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AndyP
12th May 2004, 09:44 AM
That is, travelling all over the countryside.

To add to my leisure trip to Sydney in just over a week, I am now being sent to Canberra for work.
I leave tomorrow for 7 consecutive 7pm to 7am shifts - 5 days off - then 10 consecutive 7am to 7pm shifts - 5 days off, then do it all again. :shock:

Somehow I am going to try and fit some Canberra golf in. I may have to sacrifice sleep though. :wink:

Wanna recommend some golf courses to me?

Fishman Dan
12th May 2004, 10:25 AM
From memory there are only a few (decent?) courses in Canberra, and they are a little pricey? Federal? Canberra GC? Surely someone can shed some light.

With numerous 12 hour shifts, i'm not sure you'll be too keen to take note of the tree-lined streets, dropping their many-coloured leaves poetically into the gutters. As wonderful as it sounds, between work and the friggin' cold, i wish you all the best ;)

To make time pass a little more efficiently, go to Kingston where there are good bars and cafes. Besides, it's next door to Fyshwick so you can stock up on your prono (thanks Andy ;)) and fireworks :D

drunken
12th May 2004, 11:24 AM
Ok, a few courses you should try out (and in no particuler order);

Yowani (It's on the main road into the centre of town)

Gold Creek

Gungahlin Lakes

My sister used to live in Canberra and had a house on the 9th green at Gungahlin. A 2 minute walk to the clubhouse and 30 seconds to the driving range.

That should do you for starters 8)

AndyP
12th May 2004, 11:42 AM
I've got the golf course guide at home, so I will take that with me.

Yowani, Gold Creek, Gungahlin Lakes, Royal Canberra, Federal. There's more, but that should do for now.

Getting to some of these courses may be difficult. And I am sure I will be too buggered to play golf, but I'll try and squeeze in a few rounds anyway.

The apartments I am staying in are just down the road from Manuka and Kingston. About two blocks from Manuka Oval actually.

Kangaroos v West Coast, 20th June. I am actually due home then, but you never know. :wink: I'd like to add another ground that I've watched footy at.

I was in Canb this time last year for 10 days. Nice and chilly. Evening beers out on the patio of the Kingston Hotel with the parents didn't last too long. :roll:

Hmmmm, Fyshwick porno and Scorpio Chick. There could be fireworks. :wink: :lol:

Did I mention that this is a work trip? :roll:

Courty
12th May 2004, 12:34 PM
I was in Canberra for work about this time of year 2 years ago. I managed to squeeze in a round at Gungahlin Lakes while I was there.
I don't remember much about it as I was too busy shivering (came straight from sunny FNQ to bloody f-f-freezing Canberra :smt009 )
I do recall it was quite open and w-w-windy.

Jarro
12th May 2004, 04:29 PM
geezuz Andy, you're goona rack up some serious frequent flyer points :shock:

hope you're flying with the big red rat :wink:

What's the scoop on the Canberra gig :? How long will it last :?:

Iain
12th May 2004, 05:32 PM
Did I mention that this is a work trip?

I may have to sacrifice sleep though.

Andy,

What is the problem, I don't understand what you're gettting at?? \:D/ O:)

Iain

jaster
12th May 2004, 09:03 PM
Sleep...what's that again???

AndyP
12th May 2004, 10:59 PM
geezuz Andy, you're goona rack up some serious frequent flyer points :shock:

hope you're flying with the big red rat :wink:

What's the scoop on the Canberra gig :? How long will it last :?:

Work travel could be with either company. Trip to Sydney care of your mate, Dick. :wink:

The Canberra gig is a result of the team that didn't want me and let me go, deciding they needed me, and offered me work in Canberra. So I am on "secondment" from the new job I started on Monday. :roll:

Some people have been doing this crappy shift work away from home since November (Keep in mind that shift work is not normal in my industry). I don't want to get caught doing it for too long, so I have stipulated that I will only do it until mid-July.

Although I am not looking forward to being away from the missus and bubs, they are throwing in 20% loading (inc super), there are lots of extra paid hours involved, and $85 tax free travel allowance per day. Will probably earn about double what I would usually, and we are currently on one salary. Additionally, I believe the work will help in my career development. So the head won over the heart.

AndyP
12th May 2004, 11:02 PM
I was in Canberra for work about this time of year 2 years ago. I managed to squeeze in a round at Gungahlin Lakes while I was there.
I don't remember much about it as I was too busy shivering (came straight from sunny FNQ to bloody f-f-freezing Canberra :smt009 )
I do recall it was quite open and w-w-windy.
Hmmm, I'm used to playing in shorts too. I could struggle a bit. Then again, how much worse can my game get.

drunken
13th May 2004, 06:45 AM
trust me if it's windy (which is pretty much every day) you'll want the thickest pants money can buy and a huge jacket :lol:

AFter a few holes you realise that there is really no point in trying to keep yourself warm and the only your face will stay warm is to wear a balaclava.

But still theres some nice courses down there :wink:

Gold Creek normally do good deals, seeing as they illegally tapped into the water mains. Stealing an estimated $3.5 million worth of water. I believe they have 10 years to pay it back or the government takes control of the course and turns it into a public course.....

Fishman Dan
13th May 2004, 08:13 AM
2 words: Thermal Underpants

Keep the boys warm, they'll thank you forever.

AndyP
13th May 2004, 09:22 AM
Think I will try for Yowani and Federal first. They are the two most central and both are rated in the top 100 courses in Australia.

Mentioning a balaclava just reminded me to pack a beanie. Phew, that was close, almost forgot.

Courty
13th May 2004, 09:25 AM
Mentioning a balaclava just reminded me to pack a beanie. Phew, that was close, almost forgot.

You'll have to buy an another golf glove too. Make sure it's large enough to fit over your woolen gloves. :mrgreen:

drunken
13th May 2004, 11:21 AM
I knew I'd forgotten one of the courses, Federal is a great track as well. Both Yowani and Federal are really well established, Gold Creek is alot newer (so is Gungahlin), it opened in '95 (I think) and held the Senior PGA which Trevino won. GA had an article on it years ago, they laid a half foot of top soil over the entire course. And you don't carry sand buckets with you, thats someone elses job :roll:

Golfgirl
13th May 2004, 05:39 PM
I'm told Federal is good and the weather at this time of year is bloody freezing.... wear your woolies and have a good time! :D

AndyP
13th May 2004, 08:44 PM
Weather was supposedly nice here in Canberra today. 10 degrees when I got here. Fresh, but not really cold. I probably won't venture out now though. :roll:

Fishman Dan
13th May 2004, 08:58 PM
I can't recommend anything except for the Federal Highway out of town and one other thing - Sammy's Kitchen in Civic somewhere.

Cheap chinese restaurant, always a queue but it goes fast. I was in town one night and walked for 45 minutes and couldn't find anything to eat until i found this little place. Was about 2 years ago exactly when i went there - had to share the table with some young liberal who was working late on the budget.

AndyP
13th May 2004, 11:51 PM
Someone recommended Sammy's when I was here last year. Never got around to eating there. Might have to try it when I am doing the day shifts.

6 hrs left on this shift. :smt015 :-({|=

AndyP
16th May 2004, 08:50 PM
Playing at Gungahlin lakes at about 8am tomorrow on my lonesome. Can't remember the last time I did that. :?

Plan to play in a comp at Federal on Wednesday.

