By dazzling players at their culmination, golf courses can make up for some of their earlier shortcomings, but the Ocean course does not end well. The 18th, at 445 meters, it is a very lengthy test for a par “4” that narrows considerably between 230-160 meters from the green’s center -- the visible fairway bunkers effectively pinch this area even more tightly than the terrain dictates.
The bunkers protecting the approach are set (mercifully) well short of the extremely deep green to allow for those playing long, low shots in. However, despite being softened subsequent to the course’s opening, the final green is still drastically over-shaped.
The Ocean Course enjoys a superb setting, but must be considered a great disappointment given its high potential. Play The Moonah Course instead (as we did earlier in the day), or head down the road to St. Andrews Beach.
*Note: The Old Course was closed for play during my visit. Some say it’s worth a play but quite flawed (overdone greens, forced water hazards, etc.). Others tell me it may be the best course in Australia. I’m guessing it’s somewhere in between those extremes.