A Wrap-Up
Over the past six weeks, you have learned tips for taking
the golf trip of your life Down Under to Melbourne, Australia, and the Sandbelt
Courses. You have read about four of the courses, but make
no mistake, the others are just as enjoyable yet challenging, simple yet
devilish. These courses, ten of the finest Australia has
to offer the world, are classics and provide a golf experience like no other.
Remember, the key to all of this is planning. Start early; as much as six months out is not
too early. Arrange for your golf,
lodging and then flights. Also, plan on
giving yourself plenty of time – at least a couple of weeks on the ground,
especially if you plan on playing four or five rounds.
When looking at places to stay, consider renting a “flat”
(apartment). They are more affordable
than hotels for longer term rentals and give you more of a feeling of
home. In addition, you will be able to
save some money for caps, shirts and other souvenirs by not eating in
restaurants as often. Lastly, you will
be in the community and get a sense as to how the locals live. There are a number of property services, but
I would recommend HomeAway.com. They
have many listings in and around the Black Rock and Sandringham areas.
Driving may take some getting used to in that Australians drive
“on the other side of the road” from what we do here in America. When going into Melbourne, I strongly
recommend you use public transportation.
The rail system is phenomenal. However,
Melbourne is a sprawling area and, while the Sandbelt courses are within close
proximity to each other, you will need a car to get to many of the other sites
you will want to see when you are not golfing.
Personally, as someone who has played golf for 45 years and devoted the last 35 years to the golf industry, having the opportunity to play these courses has made my experiences as a golfer more complete. I would compare playing in Australia to playing in Scotland – The Old Course & Royal Melbourne, Muirfield & Kingston Heath, Carnoustie & Victoria. I am not comparing them and saying the courses are the same. Far from that. But, for me, it is the history, traditions, architecture and that feeling I get while on the course ... and the longing to never want to leave it. I hope and expect to return some day. It was well worth my time and effort to make the trip, and I know your efforts will be rewarded when you are GOLFING THE SANDBELT!
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| Doug Hoffmann (l) with Brad James (c) of Golf Australia and Bruce Green, Royal Melbourne Head Professional. |
