Peter's and Joe's comments about the turf at NSW got me thinking about "winter" golf versus "summer" golf. Again, I visited NSW (and all of the Australian courses I've reviewed here) in early August 2014--i.e., during the Australian winter. Obviously, the Australian winter is VERY different from our winter--at least here in the northeast. So the better comparison is probably between Australia winter golf and, say, South Carolina winter golf, which I was fortunate enough to experience for the last five days on a last-minute birthday getaway. Reviews and photo tours of most of the courses I played are forthcoming (the itinerary was Harbour Town, Heron Point, May River, and Belfair East), but for now I'll invoke the words of our (mandatory) caddie at May River, who said that the condition in which we found the course (browns and greens of various shades, none verdant--except, perhaps, for the neon-green spraypainted 18th green) was "the best" condition it's in all year from a playability standpoint. I see his point: In the winter, courses down there are as firm and fast as they'll ever get--which, frankly, is not all that firm and fast given the low-lying nature of the surrounds. I'm sure May River and the other courses down there are "prettier" in the spring and summer--they looked nothing like the glorious pictures in the locker rooms, but, again, I prefer brown on my golf courses because it provides more of a visual contrast--but I can only imagine how the humid air makes them soggy and slow. So, as a general matter, and excluding places that get snow, is winter turf superior to summer turf?
Ben: I also played NSW on holiday and only once, but I preferred the Sandbelt courses and overall experience. They provide the links experience (in terms of turf) without the constant challenge of the wind that a true links presents. Don't get me wrong: I love true links golf and strong wind, but for everyday play, it gets to be a bit taxing, so the Sandbelt (which still has wind, just a weaker one) appeals to me more. I also found NSW to be somewhat inconsistent (see my comments about the three main "areas" of the course), whereas the Sandbelt courses cohered better for me. The sheer number and proximity of great Sandbelt courses also helps. But, again, NSW is a great course, so I can see how some would choose it above the Sandbelt.
Josh: No doubt the tee shot on 3 is, well, interesting. It would be nice if they told you in the pro shop where to aim, because when you're on the tee as a first-time player, and without members, it's impossible to know. The tee shot is unfortunate, because the rest of the hole is actually quite appealing. As for the bunkering, I'm not sure I understand your point. Do you know whether the mix of styles (pot bunkers, frilly things, waste areas) is a new thing or the way the bunkers were originally designed? Castle Stuart also has a mix, and it works there. I noted the mix at NSW but wasn't offended by it. But if I were, I'm not sure which style I would change to be more like the others. Thoughts?