HOWLONG GOLF RESORT

The name Howlong might be familiar for its well-known remote memberships, but the course itself deserves far more credit than that. The conditioning is particularly of note at the course that sits just 20 minutes’ drive from Albury.

Built on a small, flat piece of land, Howlong is certainly not the toughest of the Murray tracks. But the par-70 is an extremely enjoyable journey featuring doglegs both gentle and hard, with little fairway bunkering and open front greens perfect for accepting low-running approaches.

The fairways are among the best along the river, and the greens don’t fall far behind, with the bunkers cut almost to the edge of the putting surfaces giving them a Sandbelt feel.

Unsurprisingly for a course so heavily tree-lined, accuracy from the tee is paramount to setting up birdie chances.

At 418 metres, the par-4 7th is the longest of the two-shotters and rightfully the toughest hole on the course. Bending left, a long, narrow green is protected by a lone bunker, and while the hole may look straightforward, a four is always good here.

If there is a weakness at Howlong, it is the par-3s that have a certain sameness about them. But they are not poor holes by any means. The fact that 18 holes have been squeezed into such a tight bit of land is an achievement ... That the holes are both challenging and enjoyable is likewise, but the state of the playing surfaces makes Howlong worth the trip alone.

Howlong Golf Resort. PHOTO: Brendan James.

COMMERCIAL GOLF RESORT

Found in the heart of Albury, this is arguably the most undulating course along the Murray and the clever use of hills and mounding makes for an enjoyable round.

The course is laid out before you as you stand on the first tee high atop the property, with driving once again the order of the day if you are to score well here. Trees line every hole and although you aren’t without a chance of a miraculous escape from all but the densest plantings, they are best avoided.

Also putting a premium on tee shots is the sloping ground of the course. The correct line and carry distance will receive a great kick forwards on many of the downhill holes. But the wrong line can do just the opposite, meaning this a course you will likely play better the second time around. And playing from uneven lies is a constant challenge, that when combined with the need to navigate many of the trees on the course on route to the green is exacerbated.

Like all of the courses in the area, the coverage of grass during my summer visit was very impressive considering the temperatures touching 40˚ every day, particularly given the uneven lay of the land.

The rolling nature of the property unsurprisingly also gives the course a quirky nature that is exemplified by the par-3 17th hole.

Played uphill to a green cut below the 18th tee, a huge drop off right of the green needs to be avoided if you are hopeful of making par at the bunkerless one shotter.

THURGOONA COUNTRY CLUB RESORT

The most eastern course on the Murray, Thurgoona is a great place to start or end a Murray adventure when driving from Sydney or Melbourne.

Tipping out at over 6,300 metres, Thurgoona features large bunkers that often front elevated greens with pure, subtle-breaking, fast-running surfaces. Water comes into play on numerous holes and regular out of bounds near the edges of the course can see scores climb quickly. All this makes the layout one of the tougher challenges along the entire river.

Spread out across a large plot of land and winding through houses and accommodation, the course blends country golf and resort styling well, with a risk/reward element throughout all 18 holes.

Showcasing this unique combination is the par-5 4th. Standing on the tee, one would be forgiven thinking you had been transferred to the Gold Coast, with housing left of a dogleg right fairway protected by a large bunker on the outside corner. But once at your drive, the hole becomes quite special, with a lone bunker in the middle of the fairway before the hole drops away to a blind green protected by more bunkers, with large gums narrowing the approach.

Taking on the green in two is a bold play for the first-time visitor unsure of what lays beyond, but playing it safe is also fraught with danger. The bold player is more likely to make something better than par if their game is on.

WHERE TO SIP

Travelling to the Murray for golf offers tourists the chance to play as much golf or as many of the courses as they like. Once the day on the links is done, or a day off, provides the chance to sample some of the regions wines. Here are some of the wineries to make a stop at if you fancy trying a local drop.

BULLER WINES

Established in 1921 by Reginald Langdon Buller, Buller Wines is located in the Rutherglen region near Corowa Golf Club.

A strong supporter of local golf clubs and tournaments in the area, Buller’s handcrafted Calliope range made from 100-year-old vines is difficult not to purchase after having a sample at the cellar door, while the some of the company’s range of fortified wines have been described by wine critic Robert Parker as the “Perfect Wines”.

Open from 10am-5pm daily, the cellar door experience at Buller is a perfect way to add some pleasure to potentially relieve some of the pain the golf has caused, while the restaurant is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday offering the chance to match brilliant food with the wines of the vineyard.

www.bullerwines.com.au

ALL SAINTS ESTATE

Driving down the 150-year-old Elm tree driveway to All Saints Estate gives a window into the special place you are visiting.

