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Murray Downs Resort: A Riverside Challenge
By George Begg,
Staff Writer
AUSTRALIA - The Murray River, Australia’s longest, is predominantly
the dividing line between the states of New South Wales and Victoria
and it has many fine golf courses along its 3,719 kilometres (2,310
miles). None more so though than the splendid Murray Downs Resort
in Swan Hill, some three and a half hours drive northwest from Melbourne,
unquestionably Australia’s golfing capital.
Murray Downs Resort nestled beside the Murray Downs sheep station
and historical homestead is one of the Australia’s best country
golf courses. It is a must for anyone visiting “down under”, not
only for its excellent layout, but also for the many attractions
that the city of Swan Hill is noted for including the Swan Hill
Pioneer settlement and the river boats that sail along this riverside
region.
The golf course, which was designed by Ted Parslow, was opened
in March 1991 and in that time it has been accorded many accolades
including a position in the top 20 of Australia’s top 25 resort
courses, as well as being voted the Victorian Professional Golfers
Association golf course of the year for 2000.
With a championship length of 6,197 metres (6,780 yards) for men
and 5,326 metres (5,729 yards) for ladies, the layout is a par 72
consisting of 36 out and 36 in. The course is immaculately maintained
and guests are treated to superb conditions all year round on the
carpet like Santa-Ana couch fairways, the relatively large pent
grass greens, which are some of the truest you could ever encounter.
The visitor is lulled into a false sense of security with the
opening hole a par four of just 316 metres (345 yards) and although
most golfers prefer to use an iron from the tee, a well placed fairway
wood can set up an excellent birdie chance. The second hole is a
par three with a distance of 178 metres (194 yards) and its green
is well guarded by some very well placed bunkers. Par here on the
undulated green can be difficult to say the least.
Encountering a par four and par five on the next two holes, the
player comes to the 5th and undoubtedly the highlight hole of the
outward nine. This 194 metre (212 yards) par three has a huge water
carry and many an errant ball has finished in the water never to
be seen again. Bunkers have been placed on the waters edge of the
green and some are strategically placed to the left of the green
as well. With its number one rating, make par here and you can breathe
easy.
Although the outward nine starts with a fairly simple par four,
the 127 metres (138 yards) par three 11th rated as number 18 on
the card can be a sleeper hole for many players that tee off on
this excellent golf course. The shortness of the hole can be deceiving,
as the undulations on the green can be at times hard to contend
with.
After playing the par five 12th and the par four 13th and 14th
holes, the golfer comes to Murray Downs version of “Amen Corner.”
The 169 metres (184 yards) par three 15th played over water, the
beautifully designed 472 metres (516 yards) par five 16th again
with the tee shot over a wet expanse and the 376 metres (411 yards)
par four 17th rated as number two on the card with its hidden water
trap cutting into the edge of the green can have you thanking the
golfing gods if you exit this part of the course unscathed. Survive
these holes intact and you can walk away saying that you tamed all
that Murray Downs could throw at you, which is no mean feat.
A feature of the course is the bunkering (of which there are plenty)
in the rich red sand. Most courses throughout the world aim for
pure white sand to complement their layouts, but the “Outback” red
sand has the same playable qualities that white or beach sand has
but with a more spectacular look, particularly in the early morning
or late afternoon sun.
Swan Hill is a beautiful town and it is steeped in early Victorian
history. The Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement is a theme park centred
on the colony’s early days and it is a must for any visitor to the
region. The weather is very constant and during the Australian Autumn
or Fall, (March, April, May,) the days have a temperature in the
mid 20 degrees Celsius (approx.74 degrees Fahrenheit), with mild
nights. The region proudly boasts that it has more sunny days than
Queensland’s Gold Coast.
To reach Murray Downs, the visitor can take in the Victorian gold
mining region of Bendigo and also pass Lake Boga on the way, which
will be known to many American World War II veterans as the principal
training area of Australia’s Catalina Flying Boat Squadron. This
alone is a reason to visit the area.
Accomodation at Murray Downs Resort is first class and great packages
are offered to golfers and non-golfers alike. The packages include
Resort style accomodation only a short stroll from the luxuriously
appointed clubhouse and the first tee, golf, a country style cooked
breakfast and meal vouchers for ‘Fairways’ bistro each day as well.
The challenge of playing one of Australia’s better rural golf
courses that has plenty of after game entertainment as well as being
in a region steeped in the country’s history will provide an experience
not to be forgotten. If you are coming “down under” you must take
in Murray Downs Resort; it is a great Australian holiday destination.
MURRAY DOWNS RESORT
SWAN HILL VICTORIA
Murray Downs Drive,
Post Office Box 799
Swan Hill Victoria 3585 AUSTRALIA.
Reservations and Enquiries
Toll Free (within Australia)
1800 807 574
Reception Telephone 61 3 5033 1966
Facsimile 61 3 5033 1268
Website www.murraydownsresort.com.au
E-mail: Resortinfo@murraydownsresort.com.au
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