An enlarged 14th green totalling about 38m long x 20m wide and bunker complex change on Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Course’s Murray Course are highlights of major works nearing completion.
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The extra 150sqm of green with its front extended by some 12 metres, changed greenside bunkerage and more shallow nearby bunkers are all part of improved works to address concerns of members.
“It’s great to give greens character. Every green should be different,” course superintendent Chris Burgess told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“You can’t have every green the same character. I wouldn’t make two greens the same.”
Acknowledging the large size green, he said it will not be the largest green at YMGCR and many, for example, at Yarrawonga’s Black Bull Golf Course where Chris worked before YMGCR, were of similar size, and also allows more positions for the golf hole.
It is the second change made to the hole running alongside the fairway length water since the Murray Course was opened in 1989.
The Murray Course is a real favourite of Australian international star Peter Senior. The course’s 14th hole has, however, concerned members since that first change was made eight years ago.
“Members have expressed concern about the overall playability of the green and as such the club has taken the opportunity during the coronavirus to update the playing surface of the green,” YMGCR President Gil Cunningham said.
“The problems are being rectified and we’re also taking the opportunity to make further, more interesting changes greenside.”
Existing bunkers several metres in front of the green will be shallower and the big left-hand side bunker is considerably smaller, but nevertheless, one in which golfers would prefer not to be. Additional lawn area will replace part of what was the large long left-hand side bunker. The run-off on the right-hand greenside will not be as severe.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, golf was suspended at YMGCR four weeks ago on March 29 and captain Peter Warner re-inforced the commonly held view it was timely to undertake the works.
Prancing around the green and surrounds, and admiring the work being undertaken, the captain was full of praise for the works being undertaken. “It’s looking magnificent, a work of art,” Peter said.
“I believe the changes will be welcomed by members. Now was the right time to do it. There are exciting times ahead.”
