Golf Australia Magazine produces a guide to the best golf courses in Australia which are open to the public and the club’s Murray Course has been ranked at 46 and the Lake Course ranked at 66.
This list, compiled by an expert panel of judges, is a celebration of the country’s finest golfing destinations, from coastal masterpieces to inland gems.
The YMGCR’s highly regarded superintendent Chris Burgess and his team have made many enhancements over the last decade to the courses particularly the Lake Course.
Ranked at 46 the judges were very complimentary of the Murray Course.
“A fantastic course with some truly memorable holes, especially the fifth along the Murray River. Beautiful trees and a great variety of interesting holes make this my favourite of all the Murray resort courses,” judge Oscar Morrison stated.
“With the mighty Murray River meandering along some of the holes, this course, with its huge river gum tree-lined fairways, is a delight.
“Crafted by Thompson and Wolveridge, accuracy from the tee is key, and the greens are large and undulating, adding to the enjoyment.
“The clubhouse is massive and overlooks an equally dimensioned putting green, setting the tone for the round,” fellow judge Michael Hodgett also stated.
Ranked at 66 the judge was impressed with the Lake Course.
“To many it’s the less glamourous twin of this brilliant golfing complex, but there’s a bit of everything here and for some reason, always seems more ‘scoreable’.
“Front side flatter with more trees, back side over and back around a ‘hill’ that gives great views of Lake Mulwala,” judge Mark Hayes said.
YMGCR’s course superintendent Chris Burgess immediately deflected the praise away from himself and onto past and other current employees for the condition of the two superb looking 18-hole courses.
Past long-term course superintendents Ben Nowell and Mick Swanwick, assistant Trevor Elliott and all the groundstaff yesterday and today were praised by today’s superintendent.
“I’m part of a plan that everyone’s bought into – the golf club board has let us do what we want to do and they’ve been very supportive of what we do in having two well regarded courses,” Mr Burgess said.
There’s no doubting, however, the experience and knowledge of the low golf handicapper Mr Burgess have been invaluable in planning for and overcoming obstacles which can adversely affect a golf course.
YMGCR’s Chief Executive Officer Peter Savy said the two ratings were “a great credit to the groundstaff – Chris Burgess and his team – to bring up the ratings up to what they are”.
“This time of the year there are challenges with cockatoos and kangaroos, it’s been heavy traffic over summer with over 100,000 rounds of golf and we have to bring the courses back to peak condition. Chris and his team, with help from our volunteers, do a great job.”
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