Kalgoorlie Golf Course

Magazine Ratings

Playing my last course on the Top 100 golf list for the state of Western Australia, took me out to the Australian desert, visiting Kalgoorlie Golf Course. There was a lot of anticipation with this trip, especially due to the remoteness and being my first game in a desert environment. My only issue was if the weather would hold out for me.

Clubhouse at Kalgoorlie Golf Course

The clubhouse is nothing special, seeming more like a temporary structure. But it does provide necessary nourishment. The staff at the course were extremely helpful and friendly, which is always a big plus.

Kalgoorlie Golf Course Map

The town of Kalgoorlie was established originally as a gold mining town in 1893, around 600km east of Perth. There was certainly no sign of gold to be found on the golf course though, but flying into the town, there are large signs of mining, especially the SuperPit on the edge of the town. As Kalgoorlie is a fair distance from Perth and I had limited time, the easiest route was to do what the modern miners do, fly in and fly out. I felt quite out of place at the airport actually, being one of the very few not wearing hi-visibility fluro clothing.

Scorecard for Kalgoorlie Golf Course

As there was a very strong chance I would never be returning to this course, I wanted to ensure I got the most out of the day. This meant playing one round in the morning and another in the afternoon. The morning session was quite wet so I played from the white tees. With the weather clearing in the afternoon and having some course knowledge, I moved to the blue tees for the second game, which are the measurements used through out this article.

Native bushland surrounding the course

The first thing that strikes you, is the bright red earth found off the fairways. I don’t think any of the photos actually show how bright it is, creating such a stark contrast to the green of the fairways and surrounding foliage. The amount of foliage was also a big surprise. My expectation of baron desert was totally wrong, with quite a lot of trees and shrubs found throughout the course.

Hole 1 – 336 meter par 4 – Hannan’s Find

The first thing that strikes me, the illusion of the fairway just having been rolled out over the red desert like carpet, due to it sitting slightly above the surrounding ground. For the first hole, a short-medium length par 4, which is relatively straight. With a fairway which rolls slightly with various undulations, the look is quite natural, even though I’m sure the ground is usually quite even. Sandy waste is located either side at driving distance, which I found a little surprising as it looked a little out of place. Not sure why just bare red earth was left to border the fairway, which occurs over most of the course. Even though it was very overcast with light rain, I was hoping the rainbow was a good sign for me.

Sandy waste to the side of the fairway approaching the 1st green

The green sits slightly raised with a swale at the front and sloping away on all other sides. A large bunker is built into the green on the left which has quite a bit of shaping. The putting surface is wider than it is deep, but has some slight undulation and slopes to ensure putting is not a simple exercise. A good hole which eases you into the round, allowing some forgiveness on the tee shot, but a little more demanding with the second. Ideally the approach would come from the right side, taking the bunker slightly out of play.

Hole 2 – 502 meter par 5 – O’Connor’s Vision

Next is the easiest par 5 for the day, at index 7. Yes you read that correctly. All par 5 holes rate in the top 7, being at 2,3, 6 and 7. Enjoy this one while you can. The hole is long and turns to the right. Trees sit on the inside of the turn, with a large bunker waiting on the outside to catch any ball going through the fairway. If you don’t hit the ball long then staying left is a great option, to avoid hitting over the trees on the second shot.

Looking back from the 2nd green

With a slight rise in the fairway at the turn, some sandy waste areas cut into the short grass on the left at various points, but ample fairway still remains to land the ball. A staked water hazard sits to the right. The fairway rises to be at the same level as the green, allowing two deep bunkers to be placed right and another left. These are separated by a number of mounds, which give the green complex a lot of shaping. I like the fact the fairway has been brought up to the same level, rather than having a push up green. A few options with shots here, especially with the wide fairway allowing a variety of strategies.

Hole 3 – 332 meter par 4 – Victoria Cross

Another shortish par 4 which turning slightly to the right. Taller trees are found on the inside of the turn, ready to punish the player who takes on the risk of shortening the hole, but fails with an inaccurate shot. Bunkers are found on the outside of the turn for those who play to the safe side but slightly wrong. If you are far enough right of the tall trees there will still be the possibility of playing to the green from the red earth, but damage to the club is possible.

Bunkers on the way to the 3rd green

Further bunkers and sandy waste are found on the left, with another three traps located around the green. The green sits slightly raised with a few humps and swales found around the edges. On the surrounds are a mixture of shaved grass and rough, so it is a lucky dip on the lie you will get if missing the green. Nice risk vs reward hole, which can truly punish from the tee. Finding extra distance does reward as the green is not a large target.