Try for Yowani and Gold Creek on my next night shift cycle. 8)

AndyP
18th May 2004, 01:35 AM
Gungahlin Lakes has to be the best value course I have ever played. It cost me $13 (normally $16) for 18 holes, and you get a free drink voucher.
The course wasn't even a goat track. It was pretty bloody good.

It's an open course that would be affected by the winds, which apparently get up in the arvo. I missed it fortunately. Although the course is open, the fairways aren't side by side, as there is quite a bit of water about that separates the holes.

I'm not sure how busy it would get for weekend social play, but the dress standard accepts jeans, so you could cop the yob crowd. :wink:

I recommend playing there if you are having a visit to Canberra.

Jarro
18th May 2004, 04:19 AM
AndyP,
what the hell are your hours of work again :?:

posting at 2:35am is strictly forbidden [-X

only Blakey the Vampire gets on here at that time of day :lol:

AndyP
18th May 2004, 04:33 AM
hours of work are 7pm to 7am. Yay! :D :(

jaster
18th May 2004, 06:40 AM
hours of work are 7pm to 7am. Yay! :D :(

:smt030 :smt021

Golfgirl
18th May 2004, 08:09 AM
Geez Andy - good thing you'll be sitting indoor at work the next couple of nights - it's predicted to be cold your way: -1 and -3 the next two nights... brrr... cold just thinking about it. :shock:

markTHEblake
18th May 2004, 04:42 PM
only Blakey the Vampire gets on here at that time of day :lol:

fair go mate, is this pick on blakey day?
checking posting times is getting close to Net Stalking - theres a law against that ya know.

drunken
18th May 2004, 04:53 PM
its a pretty nice track isnt it :wink:

My sister lived on the ninth hole, short par 4 that is easily driveable one day and half an hour later you can't get closer than 100m out :roll:

I haven't played down there recently so I'll be really interested in seeing what it's like the next time i get there :D

Jarro
18th May 2004, 07:02 PM
only Blakey the Vampire gets on here at that time of day :lol:

fair go mate, is this pick on blakey day?
checking posting times is getting close to Net Stalking - theres a law against that ya know.

it's my job as a MODERATOR to check in on you pilgrims to see when and what you're posting 8)

AndyP
19th May 2004, 03:58 AM
Geez Andy - good thing you'll be sitting indoor at work the next couple of nights - it's predicted to be cold your way: -1 and -3 the next two nights... brrr... cold just thinking about it. :shock:

Was outside an hour ago. BRRRR! Didn't get a temp reading though.



it's my job as a MODERATOR to check in on you pilgrims to see when and what you're posting

How do you plan on moderating the times we post? Shut the site down?
Next you'll be correcting our spelling.

Golfgirl
19th May 2004, 04:48 PM
How do you plan on moderating the times we post? Shut the site down?
Next you'll be correcting out spelling.

o - u - r , Andy, it's o - u - r ..... :lol: :lol: :wink:

AndyP
19th May 2004, 07:22 PM
How do you plan on moderating the times we post? Shut the site down?
Next you'll be correcting out spelling.

o - u - r , Andy, it's o - u - r ..... :lol: :lol: :wink:

Don't be smart. :evil: That's a typistical error, not a spelling error. 't' is next to the 'r'.

AndyP
19th May 2004, 07:27 PM
Played Federal today. It seemed nice enough, but I can't really comment, because I don't think the course was intended to be played from the trees. :oops:

Greens were super fast, and anything off the fairway and the rough just to the sides, was dry and dusty. My clubs are very dusty. :wink:

Excellent weather for golf again though. Only cost me $45 in the end incl comp fee, and I was expecting $62.

Golfgirl
19th May 2004, 08:10 PM
Played Federal today. It seemed nice enough, but I can't really comment, because I don't think the course was intended to be played from the trees. :oops:

Thanks for the course review.... :lol: :lol: :lol:

AndyP
11th June 2004, 08:22 PM
Started work at 7pm, but the system was broken, so we were told we could bugger off at about 9p, but still get paid for the 12 hours. Woohoo! :D
Went to the pub for a few hours, watched the AFL Footy Show, got some sleep, and took the opportunity to play golf. 8)

Another fantastic day in Canberra for golfing. (I'm not joking, it was)

Played at Yowani GC (another top 100 course). Very nice course, but didn't think it was fantastic. Most fairways seemed pretty tight, and there were some tricky greens. (That's about as far as my arkitekcha analysis goes).

Might be playing Fairburn on Monday. Never heard of it, but should be fun anyway. Maybe Gold Creek on Wednesday. Maybe. :?

drunken
12th June 2004, 10:05 AM
I think you should play Gold Creek while your there...Gungahlin, Gold Creek & Yowani were my 3 favourite courses in Canberra.

they used to have vouchers on the Woolies dockets for cheap rounds etc.

AndyP
12th June 2004, 07:13 PM
I think you should play Gold Creek while your there...Gungahlin, Gold Creek & Yowani were my 3 favourite courses in Canberra.

they used to have vouchers on the Woolies dockets for cheap rounds etc.
Definitely got Gold Creek in my sights to play. Don't think I will be going anywhere near a Woolies though.

drunken, did you play Federal?

drunken
13th June 2004, 01:44 PM
I did play Federal once, I was about 14 at the time and don't recall it too well (the only course I've played that I can't give a home by hole description of :wink: ) but my brother in law informs me that it's quite good :D

AndyP
13th June 2004, 07:00 PM
I did play Federal once, I was about 14 at the time and don't recall it too well (the only course I've played that I can't give a home by hole description of :wink: ) but my brother in law informs me that it's quite good :D
It seemed good, but I didn't spend any time on the fairways. :oops:

Playing pitch 'n putt tomorrow. And might book myself into a comp at Gold Creek on Wednesday.

AndyP
14th June 2004, 08:25 PM
Played Pitch 'n Putt today at the Canberra International Golf Centre, which also had a driving range with automatic ball loading, and a massive proshop. This centre was across the road from Capital Golf course, which I haven't played.

I thought the P 'n P was better than the one at Corinda. This course had a few shallow bunkers around, and some shape to the greens, unlike Corinda. Was hard to get the ball to stick to the greens though.

I think I will have to have a hit at the Chancellor Park Pitch 'n Putt on the Sunshine Coast for another comparison.

Also rang Gold Creek today to book my comp round on Wednesday. The pro-shop said that they weren't allowed to touch the sheet and I had to come in and put my name down myself. :o What the???? Stuff that, its a good 20+ minutes away. So now, I am going to have to risk turning up on the morning, and hoping that there is someone I can pair with.

Anyone else come across a club that does this? Seems a bit biased towards members and locals.

goughy
15th June 2004, 06:29 AM
I'm assuming that members and locals can ring and have there names put down on the sheet.

Maybe they have so many people trying to get a time they prefer them to come in and fight over the times themselves.

Seems odd to me. I've even sent faxes to clubs (in particular for our middle ridge game a few months ago) when the time sheets weren't out and with 16 names and preferred tee time and they filled out the whole thing for me.

AndyP
15th June 2004, 07:08 PM
I'm assuming that members and locals can ring and have there names put down on the sheet.

I didn't tell them over the phone that I wasn't a local.
Very odd.
Maybe it's because it is a country club/resort type complex, that has people staying on-site, and they give these people first option. :?

AndyP
16th June 2004, 09:48 PM
Canberra gave me more great weather for golf today. Turned up at Gold Creek for my potential "comp" round, and got screwed. There was upto an hour between booked groups on the timesheet. As I preferred to get more than 2 hours sleep, I opted to play take a cart and hit around by myself, rather than wait an hour.

