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Brookwater Golf Club

Brookwater Golf Club

Brookwater Golf Club

Brookwater golf club is undoubtedly Greg Norman’s best Queensland design. It is consistently ranked Queensland’s #1 public access golf course and is one of the most spectacular inland designs in Australia.

 

What makes Brookwater so special is that it provides a unique Australian golfing experience. The course winds its way through undulating native bushland, its fairways are lined by imposing eucalyptus trees and it possesses stunning natural water carries.

 

However, don’t let the beautiful tranquillity distract you from the challenge at hand. This course is a stern test, but a test you will enjoy thoroughly.

 

 

 

THE STORY BEHIND BROOKWATER

Opened in 2002, the story of how Brookwater Golf Club began is more legendary than the man who made it. When Greg Norman first came to Brookwater to plan the design, he and his crew were welcomed by the Springfield Land Corporation who put on a massive spread.

 

However, Norman wasn’t craving any of the food on offer and asked if he could get a meat-pie. So, they sent someone out to find a pie shop, which was quite far away at the time.

 

They came back almost half-an-hour later with the pie. To which Norman thanked him, went over to a nearby tree stump, sat down and sketched the course just like that.

 

In 2016, Brookwater underwent remodelling to improve playability based on the advice from Norman himself. Some of the changes included the removal of trees and deep rough, as well as a full transformation of the greens in terms of surface, shape, slope and size.

 

 

THE BROOKWATER COURSE
2002

Established

72

Par

6505

Distance (metres)

141

Slope

Brookwater is a long, enduring challenge that even Greg Norman admits is one of his “more strategic designs”.

 

The natural layout is almost like a seesaw – it rises and it falls. The undulations throughout the course will mean you’re always playing an uphill or downhill lie, so you got to be smart about the shot you play and the club you choose.

 

Another feature to avoid is Norman’s signature bunkers. Some of the sand traps lying around are up to 15 feet deep, which goes without saying will be absolute hell to get out of.

 

The 13th hole is Norman’s favourite, but he might be the only one who likes it because it’s one of the toughest on the course. This par-5 is long, doglegs left but comes back right and everything pushes into the bunkers and bushes.

 

To finish you will have to survive Shark Alley. It starts on the par-4 15th where your approach must hit the green, the 16th is swamped with water, the 17th green is small and surrounded by hazards, while the uphill 18th will make sure you’ve earnt your beer for the day.

 

 

THE SIGNATURE HOLE

One of Brookwater’s signature holes, and the local’s favourite, is the par-5 4th. It is as dramatic as it is beautiful, perfectly carved out of the natural bushland.

 

From the back tees, the hole runs for over 550 metres. It starts downhill with intimidating bunkers to the left, but you’ll be rewarded if you can hit over them. You’re then faced with an uphill battle to an elevated green, which is tucked away to the right.

 

No doubt, this hole is tough, but you will enjoy every shot you play.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW

Spanning over 6500 metres, Brookwater is one of the longest golf courses in the country. When it first opened it was the 8th longest in Australia but has since dropped to 22nd.

 

It is the 5th longest in Queensland behind Hills Golf Club, Royal Pines and Sanctuary Cove.

 

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