The 2019 President's Cup will be held at the world renowned Royal Melbourne GC this December. Whether being introduced or reacquainted with the level of golf in this special area, we know it will be a spectacular event. Thus, The Best of Australia Golf team has put together a few points on why you too may want to visit the Land Down Under on your next golf trip. Enjoy!
1) First and foremost are the world-famous championship courses found here. This is a no-brainer with iconic grounds designed by the likes of Alistair MacKenzie offering a mix of incomparable challenge, friendly service and incredible opportunities for activities. There is a sense of exclusivity and adventure which comes from traveling the world to play the best golf our planet can provide. If that doesn't convince you to book a trip... let's continue...
2) Australia is the sixth largest country in the world and it has an estimated 1,800 golf courses. The people of Australia love their golf and it's the country’s number one participant sport – giving visitors an abundance of playing choices and the chance to meet a few locals during the round. Have you ever found an Aussie who didn't love a Yank? Vice versa? We didn't think so.
3) Australia’s courses are steeped in history with some of the oldest established grounds in the South Pacific region. European settlers brought the game over, shortly after the first colony was founded in 1788. Ratho Links, Tasmania, was founded in 1821 and claims to be the first course - a title also contested by The Australian Golf Club. However, that's not for us to bicker over. We simply love the game and chasing the aura of playing in esteemed locales.
4) Golf Digest ranks several of the country's courses within the top 100 internationally. The magazine’s annual list has included Royal Melbourne, Barnbougle Dunes, Kingston Heath, New South Wales GC - all within the top 30.
5) Victoria's Sandbelt region holds a reputation to rival Scotland.
6) The country’s iconic landscapes add distinction to each course. Special regions – such as the famous Bass Straight Triangle, or the record-setting 850-mile Nullarbor's Links - put players on otherwise-remote locations that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world.
7) These distinctly Australian landscapes are home to a number of distinctly Australian animals and wildlife. You never know when kangaroos, wallabies, freckled ducks, Macquarie turtles and other native species will make an appearance on the hole.
8) The variety of environments means you can golf 18 holes in the morning, then spend the afternoon wine tasting in the Barossa Valley, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, or enjoying fresh seafood in Hobart's historic harbor. Australia has an activity to offer everyone, and our bespoke itineraries will turn your interests and passions into the perfect trip.
9) Unlike many of the private courses in the USA, Australia’s clubs accept international players. These may be some of the best courses in Australasia, but they keep up the national attitude that everyone’s a ‘mate’ (friend) and make playing here an egalitarian experience.
10) That said, a trip to Australia may be more than simply great golf. Our team at Best of Australia Golf have strong relationships with not only Australia's top courses, but when you book a trip with us, can arrange travel, sight seeing, accommodations, ground transport, discount air tickets and anything else. Our goal is to take the stress out of your trip, provide an efficient use of your time and give you rounds of golf and a trip that will provide memories to be shared for many years.
Photos courtesy of Tourism Australia.