$40 w/- cart or $25 without.

Another good golf course. In good condition, except for off the fairways. Like all courses in Canberra at the moment, it seems that rough doesn't exist, just dirt with clumps of grass. I found it very hard to get it off the rough cleanly.
A couple of the holes were out of play, and there is some distance between holes, so a cart certainly helped out there. Although they were redoing a couple of holes, they have three spare practice holes anyway, that are in the same condition.

If anyone is forced to make a trip to Canberra, I would highly recommend bringing your golf clubs, because there are some really good golf courses here. Although I didn't bring my golf game with me, I enjoyed all of the courses that I played: Gungahlin Lakes, Federal, Yowani and Gold Creek.

AndyP
7th July 2004, 08:18 AM
I'll be racking up my fourth capital city in three months soon. I am travelling to Melbourne at the very end of this month for 7 days.

Unfortunately at this stage, I'm not allowed to play golf. Time will be spent mainly with family. For some reason they are all fascinated with this four month old baby I have. :roll:

Surely I can fit one round in, but I will have to work on it. Highly unlikely that I will be taking the clubs though. :(

Fishman Dan
7th July 2004, 09:01 AM
AP - if you can't get a start at a really decent club (call Henry, he'll take you to Commonwealth...), then get to Sandringham. It's next door to Royal Melbourne, in fact a couple of the holes are old RM holes apparently. It's a public course, and for $20 i don't think i've played any better - tea tree lined fairways, bunkers carved into the sides of greens, just awesome.

Apparently the home of the House of Golf too... useless trivia for you.

AndyP
7th July 2004, 09:27 AM
call Henry
:shock: Really? We're not that close.

If I do play in Melbourne, I will definitely try and knock a top 100 course off my list. [-o<

Fishman Dan
7th July 2004, 09:29 AM
call Henry
:shock: Really? We're not that close.

If I do play in Melbourne, I will definitely try and knock a top 100 course off my list. [-o<

Actually, not really.. but what the hey - he can only say "No" - anything else is a bonus! ;)

AndyP
7th July 2004, 09:30 AM
call Henry
:shock: Really? We're not that close.

Actually, not really.. but what the hey - he can only say "No" - anything else is a bonus! ;)
Damn! I thought you could have put in a good word for me. :lol:

Golfgirl
10th July 2004, 10:06 AM
Well, I was going to be in Melbourne at the end of this month also.... but it doesn't look like things will pan out....

Damn... and I was gonna have a lash at The Dunes while I was there.... :evil:

McMw
10th July 2004, 12:14 PM
hook up a game with the judge... :wink:
I'm sure amanda enjoyed the company...
and ranfurlie(sp?) is a top100 course??? :?: :!:

AndyP
10th July 2004, 09:26 PM
hook up a game with the judge... :wink:
I'm sure amanda enjoyed the company...
and ranfurlie(sp?) is a top100 course??? :?: :!:

It had crossed my mind. :wink: BTW Ranfurlie is at 95.
I have to work out other commitments in Melbourne first, before I can schedule golf though.

Speaking of Top 100 courses, I knocked Narooma (90) off my list today. Left Canberra at 6am, drove 2 1/4 hrs - 200km, 1st hit at 9am (went OOB :oops: ), finish at 1pm, drive for nearly 3 hrs back to Canberra with holiday traffic, back in apartment at 4pm. Start work at 7pm, and will be here until 7am. :smt103
Yes, I am nutso. :smt101
I have asked my fellow employees to roll my face off the keyboard when I fall asleep. I would rather not have QWERTY printed across my forehead. :smt003

Course was really nice, pity it rained on me throughout the majority of the round.
Although the signature hole is the 3rd - par 3, which plays from cliff edge to cliff edge (and yes I did have the pleasure of watching my ball disappear over the edge), I thought the back nine, which played around an inlet, had better holes.
The locals I played with told me that the course wasn't in it's best condition at the moment, and the greens were still recovering.
I found the greens to be pretty good, fast but true.

Despite my bad hitting, and the constant rain, I still enjoyed my round. After all it was still golf, and it was a beautiful course. 8)

Anyone else played here?

drunken
11th July 2004, 06:39 AM
Naroomas a great course when the weather is good.

My family holidayed in the cabins right behing the 18th tee, so I got a few roundsin while I was there.

Really enjoyed the course, like you said the back 9 is a very different from the front.

AndyP
11th July 2004, 09:27 PM
The cool thing about it was one minute you are hitting next to and over cliffs, then a few holes later you are pretty much beachside. 8)

AndyP
12th July 2004, 11:48 PM
YOU LITTLE BEAUTY!! \:D/ \:D/ :smt081

Last night I was told that I was no longer needed in Canberra. I will be back in Brisbane at 0800 hours. Yay! :D
It seems that I won't be returning to Canberra either [-o< .

The only downside is that I had games organised for Capital GC today, and Fairbairn GC on Thursday. :( Oh well, I'll live. 8)

Hopefully this means the return of my golf game too. :roll:

Flowergirl
13th July 2004, 09:07 AM
Well, I was going to be in Melbourne at the end of this month also.... but it doesn't look like things will pan out....

Damn... and I was gonna have a lash at The Dunes while I was there.... :evil:

Hey Golfgirl..........if you do come down this way and you want to play the Dunes let me know. I live about 10kms away and would love to meet up for a game :D
That goes for any of you OZgolfers. I'm close by to a lot of top courses down here and there is always a spare bed for anyone who wants it. (and don't worry--------I'm really a respectable married lady so all the suggestive comments are all talk!!!)

Fishman Dan
13th July 2004, 09:45 AM
YOU LITTLE BEAUTY!! \:D/ \:D/ :smt081

Last night I was told that I was no longer needed in Canberra. I will be back in Brisbane at 0800 hours. Yay! :D
It seems that I won't be returning to Canberra either [-o< .

The only downside is that I had games organised for Capital GC today, and Fairbairn GC on Thursday. :( Oh well, I'll live. 8)

Hopefully this means the return of my golf game too. :roll:

You should have a ceremonial locking of this thread!

BrisVegas
13th July 2004, 10:00 AM
Glad to have you back in Vegas Andy! See you at Darra station.... :wink:

Jarro
13th July 2004, 12:45 PM
congratulations AndyP 8)

welcome home son :wink:

now you can play in some of these Ozgolf days.

Golfgirl
13th July 2004, 07:56 PM
Hey Golfgirl..........if you do come down this way and you want to play the Dunes let me know. I live about 10kms away and would love to meet up for a game

No worries Flowergirl.... when I do finally make it down - I will defintely call you up for a game.... and I will almost certainly be playing a round at The Dunes (the GM was in my bridal party.... good friend). 8)[/b]

AndyP
14th July 2004, 02:51 PM
You should have a ceremonial locking of this thread!
Nah! Still got my Melbourne trip.


Glad to have you back in Vegas Andy! See you at Darra station.... :wink:
And I'll try and see you go past. :wink:



now you can play in some of these Ozgolf days.
Already teeing one up for Saturday. 8)

AndyP
28th February 2008, 07:33 PM
After 4 years, and a change in job, I'll be travelling again. This time it will be to Katherine in the Northern Territory. My first time to the Territory will be next week when I travel up on the Monday, and come back on the Friday. No time for golf this time round, but later on in the year it looks like I might be up there for a couple of 4 week stints.

