On Monday 23 April, three GCA'ers palyed at Glenelg, which is (literally) on the southern boundary of Adleiade Airport. Some 60 years ago, the course was amended (by Vern Morcom) because of the takeover of land by the nearby airport. The main runway is nearby and parallel to the club's main boundary.
Over the last ten years, Glenelg has undergone a major facelift, converting from kikuyu to couch (bermuda) grasses, removing any predominantly poa greens and converting to bent, and rebuilding the bunkers using a revetted style.
GCA'er Neil Crafter has been the architect, with Course Supt Daryl Sellar providing much of the ground support. Neil obviously knows more about this, for those who want to know. In my view, the bunkering is a work of art. A lot of effort has been put into their creation and maintenance. A few pictures to illusrate the course. And, yes that is the natural sand colour. And yes, the greens are built as native soil, not USGA!
The end of the day (Neil Crafter, young Lloyd Cole and James Bennett).
The short 4th (par 4) complete with central hazard and incoming plane.
The downhill second to #10 (par 4, used to be #11). The airport is behind the green.
The uphill par 3 #11 (used to be #12 a decade ago)
The downhill tee shot on #12 par 5 (was #13 before) with the Adelaide hills in the background
#15 - a green without a bunker. But, combining short and long grass. Neil got up and down under pressure here. He always could putt!
#16 is a short par 3. The hole was rotated 180 degrees in the latest version. The tee was placed against the back fence and a better view and green site was established. There is probably 50 metres or more in width on this tee. This is from the most right hand side point, with a more open shot available from the left.
James B