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
Web: www.murraydownsresort.com.au
E-mail: Resortinfo@murraydownsresort.com.au