It's wet season up there at the moment, so it's hot and wet. If I get the chance, I'll go check out the local course at Katherine and maybe the course at the RAAF base where I'll be working. When I go later in the year, I might try and go to a Darwin course as well. I've even thought about flying back via Cairns, but I get the feeling that I'll want to rush back to my family by then.

Is Blakey the only one who knows their way around the territory?

markTHEblake
28th February 2008, 08:12 PM
I've even thought about flying back via Cairns

Expensive Airfare that trip. Qantas only.

goughy
28th February 2008, 08:14 PM
My uncle was like the greenskeeper at a raaf base up there years ago.

AndyP
28th February 2008, 08:19 PM
Expensive Airfare that trip. Qantas only.I think there is only one direct flight between Bris/Dar each day :?, and all the others go via another city, including Cairns. If that's the case, it shouldn't cost any more, should it.

Where goughy? Darwin or Katherine (Tindal)?

Courty
28th February 2008, 08:21 PM
I've even thought about flying back via Cairns
:smt038

just
28th February 2008, 08:45 PM
Bearing in mind that all the golf I have played in the NT was alcohol fueled - I thought Darwin Golf Club was good. I have a vague memory that it was probably the best in Darwin. Its down near the casino so virtually in the centre of town.

BrisVegas
28th February 2008, 09:02 PM
I thought Darwin Golf Club was good. I have a vague memory that it was probably the best in Darwin.

Is that like saying City Golf Club is top 3 in Toowoomba??:lol:

goughy
28th February 2008, 09:07 PM
Is that like saying City Golf Club is top 3 in Toowoomba??:lol:
:smt098

Darwin I think AP.

just
28th February 2008, 09:07 PM
Pretty much. Not much competition. As I said all memories are alcohol affected, as memories of the NT usually are.

shazza_rs
28th February 2008, 09:08 PM
There is a golf course at Palmerston as well AP. My brother used to play there all the time. Not flash but not shite either.

Jarro
28th February 2008, 09:11 PM
Don't forget to say "sorry" while you're up there too Pee

terryand
28th February 2008, 09:11 PM
Better take the clubs with you AP, I can't see you being let out of the house when you get back for the weekend :-s

Terry.

just
28th February 2008, 09:12 PM
And RAAF Darwin which is a nine holer IIRC.

AndyP
28th February 2008, 10:59 PM
Don't forget to say "sorry" while you're up there too Pee
I'll buy a shirt to save my voice.


Better take the clubs with you AP, I can't see you being let out of the house when you get back for the weekend :-s
Too late. Wynnum Cup already booked.

markTHEblake
29th February 2008, 08:58 AM
Bearing in mind that all the golf I have played in the NT was alcohol fueled - I thought Darwin Golf Club was good. I have a vague memory that it was probably the best in Darwin. Its down near the casino so virtually in the centre of town.

Gee you must have been really smashed then. The golf course next to the Casino is a public 9 Hole par 31-ish course. Its a course for the singlets and thongs crowd.

Darwin GC is a Peter Thomson design in the northern suburbs adjacent to the Stadium and airport, it winds through a housing estate, many holes have OB on both sides of fairway.

RAAF base is not bad for a 9 holer, but you need an invite to get inside the base.

Palmerston is the other 18 holer, the first 9 is a pretty good design but rough around the edges. They might have more money now though as they built a 2nd 9 recently, but it couldnt be better than DGC.

Outside of Darwin
Alice Springs is amongst the best in the country, Katherine and Tindal, are ordinary, Humpty Doo is a must see for the pub also, Jaburu and Gove are the best courses outside the cities - the mines subsidise the courses upkeep.

just
29th February 2008, 03:50 PM
Gee you must have been really smashed then. The golf course next to the Casino is a public 9 Hole par 31-ish course. Its a course for the singlets and thongs crowd.

Darwin GC is a Peter Thomson design in the northern suburbs adjacent to the Stadium and airport, it winds through a housing estate, many holes have OB on both sides of fairway.

Correct on all counts there Blakey! Its all coming back to me. Golf course near casino is average but is close to town for a quick nine. Darwin GC further out but nicer course. I did preface by saying my memory was vague and I was drinking a lot.


RAAF base is not bad for a 9 holer, but you need an invite to get inside the base.

Given that AP's more than likely a defence contractor I don't think that should be a problem.

AndyP
10th June 2008, 01:49 PM
I just called Darwin GC to make an enquiry about playing next Monday, and all I have to do is turn up. Flight gets in at 12:50p, sunset is at 6:30p, so I should be fine to get a full 18 in. The course looks pretty nice and I'm looking forward to it.

http://darwingolfclub.com.au/index.php

markTHEblake
10th June 2008, 07:02 PM
Andy, would you be able to take some Pics? Just random spots. The ones on the website do look like the place is rundown a bit (bunkers), so I hope its getting better.

On the first tee, stand right at the back of the tee and look down the fairway. Now turn around 180 deg. You should see a lovely rock garden. Now ask yourself "how the hell did blakey hit his tee shot in there?&#168;

should be good for a laugh.

AndyP
10th June 2008, 07:20 PM
If I take the camera and remember and feel like it, I might take some photos.

AndyP
18th June 2008, 02:08 PM
It's rather warm up here. It's the middle of winter and it's over 30 degrees every day and stays about that until after sundown. Mornings have been a nice 18 degrees, which is great for a run.

It's weird seeing and hearing sprinklers on too.

Right now, I'm sitting outside a bunker with a Telstra NextG enabled wireless laptop, while my workmate drives 20k to the hardware store (it's a no lone zone, so I can't go down in there by myself). I should ask for a 3% payrise for this.

No sight seeing done yet, but apparently I have the weekend off (while others work), so I might look at my options.

Jarro
18th June 2008, 02:12 PM
Have you developed a taste for cheap wine out of the bladder yet ?

AndyP
18th June 2008, 06:52 PM
What else would I rest my head on when I sleep in the park?

Dazza
18th June 2008, 07:10 PM
What else would I rest my head on when I sleep in the park?


Ahh the memories. I did a 3 year stint in Katherine, left in 06.
Had my ute parked out the front of a mates joint one night, with an N70ZZ Landcruiser battery and a slab of Pal Dog Food tins in the back.
Guess what was missing when I went out to check on it at 10pm..... :smt081

Someone ate well that night!

I've played on the short course near the Casino in Darwin. Just a corporate day, so nothing serious...Can't remember much about it at all.:smt030
Same with Katherine, only played there twice. And both times were Carlton United golf days...:smt030
Didn't get a chance to play at the 9 hole course at Tindal RAAF base, but it looks nice on Google Earth.

AndyP
20th June 2008, 10:56 AM
I've got my whole weekend planned now.

Golf at 7:30a at RAAF Tindal GC tomorrow in a comp. Green Fees are $10.

On Sunday I'll be paddling down the Katherine Gorge. :cool:
https://www.nitmiluktours.com.au/tours/canoeing/

Gorge Explorer - Full Day Canoe Experience - 8hrs

First Three Gorges - Full Day

Duration – approx 8 hours
This is a memorable and exciting way to explore Nitmiluk Gorge taking into account your own itinerary and fitness level. Experience the diversity of landscapes and habitats as you paddle your way through this national park, a visual treat for any nature lover. Swap to another canoe to resume your journey on the upstream side of the rock bar separating the first and second gorges. Experienced canoeists will make it to the end of the fourth gorge, where you’ll be rewarded with more Jawoyn paintings and a perfect picnic spot for lunch or a refreshing swim.

