Golf Course Architecture: Issue 57 - July 2019

15 visit to Flinders during his 1926 trip to Australia, he would have come within a kilometre or two of the courses. He’d be kicking himself to think he missed an opportunity to work on such a fantastic site as this. “No course on the sandbelt has undergone such a major renovation in such a short space of time. Our aim was essentially to realise the potential of the site – one that perhaps is only second to Royal Melbourne – and create a true sandbelt experience, both in design but also conditioning.” Cocking says the biggest talking point comes from the putting surfaces. “A new construction method and a variety of bentgrass in Pure Distinction has finally given the club consistently firm, fast greens which rival the best in the world, complementing the strategies set up by the new design.” Work started in March 2015. The South was completed first and six holes on the North opened for preview play in early 2018. All work was completed by October 2018, at which point OCCM moved to the practice facilities and areas around the clubhouse. “The North, playing over sandier and more undulating ground, with perhaps the best examples of heathland vegetation of any course in Melbourne, was always intended to be a pure sandbelt experience,” said Cocking. “Firm and fast, with tilted greens, expansive bunkers, wide fairways and roughs featuring that distinctive combination of sand, native grasses and heathland vegetation that the region is known for.” The South course was always regarded as the longer, more difficult test. “Greens and bunkers were rebuilt in a style and scale which closer matched its more famous neighbours, reworked bunkering and green design putting more of a premium on positioning from the tee,” said Cocking. “Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the new design has been opening up the original creek lines, which proliferated the site and now form a key part of the design on at least half a dozen holes.” The North course (pictured, first green and par-three second hole) plays firm and fast “Our aim was essentially to realise the potential of the site and create a true sandbelt experience, both in design but also conditioning” Photo: Will Watt/Caddie Magazine TEE BOX