By David Nagel
A stunning transformation has taken place on the back nine at Garfield Golf Club with a brand-new water-carry par-three now in play in a ‘signature’ move for the club.
The new 13th hole at Garfield will provide a spectacular challenge for golfers, with a full-carry required…or mis-struck irons are headed for a watery grave.
The addition of the ‘signature’ par-three is an exciting development at Garfield; as the club heads towards its 100-year anniversary.
Garfield Golf Club was formed in March 1929 on Mont Albert Road, before the club relocated to a nine-hole course on 13 Mile Road in 1947.
Additional land was purchased in 1964 and a new course opened the following year.
The course was designed by George Naismith, a well-known professional golfer of the era.
Grass greens replaced sand-scrape greens in 1968 and a new fully-licenced clubhouse was built in 1981.
In 1989, additional land was acquired to extend the course to 18 holes; opened on 6 April 1991.
Over the past 20 years significant improvements have been implemented; including larger dams, installation of computerised sprinkler systems, remodelling of tees and greens plus tree plantings and tree management.
In 2021 Pacific Coast Design was commissioned to conduct a full review of the course and make recommendations to improve the course and make it one of the best country courses in Australia.
Garfield is using the recommendations as a guide for an extensive improvement program over the next few years.
The building of the par-three 13th follows clever and extensive reconstruction of the third green; previously a nightmare to putt on but now a two-tiered green providing flat areas for pin placements.
The back-nine at Garfield will follow the original route for holes 10, 11 and 12, before the par-three 13th comes into play.
The original 13th, a difficult dog-leg-left par four, becomes the 14th hole.
The familiar 14th hole, an uphill par-three, will now be out of play, with holes 15, 16, 17 and 18 following their familiar pattern.
Garfield Golf Club Secretary Stephen Bird said the membership at the club was excited by the new arrival, played for the first time on Saturday.
“It is the most significant improvement to our course in many, many years and members have been eagerly awaiting the launch on this new hole,” Bird said.
“Feedback from members on Saturday was super positive with lots of banter around balls landing in the water.
“This is another step in lifting the overall standard of the course and cementing our position as one of the best regional golf courses in Australia.
“Members are delighted with the ongoing course development and the condition of the course.
“It truly is an all-weather course and our green-keepers, volunteers and contractors are to be congratulated on their commitment to course development.”
The par-three, ranging in distance from 110 metres to 132 metres off the tips, is normally played with a prevailing breeze into the golfers’ face.
Golfers of all standards will be required to hit over water from the tee, but a drop zone will offer relief if the original attempt fails.
The drop zone is approximately 75 metres to the centre of the green and does not require a water carry for the third shot, which includes a penalty for dumping the tee shot.
Bird explained that there are many more projects in the pipeline.
“There are a number of projects in progress and in planning,” he said.
“These include the removal on non-indigenous trees, tee renovations, cart path renewal, a new entrance to the club and the replacement of two greens.”
B Grade Club Champion Leon Mateariki was first to claim bragging rights, scoring the nearest the pin on the new hole on its opening day of competition on Saturday.
