour that you will never forget contact: Les Smith, Australian Office, Philippines Club Tours.

Mobile: 0413 931 320 Office: (02) 4871 3363 Email: golftours@philippinesclubtours.com www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au www.tourismphilippines.com.au

17th Green, Langer Course, Riviera Golf Club, Philippines 6

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

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

The coast

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A Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club B Chinderah Golf Course C Murwillumbah Golf Club D Ocean Shores Country Club

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8

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

K Kew Country Club

Featuring pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and some of the Australia’s most spectacular scenery, the NSW Mid to Far North Coast is one of Australia’s premier locations for sports, festivals, music, dance and more. Of course, it is also home to some tremendous choices for the discerning golf traveller.

From Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads, and everywhere in between, we highlight the most popular and unique courses the region has to offer.

With a scratch rating of 74 and a slope of 137 off the men’s back tees (women’s scratch 75 and slope 133), the golf course challenges all levels of golfers.

Little wonder some of the best professionals in the business make a beeline for the club and course on a regular basis.

BYRON BAY GOLF CLUB

Peter Senior, Rodger Davis and Mike Harwood are regulars when the club hosts its annual Legends Tour event.

As one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, award-winning Byron Bay Golf Club is helping put Byron Bay in the spotlight.

This month they’ll be back, along with debutant Craig Parry, to contest the 11th annual Schweppes Legends Tour Championship from December 8-11.

Situated to the south of town, Byron Bay Golf Club occupies 48 hectares of land within 500m of the beach.

“The course will prove to be as challenging as ever for the Legends as well as for members and guests throughout the summer of 2017-18,” the club’s general manager Wendy Perry said.

With views to the lighthouse, the championship 18-hole, par-72 layout has been transformed in recent years and now comfortably sits inside the top-100 of Australia’s public access courses.

The golf course is in tip-top condition all-year-round, thanks to the club’s hard-working and award-winning

superintendent Shaun Cross, and his award-winning assistant Garry Kunz and staff.

“We receive many favourable comments about the condition of the course from the professionals, members and visitors,” Ms Perry said.

Byron Bay Golf Club has long had a reputation for being a welcoming club and the refurbished clubhouse and magnificent deck a wonderful spot to relax after a round.

Green fees: $49 for 18 holes, $86 per month for direct debit membership.

MORE INFORMATION Byron Bay Golf Club 62 Broken Head Road (02) 6685 6470 www.byronbaygolfclub.com.au manager@byronbaygolfclub.com.au

Teven Valley Golf Club

TEVEN VALLEY GOLF CLUB Nestled in the green rolling hills of the Ballina hinterland, Teven Valley Golf Club is one of the prettiest golf courses in the Northern Rivers.

Set among tropical fruit trees, remnant rainforest and babbling creeks, Teven Valley golf course offers a challenging layout for all levels of golfers.

The course caters for social golfers with casual golf available every day with no strict tee times.

The emphasis at Teven Valley is to provide a stern test of golf where good shot-making will triumph over the “big hit” and finesse can successfully compete with power.

Players who have a good short game will score well on a course that includes a lengthy 207m par-3 opening hole. Mind you, it’s downhill and plays to 180m.

Located in a peaceful environment, the songs of the birdlife and the occasional splash of a platypus are the only things that may interrupt your game.

The superbly maintained course is a challenging layout that appeals to golfers of all levels.

What’s nice about Teven Valley is it doesn’t pretend to be Augusta National.

What it does try to be, and succeeds very well, is nine pleasant holes (18 tees) of golf in a stunning beautiful setting.

The club welcomes visitors and it says it can promise “an unforgettable experience”.

The club is licensed and has carts, buggies and clubs for hire.

Teven Valley is just 15 minutes from Ballina and is central to Byron Bay, Lismore and beautiful beaches.

Ocean Shores Country Club The course is open 7.30am to sunset everyday of the year (except Christmas Day).

MORE INFORMATION Teven Valley Golf Club 1684 Eltham Road, Teven NSW 2478 (02) 6687-8386 www.tevenvalleygolfcourse.com.au Email tevengolf@gmail.com

Ocean Shores Country Club Ocean Shores is a hidden gem situated on the far north coast of NSW. Comprising six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s, this par-72 layout is certainly unique.

The feature of the course is the large greens that are protected by extensive

bunkering. With a combination of tifdwarf and tifeagle greens they are some of the purest and quickest putting surfaces you’ll putt on. It’s a challenging layout but with generous fairways and a stunning backdrop of natural waterways and fauna you will quickly be hypnotised by its beauty. Playing Ocean Shores is easy, if you’ve got a GA handicap, there are plenty of competitions or if you’re just looking for a social game, take advantage of their 18 holes, cart hire and lunch deal for only $52.

If you would just like to go for a walk, $17 after 2pm will get you unlimited golf.