2nd gorge paddling distance - 12.2 kms (return)
3rd gorge paddling distance - 14.6 kms (return)
4th gorge paddling distance - 16.6 kms (return)

AndyP
28th June 2008, 07:52 PM
I enjoyed the golf at Tindal in the comp of 11 people. It had a social club feel to it. The course wasn't fantastic (especially the greens), but that isn't everything.

The Gorge was awesome. It was definitely a great experience to paddle along it myself, rather than take a tour. I even did some extra hiking along it to have a good look.

Yesterday I played at Palmerston. To answer Blakey's question (although I did mention which holes I played), I played 7 holes on the back nine only. This was the nine around the housing estate, and apparently the other nine has plenty of water.

I thought this course was better than Darwin GC. The course was tighter and the greens were hard and fast. It was strange to see a hole guide at the tee block of each hole, providing a summary, green dimensions and distances to reach hazards. I'll try to play the other 11 holes next time.

My Canberra trip has been postponed, and I'm not meant to be in Katherine until October now.

markTHEblake
29th June 2008, 09:23 PM
were you there specifically for Pitch Black? was that interesting.

AndyP
29th June 2008, 09:49 PM
were you there specifically for Pitch Black? was that interesting.No, I had nothing to do with that. There was plenty of aircraft flying around though, and the base was busy with foreigners.

I am on the Vigilare (http://www.boeingaustralia.com.au/ViewContent.do?id=34524) project.

just
30th June 2008, 06:20 PM
Funnily enough I did an air defence course and was an air intercept controller. Is Vigilare going to work, Andy?

AndyP
30th June 2008, 06:24 PM
Of course it is. It just may not be on time or on budget. :mrgreen:

So far it's been going well, but every project has it's hurdles.

Previously a system called Warden was used to do some of this stuff.

sms316
30th June 2008, 06:57 PM
My Canberra trip has been postponed
You'd be upset about that...

markTHEblake
30th June 2008, 08:11 PM
No, I had nothing to do with that. There was plenty of aircraft flying around though, and the base was busy with foreigners.

Always lots of fun stuff happening during Pitch Black, even for the civvies.

I see they changed the fictional enemy from being a pseudo Indonesia (Kamaria) to some other mob. Perhaps post Suharto they are no longer a threat :lol:

AndyP
30th June 2008, 08:19 PM
For those that don't know anything about Pitch Black, here's some info: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=7809


You'd be upset about that...Postponed, not cancelled. It has been moved to the end of this month. Apparently the training is bloody boring too. :(

AndyP
6th October 2008, 07:34 PM
I'm off to Katherine again tomorrow, this time for three weeks. And from the weather reports I've seen, it's bloody hot. Min of 24, Max of 39 for the upcoming days.

I'm yet to decide whether I'm taking the golf clubs, which is different, as it's usually one of the first things on the packing list.

Actually, I just got a reply from my SMS. I've been told we aren't working weekends, so I'm taking the clubs. Last time I took two thirds of a set, this time I'll take the lot. I expect it to be very draining golf. I'll see how I feel tomorrow as to whether I'll play or not, but I might finish off Palmerston.

Dazza
6th October 2008, 08:02 PM
Ah the buildup.
Wake up, you sweat. Stand still, you sweat. Walk, you sweat.
Have fun playing in it! Keep those fluids up.

Courty
6th October 2008, 08:43 PM
from the weather reports I've seen, it's bloody hot. Min of 24, Max of 39 for the upcoming days.

I expect it to be very draining golf.

Welcome to my world. :?

AndyP
8th October 2008, 09:49 PM
Yesterday I played at Palmerston. To answer Blakey's question (although I did mention which holes I played), I played 7 holes on the back nine only. This was the nine around the housing estate, and apparently the other nine has plenty of water.

I thought this course was better than Darwin GC. The course was tighter and the greens were hard and fast. It was strange to see a hole guide at the tee block of each hole, providing a summary, green dimensions and distances to reach hazards. I'll try to play the other 11 holes next time.
As I mentioned in the Scores thread, I played Palmerston again yesterday.

This time mostly on the nine holes that has plenty of water. I thought the quality of that half was worse. I think it's because it's well away from the clubhouse. They didn't even have flags in the pins, just pipes (I'll assume the flags go up for comps), the fairways grass was a bit long and some of the bunkers had weeks. It was probably the tougher nine though. That said, it was good value for $10.

Another lesson I've learnt is that my normal water bottle isn't anywhere near enough fluid for nine holes. It's rather draining work playing in Darwin heat, especially carrying an overloaded bag.

AndyP
8th October 2008, 10:10 PM
Can you completely change the first hole around, so Blakey might stop talking about the how he got it in the rock garden behind the tee?

markTHEblake
8th October 2008, 10:16 PM
Another lesson I've learnt is that my normal water bottle isn't anywhere near enough fluid for nine holes.

Ever notice I always have a 4 litre water bottle when I play golf, Have you stopped wondering where i got that habit from?

Everyone up there carries those, and whilst I rarely finished it after 9 holes it was close. DGC has a big cooler and ice machine outside the clubhouse just for the golfers to fill their waterbottles.

AndyP
8th October 2008, 10:24 PM
Palmerston had the ice machine too, but I would have liked to see some water out on the course.

AndyP
12th October 2008, 08:03 PM
The last time I was here, I paddled up the Nitmiluk Gorge, this time I did some walking. It was bloody hard work!

Today was your standard October NT day. 39 degrees with a warm wind. Once you are up on the escarpment, it's supposedly another 10 degrees hotter. Nice! I did my walking between 8:30a and 2:30p (I missed my alarm this morning).

Since I haven't had a long run since I've been up here, I thought I would push myself as hard as I could today without doing anything too stupid. I was loaded up with water, and enough snacks to keep me going. Instead of doing just the one trail, I did three.

It wasn't easy walking either. The tracks were rocky, loose, hilly, hot, indirect, and non-existent at times. Here's what I did: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/au/katherine/945090450421

Satellite view would be best, and check out the elevation. Did I mention it was tough?

It says 19k, but with the back and forth everywhere, it would be more. The reward at the end of these treks was a couple of swims. The water was beautiful, and no crocs......I think.

Needless to say that I am absolutely buggered now.

AndyP
15th October 2008, 09:07 PM
I had low expectations of Katherine Country Club, so I was pleasantly surprised by my post-work round there this evening. It's only 9 holes with different tees, like RAAF Tindal. Like Tindal, it's green on the tees, fairways and greens, but very dry and bare off it. Cost is $10 for 9, $20 for 18. The greens were very shaggy and bumpy, but they may be semi decent under that, as the 9th/18th green seemed okay.

Blakey, have you played at Pine Creek?

markTHEblake
15th October 2008, 10:45 PM
Andyp, all interesting reading, keep it up.

They dont have ice machine on the courses cos they would need to have too many, much easier to encourage the golfers to carry.

No, havent played Pine Creek. only Darwin, Palmerston, Darwin RAAF, Gardens Park, Humpty Doo, Alice and Jabiru.

If you have a minute in Darwin, have a drive (or a jog) out to East Point, where the Gun Emplacments are (the ones that only pointed north so the japs flew in from the south), and look around and marvel how good it would be to have a golf course out there. Then look around a bit more and ask yourself, hmm that mound looks like a green, and so does that one.....

Yep, Darwin GC was there pre 1970. govt kicked em out, such a shame.

AndyP
15th October 2008, 10:55 PM
If I leave here early enough in the morning, I might be able to have a squiz at East Point, as well as play, RAAF Darwin Friday week.