Hole 4 – 179 meter par 3 – Hoover’s Reflection

Coming to the first par 3, is one with a bit of length. Distance isn’t the only defence on this hole with numerous bunkers on all sides. Ample space has been built around the green for those who may struggle.

Looking back from the 4th green

With the front bunker slightly off set, this allows an opening down the right side, where a ball can be run onto the putting surface. A few swales surround with short grass, allowing a variety of shots to recover. One aspect I like about the hole is you don’t have to carry the ball on to reach the green and the amount of space allowed for such a long hole. Doesn’t mean you will have an easy shot, but does mean you will still be in play.

Hole 5 – 429 meter par 4 – Two Up Tale

Next is the hardest hole on the course as well as the longest par 4. Having a dogleg to the right, the fairway also slopes in this direction. A water hazard is hidden in the bushes to the left (found this out the hard way). There is the option to cut the corner over some smaller trees and sandy waste, around which point the fairway narrows significantly. Too far right leaves you in the desert with a tough shot to reach the green.

Approach to the 5th green

Those landing to the left of the fairway from the tee, will almost have an optical illusion of one large cross bunker. It is in fact one large bunker in the center of the fairway, short of the green, with another green side almost looking like it joins. Plenty of room is available short right to miss this green, but some deep swales are on either side of this long green. A brute of a hole requiring two long shots. Playing to par here and you should feel proud.

Hole 6 – 382 meter par 4 – Great Escape

Another long par 4 heads back in the opposite direction, only this time turning to the left. There are no fairway bunkers here, but some sandy waste to the right. The fairway narrows slightly with trees either side the closer you get to the green. Center to left is ideal to position the tee shot.

View to the 6th green

Short of the fairway is a water hazard (dry on my visit), although the stakes confused me as it had a mixture of red and yellow stakes. A bunker is to the right of the green complex with another back left. The putting surface sits slightly higher than the fairway. There are a few small tiers to contend with leaving a tricky putt if landing in the wrong portion. Enjoyable hole which looks great to the eye and offers some choices on the tee, but does demand a carry to reach.

Natives watching the proceeding on the golf course

There were not many people out on the course during my visit, so it was good to have some spectators. You are bound to see some kangaroos at Kalgoorlie Golf Course. There are hundreds of them around.

Hole 7 – 358 meter par 4 – Lindrum’s Cue

Continuing in a similar direction, this medium sized par 4 plays relatively straight. Unusually a lone tree sits in the left side of the fairway, so hitting down this side is a bad idea. Nothing worse than hitting the short grass only to have a large obstacle in front. Bunkers are down the right side, with some waste areas encroaching at various stages.

The Biarritz 7th green

This is the first time I have experienced a Biarritz design on the green. This one angles away to the left, with the swale running through front to back. It is critical to land in the correct portion if the pin is on either of the higher sides. If in the swale it allows some of the slopes to be used to position the ball nearer the pin. Don’t think much of the fairway but love the green design. Opens up a lot of options in play, letting your imagination run wild.

Hole 8 – 199 meter par 3 – No Place for a Lady

Starting the run back to the club house is the longest par 3 on the course. Measuring almost 200 meters, the green seems a mile away. From the tee it almost feels like playing through a wide chute, but there is ample room to hit a high shot allowing some movement in the air. Bunkers short of the green are found out to the right.

Wide 8th green

This green sits angling away to the left with bunkers sitting in front left and rear. Room is available to the right, allowing the ball to be either maneuvered through the air or run onto the green. It is not overly deep but quite wide. The rear of the green slopes dramatically away into a swale, although some longer grass will prevent it running into the desert. Tough hole from the tee, but doesn’t let up if you miss in some directions.

Hole 9 – 516 meter par 5 – Golden Eagle

Finishing the front nine is this monster par 5, which turns to the right. From the tee there are various mounds to contend with on or near the wide fairway, but the main danger is running too long into the break across the fairway.

View from the 9th fairway

Fairway bunkers are found in the middle of the fairway, causing a split. There are two portions which can be played, an upper section to the left or the lower portion right. From the upper portion it is impossible to see most of the green, making the lower portion to the right ideal.

Looking back at the 9th green

One of the more unusual green complexes I have come across (besides the Biarritz on the 7th). This triple tiered green is quite high, but the unusual aspect is the fact that most of the putting surface is hidden from the player on the fairway. Being extreme right allows a view of the tiers, compared to only seeing the top portion if approaching from the left. I didn’t try playing from that side, but would be curious how difficult it would be to land on the correct tier. Nice hole offering a variety of routes, although not sure how most would react to the green complex. I didn’t mind it as it was quite different.