MORE INFORMATION Ocean Shores Country Club Orana Road, Ocean Shores (02) 6680 1008 www.oceanshorescc.com.au

WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA’S ONLY ISLAND GOLF COURSE

at Nambucca Heads on the Coffs Coast of NSW. The 18 hole course located on Stuart Island is rated one of the most scenic courses on the North Coast of NSW, a true test of your golfing skills. The Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club venue surrounded by the picture perfect Nambucca River, is the sensational location for wedding receptions, conference venues, and function room facilities. The Island Restaurant at Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club is the ideal venue for family, social, function and corporate gatherings. Plus a fully equipped Pro Shop with sensational prices, lessons, cart & club hire.

Corporate Golf Days & soCial Group bookinGs

NAMBUCCA HEADS

ISLAND GOLF CLUB Stuart Island, Nambucca Heads 2448 GPS 153°0’10”E, 30°38’32”S Enquire (02) 6569 4111 Pro Shop (02) 6568 8172 secretary@namgolf.com • www.namgolf.com December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

9

Yamba Golf & Country Club

Yamba Golf & Country Club Recently voted Australia’s No 1 tourist town, Yamba is a unique beachside holiday and lifestyle experience suitable for all members of the family. Pristine beaches, beautiful waterways and plenty of leisure activities make Yamba a very special location for holidaymakers and residents.

If you enjoy a friendly social environment and the fun and competition of a great day’s golf, Yamba Golf & Country Club is just the ticket. They are conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the centre of town, and they have all of the latest facilities you’d expect from a modern social and sporting club.

From the clubhouse and new back deck,

you can enjoy picturesque views of their championship 18-hole golf course, voted best regional tournament of the year in 2016 by the QLD PGA.

Ballina Golf & Sports Club MORE INFORMATION Yamba Golf & Country Club River St Yamba (02) 6646 2104 www.yambagolf.com.au reception@yambagolf.com.au

Also take in local wildlife and abundance of native Australian flora and fauna whilst enjoying a cold beverage or two. Their restaurant – SeaFire Steak and Seafood, is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, offering a great menu with all of your favourites, and some superb blackboard specials on locally caught seafood. The Deck bar and café is now open from 7.00am Thursday to Sunday for a delicious brekkie and barista-made coffee.

SITUATED on the Far North Coast of NSW, less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast is the stunning Ballina Golf Course.

Green fees: $55, 18 holes, shared cart, lunch and a drink.

The popular Ballina destination is an easy-walking, tree-lined course with lush

Ballina Golf and Sports Club

Known for its award-winning gardens, which are a visual delight for members and visitors alike, the layout is the “Garden Course” of the Northern Rivers.

fairways complemented with true and consistent greens that are a pleasure to putt on.

The area is fortunate to experience cooling ocean breezes in summer that definitely enhance your golfing experience.

Heavily steeped in tradition, the club proudly celebrated its centenary in 2008.

The Ballina Golf Club has hosted many outstanding champions including Greg Norman, Rodger Davis, Wayne Grady and Peter Senior just to name a few.

The recently renovated modern and air-conditioned clubhouse provides all the usual conveniences for members and visitors including full bar facilities, Keno, a well-appointed gaming lounge and quality

Rivers Golf Tours Ticks all the boxes.

Your Local in the Northern Rivers.

riversgolftours@gmail.com www.riversgolftours.com.au • $35 per person

Read Inside Golf FREE on iPads If you love your monthly fix of Inside Golf, but can’t always get your copy before they’re all snapped up, then we’ve got some great news: our new and improved Inside Golf Digital iPad app is now available on the App Store... and it’s absolutely FREE.

Now, not only can you view current and back issues of your favourite golf magazine for free every month, but our new app includes the latest and breaking news across a variety of categories, tips and instruction, gear reviews, quizzes, puzzles, social media and more.

Plus, our unique Golf Map is updated each month with links to reviews and information about all courses featured in both the main magazine and Inside Golf Travel.

Download it today from the App store (search Inside Golf Magazine), or scan the QR Code. Alternately, get the link from our website or at http://goo.gl/ZAXaFD

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

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Chinese and contemporary meals in the Asian Green Restaurant. Kiosk facilities are also available.

Access to Ballina has never been easier with regular flights for interstate and Sydney travellers. And it’s only a short drive from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Whether it’s for the day, a weekend or even longer, a visit will not disappoint.

The Ballina Golf and Sports Club provides an immaculate golf course that presents an enjoyable challenge for all levels of players. The course has been a hidden gem for far too long.

MORE INFORMATION Ballina Golf and Sports Club (02) 6866-2766 www.ballinagolfclub.com.au admin@ballinagolfclub.com.au

Chinderah Golf Course Chinderah Golf Course is located in the beautiful Tweed Valley, west of Kingscliff and just off the highway where Tweed Coast Road starts.

Chinderah has a purpose-built 18-hole public golf course with manicured greens, tees, fairways and gardens which presents a beautiful and unique golfing experience.

Chinderah features a professionally manicured and expertly presented Driving Range with quality Srixon balls.

There is a first-class short game and

Chinderah Golf Course chipping area, practice green, huge turf area and undercover hitting bays. 75 range balls are just $8.00. Hit some balls then enjoy a quick but challenging round of golf.

