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Scott Warren

  • Karma: +0/-0
Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« on: March 11, 2011, 08:37:11 AM »
Wide fairways, greens surrounded by short grass, bunkering that's both visually appealing and effectively placed and greens featuring a fun mix of internal contours, false fronts and runoffs... what's not to love about Peninsula (North)?

It's hard to imagine a golf course that could be more fun to play day-in, day-out than this - length is rarely the feature that issues the challenge, instead it's a constant process of placing the ball with consideration for the next shot and deciding whether taking on a hazard is within your capabilities.

Of course both those things are at the heart of great golf architecture, but they're not seen regularly enough and rarely featured more effectively than here.


The opening hole, a slightly uphill mid-length par four, provides a great introduction to how well Peninsula's bunkers are tied in to the natural vegetation, while the rise in elevation is well camouflaged on the approach shot to a slightly domed green.


(The 2nd.)



After another well-hidden rise at the par three 2nd comes the first real test of bravery (or restraint!) at the short par five 3rd, a drive over a smartly-placed left-hand fairway bunker brings the green into range with the second shot, a crack at the green that leaks right almost certainly taking birdie away if the pin is within the well-contoured front section of the green.




The 4th green is a fantastic L-shaped effort, calling for precision from the mid to short iron approach, with run-offs both long and right.



(Two views of the 5th, showing the tempting drive and generous open greenfront down the left half)

Completing the wonderful opening stretch are another par 4.5 hole tempting you to drive over a sculpted fairway bunker for a shot at the green from the valley fairway and a short par four with a diagonal centreline bunker running a great distance up the fairway, which sets up any manner of approaches to the blind green atop the hill depending on the wind and the player's preferences.



(the short par four 6th, showing the drive options and green that favours an approach from the left)

Six holes in, you can't help but be impressed, not just by the number of sublime shots on offer, but by the myriad ways most of the holes could be played depending on wind, pin positions and how well you're striking it on the day.

Further to that - and I was to discover in subsequent days that this is a hallmark of the Sandbelt - I could imagine my 76-year-old 38-handicap grandmother being able to easily navigate her way around without feeling overwhelmed, while my single-figure handicap game was feeling well and truly tested.

Again, it's something talked about regularly but seen on the ground all too infrequently.

While the holes from the 7th to the 11th may not assert themselves as among the best handful on the course, they are a great example of how well low-profile and bold design are each well-utilised in the right place, often depending on the nature of the land.

Subtle bunkering at the flat ground 9th and 10th holes is combined well with greens that play tougher than they look, and the fairway bunkering on the 8th hole - on choice terrain - displaying more panache reminiscent of the holes on the opening stretch. The 7th green's bunkering is also a highlight for the way it eats into the putting surface.


(Par three 7th)



(Looking down the 8th fairway, showing off the dramatic bunkering, and back from behind the green, an example of greens tied in with the next tee.)


(9th green)


(10th green)


(11th green)



The 12th - a driver, mid-iron two-shotter - was perhaps my favourite on the course. The tee shot to a hogsback fairway where the point at which the ball will roll away is well-disguised to create indecision. The green is flanked by deep bunkering, demanding that the vagueries of the inevitable sidehill lie are handled without error.



Next comes a short par four in the same league as the 6th - the two of them setting a high standard for the rest of the Sandbelt to match (and of course I was to learn that Melbourne is a hotbed of great 270-300m holes). The green is a toned-down version of my beloved 6th at Deal, the recovery shots demanding deft touch, but allowing any number of approaches, from the putter to the lob wedge.

The final two par threes (14th and 16th) each utilise false fronts and ample bunkering, but set up in different ways to ensure there is no feeling of repetition.

Following each of those mid-iron holes are lengthy par fives, adding some balance to the course following shorter holes of the same par on the front. The 15th is probably the better of the two, despite a flanking creek not playing a great role in the strategy of the hole.


(14th hole)


(15th from the driving zone, with no reason to flirt with the creek)


(16th hole, with its giant fronting bunker


(17th green)



The home hole is an attractive sharp dogleg left that climbs significantly on the drive, acres of room to the right for the player who - as he has had the choice to do all the way around - wishes to avoid the hazard.

On a mixture of ideal land and some flatter areas, Peninsula (North) does well to provide masses of variety, the different character of the land creating an ebb and flow that mixes drama with subtlety.

I could play Peninsula (North) for the rest of my life and be absolutely content. When it comes down to it, that's as high a compliment as any course coud wish for.

