Golf : Finchy's Australia

Australia has a huge array of golf courses and clubs that give the golfing traveller ample opportunity to experience the greatest possible variety in their golfing resume. It is my intention to play as many Australian golf courses as I possibly can. Everything from obscure and quirky golf courses with black or even beach sand greens to beautifully manicured championship golf courses such as the Greg Norman designed Copperclub ‘The Dunes’ at Port Hughes.

I took up the game of golf several years ago and I was instantly hooked. I invested in a good set of Callaway clubs, threw them in ‘Fork the Bus’ and started my Australian golfing odyssey. This has given my travels a whole new dimension. Even though I have spent years travelling Australia, I never really played golf and so I didn’t notice the plethora of clubs dotted around the country.

Not only do these golf courses give the player an incredible variety in their golfing experiences, there are many like minded golfing enthusiasts who are the backbone of their clubs. As I play different venues I meet the many characters that run, play and maintain these clubs mostly on a voluntary basis. Like many small rural and remote towns throughout Australia the local sporting clubs become the hub, the glue that helps bind these communities. Golf clubs are no exception to this rule.

Now don’t be fooled! This all makes me sound like some sort of golfing pro. I did mention I was relatively new to the game and as it turns out I am an exceptional golfer – considering how much I play the game, it is exceptional that I don’t seem to improve. I am what is commonly known as a NAGA (not a golfers A!#*^*#E) and with this in mind, I am doing a written and pictorial guide of as many Australian Golf Courses as I possibly can.

I will endeavour to include as many score cards as possible in my reviews although some of the courses I have played have not had score cards available. These score cards will give you a good idea of course layouts, par’s, slope ratings etc. I will bravely put my own score on these cards leaving you in no doubt of my own golfing ability and confirming my NAGA status.

The score cards will give you a good idea of course layouts, par’s and slope ratings

The courses I have already played is quite a long list and encompasses the massive variety out there. The list includes unique and remote courses such as Ongerup, Jerramungup, Hatherleigh, Elliston, Coffin Bay and the world’s longest course, The Nullarbor Links. Plus more magnificent courses such as the 22 million dollar Kalgoorlie Golf Course, the undulating Port Lincoln Golf Course and the challenging Whaleback Golf Course in Perth.

I look forward to bringing to you my golfing experiences, stories and images through the unique prospective of Finchys NAGA Guide to Australian Golf Courses.