They have a fully stocked pro-shop with all the essential golfing needs.

In addition, they love seniors at Chinderah. On Mondays and Thursdays, they hold the largest over-50s golf club on the coast. They have a timesheet-arranged competition every week with a yearly Order of Merit event, club championship, monthly medals

and weekly comps. Enjoy the golf companionship and friendly course without the huge yearly fees: Just a $30.00 once only joining fee.

Golf is available 7 days a week and no bookings are required. You can reserve a motorized cart. Hire clubs are available.

Green fees are $13.50 for all day play, $11.00 for seniors and only $6.50 for juniors.

If you want to work on your game, professional Ben Cronk has 15 years’ experience as a PGA AAA golf coach, and regularly plays the QLD PGA Tour.

Whether it’s more distance, fewer putts or just getting started, Ben is the coach for you.

So don’t be put off by suffocating rules, collars, knee high socks and outdated bylaws. Visit Chinderah to relax and enjoy your golf.

MORE INFORMATION Chinderah Golf 100 Tweed Coast Road, Chinderah (02) 6674 0420 www.chinderahgolf.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

Caddie Back Marker

• Club Members • Social Clubs • Corporate Events

Ladies & Men’s Competition Played third Friday of the month

$30 GUESTS

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

www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

for golf weekends and golf stays, kind of like a home away from home.” Steve adds.

Bonville has recently introduced ‘Bonville Stories’, a series of short films which documents the groups, the tournaments and the people that call Bonville their home away from home. Join Steve, Andrew and The Legends Group as they share their story at www.bonvillegolf.com.au/stories.

MORE INFORMATION Bonville Golf Resort North Bonville Road, Bonville NSW 2450 (02) 6653 4002 www.bonvillegolf.com.au info@bonvillegolf.com.au

Bonville Golf Resort

Bonville Golf Resort Bonville Golf Resort is quickly defining itself as the number one destination for golfing groups. Why? It’s a focus on creating a top-to-bottom, unmatched golf experience that has set a new benchmark for stay and play golf in Australia.

2017 marks Bonville’s 25th year and according to General Manager Brad Daymond the course has never been in better condition. That’s a big statement from someone who has taken the entire 25-year journey with the club.

Set amongst the flooded gums at the foot of The Great Dividing Range, Bonville Golf Resort has been voted Australia’s most beautiful mainland golf course by The Golf Course Guide for 15 years running.

It offers amazing vistas throughout the par-72 championship layout and as you travel from hole to hole through pockets of rainforest, you quickly discover just how alluring this place really is. Every hole is secluded from the next, the fairways are wide and the greens are fair.

That’s something that Steve Tomlin from ‘The Legends Group’ knows all about. He’s

been making a pilgrimage to Bonville every year since it opened, along with 50 players that he organises. “It’s so easy to plan a visit,” he says. “Bonville have dedicated staff who are experts at group golf. They make the organisation of our annual tournament completely trouble free. All the staff will go out of their way to ensure the smooth running of the entire stay, from accommodation to presentation dinners, golf, and transfers.”

“Its beauty is astonishing. It’s not like your average resort style course, yet there is still something for all abilities. It’s perfect

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

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

Inside a stunning dedicated nature reserve lie the River Course and the West Course, both 18 hole courses are on 101 rolling hectares and were ranked

Ballina Golf & Sports Club Sunday Special

$50

18 holes, shAReD CARt and a Burger *Bookings EssEntial

An Unforgettable Golfing Experience Phone: (02) 6686 2766 | Email: admin@ballinagolfclub.com.au | Website: www.ballinagolfclub.com.au 12

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club in Australia’s top 100 Public Access golf courses in 2015.

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

Smack-bang in the middle of the River Course is a small rainforest, and you may come face-to-face with a goanna or the many species of bird life, generations

GREAT PRIZES

of which have happily shared their lush riverside habitat with golfers.

Pro Shop, stocked to the rafters with everything a golfer needs and more.

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

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

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

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

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

amore/castline coffee BYRON BAY OPEN

Gross Winner $400 - Nett Winner $300 Gross Runner Up $300 - Nett Runner Up $200 Gross 2nd Runner Up $200 - Nett 2nd Runner Up $100 Also 3 prizes in A, B and C Grades for Monthly Medal, as well as Long Drives and NTPs and ball run down.

(NB - ALL PRIZES WILL BE IN THE FORM OF VOUCHERS)

18 Hole Open Stroke play event from the back tees (Scratch rating: 74, Slope: 137) (Open to all male golfers with a GA handicap - Visitors Entry Fee $30) Come and test your game at the Bay just six days before the PGA Legends Tour Championships (Gross winner gains fee entry to the PGA Legends Tour Championships Pro-Am Tournament)

FOLLOW US

Ph: 6685 6470 byronbaygolfclub.com.au December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club LOCATED on the sub-tropical holiday coast, mid-way between Brisbane and Sydney, is the uniquely scenic Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club.

Surrounded by water, golfers will experience an exhilarating round of golf with the chance of seeing passing dolphins.

