I have just returned from a two week Golf Getaway to Western Australia and I must say it would have to be one of the most welcoming and hospitable golf destinations I have ever been to.
I honestly believe that more people need to know about the Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury areas because some of their golf courses are world class.
Golf in the Vines
After a smooth flight to Perth from Sydney I grab the hire car and drive 30 minutes up the freeway into the famous wine region of Perth – the Swan Valley (atleast they call it a freeway, more like a country road it was that quiet) to one of Australia’s top Golf Resorts – The Vines Resort and Country Club.
The Vines has two courses – the Lakes and Ellenbrook, designed by Ross Watson and Graham Marsh, they really are the links courses in the bush and have staged some of Australia’ biggest tournaments (such as the Johnnie Walker Classic, Heineken Classic and for the ladies the Lexus Cup).and witnessed some of the world’s best players with the likes of Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and a young Rory McIlroy doing battle.
Mandurah
After a very pleasant two days it’s off to Mandurah, 45 minutes south of Perth – I had heard big things about some of the courses in this region and they certainly lived up to their reputations.
The Mandurah peel region comprises of 5 renowned golf courses including The Cut, Meadow Springs, Secret Harbour, Links Kennedy Bay and Mandurah Country Club.
Secret Harbour resembles the California’s world famous Spyglass Hill.
Meadow Springs I call the Kingston Heath of the West and had some of the highest quality course conditions I have ever seen.
Mandurah Country Club’s immaculate fairways weave themselves around the tree-lined course and is a true members club and the Cut – well what can I say about the Cut!
“Oh my god has anyone ever seen such an amazing golf course” – these were my exact thoughts as I played my way around The Cut Golf Course for the first time.
I’m a golf tragic at the best of times but for only a handful of times in my golfing life have I lost my breath in awe when playing a golf course. This was one of them.
Almost every hole was as a signature hole, with fourteen of them providing stunning views of the Indian Ocean and they each seem to have an element of some of the other great holes from other courses throughout Australia and blend them into their own unique design.
It’s not all about the golf!
The best thing about the Mandurah Peel region is it’s not only about the golf – while I was there I visited the Millbrook Winery, which had scenery (and wine and food) to die for and is well worth a visit. I met some of the locals on a dolphin cruise with Mandurah Cruises and I had drinks with the mayor of Mandurah Marin Vergone on her 55 foot launch, oh and I also had drinks with Steven Holle the CEO of Mandurah Tourism at the Sailing Club. What a great way to experience the aquatic playground that Mandurah is famous for.
All of this aside it was the people that really mad e my Mandurah Golf Getaway world class – never before has young mirror and the Golf Getaway crew been made to feel more valued for what we are trying to do as a golf / travel show.
After a great week in Mandurah it was off to Bunbury, one hour south of Mandurah and only one hour away from the mighty Margaret River.
I could hear the wine-a-calling as I played the water lined fairways of Sanctuary Golf Resort – what a great place to play golf – you wake up in the morning and you are literally 10 metres from the golf course.
Sanctuary Golf Resort is very popular with social golf groups for its ease of access to the course, the bar, restaurant and the accommodation after the round.
From one golf tragic to another – if you are considering a golf trip and you want world class golf, with access to excellent apre golf activities then the Vines, Mandurah and Bunbury should be on your golfing bucket list!
To watch Golf Getaway’s Mandurah Golf Tourism Special Click Here
For more information visit some of the websites below.
Written by Andrew “Mirror” McCombe www.GolfGetaway.com.au
