To the untrained eye, when Maroochy River Golf Club opened midway through 2015, it was a largely barren landscape with firm fairways and greens that, like the great links courses of the world, exposed golfers to the elements and decision-making.
Graham Marsh’s most recent design on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was all laid out before you with barely a shrub interrupting the view to Mount Coolum and across the expanse of 18 holes and impressive practice facility. It caused some consternation among the members who had been displaced from the heavily tree-lined and much-loved Horton Park Golf Club, but Marsh, his design team and club management knew change was on its way.
Encouraged to plant young trees – mostly eucalyptus, hibiscus and melaleucas that will mature to a range of heights – and let the natural growing conditions of the area work their magic, management absorbed any negative comments that came regarding the look of the layout and how it played and instead educated the membership to the club’s long-term vision.
The former canefield that Marsh described as one of the most featureless sites he had ever worked with is now thriving with flora that was not obvious upon opening, while the fairways and greens are in a state that has enhanced playability considerably. Â
THE DETAILS
Maroochy River Golf Club
Ranking in 2020: 100th
Prior rankings: N/A
Where: David Low Way, Bli Bli QLD 4560
Phone: (07) 5373 1000