The birdlife is also a feature as pelicans, sea eagles and osprey soar overhead.

In the early-1990s, the golf course expanded to 18 holes and since then it’s gone from strength-to-strength.

It’s a flat, well-bunkered course with undulating greens but it’s the tightness of the layout that will test golfers of all abilities.

The challenging 389m par-4 16th hole is a great hole with out-of-bounds along the entire length of the left side of the fairway and some hazards down the right.

If you do mess up on this hole, you can make amends at the 124m par-3 18th – the easiest hole on the course.

Locals say if you can play to your handicap at Nambucca Heads Island golf course, you’ll be doing well.

The Island Restaurant is the ideal venue for family, social or other gatherings.

Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club has a fully-stocked pro shop that offers some extremely attractive deals.

MORE INFORMATION Nambucca Heads Island Golf Club (02) 6569 4111 www.namgolf.com

EVERY SHOT HAS A TALE TO TELL www.bonvillegolf.com.au/stories 14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

Murwillumbah Golf Club

Murwillumbah Golf Club Murwillumbah Golf Club is arguably one of the best golf courses in Australia with its spectacular views and elevated greens it is sure to impress any level of golfer who comes to visit. Situated just 30 minutes south of the Gold Coast, Murwillumbah has a fully equipped club house with function rooms and an 18-hole championship course, the perfect venue for your next outing.

Just far enough away from the crowds of the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas, Murwillumbah Golf Club is truly a hidden gem when it comes to golf. The layout is unique with each hole possessing a different challenge with undulating fairways and greens it truly tests your game and makes your day thoroughly enjoyable. To truly take the challenge of Murwillumbah the club host a back marker challenge on the first Friday of each month which attracts a number of visiting

golfers and members who love to take on the course at it full capacity. The club has 25 electric carts to hire along with an additional 20 push carts. The club also has a driving range with undercover hitting bays and teaching professional Graeme Trew always on hand for private or group lesson.

Whether you’re a once a year player or an avid golfer, Murwillumbah golf club will satisfy the thirst of anyone who knows the game.

golf

The club also has catering facilities with excellent Australian and Asian style options from the Hot Wok and Grill.

MORE INFORMATION Murwillumbah Golf Club 233 Byangum Rd Murwillumbah NSW 2484 (02) 66 721799 www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au

in paradise

Exclusive offer!

18 holes shared cart with lunch & a drink

$55 Present this ad to redeem. Bookings essential. Valid until 30 June 2018.

For bookings and enquiries call Yamba Golf and Country Club on 02 6646 2104 or email reception@yambagolf.com.au ~ www.yambagolf.com.au

With a casual atmosphere and absolutely idyllic surroundings, Teven Valley Golf Course is perfect for holiday golfers...

ProshoP hire equiPmenT BarisTa made Coffee Liquor LiCenCe

Teven valley Golf Course Open every day from 7.30am 1684 Eltham Road, Teven 2478 | P: (02) 6687 8386 www.tevenvalleygolfcourse.com.au

December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

15

Rivers Golf Tours Kew is currently offering a great Christmas Gift idea: just $250 for 6 month’s membership from until June 2018. In addition, members pay just $5 for as many holes as they would like after midday. Great savings!

MORE INFORMATION Kew Country Club Pro Shop on (02) 6559 4596 www.kewcountryclub.com.au Kew Country Club

Kew Country Club Set amidst beautiful native gardens, with a playerfriendly 18-hole championship style golf course and driving range, Kew Country Club is a delight for all players.

The Club has been undertaking some great continual improvements including seven new tees, removal of trees, extra mounding and nearly $100k of drainage and water management.

“From the moment you drive through the entrance, you start to realize the aim of the club’s governing body is to provide a great recreational facility for patrons to enjoy,” says Kew Country Club secretary manager Robert Dwyer.

Call in and have a social game of golf with friends, then finish with some refreshments at the bar, a great meal from Fairways Bistro, or simply relax in the air conditioned club house.

Kew Country Club also boasts two well-appointed synthetic bowling greens, so no matter what the weather conditions are, you can be sure that your bowling will usually be on.

Kew Country Club has a well-appointed air conditioned function room that can cater for your next private function, whether for twenty or 200 guests—perfect for weddings, birthday parties or private functions. A fullystocked bar and a spacious dance floor with verandahs overlooking a beautiful golf course make this an ideal social venue.

Located 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie and 40 minutes north of Taree, the clubhouse at Kew Country Club is only 500 metres from the Pacific Highway. If you are visiting the Mid-North Coast and are playing in the Port/Taree/Wauchope area, this course is a hidden treasure not to be missed.

Rivers Golf Tours If you like to tick off a Bucket List golf course or simply enjoy a special place to visit, the Northern Rivers is the place to do so. Riversgolftours.com.au is your “local” for any tours in the Northern Rivers. Why use Rivers Golf Tours when visiting the Northern Rivers? Simple: at some stage you are either playing next to or have crossed a river, and with Rivers Golf Tours, your guide will know all the places to visit, including Byron Bay’s “secret spots” that are only known by the locals.

