corowa GOLF CLUB

REGIONAL COURSES THROUGHOUT SOUTH-EASTERN AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN HIT HARD BY THE DROUGHT. BUT SOME, LIKE COROWA GOLF CLUB ON THE BANKS OF THE MURRAY RIVER, ARE COPING BETTER THAN EXPECTED IN THE FACE OF CHRONIC WATER SHORTAGES.
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDAN JAMES

The green on the par-4 6th hole is a fine example of Howard's big 'modern' design.

The drought that has gripped south-eastern Australia for the best part of seven years has taken its toll on golf clubs in major cities and even more so in regional areas. Those clubs that, in the past, have relied heavily upon irrigating their courses from the Murray, Murrumbidgee and lower Darling Rivers have done it particularly tough.

In fact, I have to confess, when the prospect arose of playing golf for a few days at Corowa Golf Club, on the northern bank of the Murray, all I could think of was being able to gain a swag of extra metres off the tee as my drives bounded along bone dry fairways.

After all, I’m sure I’m not alone among the golfing fraternity, who have read the news reports of the dire need for rain along the Murray catchment, and assumed the worst, assumed what water was available would be for greens and tees only ... at best.

But in the face of adversity, most of these clubs and their course superintendents have adopted water usage strategies that have meant they are now far less reliant upon the rivers fl owing for their course to remain in good order.

The 27-hole Corowa Golf Club, about three hours’ drive north of Melbourne, is one such club. With record low rainfalls and dam levels dropping to critical levels at Hume (less than 10 percent) and Dartmouth (less than 18 percent) Dams, the club has been proactive in forming a water sub-committee to address the issue of droughtproofing the course.

“On a normal irrigation season we could use 300 megalitres on our 27 holes and clubhouse surrounds,” Corowa Course Superintendent Darren Harvey said. “At the end of last season we purchased water to be carried over to this current season’s watering. By doing this at season’s end we had 155 megalitres carried over and or suspended water available to use this season.

“Our saviour this year after test bore drilling throughout the property, we struck great quality water, which will deliver 5.8 megalitres a week from moving our previously collapsed second bore, so we now have two bores.

“The next step is to move to recycled water which we hope will happen in the next few years as we have already had meetings with the local council. By not relying on one water source we are on the right track to drought proofing the course.”

This story is not dissimilar to what so many clubs in dry areas are doing to keep their course up and running, let alone presented to a high standard.

The overall condition and high quality of the playing surfaces, especially the greens, at Corowa were a pleasant surprise to this writer. I have played the course many times during the past 15 years and have not seen the layout look any better than it was during my three-day visit there recently.

The long dogleg par-4 2nd hole is not only demanding from the tee, but the approach must avoid bunkers and mounds to find the green.

While the water management has had much to do with the good grass cover on the fairways, tees and greens, Harvey and his small team have done a remarkable job in actually improving the course during such tough times.

This high level of presentation combines well with a design that has 18 of its 27 holes dating back more than 50 years.

In 1955, the club was granted the lease on land west of the town centre and a move was made from its sand scrape course on Corowa Common to the current site. Later that year, Corowa’s current Old course layout (10-18 and 19-27), was designed by Al Howard. Howard was then commissioned to design an additional nine holes when adjoining land was purchased by the club in 1978. The result of such a prolonged growth is a fabulous mix of old-fashioned designed holes with modern day creations boasting huge greens, rolling swales and large bunkering.

Of course, with 27 holes available it is possible to play three combinations of 18 – the East, the West and the Old courses. For mine the best combination is the sequence of holes making up the East course (1-18). The front nine is Howard’s creation with most of its holes easily comparing with more acclaimed designs along the Murray.

But no matter what combination you play, you will be impressed by the variety of Corowa’s par-3s. I have three favourites – the 4th, 12th and 21st holes. The 4th is a docile-looking hole. It is just 137 metres to the front edge of this par-3 but do not be deceived. The elevated green is about 70 metres long and there can be a four- to five-club difference between pins placed at the front and the back. It is one of the longest single greens in the country.

While the newer holes offer some leniency on green approach accuracy, the Old course features much tighter fairways, bounded by large old growth River Gums, and smaller greens. Such is the case with the short 12th hole, which lays just inside a boundary fence along the north bank of the Murray. The green is surrounded by sand and the lips of the bunkers will assist in keeping plenty of balls on the green.

With the Murray flowing just metres away, the short par-3 12th is one of Corowa's prettiest holes.

The 159-metre 21st hole is a picturesque offering, with River Gums surrounding the tee and lining the route to the green, which is guarded by three bunkers in front. Steep slopes off the back edge ensure any player missing the green has to work hard for par.

Off the course, Corowa has everything the travelling golfer may want. The clubhouse is spacious with nice views over the Old course, while Pelican’s Restaurant, managed by Lesli and Geoff Fuller, offers some of the finest dining, at great prices, you will find anywhere along the Murray.

The Corowa Golf Club Motel, just a pitching wedge from the 1st tee, offers stay-and-play packages for individuals and groups. Groups of four to more than 15 golfers who book a package in July and August will receive the option of a fuel or club voucher up to the value of $200 depending on the number of players.

FACT FILE

LENGTH: 6,037 metres (Old course), 6,488 (East), 6,327 (West).
PAR: 72 (Old), 73 (East & West). ACR/AWCR: 72 (Old), 75 (East),
74 (West).
DESIGNER: Al Howard (1955-78).
CORPORATE DAYS?: Functions can be tailored to suit.
MEMBERSHIP OPEN?: Yes, five categories available.
GREEN FEE: $30 (18 holes). Weekend packages for $202 per
person twin share include three days unlimited golf, two nights’
accommodation and meals.
ADDRESS: Hume Street, South Corowa, NSW.
PHONE: 1800 633 780.
WEB: www.corowagolf.com.au
GETTING THERE: From Melbourne, it is three hours’ drive north via the Hume Freeway (M31) and follow signs from Wangaratta exit. From Sydney and Canberra, take the Hume Highway south to Albury and follow signs to Corowa, via Riverina Highway.

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