Links to other pictorials of my Australian exploits:
Barnbougle Dunes
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,47613.0.htmlBarnbougle Lost Farm
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,47929.0.htmlMetropolitan
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,50812.0.htmlThe National- Moonah
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,50449.0.htmlThe National- Ocean
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49598.0.htmlNew South Wales
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48698.0.htmlPortsea
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49351.0.htmlRoyal Melbourne - West
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48238.0.htmlSt. Andrew Beach- Gunnamatta
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48455.0.htmlVictoria
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49756.0.htmlWoodlands
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48900.0.htmlBoasting two courses on the Mornington Peninsula, each built by the design firm of Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett (now sans Wolveridge), The Moonah Links complex is promoted as “The Home of Australian Golf.” Its construction was concurrent with the Ocean Course at The National Golf Club, another TWP project just a few miles up the road. Of the three courses, my Australian compatriots assure me that The Legends Course at Moonah Links turned out the best, though the site it occupies was the least promising for golf.
The Legends course was principally the brainchild of Ross Perrett, and was intended to be a shorter and more forgiving course in comparison to its sibling. While the layout does have a few issues with poor walkability, uninspiring green complexes and some awkward boundary issues, the overall result is still an enjoyable round. Most of the holes are memorable, if not always for good reasons, and visitors would not be amiss in pairing a lap of The Legends with one of the many other enjoyable public golfing options in the neighborhood (St. Andrews Beach, Portsea, The Dunes, etc. etc.)
#1: 487 meters. Par 5. Index 14.
The 1st hole follows the general formula for the course: an ample fairway running through a valley, flamboyant bunkering – the course is built on sand dunes – and a large green with few complexities.
The opening drives is a goodie, with plenty of room left for weaker players. More proficient golfers can fade around or carry the right side trap for a big kick down the hill.
While the presentation of bunkering is attractive, one quickly learns that it is better to be in the sand than the immediately surrounding scrub.
Tee shots that finish high and left may leave longer approaches, but the green is better seen and not so far uphill in comparison with a position further down and to the right.
With front-side bunkering and a hill behind, it is best to take extra club on the upward approach.