Rivers Golf Tours cater for 6 to 20 people, and will even pick you up at the airport. (The only extra is lunch and beverages) MORE INFORMATION Rivers Golf Tours www.riversgolftours.com.au riversgolftours@gmail.com

Present this voucher for

2 x players 18 holes social golf with a cart for

Call or email to book a time (Sunday to Friday)

$110

*

*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $112.50).

Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

233 Byangum Rd, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 ph (02) 6672 4200 email: golfshop@murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au

www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au 16

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

Great golf in The Land of Smiles

Tee off on a 12-day Thailand golf adventure

Thailand Getaway Golf Tours May 2017 Tour of Hua Hin Thailand

J

OHN Dunphy’s 12-day golf tour of Thailand is perfect for the passionate golfer. Enjoy rounds of golf on five of Thailand’s most beautiful and spectacular golf courses and experience the tropical climate, mouth-watering food and friendly people in The Land of Smiles.

Thoroughly researched by your host, a lifelong golfer and experienced traveller, the destination and golf courses have been carefully selected to create a truly memorable holiday.

Day 1, April 26: Arrive Bangkok, travel to Hua Hin. Day 2, April 27: 18 holes of golf at Majestic Creek Golf Resort. Majestic Creek is a 27-hole gem, lying in beautiful countryside just 25 minutes outside of the Royal town of Hua Hin. Recent renovations and re-laying of greens has transformed this sleeping giant into one of the best golfing experiences in this renowned golfing area.

Day 3, April 28: Leisure Day. Day 4, April 29: 18 holes of golf at Palm Hills Country Club. Palm Hills Golf Club & Residence provides world-class golf courses, and boutique lifestyle and facilities to give you the experience of a lifetime. Set amidst the pristine environment of magnificent green hills and beautiful lakes, the panoramic views are one of a kind.

Day 5, April 30: Leisure day, followed by a Group Buffet Dinner in the evening.

Day 6, May 1: 18 holes of golf at Sea Pine Golf Resort. The Sea Pine Golf Course presents the golfer with 18 beautifully designed, landscaped holes. 20 minutes from Hua Hin on Suan Son Pradiphat Beach. The Sea Pines course design and layout have been developed to provide golfers with a wide variety of challenges.

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

Day 7, May 2: Leisure Day. Day 8, May 3: 18 holes of golf at Imperial Lake View Golf Resort. The Imperial Lake View Golf Resort is surrounded by small farms and fruit orchards, offering 36 holes of golf in one of the most scenic and pleasant areas in Hua Hin. The course features small streams and a large lake dividing it in two. With blind shots to some greens, undulating fairways and several doglegs, this course will test the skills of most golfers.

Day 9, May 4: Leisure day including beach lunch.

golf tour packages

Day 10, May 5: 18 holes of golf at Banyan Golf Resort. Award-winning Banyan Golf Resort at Hua Hin is a world-class championship golf and dining facility that has been designed to be enjoyed by players of all levels.

The unique contemporary Thai-styledesigned clubhouse features luxurious changing rooms, exclusive club suite accommodation and wonderful dining experiences, followed by a farewell dinner and presentation in the evening.

Day 11, May 6: Leisure day.

Day 12, May 7: Travel to Bangkok for return flight to Sydney.

For more information: johndunphy85@yahoo.com.au, www.thailandgetawaygolftours.com.au

bespoke holidays

self-drive packages

transport & tee bookings

lidays! o H lf o G n w to s Ultimate Queen s.co.nz r u to lf o g le b a k r 4 653 888 www.rema 00 528 165

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December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

17

RESORT OF THE MONTH >

20th and would save his winning ways for his hometown WA Open several weeks later. At the ripe age of 48 and after a solid re-dedication to his health and fitness, Stephen Leaney deserves any fruit that falls off the golfing tree.

Say ‘Bula’ to Fiji’s fantastic Natadola Bay

By Andrew Crockett

tropical green that is well watered in an otherwise quite barren and dry landscape makes the course oasis-like. The backdrop with coral reefs and the expansiveness of the Pacific Ocean seems to make you breathe deeper. Building my anticipation of playing the Vijay Singh-designed championship course was the realisation that I was paired with Stephen Leaney in the Fiji International pro-am.

A

s a golfing journalist who also surfs, working life does not get much better than standing at the summit of Natadola Bay Golf Course on a perfect Winter’s day and taking in the delightful hues of the Coral Coast off Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. I say ‘winter’, but it is August in Fiji and I am in shorts, applying sunscreen and vividly remembering to take water when I tee off. The golf course looks stunning; a

Being off a 3 handicap probably aids in the enjoyment of Natadola and scoring it on a day with only a light

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

zephyr off the ocean definitely raises one’s appreciation of the nuances in the design. Stephen Leaney arched back and seemingly without effort popped a tee shot clean down the middle of our first hole (Natadola’s 5th) and this turned out to be something he would do every time he pulled his driver for the rest of the day. His calm demeanour was a pleasure to be around. I could sense his game was sharp and for a moment, later in the week, it looked like he might even win the tournament. He finished a very credible

Natadola had been re-designed in 20162017 to make the course more forgiving, in fact the changes were aspects of the design that former World number 1 Vijay Singh had attuned to in the original masterplan, but they never happened.

