In a bid for 2011 to finish playing most of the Top 100 courses in NSW, Narooma was next to cross of the list. Packing the family, my wife and two dogs we set off for the long trip south. Narooma is located around 5 hours south of Sydney on the coastline.
The Vines Resort & Country Club – Ellenbrook
With only half a day left on my visit to Perth, I decided to take advantage of being at the Vines Resort and play the Ellenbrook course. The Vines is located around 40 minutes north east from Perth city, in the Swan Valley (renown as a wine region).
Kooindah Waters Golf Club
Kooindah Waters was established as part of a residential estate and golf resort, north of Sydney in 2006. Designed by Ross Watson, in conjunction with Craig Parry (the ambassador of the club and Australian professional golf champion), the course is managed by the Troon group.
Ranfurlie Golf Club
The Ranfurlie course is a links style course. It is very open with little trees and runs away from the clubhouse which overlooks the whole site. From the clubhouse views of the city are also available. Being so open exposes the course to the elements.
Twin Creeks Golf & Country Club
A Graham Marsh designed course was completed in 2006, as a part of the Troon group. Located on the outskirts of Sydney (45 minute drive), it incorporates a residential estate.
The Vintage Golf Club
The Vintage Golf Club is located in the Hunter Valley (wine region) of NSW. It was the first Greg Norman designed course in the state built in 2003 and is now rated among one of the best courses in the region. A recent addition to the estate is Chateau Elan, a resort which has been built overlooking the 10th hole and has quite luxurious accommodation.
Palmer Coolum
Mt Coolum (the course is at the base of the mountain) can be seen from quite some distance away, so as it edged closer the excitement built. Then I got my first glimpse of the course, the 15th par 5, meandering along the roadside. Entering the gates you are reminded that this is the home of the Australian PGA Championship (and will remain so for the immediate future).
Pelican Waters Golf Club
This was to be my first game on the trip (also in Queensland) so I was really excited. I had rung the month before to ensure I could get a tee time, as I had originally planned to play Twin Waters the first day but a corporate event put an end to that. I was told it was no problem I could get on without any hassle. The course allows general public access outside of competition times.
Twin Waters Golf Club
Located only a couple of minutes up the road from where I was staying (although my impression was the hotel was almost a part of the course), I was looking forward to playing Twin Waters. I decided to get in an early morning round hitting of at 6.45am and avoid any slow play.
Settlers Run Golf & Country Club
I had grown up watching Greg Norman, so was curious to play for the first time at one of his courses, that being Settlers Run Golf & Country Club. The experience did not leave me dissapointed.