Moruya GC

Moruya GC- hole 18 & clubhouse

History

The Moruya Showground property dates from 1866 and from the outset included reserves for a racecourse and golf course.

Whilst the racecourse got up and running immediately it took until 1914 before work began on the golf course.

A nine hole golf course was operational by 1925 with sand greens.

In 1966 well known golf architect Al Howard redesigned the 9 holes and incorporated grass greens (Howard designed Tasmania GC, Elanora, St Michael's, Bowral and many others)

Over time the Showgrounds property evolved and the original entrance- The Pink Gates- ceased to be the main entrance and the racetrack was relocated

Moruya GC- The Pink Gates

One beneficiary was the Moruya Golf Club which was able to access land for more golf holes- three extra holes were added between 1982 & 1984, followed by a further six holes by 1988.

This work was undertaken under the guidance of long term member Jim Marsden.

The full 18 hole course offically opened on October 1, 1988

Course

Moruya GC painting Moruya GC- a painting from yesteryear

Moruya GC occupies reasonably flat terrain right in the heart of the town

It is a pretty site and the combination of water hazards and verdant green fairways framed by mature trees is pleasing to the eye

It is also a pleasure to play as 'it is an easy walk'.

But Moruya will test any golfer. You need to accurate off the tee to stay on the short grass, and avoid bunkers and water with your approaches to post a score

The course bares it's teeth straight away, starting with the long par 5 first hole.

Water crosses the fairway at a point which will really stretch a lot of golfers to carry for two- and if they don’t- they will struggle to get home in three- welcome to Moruya!

Moruya has been selected to host the first South Coast Championship next year as a lead into the NSW Open, surely an indication of how well the course is regarded by those in the know.

Notable holes include:

- the long par 5 opening hole with water carry testing the golfer's nerve from the start

Moruya GC- hole 1

- the sharp dogleg par 4 fourth hole where accuracy rather than length on both tee and approach shots will win the day

Moruya GC- hole 4 tee shot

Moruya GC- hole 4 approach

- the teasing short par 4 seventh hole, with two ponds just short of a green which is itself well protected by bunkers

- the short dogleg par 4 fifteenth hole- it's a tricky hole!

Moruya GC- hole 15 looking back

- the longer par 5 sixteenth, a gorgeous looking hole with water in play right for most of the hole and two water carries on the approach to the huge green

Moruya GC- hole 16 tee shot