Upon the week of the Fiji International the course was just about ready for tournament play, albeit for four or five greens, which simply needed another week or two to be perfect. What had Vijay done to the existing course? Mostly subtle changes, allowing for more creative approach shots and less penal around the greens; because anyone that has been to Fiji knows that your day on the course is largely dictated by the weather. You get a good day and it is heaven on earth, a tropical paradise … yet much like the great Scottish courses, if you draw the weather, it can be punishing. Some holes, on a day with no wind, are a drive and a wedge and you are thinking about a

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 18

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

birdie, however, on a day with a 20 knot trade wind from the southwest, that same hole is two good swipes with a long club and if you escape with a par you walk off the green with confidence in your gait.

For anyone familiar with the course, it can easily be divided into two completely unique experiences; one with the ocean and the other with the mountains and a view inland. You have to cross over the road to access the four holes on the inland side. As you cross, the course takes on an utterly different feeling; and what a lovely feeling it is. With an expansive backdrop of a rolling hillside, these four holes have a serious wow factor magnified by elevation change that almost makes your ears pop. In fact, I think mine did as we drove our carts off the first tee down the winding cart path that is cut into the side of the hill and takes several hundred metres of winding until you reach the bottom. Even the professionals don’t walk this part of the course during tournament week, it is too steep and in the hot Fiji sun, it really would be cruel on a caddy!

The elevation changes on the four ‘inland’ holes are dramatic and it makes you wonder how on earth the design

team even managed to create it. A sight to behold, but also an adventure. You can’t see any of the adjoining holes, so as you leave the 1st of the four inland holes you wonder, what next? And again off the next, an impressive short par-3, which is all carry with a short iron, you take a meandering adventure up high to the plateau for the next tee shot and the view is, again, a postcard. As you sneak off the final inland hole, a par-4 that has a mostly blind tee shot, you return across the road to the ‘other 14 holes’ and the expansive view to the Coral Coast.

As you leave the inland you are left with a feeling as though you have just been on a joyride at a theme park. Those four holes really are something else.

Natadola has feeling. It gets your blood coursing through your veins as your eyes are treated to so many stimuli. In fact, all your senses are enlivened with the sounds of the ocean, the tropical heat, the crashing waves and the foreign bird calls.

But it is the colour and the contrast of blue and green that is permanently etched into the back of my retinas. The ‘beach hole’, the par-3 by the Ocean is like that

really nice bit of your dinner, right in the middle, when everything is just working in harmony. There is something refreshing about this simple hole; it yells at you from the tee, DON’T GO LEFT, then tells you that right is also a hazard; yet for good measure the hole whispers ‘hey, long is not pretty either’. If you hear all of that and hit a good straight mid-iron short of the hole, you get to stand on the putting green watching the waves break on the reef and the local fisherman hunting while your playing partners grapple with the dangers left, right and long.

August 2018 - usA West CoAst sWing Pebble beACh & northern CAliforniA 29th Aug - 7th sept 2018 10 Days / 9 nights Experience 7 amazing and unforgettable golf courses including the incredible Pebble Beach links, the famed Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill courses; the world class Presidio and Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco and the dramatic Half Moon Bay courses on the stunning California Coast.

Your Tour includes a beautiful Napa Valley wine region day tour, San Francisco day tour and a unique evening at ‘The Rock’ the infamous Alcatraz!

Other 2018 Unforgettable Golfing Adventures: • March: South Africa Cricket/Golf Swing, including Cape Town 3rd Cricket Test Aust v SA • May: South Africa Golf & Kruger Safari, including Cape Town & Sun City • November: Melbourne, Barnbougle & King Island Contact Peter gunn: M:+61 402 324 12 | e: peter.gunn@unforgettablegolf.com.au | www.unforgettablegolf.com.au December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

19

dreaming than I was over the back of the green looking for my ball down a very steep escarpment. I watched some of the professionals make the same mistake and therein lies the charm with Natadola; you are admiring her beauty while she beats you.

Every hole at Natadola was a pleasure to me, there is risk and there is reward.

You can reach the par-fives, you can cut corners and take on the risks and be rewarded with a flick-in wedge instead of, say, a 5-iron - but the consequences of a miscue are savage. Just for good measure I treated myself to three tee balls on the short par-4 12th. At 240m and into a slight breeze, it had Driver written all over it. My playing partner encouraged me, “come on, this sets up perfectly for your driver and you have been hitting it well.”

I carved the first one right, did the same with the second ball and the third was long and left. I would have racked up a 10. Leaney on the other hand, hit a 4-iron and a wedge to 10 feet and made birdie.

The par-5 back up to the clubhouse stood out to me. After hitting a solid drive, I had about 220 meters left to the green, up what I can only describe as a big hill. There must be three clubs in the slope alone. This is more like 250 metres! My playing partner, Leaney, said “This reminds me of the 8th at Augusta National with the elevation change.”

