A round-table discussion of Australian course architects reveals the trends, tales and talking points of golf course architecture in this country and abroad.
The term ‘hidden gem’ is over-applied in golf-course circles. However, it fits when the discussion turns to Newcastle Golf Club as even most Novocastrians would be hard-pressed to describe where it is.
Our biennial ranking of the premier courses in the country is once again a celebration of the very best in Australian golf, just as it should be. Yet inside the local golf-club scene exists an intriguing realm of mistakes and maladies that Australian course architects know only too well.
If you could create the ultimate fantasy course for this year’s Presidents Cup by cherry picking the very best the state of Victoria has to offer, how would it look? We laid down the challenge to some of Australia’s elite players and course designers. Naturally, they didn’t disappoint.
Sydney entrepreneur Craig Perkins loves the Players so much, he built a replica of TPC Sawgrass’ famous 17th hole in the backyard of his New South Wales Southern Highlands retreat. Very soon you can play it too.