What I like most about the greens is the firmness and speed of them. They are large putting surfaces, so are quite receptive to low, running shots played from the correct positions.

THE COURSE

LOCATION: Sturt St, West Ballarat. Approximately 110km, north-west of Melbourne, via the Western Freeway.

CONTACT: (03) 5338 3017.

WEBSITE: www.ballaratgolfclub.com.au

DESIGNER: Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett (2009).

PLAYING SURFACES: Santa Ana couch (fairways), G2 bentgrass (greens & surrounds), fine fescues including Sheep’s and Creeping Red (rough).

COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Jeff Powell.

PGA PRO: Dominic Azzopardi (AAA-rated).

GREEN FEES: $30 (weekdays), $40 (weekends). Carts: $40.

THE CLUB

MEMBERSHIPS: Ballarat has eight membership categories from a limited golf membership to ordinary member status, which grants the member full playing rights seven days a week, and costs $1,055 a year.

CORPORATE AND GROUP DAYS: Ballarat Golf Club’s modern clubhouse offers a variety of spacious conference facilities. A blend of the best in hospitality facilities set against the backdrop of the course.

ACCOMMODATION: The Bell Tower Motel is located across the road from the course and offers quality accommodation along with an indoor pool and spa, gymnasium and restaurant.

FACILITIES: The club, PGA pro Dominic Azzopardi and MIA Sports Technologies have collaborated to open regional Victoria’s only Tech Centre. The technology in the centre (adjoining the pro shop) includes fixed

high-speed video cameras and GASP teaching software. Incorporating both swing and putting analysis through Flightscope and Sam Putt Lab, players can experience a level of ball trajectory measurement and tracking that is hard to beat. Enquiries (03) 5338 3010.