That is when the penny dropped.

Having never been to Augusta myself, now I get it; you can’t see the elevation on television and it is the same with Natadola Golf course in Fiji. I began to think that perhaps US Masters champion Vijay Singh was inspired by the Jones masterclass that is Augusta when he was designing this beauty in his homeland.

With dreams of Augusta National swaying my thoughts, no sooner was I

AMAZING GOLF AMARI HUA HIN GOLF WEEK 11 -17 March 2018 l Hua Hin, Thailand

Package Starting: AUD 2,795 / person (twin sharing)

Inclusions * Airfares from Australia * 6 nights’ Accommodation with breakfast * 4 tournament rounds with caddie & cart * 2 Group dinner parties * Daily and overall prizes for top scores * Welcome sourvenir bag * All transfers For more info contact:

Natadola has a peak season in our colder months from May through to October, and this is usually when they run the Fiji International golf tournament.

There is luxury accommodation right next door at the 5-star, award-winning InterContinental Resort. Stay & play packages are available at Marriott Momi Bay and Shangri-La’s Fijian resort. Flights from Sydney take four hours with Fiji Airways. Truly a golfing experience like no other, complete with the Fijian hospitality that is, by now, world famous.

More: www.natadolabay.com

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

Mark Penfold 0419 264 800 info@thailandgolftours.com.au

Point Lonsdale Guest House Book before 1st January and receive a free room upgrade www.thailandgolftours.com.au 20

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

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

Hawaii Golf Adventures & Fiji Pro-ams

O

nce a leading tournament professional, these days Richard Ellis is the owner of the successful New Zealand-based golf tour and tournament company, Pacific Golf Management. He has over 25 years’ experience running golf tours and international amateur and professional tournaments around the world, and personally oversees every tour and tournament.

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

Whether you enjoy the world-class resort courses and magnificent beachfront hotels in Hawaii, or travelling to Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand to play some of the best championship courses in Asia, Pacific Golf Management has a tour for you. Or maybe closer to home would suit, playing in the South Pacific’s biggest four-round pro-am events at Natadola Bay and Denarau in Fiji, with over $130,000 in 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 are 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:

Hawaii International Golf Week (August 18th to 25th September) This is the 5th annual tour and tournament to the big Island of Hawaii, which is a 30-minute flight from Honolulu.

Five- star accommodation for seven nights in an ocean view room at the new Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel at the famous Mauna Kea Resort. There are two world-class golf courses at the resort and another five within 15 minutes’ drive.

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). You don’t have to be a great golfer to take part as the four-round tournament is played in different divisions for women and men. There’s even a scratch event for the guns. It’s a great week, including welcome cocktail party, nightly drinks, great prizes and fun tournament dinner to finish. For the non- golfers there are always plenty of activities. This event has sold out the last two years.

The Best of Hawaii Golf Tour (August 18th to 29th) Hawaii is a long way to go for just one week, so a few nights in the famous Waikiki is a must after International Golf Week. Take a short flight back to Honolulu and spend four nights at the fantastic Prince Waikiki Hotel, which is

2018 • 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

GOLFERS PP $1879 - NZ$1985 TWIN SHARE

The Sheraton Golf Classic Fiji (June 12th – 16th) 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 played at the fantastic Vijay Singh-designed Natadola Bay and Denarau Golf & Racquet Club. Includes five-star accommodation at Sheraton Fiji Resort, opening cocktail party, nightly drinks at the tournament bar, final night banquet and entertainment.

It’s a fantastic value for this all-inclusive package. Get in quick; this event sells out every year.

Fiji Legends Pro-Am (June 20th – 24th) Here’s your opportunity for amateurs to join some of Australasia’s best senior professionals for a three-round pro-am to be played at Natadola Bay and Denarau golf courses, with accommodation at Sheraton Fiji Resort.

Limited space for only 40 overseas amateurs.

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

Golf Tours Tour Package

Tour Package

NATADOLA BAY & DENARAU $130,000 PRIzE mONEY & PRIzES June 12th - June 16th 2018

the only hotel in Waikiki with all ocean view rooms. Enjoy a round of golf at the Hawaiian Prince course. Waikiki is also a shopping Mecca with the famous Ala Moana Shopping centre only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.

(NON-PLAYERS $1298 - NZ$1384)

• 4 nights’ twin share accommodation at the 5- star Sheraton Fiji Resort • Return airport transfers • Daily full breakfast • Special players gift pack • 3 tournament rounds in the pro-am, including cart • Transport to Natadola Bay Golf Course during the tournament • Daily lunch and on course drinks during the tournament • Opening cocktail party • Excellent prizes • Final night prize presentation dinner, drinks & entertainment • Includes all taxes on accommodation and event package

$50,000 PRIzE mONEY & PRIzES June 20th – 24th 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

(NON-PLAYERS $896 - NZ$969)

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

GOLFERS PP $1539 - NZ$1659 TWIN SHARE

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 December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

21

Walk (and cruise) in the footsteps of the legends of golf Y

Royal Cinque Ports

Turnberry

Just a short 45min flight from Melbourne, come and experience the wild exposed coastline and test your skills on a true links style courses 22

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | December 2017

St Andrews

Royal Lytham

ou can’t just grab your rackets and head to Centre Court at Wimbledon for a game of tennis; nor can you round up a few friends and have a game of football at the MCG or Olympic Park.

