The new land was relatively flat when construction work began but more than 350,000 cubic metres of heavy earthworks were carried out to raise the course above the ‘paddock’ and shape the land to Thomson and Perrett’s specifications. The par-72 has a links look and feel about it, with heavy mounding in parts and deep bunkering adjoining grassy swales alongside most greens. There are few flat lies on the course with most fairways featuring subtle ripples or gentle movement of the land, which is a credit to the course shapers given the featureless nature of the land before construction.

There are clumps of mature cypress pines located in different areas of the course, while 140,000 trees, shrubs and ground-cover plants were planted during, and just after, construction to fill some areas between holes.

Thomson and Perrett’s design opened for play by the end of 2009 and during the past four years it has established a reputation as a challenging layout. Golf Australia recognised this with its ranking of Ballarat in the Top-100 Public Access Courses in the nation in January 2011 and 2013.

Ballarat is not a lengthy excursion at 6,283 metres from the back markers (5,817 from the members’ tees), but Thomson and Perrett’s design has ensured every golfer aiming to shoot a good score must think smart from tee to green on every hole.

The designers haven’t taken the driver completely out of the hands of players but – with the strategic positioning of bunkers, rough or water – they leave you open to the suggestion of a better option. Smart play is always rewarded here, where poorly executed aggressive play is penalised … sometimes harshly.

I have been to Ballarat five times during the past few years and the one constant, no matter what time of year, is the wind. There always seems to be some breeze whipping across the course, which adds to the challenge and variety of shots you will have to play, especially when you consider all holes have been routed to run to all points of the compass.