I can't even find Pine Creek on the whitepages or yellowpages website or google, so I'll have to have a look at that flyer again.

AndyP
23rd February 2009, 09:35 PM
After reading my last post, I can report that I did not play RAAF Darwin on the Friday. I had a send of at the Katherine Hotel the night before and had a lot to drink. The 3hr+ drive to Darwin was one of the toughest I've ever done (and probably illegal in hindsight).

Anywho, here I am again in beautiful Katherine........
I travelled up with someone this time, so I couldn't squeeze in an afternoon round in Darwin like I have previously. He goes to Darwin every weekend when he is here, so I am considering travelling up for one of my two weekends here. I'm not sure if I'm up for it though.
If I am, I might try and get out to Humpty Doo. RAAF Darwin would be a second priority.

If there is a storm free arvo, I'll probably play Katherine CGC again. I'll also play RAAF Tindal again.

markTHEblake
24th February 2009, 11:06 PM
The 3hr+ drive to Darwin was one of the toughest I've ever done (and probably illegal in hindsight).

the hardest part is slowing down. 100km feels like you are hardly and then you realise you are in a 80 zone.


If I am, I might try and get out to Humpty Doo. RAAF Darwin would be a second priority. RAAF Darwin is the far better course, both condition and layout. (well i guess i should say was, but google earth doesnt make me change my mind) but not everyone will be able to say they have played golf at Humpty Doo so that makes it about even. Humpty what?


I might be able to have a squiz at East Point,

did ya spot the ghost of the Darwin Golf club there? a golfer can usually pick out the green shapes, fairways etc.

henno
25th February 2009, 07:58 AM
the hardest part is slowing down. 100km feels like you are hardly and then you realise you are in a 80 zone.

The last time I was on that road, there were no speed limits! :mrgreen:

markTHEblake
25th February 2009, 07:23 PM
Henno, thats what i mean. after driving 150+ for 4hours or more, when you hit town, its hard to slow down

Dazza
25th February 2009, 07:29 PM
Henno, thats what i mean. after driving 150+ for 4hours or more, when you hit town, its hard to slow down

You're not wrong. Feels like you're sitting still.
Used to take a LLOONNGG time getting through Adelaide River!
And Pine Creek used to be a trap, the local highway patrol car would hammer that speed zone.
Heard some insane Katherine to Darwin travel times. Man some people used to hammer along that road.

Always used to get worried after a big night at a Campdraft. I reckon I would have been close to being over a few times. Air con flat out the whole way home!

Good times! :D

AndyP
25th February 2009, 07:30 PM
RAAF Darwin is the far better course, both condition and layout. (well i guess i should say was, but google earth doesnt make me change my mind) but not everyone will be able to say they have played golf at Humpty Doo so that makes it about even. Humpty what?
Noted. For some reason I had it in my head that Humpty might have been better.


did ya spot the ghost of the Darwin Golf club there? a golfer can usually pick out the green shapes, fairways etc.Didn't go. My killer hangover drove me straight to the airport.

I'm not going to head to Darwin this weekend. It's a bit costly for me, and this constant rain helped me make the decision. It has rained every afternoon since I've been here, so I haven't got close to heading out for an arvo round.

The big difference in Katherine now to when I was last here, is that there is nobody around. Tourist season is over and the place is dead. Shopping was a nightmare before, but now the car park is vacant.

They've also added a bark garden down most of the median strip along the main street. It's apparently less comfortable to sleep or loiter on.

markTHEblake
25th February 2009, 07:40 PM
Heard some insane Katherine to Darwin travel times. Man some people used to hammer along that road.

i was doing 150 and this red thing flew past me and was gone before i could say 'what the' - that was freaky.

AndyP
1st March 2009, 10:46 AM
When I arrived in Katherine on Monday the river was under 4m (still higher than dry season). It's now at 13m and running fast. If it gets near 18, I'll be trapped here. Luckily there wasn't that much rain around last night.

Here's a link to river levels:
http://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDD60322/IDD60322.514913.plt.shtml

AndyP
7th March 2009, 10:24 PM
How often would you come out of a shopping centre entrance in daylight and find a local urinating on a car tyre in the car park? If ya gotta go, ya gotta go, I guess.

I'm scheduled to come back here again in June too. Joy!
One week to go!

AndyP
20th April 2009, 11:27 AM
I'll be in Nowra Monday night and Tuesday night next week. Can anyone recommend some accommodation?

Wednesday and Thursday nights will be spent in Newcastle. I have to try and get back to the Gold coast on Friday arvo to see a Wiggles concert too.

I wish I could squeeze a golf round in there.

AndyP
22nd April 2009, 03:08 PM
There is definitely some potential for golf now, as my trip length is booked for the worst case scenario. This could leave me a half day or two free if things go to plan.

I'm staying on the Worrigee Golf Club, but will consider playing either Macquarie Links or The Vintage on the way up to Newcastle. Unfortunately, I won't really know anything until the day before, so it rules out any chance of an OZgolf Day.

AndyP
2nd July 2009, 10:51 AM
Jabiru GC Open (http://www.jabirugolfclub.com.au/forms/Nom%20Mobil%20Jabiru%20Open%202009.pdf), 11-12 July, 2009.

Hmmmmm. I'm in, if you're in, Blakey.

markTHEblake
2nd July 2009, 11:04 AM
played there once, its a better course than any if the others outside of Darwin/Alice.

AndyP
2nd July 2009, 11:19 AM
It's 285km from Katherine to Jabiru, which I would have to drive each day to play, because even if accommodation was available it would be ridiculously expensive in the dry season. I'm a little put off by 5hrs driving plus golf each day. Unless I can claim the hire car and sleep in it......

I've just missed out on the RAAF Tindal and Katherine Opens too, which were last weekend and this coming weekend.

markTHEblake
2nd July 2009, 05:49 PM
you could stay in the crocodile hotel

AndyP
2nd July 2009, 07:34 PM
That might have been the one I checked. It was booked out.

AndyP
7th July 2009, 10:10 PM
Here I am in "lovely" Katherine. As posted in the score thread, I played RAAF Darwin today.

I was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the course. Most of the greens were good although a little grainy (it is Tuesday though). The holes were pretty straightforward, until they tried to introduce doglegs with the 17th and 9th. Stupid holes. The 17th is a short par 4 with only a small area, where you would actually have a proper shot at the green. (I didn't actually play it, as the alternate tee 8th is a par 3) The 9th requires a 230m to 240m drive to get past a dogleg to a fairway that gets very tight. I'll post some google earth pics tomorrow night, if I remember.

The cost was $15 for 9 holes or $15 for 18 holes. It's a shame I only had time for 9.

AndyP
8th July 2009, 09:10 PM
The holes were pretty straightforward, until they tried to introduce doglegs with the 17th and 9th. Stupid holes. The 17th is a short par 4 with only a small area, where you would actually have a proper shot at the green. (I didn't actually play it, as the alternate tee 8th is a par 3) The 9th requires a 230m to 240m drive to get past a dogleg to a fairway that gets very tight. I'll post some google earth pics tomorrow night, if I remember.
The 17th with a very very small gap through the trees to approach the green. Note the 8th tee out in the water.
http://www.ozgolf.net/andyp/RAAF_Darwin/RAAF_Darwin_H17.jpg

The 9th has a very tough drive, especially for a slicer for myself. FWIW I hit a nice drive but it clipped the trees on the left while curling back to the centre and dropped dead on the fairway...... I had to chip to get through the dogleg.
http://www.ozgolf.net/forums/../andyp/RAAF_Darwin/RAAF_Darwin_H09.jpg

AndyP
10th July 2009, 08:27 PM
I'm teeing off in the Jabiru Open at 1:20pm tomorrow. I have plenty of time to get there, so maybe I'll do some sightseeing on the way.

