by Corona Man » Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:00 am
2024 New Year Golf Festivities.
Plans changed as the days past by, and the playing roster of courses had to be tweaked.
Sunday Dec 31st - Melbourne Airport Golf
For anyone who has flown into Melbourne, may have noticed this track out of the plane window, just to the right of the runway at Tullamarine.
Hit off at around 10.00am. The first few holes here are pretty gentle, early observations that the course was not all that long. Tree lined fairways, but the trees in the main not that tall. So if you missed the fairway, and went over to the next one, coming back was not that tricky. Fairways had not been mowed, however they are all kikua anyway, so tight lies on fairawys, just the odd "dingle dangle" that was shin height. Greens soft, not all that fast, and surprisingly a well bunkered layout. I got the feeling this was either a council maintained course, or by volunteer members. Either way they are doing their best. The clubhouse was a derelict looking old building. Apparently still in use, but I didn't venture in. In terms of the course itself and its location, if you didn't know it was there..... you wouldn't know it was there. Its tucked in behind an industrial area, mainly for the freight carriers. Every 4 or 5 minutes another plane takes off and goes right overhead. I guess in time you would not even notice. I found it rather distracting.
As for the golf itself, fairly unremarkable, out in 48, home in 43. Started to hit the ball better on the back nine.
Tuesday 2nd Jan - Craigieburn
Had played here once before, probably 2 years ago now. Arrived at 9.15am for a 9.45 hit off. Got away right on 9.30am. Par on the 1st, which is a gentle/short par 4. Bogey on the 2nd, Par on the 3rd & Bogey on the 4th. Ball striking is good, a few poor chips, and putts not dropping. Par on 5, was followed by bogey on 6th. Back to back pars on the 7th & 8th holes - highlighetd by 2 good drives, leaving SW & GW approach shots. So I am 3 over the card through 8 holes. Happy. Misjudged the drive on the 9th hole, and hit the ball too far left, running out of fairway. Dead in the trees. Hack out, chip on and 2 putt for bogey - out in 39 (23 stableford points).
Back 9. Duff my drive badly, which leads to a 7 on what is a very simple par 4. Bogey on 11, a medium length. par 3. The 12th hole is a shortish par 5 at 445m. Drive leaked right, into the trees, but had a shot. I am in 2 minds at 215m out, and a small window in the trees to hit through. Decide to go hybrid, which probably does not get me home, but from the lie was the best choice. Jump on it, and its pin high left. Chip & 2 put for par. Bogey on 13, and its starting to go backwards. Its also bloody hot, like playing in a sauna. 14th is a straight forward par 4, of 380 odd. Ok drive finishes just off fairway right. 6 iron in, down breeze to 15 ft. Putt made for Birdie. Ok I am back. Wrong. Triple bogey on 16th. Back to Back bogies on 17 & 18, home in 46, knowing I left 5 shots out there. Still an 85 for 39 Points. Adjourned to a well appointed clubhouse and a very cold beer.
Thursday Jan 4th - Hidden Valley Resort
First time here, its about 40-45 minutes from my place, up the Hume Highway. The land on which the complex (golf, tennis, bowls, function centre - along with residential complex) is located, was originally owned by Robert Holmes a Court (of Kingston Town fame) and is 45km from the Melbourne CBD. It was his country retreat. Beautiful rolling countryside, on which the Craig Parry designed course is laid out. In short, its a good track, and worth the visit if you have the time.
Opened up with a fortunate bogey, having pulled my drive well left (which ended up as the theme of the day) made a long put here to save my 2 pts. Another pulled drive on the 2nd, led to a double bogey. So after Thursday, not a great start. Fairway found on 3, as was the green & a 2 putt par. Par 3 4th hole, hit the green & 2 putt par. 4th, drive pulled left (spotted the theme yet?) led to another double bogey. Bogey on 6, Par on 7, Bogey on 8 & Par on 9 - out in 43 (20 pts) was probably a little flattering to be fair.
Over to the back 9, and with Pars on 11, 12 & 14 things were looking good. But, I hadn't factored in the strength of the finishing holes. Including a double water carry on the par 5 - 15th hole. An 8 was recorded here! The last 3 holes played all in bogies, including the par 3 18th hole, which has an Island green. Home in 47 (17 pts) for 90 off the bat & 37 pts.
Into the clubhouse for a feed of S&P Calamari and a few cold beers.
Highlight of the day, the lad in the Pro Shop charged me $20 for the round. I had tried to book this round with carts, however none were available. Its usually $40 for the round (midweek) with a shared cart included - Awesome deal for this quality of course. Corona Jnr is coming to Melbourne on April, so I have pre booked on the $40 deal so I don't miss out next time.
1961, 1971, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015.... And don't you forget it!