Hole marker and pin flag

There are actually multiple hole markers used on the course. The first (not shown) is a metal plaque containing, number, par, name and also a story detailing stories about Kalgoorlie. The second  designates the tee marker colour and distance of the hole. Another favourite thing is having a pin flag with the course logo. Always more interesting than a plain flag.

Hole 10 – 389 meter par 4 – Karlkurla

Starting the back nine requires a little hike out to the tee. This hole is a longer par 4 which doglegs to the right. Play to the left will be up a small rise, with the fairway joining the 15th fairway. This leaves a long shot to a green sitting at the same height but mostly open. Taking on the corner will play around the rise, but pushing too far right could find desert of trees. Not hitting far enough will also leave a tight shot to the green.

Spectators on the 10th fairway

This two tiered green sits slightly above the fairway, although the lower tier blends in at the front. A bunker is located on the right, protecting pins tucked up on the top tier. The ground slopes away strongly at the rear. Deceptively long it is hard getting the right distance to the back pin positions, with the tier being quite narrow. The tee shot is relatively easy, but has a challenging approach.

Hole 11 – 518 meter par 5 – Miners’ Plod

Heading back in the opposite direction, this long par 5 plays with almost a double dog leg. The first is to the left, where a decision is made on where to play the tee shot. Plenty of room is available right, but a large dune comes into play leaving an almost blind second shot. Taking on the left side will avoid the dune, but bring trees into play and distance is critical on this hole.

Approach from the 11th fairway

With the second shot there is ample room to land the shot, but positioning is critical for the final approach. Left is a harder position to gain, but leaves a clear shot in. Easy to lay up right, but too much or far brings trees into play.

View up to the 11th green

Those super long maybe able to carry the break in the fairway, but coming up short leaves a difficult approach. The green sits up above the fairway, with some steep slopes running away from the green at the front and rear. Considering the length of the hole the putting surface is fairly wide but quite narrow. This will force most people to layup with an easy approach.

Hole 12 – 301 meter par 4 – Midas Touch

After such a long hole, we get the shortest and easiest par 4 on the course. Playing over a hazard before reaching the fairway, the hole plays to a fairway angling away, but all up hill. At the end of the fairway is a large bunker. Those feeling brave can try and cut the corner of the dogleg left, reaching the green, which remains hidden from the tee. Missing though means a shot from the red stuff.

Approach from the 12th fairway

This hole is quite interesting in making the approach to the green. The further you go towards the end of the fairway, the shorter the approach shot becomes, but the more a bunker beside the green comes into play. Due to the shape of the green the space available changes also. Playing longer from the tee, gives less depth available to land the approach. The putting surface has a couple of humps and a slight tier built at the back of the green. Interesting design allowing the hole to be played in many ways. One of the standouts for the day.

Hole 13 – 133 meter par 3 – Afghan Delight

From the shortest par 4 to the shortest and easiest hole on course. This small par 3 plays to a smaller green which sits raised from the ground like a camel hump, just not as curved. Accuracy is the key here to land the tee shot.

Bunkering on the 13th green

There are two bunkers on the hole, but only the green side bunker will really be in play. The other, larger but quite short of the green, would only see play for a totally duffed shot. With the green being raised, the surrounds all slope away with shorter grass. This will allow a variety of shots in getting back onto the green. Should be an easy hole but in a strong wind, the green becomes a lot smaller target.

Hole 14 – 385 meter par 4 – Woodlands to Woodlines

Heading back towards the clubhouse, this longer par 4 plays with a very slight turn to the left. From the tee a waste area is located on the left next to a slight rise, encroaching a little into the fairway. A bunker is found a little further down on the right. The green itself remains blind from the tee, although the pin flag can be seen.

Approach from the 14th fairway

An approach from the left would be slightly favoured, with less of the bunker to carry to the raised green. The putting surface has two tiers, with a substantial change in height between the two. More traditional design with the fairway, but quite a challenging green complex.

Looking back from the 14th green

This is a course you need to be around at sunrise or sunset. The scenery becomes truly spectacular with the colouring of the ground changing.

Hole 15 – 548 meter par 5 – Golden Mile

Next is the longest hole on course and hardest par 5. It is also moving into my favourite part of the course, with the terrain being a stark contrast to the rest of the course, quite open, which was my original expectation of golf in the desert.

View from the dogleg of the 15th fairway

The hole is a dogleg to the left, with a sharp turn. Playing over the left bunker visible from the tee, could find a large down slope shortening the hole. Viewing the second portion of the fairway gave the look of carpet being rolled out across the ground. Large undulations were found, with a couple of bunker complexes found on either side of the fairway. Luckily the shot is played from an elevated position, reducing the distance of the hole substantially.