Play some golf, have some beers with the locals and fellow golfers, then have a snooze in the back of the hire car. I'm assuming the draw is seeded on Sunday, so that may be an incentive to play bad tomorrow, so I can get back to Katherine earlier.

The course looks nice in photos, but I'm thinking that it is going to be a lot browner in the dry season.

ParMaster
10th July 2009, 08:38 PM
Andy on that 8th hole was it not possible to lay back off the tee with like a 6i or so and then hit a 9i over or was driver into that gap the only option?

AndyP
10th July 2009, 08:44 PM
No idea, PM. It was the 17th, and we played the 8th which used the par 3 tee. 6I then 9I still sounds stupid. They are pretty mature trees, but I'm sure you could go over, but it would be blind.

AndyP
11th July 2009, 12:18 PM
I think I might wilt during the round today. It's super hot, and I've been sheltered in airconditioning during the day, since I've been up here.

Of the comps I've played up here, guys seem to practice on and around the last green before the round. This is clearly against the rules, but it seems to be the accepted thing. I'm not sure if I want to risk it.

Courty
11th July 2009, 05:20 PM
Of the comps I've played up here, guys seem to practice on and around the last green before the round. This is clearly against the rules, but it seems to be the accepted thing. I'm not sure if I want to risk it.

Are you saying you're considering knowingly breaking the rules just because everyone else is?

AndyP
11th July 2009, 08:23 PM
I've done it at RAAF Tindal once, but I didn't do it here.

It's a nice enough course here. It's short and the greens are big, but the putting can be a bit of a lottery.

Although I acquired a two man tent, I'll be sleeping in the passenger seat of the car. I had an epic fail trying to set the tent up in the dark after the round (not that I would have been much better in daylight). I should go and drink some more to make it easier to sleep.

****, the mozzies are big.

AndyP
11th July 2009, 08:31 PM
Oh, and I'm 5 shots off the A grade nett leading score of 3 under. No thanks to a triple then bogey finish with two 3 putts FFS.

AndyP
12th July 2009, 09:09 PM
I failed on the tent setup and slept in the car after a late night and plenty to drink. It made for a tough day's golf today, but I enjoyed the weekend. It was a shame that I didn't get to look around Kakadu at all, but there just wasn't time in the end, if I wanted to avoid driving in the dark.

Here's a few photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/andrewpholden/JabiruGCKakadu?feat=directlink) I took, including those below.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/SlnEdfx56GI/AAAAAAAAAwc/aOHwy7nzCIk/s720/IMG_0941.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/SlnEi-GPqcI/AAAAAAAAAwo/NobuMgYUzgM/s800/IMG_0943.JPG

markTHEblake
19th July 2009, 12:45 PM
I played RAAF Darwin today....
The holes were pretty straightforward, until they tried to introduce doglegs with the 17th and 9th. Stupid holes. The 17th is a short par 4 with only a small area, where you would actually have a proper shot at the green.

For me it is a 7 iron followed by a full wedge. If you hit too far you can get trapped behind the trees on the right.

Otherwise I just hit driver, I never played there much, OTOH, i hit the green twice and once long left. It didnt take much to hit the green, its only about 230, right? and a very big green. Just dead if you miss it, water right and short, trees left, and not exciting to be long either.

I didnt think it was a bad hole at all, if it was a bit longer it would be worse, as then the golfer does not have an option at all.



The 9th requires a 230m to 240m drive to get past a dogleg to a fairway that gets very tight.I hated that hole! both tees. Its funny though, i had no hesitation hitting driver on the 8th, but the par 3 teeeon the 9th killed me


It's a shame I only had time for 9.You should have played two balls, one from each tee. I always thought RAAF was a fun course to play, without being 'dinky'

ps. nice pics of Jabiru.

AndyP
19th July 2009, 02:42 PM
I didnt think it was a bad hole at all, if it was a bit longer it would be worse, as then the golfer does not have an option at all. I don't think hitting over trees should be the best option for a hole.




You should have played two balls, one from each tee. I always thought RAAF was a fun course to play, without being 'dinky'I guess it would have only made a big difference on a few of the holes. I wasn't that keen on hitting extra balls after a long flight anyway.

markTHEblake
19th July 2009, 03:01 PM
I don't think hitting over trees should be the best option for a hole.

I didnt think that the height of the trees presented an issue at all? after all we hit the ball in the air anyway :-)

From memory:
the tallest tree/s was in the middle, so the golfer had a choice to hit a short iron down the right, and then hit his second over the shorter trees, or aim the tee shot down the LHS a bit longer which then let him approach the green through the gap.

The % shot is down the right though.

AndyP
23rd July 2009, 10:31 PM
What knowledge do you have of Humpty Doo GC, Blakey? If everything goes to plan (and since I haven't been to the Katherine Hotel tonight, it should), I will be playing the 9 holes there tomorrow. I was told by a Darwin GC member whenI played at Jabiru, that they have the best greens in the top end as far as condition goes.

By playing Humpty Doo, I reckon I've played every main course in the top end (which excludes Alice), although I'd like to play the front nine at Darwin. Maybe I'll do that on my next rostered trip up here in September. :(

markTHEblake
23rd July 2009, 10:38 PM
Greens were shocking when i played there, it was in much worse condition than Jabiru. But yeah it was a long time ago, some chick i had just met caddied for me, so i definitely remember that was 16 years and 2 months ago (the cunning plan worked, she never caddied again)

But gee, you gotta play there just so you can actually say that you played there.


I reckon I've played every main course in the top end (which excludes Alice)

Not quite, there is a very good course at Nhulunbuy, and have you played Tennant? :-)

AndyP
23rd July 2009, 11:34 PM
You've got me there. I don't think I'm any chance of playing either of those, although I don't know if Tennant Creek is in the "top end".

I did see a couple of bush tracks on the way to Jabiru. One was called Pussy Cat Flats, which was outside Pine Creek and appeared to be around and in a racecourse. It was a very open course, but had grass greens from what I could see. The other was Moline about another fifty kilometres towards Jabiru. I couldn't see it all from the road, but I can imagine that it was pretty rough.

markTHEblake
24th July 2009, 03:21 PM
never heard of any of those.

by the way, are you 1/3 a territorian yet?

AndyP
24th July 2009, 07:57 PM
If everything goes to plan......Next time I'll look at a map. :roll:

I didn't see any sign for the Humpty Doo turn off, yet I have definitely seen it when heading southbound. By the time that I definitely knew that I had gone too far past, it was too late. Instead I thought I might try to play the other nine holes at Darwin GC. No go, since it is the Darwin Open weekend. In the end, I played RAAF Darwin, but off the back nine tees this time. FWIW I parred the 17th with two balls, using 7 iron off the tee both times.

I don't think I could ever be part Territorian, Blakey. I get things done a bit too fast for them.

markTHEblake
24th July 2009, 10:25 PM
so you havent heard of the 3 qualifiers to be a territorian yet?

you gotta catch a barra, shoot a buff, and [cough] a [coughcough]

a lot of blokes only get to 1/3, and they dont fish or shoot. hanging around Katherine too much and you might be a chance - if not already

henno
25th July 2009, 07:40 AM
a lot of blokes only get to 1/3, and they dont fish or shoot.

