Two of my favourite types of threads on GCA are one's which show courses that are really exclusive and course vs course in matchplay. Well after my latest world tour I was really struck that certain courses lend themselves to comparison. I'll leave my seaside match-up for another time, for now lets just appreciate how two courses half a world apart have more similarities than differences and at this moment I wanted to share my impressions with you. I hope you enjoy the pictures and will share your own experiences of playing these remarkable courses.
Although we all feel we know Augusta because its on the TV each April, talk to anyone who's been and they will stress how the flat screen just can't do it justice. The history, the ambience the terrain, the food etc. etc.etc. And I know from years of thinking about this, that unless you can say you've been there, you don't really know.
Ellerston at first glance is surely the opposite? Built half a century and a world away for the sole pleasure of one of the world s richest men. But consider this; The client worked with the countries most famous and best ever golfer and told him what he wanted. Greg Norman has said the following about the commission
"For me Ellerston was a very special project. It had taken me more than ten years to convince my good friend and passionate golfer, Kerry Packer, that he should build his own golf course and when the decision was finally made, he ensured the brief was unique. Create the best golf course possible with as few tees as possible, in other words, build a golf course that ….makes the golfer think... He got all that plus more.” Remind you of anywhere?
Before we get to the course let me post some pics from inside the clubhouses and grounds. I'll only do a few of Augusta as you are likely familiar. The ones I've chosen make me wonder if Packer's Architects didn't look at similar images? You'll agree the similarities are remarkable.
Augusta first.
I don't recall ever actually seeing photo's inside here before?
Apparently we were given the 'special' treatment. Food is not normally served on the course.
Ellerston
Wow!
Best shower in the world?
And finally, my caddie for the day! “Memorable!”
More later as we go hole by hole.
PS You know who you are and all I can say is “Thanks”.