Follow this with a gourmet dinner and your choice of live music, broadway-style entertainment, casino action, or simply polishing the clubs for the next day’s adventure at a brand new destination.

But you can play the courses that host golf’s grandest prize of all; The Open Championship and it’s this fact that makes golf so unique and special to those of us in love with the ancient game.

The golf tour begins on August 1st 2018 and visits ten outstanding courses including Princes, Royal Cinque Ports and Royal Lytham Golf Club in England, Royal Guernsey in Guernsey, Cork Golf Club in Ireland, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Turnberry, Brora and Jubilee, St. Andrews in Scotland and Omaha Beach in France. The 12 nights aboard Royal Princess, sees visits to St Peter Port, Guernsey, Dublin and Cork in Ireland, Liverpool in England, Belfast in Northern Ireland, Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh in Scotland; and Paris, France.

The trip finishes in London on August 18th 2018 and is priced from $8995 a person, twin share. Non-golfers receive a $2600 discount.

On the Legendary Links of Britain Cruise, hosted by PGA Golf professional Robert Stock, you can turn dreams into reality when you play five British Open Venues. Playing Turnberry—the scene of Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus ‘duel in the sun’—will surely be one of the highlights, as will Royal Lytham and St. Annes, where Adam Scott came so close to winning the Claret Jug in 2012. Add to this Royal Portrush, home of the 2019 British Open and Princes and Royal Cinque Ports in Kent and you have a bucket list golf tour not to be missed.

After your day on the links, you return to your floating resort the 5-star Royal Princess for some 19th Hole refreshments.

There are limited spots on the golf cruise so call Travelrite on Toll Free: 1800 033 436, Web: www.travelrite.com.au ; heathmont@travelrite.com.au

03 64621633 | enquiries@oceandunes.com.au

www.oceandunes.com.au

Ocean Dunes Raw, rugged & remarkable Richard Fellner

T

he once sleepy and secluded King Island has been making global headlines of late, most notably for the fact that it is now home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring golf.

This is no more evident than at the glorious Ocean Dunes, which has quickly popped onto most golfers’“must play” lists.

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

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

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

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

You continue your journey along the front nine by continuing inward, winding through and around the dunes, (but the

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

simply trying to avoid distraction from the magnificent views all around.

Multiple tee blocks are available for players of all standards to choose from, with between four and seven tee options on each hole. Our tip: check your ego at the door and play from a set of tees commensurate with your skills and/ or the weather. Especially if the wind is up, as the course plays remarkably different according to the conditions, whether you’re playing on a calm morning (with gentle ocean breezes), or in a windswept afternoon (where it will require knockdown, links-style golf). ocean views will stay with you throughout).

With each hole you become more and more mesmerised by just how special this course really is.

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

In truth, there are no weak holes at Ocean Dunes. All throughout the course, you are presented with a variety of risk/reward options, daunting tee shots, troublesome rough and well-protected greens. Firm and fast conditions are the name of the game here. But the biggest potential hazard is

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

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

Note: Accommodation is available on the King Island Hotel—just 5 minutes from the course. Recently purchased by Ocean Dunes, it is a comfortable and convenient place to dine and bed down after a day’s golf or touring the Island. A golfer’s lounge, where players can relax with a beer or glass of wine in front of an open fire, will be a highlight of the revamped hotel.

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! Luxury goLfing safari 03-20 September 2018 17 nights / 18 days, 9 games of golf Maximum adventurers 22 Fully escorted from Johannesburg $10,900 per person sharing

Contact Sandy

sandy’s safaris

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

Mobile: 0408169879 facebook: Sandy’s Safaris December 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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International and domestic golf travel specialists

Thailand Super Specials 2018

Pattaya $1,030 4 Star Centara Hotel $1,230 5 Star Marriott Hotel •

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Pattaya 1 Free Round Siam Waterside

6 Night’s accommodation and daily buffet breakfast 3 rounds of golf with carts and caddies each round Siam Plantation, Siam Old 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 •

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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 $1,310 4 Star Swissotel Hotel $1,610 5 Star Amari •

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Phuket 1 free round Loch Palm GC

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

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

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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, Mae Jo 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 minimum 4 golfers in double share rooms Low season from 7/5/2018 to 30/09/2018 but pricing can be provided for dates outside of this with different group sizes and single supplement. Surcharges apply for weekend golf in Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Gimme Golf provides bonus rounds at golf clubs in Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Chiang Mai until our allocation of 180 rounds is complete for 2018. Gimme Golf is a licensed Travel agent ATAS License No A11894 and airfares can be added to all packages as well as any holiday extensions or day tours.