Looking back from the 15th green

Making the approach into the green, requires a carry over a swale. Two bunkers protect the front, with another sitting at the rear. This splits the green slightly which could leave an interesting putt if finding the opposite side to the pin. The putting surface also has varying undulations, rising towards the rear. Certainly a tough hole requiring three good shots to reach the green. Decisions are required on every shot to ensure danger is avoided.

Looking across at the 16th & 17th greens

There is minimal vegetation found from the 15th to 18th holes, exposing the red earth of the desert, but also highlighting what a unique environment the course is located.

Hole 16 – 346 meter par 4 – The Great Boulder

After recovering from such a long hole, follows a mid length par 4, which doglegs to the left. A water hazard is located on the inside of the turn, but was very dry during my visit. A few bunkers are found on the outside of the fairway, waiting to capture anyone playing too safe or long. Be careful not to get confused which green you should be playing to here, as the 17th sits to the right up a slope.

Approach from the 16th fairway

Play to the green is up a slight slope, with shots out to the right having an easier approach to the green. They will be longer however. Playing closer to the left will gain distance but leave a shot over bunkers and a steep slope away from the green to contend with.

Looking over at the 16th green

A hole which is forgiving from the tee and offers various strategies to be employed. A green which will test most players, especially if slightly off line.

Hole 17 – 178 meter par 3 – The Super Pit

The penultimate hole is the hardest par 3 in the most spectacular part of the course, makes for a picture postcard. From an elevated tee, the holes sits out on a ridge. Missing left here will be punishing, with the ball likely to roll to the bottom of the slope. I took a bit of time here taking in the view of 15 through to 17. For those who may struggle in hitting the green, there is ample room short left to run the ball.

Danger right of the 17th green

One bunker is quite short of the green and may just save you rolling down the slope if you find it, whilst three others surround the green. The green is quite tame, compared to previous holes, with some gentle slopes and undulations to navigate. Certainly the standout hole on the course.

Hole 18 – 402 meter par 4 – Swampy’s Finish

Finishing the round is a long par 4 playing down a gentle slope. The fairway is relatively straight, but a central bunker ensures you have to take a slight deviation to one side or the other. Bunkers either edge then can come into play. If playing to the left, you will find the fairway will have a waste area encroach, but leaves a more open line to the green.

Approach from the 18th fairway

The fairway slopes slightly from left to right over the final parts of the fairway, with a large mound containing a bunker to the left side of the green. The sides of this can be used to feed the ball into the green. Right is another trap beyond which the ground remains open. A shelf runs along the left side of the putting surface, leaving a difficult putt if the pin is on the lower section. After holes 15-17 this was a bit of a let down. Certainly not the strongest hole on the course.

Looking at the course makeup:

• Hole Directions – There was a good variety in hole direction, allowing for conditions to have wide ranging effects during play. Westerly facing holes had a higher percentage over the others. The only critical point, a run of three holes 6-8 were in the same direction. Caution has been taken to ensure the sun is not a factor on the opening or closing holes
• Hole Lengths – Par three holes had some variance in distance, the majority longer in length. Two however were of similar distance (4 & 17), although played quite differently. Par four holes ranged from short to long with the majority being either mid or long in length. Par 5 holes were all long, the shortest being 502 meters. Two however were of similar distance in length but were significantly different in play
• Hole Layout – There was a very even balance in the mixture of how the holes played, where two shots or more were required to reach the green. These also were quite different in the styles, but there were many instances of consecutive holes turning the same way

In summary the trip to Kalgoorlie Golf Course was well worth the effort. I’m glad I managed to fit two games in during the day and that the weather held out. Visually it was spectacular, which is always helpful, but design has to have a big impact also. There were numerous holes which really stood out 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 15, 16, 17. Whilst some stood out due to unusual elements, in particular the green complex 7 & 9.

Conditioning on the course was good. Tees were all even and traffic well distributed, fairways were mostly near perfect, although a few holes had red patches coming through near the edges. Bunkering was well placed and had consistency on all holes. The greens were interesting with varying amounts of sloping and undulations for putting, ensuring you were getting a broad spectrum. Surrounds of the green complexes had a variety of grass lengths, some very short with other parts slightly longer. My biggest issue was the shorter grass feeding the ball into longer grass at times. Would be preferable to lead to a similar height if feeding away from the green.

After the run of three really good holes, I was disappointed with the finishing hole. This was on some land which was not overly interesting, but to feel that flatness after such a buzz of the previous holes, well it’s a shame the finish could not offer the same feelings.

Overall the course greatly exceeded my expectations. It was a joy to play and I wouldn’t hesitate to do so again if it were not so isolated.

How to play at Kalgoorlie Golf Club:

1. This is a publicly accessible course. Contact the pro shop to organise a tee time