Saturday, 28 March 2015

Spring Valley Golf Club (55)

An invitation to a corporate golf day at Spring Valley Golf Club had us venturing again to another Melbourne sandbelt course for an ambrose event.



The event was the Parkview Masters sponsored by the Melbourne Parkview Hotel and grey skies greeted us, as did a light lunch before teeing of in a shotgun start.  Our group started on the par 4 11th hole.


Par 4 11th hole

Ambrose is always a fun format for a change, and we also had the requirement to use each players tee shot 3 times, but we accommodated 3 of our group early on, and so were not under pressure in that regard. 


Par 4 13th tee

Par 4 13th tee, with 12th green at right
We made a fairly steady start reeling off relatively straight forward pars without having too many birdie chances.  A couple of bogies meant that we started the front nine two over.


Par 3 Third hole

Par 3 third
The short holes are a stand out to me at Spring Valley with all requiring accurate shots to hit and hold the greens which were playing quite fast.

A couple of long birdie putts being made gave us a 2 under front nine to finish even par, which considering our handicaps (lowest 18) was not too bad, but not enough to get in the prizes on the day.

A fantastic BBQ dinner followed golf and overall a great day on a fantastic course in excellent condition.  Thanks to all involved.


18th green

Saturday, 21 March 2015

Eynesbury Pro-Am (83)

A beautiful summer day in Melbourne welcomed the 2015 Eynesbury Pro-Am albeit with some early morning showers threatening.

Carts ready to go

With a 7:30am shotgun start it made for a early drive and arrival before dawn.  The carts were ready to go as were the bacon and egg rolls.  Who needs a practice range!

Café and breakfast


I had played in the 2011 event and managed to get a place again in the morning field.  My amateur partner and I had two pros with us Brendan Smith and James Hartley.  Starting on the 9th hole of the Graham Marsh designed Eynesbury course we were off the blue tees.

Par 4 13th tee


Par 4 13th hole

The threatening clouds soon passed with only a few spots of rain and the by the end of the day it was reasonable warm.  Unfortunately James had to retire after injuring his wrist playing from the rough next to the hazard on the 18th hole.  James tried to play the 1st but was unable to grip the club properly.  So we proceeded to complete the second nine as a
17th tee

17th hole
 The course was in superb condition with the greens firm and reasonably quick.  Brenden shot a 68 on the day to tie for 5th in the pro event.

Typical approach over a hazard

The course has a number of water hazards including creeks that cut across fairways requiring careful layups or carries over the hazards.






Friday, 6 March 2015

Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range

An early dinner meant there was time to get to Yarra Bend to work on those swing changes to correct the over the top swing path of 35 years.

Yarra Bend have been continually improving the facilities at the course in recent years, including the undercover driving range, a grass tee area, short game practice and for when the kids need to be kept busy a mini-golf course.


A large bucket of 100 balls and we were away.  Had my son video my swing to see what was still happening and to work on correcting it.  Was striking the irons and driver okay but still not getting the club inside enough on the downswing.