The national trust-listed castle and beautifully manicured gardens including a lake, a pond and a rose garden, adding to the experience of tasting the wide variety of Rutherglen wines on offer from the company, which dates back to 1864.

A trip to All Saints Estate’s cellar door includes trying the Estate range, Limited range and then the internationally-lauded Family Cellar range and Fortified range, with private and group tastings also available at the family-owned winery.

www.allsaintswine.com.au

CAMPBELLS OF RUTHERGLEN

Also found in the Rutherglen area, and still family owned, Campbells was created in 1870 and is known for producing the highest pedigree of fortified wines in Australia and excellent still wines that showcase the regional fruit flavours.

Utilising their family experience in the region and industry, Campbells’ mission is to deliver wines that showcase their region’s distinct characters and flavours; the Bobbie Burns Shiraz a great example of this commitment and experience.

For visitors attending the cellar door, the opportunity to explore the cellars and winery while being guided by the staff on the best wines for any occasion or food is made all the more special by the unique opportunity to try and purchase back-vintage wines.

www.campbellswines.com.au

WHERE TO STAY

Like the golf, there are plenty of accommodation options along the Murray River.

YARRAWONGA MULWALA GOLF RESORT

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Resort is the perfect place to base yourself when playing golf along the river. And with nine varieties of accommodation, as well as the cinema located in the clubhouse, the resort is perfect for any golfer, group or family on a golfing holiday.

Catering for everyone from the budget-conscious to those looking for luxury, Yarrawonga Mulwala is right on the banks of the Murray and only a short trip to Lake Mulwala if water sports take your fancy.

Whether it is for one night of a winding trip or a week to be spent relaxing and taking in all the resort has to offer, Yarrawonga Mulwala is the perfect destination, with group bookings and golf packages able to be catered for your specific needs.

www.yarragolf.com.au

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB RESORT

The 63-room complex at Rich River sits adjacent to the clubhouse and with a range of room types can cater to any number or preference of guests.

With the 36-hole golf complex on your doorstep, manicured gardens, two outdoor pools, spa, BBQ areas and children’s play equipment there is something for everyone at Rich River. And once there, you will struggle to find too many reasons to venture anywhere else.

Resort packages are available and help make your next golfing trip more affordable.

www.richriver.com.au

MURRAY DOWNS RESORT

Located on the New South Wales side of the river, Murray Downs Resort caters for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Golf packages are the ideal way to take advantage of the magnificent golf course and various accommodation options that will suit any travelling golfers’ needs, while the Country Club is the place for food and drinks after your round or a day by the pool.

www.murraydownsresort.com.au

CLUBARHAM

As well as running the golf club, cluBarham offers various accommodation options in Barham that will suit any traveller type and budget.

Located adjacent to the Barham Services Club, cluBarham Motel contains 28 suites offering all amenities within a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere and is a short drive from the course.

Just a short walk from the river, the cluBarham River Motel offers 26 spacious rooms as well as a salt-water swimming pool and barbecue facility.

If golf is the aim of the trip though it is hard to go past the cluBarham Golf Resort. Located on the course, the two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments are Barham’s newest premium accommodation ... and the first tee is just a short walk away.

www.clubarham.com.au

BAROOGA GOLF VIEW MOTEL

Situated between Cobram Barooga’s Old and West courses and just 200 metres from the clubhouse, the Barooga Golf View Motel is benefitting from an injection of enthusiasm from its new management.

The 24-room 3.5 star motel offers everything from queen rooms to family rooms sleeping five and everything in between, making it perfect for any group travelling to the area to play one or both of the golf courses.

The spacious rooms are just part of the equation for visitors to the motel, with a pool area to relax by, BBQ facilities available and a function area surrounded by lawns and gardens.

www.baroogagolfview.com.au

RIVER BELT OPEN

Named in honour of its original founder, the 2019 Neil Macaulay River Belt Open amateur tournament marks the 34th staging of the event, which will run from October 14 to 18.

Played across courses at Cobram-Barooga Golf Club, Corowa Golf Club, Tocumwal Golf Club and Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, the 72-hole tournament has daily stableford trophies in men’s and ladies A, B and C grade as well aggregate trophies awarded at the end of the week.

Giving the competitive golfer a chance to experience some of the area’s best layouts, the event includes a rest day in the middle of the week, offering competitors the chance to enjoy the region beyond the courses. Entries close September 9.