That's pretty funny.

AndyP
25th July 2009, 09:12 AM
0/3.

AndyP
22nd December 2009, 07:07 PM
I've never seen so many motorised bicycles or ball throwing thingamajigs, as I have in Newcastle, or dirty old town as my work team refers to it.

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/gundog_2086_634164

I wonder what they are conserving energy for.

AndyP
14th April 2010, 12:38 PM
I'm back in the NT again, but haven't really had any adventures besides playing golf.

I did have a wander down Mitchell St, Darwin last Tuesday night. That was a very busy place. Many pubs and many backpackers.

I played the front nine of Darwin GC while I was in town, after playing the back nine in June 2008. It's nice enough, but I can't find anything about the course that sticks in my memory. There's nothing special about the setting and no outstanding holes. Maybe I'm expecting to much.

Humpty Doo on the other hand, I quite enjoyed. I've put the pics I took in an album (http://picasaweb.google.com.au/andrewpholden/HumptyDooGC?feat=directlink), but I'll include some below:

The second (129m par 3) was a nice little hole. A little short for the water to feel like a real threat, but the 11th tee is to the right and further back.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYaF09-7I/AAAAAAAABCc/AHF2hXyMNw8/s400/IMG_1103.JPGhttp://lh4.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYb3bkIyI/AAAAAAAABCg/JHBPAsRpkkM/s400/IMG_1104.JPG

Interesting sign on the third.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYesoC5OI/AAAAAAAABCo/4ASM1rpVt3E/s400/IMG_1106.JPG

The greens were in good condition mostly, with a few bad patches. Probably the best greens I've played on up here, although the trips are spread so far apart, it mightn't mean much.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYfmf0NsI/AAAAAAAABCs/sXsRfRvbW6s/s400/IMG_1107.JPG

The course used trees to defend itself in several places (which I'm not a fan of when in the middle of the fairway).
The tee shot on the par 1st. There's less fairway to the left of the tree than there looks, and they sit at about 200m from the tee.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYXuZW1EI/AAAAAAAABCU/xwornhDv6ug/s400/IMG_1101.JPG

The trees are in the middle of the fairway about 40m out from the approach on the short par 4 8th (the green is to the left. I unfortunately had to get my third up and over them from about 70m.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYm64GYDI/AAAAAAAABDM/mXBouZ3rKLY/s400/IMG_1114.JPG

This is the shot I was faced with for my 2nd on the par 5 9th. It would take a long drive to get through past the inside of the dogleg to have a clear shot. Through the gap and down the dip to the left there is a water hazard, although it's hard to tell exactly where. A lot of risk in this shot, and I think I opted to use a 7 iron to go over the big tree to the centre of the fairway.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYpX4qGqI/AAAAAAAABDY/q1zgJK8Nce8/s400/IMG_1116.JPGhttp://lh3.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYqocw4-I/AAAAAAAABDc/KRMRMTSkJMY/s400/IMG_1117.JPG

Big drinking area
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nPqUJKSAwmM/S8AYrq9kM4I/AAAAAAAABDg/Hbsj4i0a9_w/s400/IMG_1118.JPG

henno
14th April 2010, 04:47 PM
Wow, how green is Humpty Doo?

mike
14th April 2010, 06:26 PM
Andy what is it that you do? I'm sure it's somewhere in the last 8 pages but I can't read.

AndyP
14th April 2010, 07:45 PM
Wow, how green is Humpty Doo?They are very green on the back of wet season. The dry season could be a very different matter (I don't know what their water supply is like).


Andy what is it that you do?
I'm a systems engineer in the defence industry installing a lot of electronic stuff at various defence bases, mostly RAAF, hence the travel.

markTHEblake
14th April 2010, 08:56 PM
Humpty Doo hasnt changed much, except for the green bit!

AndyP
14th April 2010, 10:24 PM
I played the front nine of Darwin GC while I was in town, after playing the back nine in June 2008. It's nice enough, but I can't find anything about the course that sticks in my memory. There's nothing special about the setting and no outstanding holes. Maybe I'm expecting to much.I only took two photos. The first and the second hole from the tee, before I decided I needed to run to play as many holes as possible.

Once again very green. I played on a Tuesday, yet the course was a bit shaggy and the greens a bit long, despite a Sunday comp. The course was a soggy also, and the bunkers full of water. There must have been a big storm in the days before I played.

1st hole - par 5, 2nd hole - par 4.
61896190

AndyP
14th April 2010, 10:52 PM
I also played Katherine CC (9 hole course) on Monday this week. The few times I had played it before, it was soaked and I thought it was quite crap really. I was quite impressed by it's condition this time around. Half decent grass on the greens, but more importantly, less water sitting around, particularly the 1st and 9th. I now regret not playing a Sunday morning comp there on one of my visits here.

It looks like the club has spent some cash on the course too, with some redone gardens around and these big mounds running straight across the 4th and 5th fairways. It was a bit weird, I wish I had a picture of it. The 6th owns me too. I hate that hole.

Once again, I only have a few photos, as I think the batteries were going flat on the camera.

Approach to the par 5, 1st. On the other side of the fence from the green a lot of the locals gather in the grass, but you can hear them well before you get to the green.
6192

Tee shot on the par 3, 2nd. You can see the flag, but not the green.
6194

Most of the greens were like this with the bad patches. Seemingly hard, but they were soft because they must have been watered during the day. My greenside chips kept digging in.
6191

I'll try to remember to get some batteries to get some pictures of Pussy Cat Flats. It's going to be rough for sure.

AndyP
20th April 2010, 12:29 PM
On the way back to Darwin I played a 9 hole course called Pussy Cat Flats GC which is at the Pine Creek Turf Club. Only pictures could truly describe the course. Each tee block was a small rounded mound, and the grass on the "fairways" wasn't very good, but at least it existed in most spots. All of the greens were at rough length, so I was forced to chip to the hole (I missed one chip for birdie by just going over the top of the hole). Not all of the flags were in, and a couple of times I had to guess which way the green was. For $5, I'm not going to complain.

The total length of the course was 1925m, with no hole being over 260m, despite there being 7 par 4 holes. The most interesting hole was the 1st, which is a 216m dogleg left par 4. I couldn't see the green from the tee, but going for the green didn't appear to be an option with the chute to tee off through trees being very narrow. I hit 3 iron off the tee and it went 30m through the corner. Every other hole was pretty much straight and fairly open. Instead of being a pitch 'n putt course, it was more like a drive 'n pitch 'n chip course.

Hole - Length - Par
1 - 216m - 4
2 - 223m - 4
3 - 238m - 4
4 - 235m - 4
5 - 116m - 3
6 - 221m - 4
7 - 254m - 4
8 - 208m - 3
9 - 214m - 4
Tot - 1925m - 34

I don't need to play it again, but it would be interesting to see what condition the course is in when they have a comp and how many turn up. Although, it would be more of a social comp as the course is not affiliated with the NT golf association.

Here's an overhead shot (course is currently greener) and scan of the card, since I have no other pics.

6240

6241

markTHEblake
20th April 2010, 05:53 PM
I reckon you havent lived until you have played great golf courses like this, what did you shoot?

AndyP
20th April 2010, 05:59 PM
As per WDYSTW thread, I had 37. I didn't get punished for errant drives, but it was only ever a pitch away from the green. I hit them nicely, as well as the greenside and green chips.