Tyler Kearns

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2011, 10:56:01 AM »
Scott,

Peninsula certainly flies under the radar when most people set their itinerary for the Melbourne Sandbelt, but it should not be missed. I played the course with Michael Clayton, and he described to me how the course was routed previously, and erroneously. The land is very good, so it is no wonder that he's done a fantastic job with resurrecting the course. It's not overly flashy, and sits on the land very comfortably.

Did you play the South course as well? The manufactured creek that runs diagonally across No. 1 and then throughout a few other holes is exceptionally well done, appearing very natural (not an easy feat to achieve).

I can't wait to get back to Australia, thanks for the pictures.

TK

John Mayhugh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2011, 12:50:14 PM »
Now I've gotta go back.

Really like the looks of the green sites.

Mark_F

Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2011, 01:17:58 PM »
Nice work, Scott.

You picked up a tremendous amount during the one visit.  Good stuff. 

It's a very pleasant place to lose your Sandbelt virginity.  Glad you enjoyed the round there. 

Ian Andrew

Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2011, 03:12:05 PM »
Mike took me there as part of my 54 holes of golf day....

The front nine is exceptional in places and was a real suprise for a course that was so under the radar to me.
The "woodlands" green made me smile since I wondered why the concept was not incorporated by other architects.

I would recommend playing the North.

Carl Nichols

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2011, 06:34:25 PM »
I must admit that I don't know much about golf Down Under, except for the obvious names. Is Peninsula public or private?  Where is it exactly? Thx!
« Last Edit: March 12, 2011, 07:44:06 AM by Carl Nichols »

David Kelly

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2011, 07:15:07 PM »
So I have been to Australia twice in 4 years, played 25 rounds on 14 courses and it looks like I still managed to miss a gem.

I really like how the backsides of the bunkers blend into the native. 

"Whatever in creation exists without my knowledge exists without my consent." - Judge Holden, Blood Meridian.

Ash Towe

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2011, 07:42:05 PM »
I had the pleasure of playing the South course and it was a terrific experience.

According to my host and the ratings there is not much between the two.

Also the atmosphere in the club is excellent and they go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.

Robert Mercer Deruntz

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2011, 08:27:01 PM »
If thiis were located in the US it would be considered among the strongest 36 holes of golf to be found nationally.  I love the north an d found it a little easier than the South.  The south is a very strong tojrnqment course and held up very well in Australian Tour qualifying.  It was here that I learned to walk with the trolly in front when off the fairway--quite a few less than friendly snakes roam the rough areas! I cannot wait to go back down there and play the restored South

Scott Warren

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2011, 09:01:42 PM »
I must admit that I don't know mourn about golf Down Under, except for the obvious names. Is Peninsula public or private?  Where is it exactly? Thx!

It's a private club, but like almost all in Aus, visitors are welcome at certain times. Peninsula has on-site accommodation and does stay and play deals for visitors.

It is located in Frankston, about half an hour by car from the middle of Melbourne.

Peter Pallotta

Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2011, 09:48:59 PM »
Thanks, Scott - terrific; as Mark says, you seemed to have picked up a heck of a lot of insight etc in one visit.

I'm struck by the 'texture' of the place, for lack of a better word.  It's as if Peninsula could be in the English heathlands, except for the fact that Australia doesn't "feel" like England; as if it's a "site specific" course in the broadest sense of that word.

I'm not explaining myself well; or I could just be wrong.

The Australian accent is different than the English accent, to my Canadian ears.

Peter  
« Last Edit: March 11, 2011, 09:51:20 PM by PPallotta »

Justin Ryan

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2011, 03:52:25 AM »
Peninsula North might be the most fun you will have on the sandbelt.  It is easily a better course than many of its more highly rated rivals.

Kevin Pallier

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2011, 06:15:49 AM »
Scott

Glad to see you enjoyed your visit to one of the premier courses on the sandbelt. I look forward to seeing the rest of your reviews.

Where would you rate Peninsula in relation to the other courses you've seen now ?

Tyler Kearns

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2011, 02:28:05 PM »
So I have been to Australia twice in 4 years, played 25 rounds on 14 courses and it looks like I still managed to miss a gem.

I really like how the backsides of the bunkers blend into the native. 



David,

I hope you've played Woodlands, if not, add it to the list.

TK

Scott Warren

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Peninsula (North) - popping my Sandbelt cherry!
« Reply #14 on: March 18, 2011, 11:47:56 PM »
Kevin P:

Quote
Where would you rate Peninsula in relation to the other courses you've seen now ?

Tough question.

It's better than Worplesdon, probably falls slightly short of Woking.

As far as a course I could happily play every day for the rest of my life, it's up the very top with Hankley Common and Deal, which is pretty rare company in my book.

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