Kooindah Waters

Opened in 2008, the Investa Property Group’s resort course at Kooindah Waters Golf Club is located near Lake Tuggerah – a few miles inland from the New South Wales Central Coast – and the layout is marketed as a central component of an ambitious residential development.

The 18 holes were constructed on reclaimed wetlands so Kooindah Waters is a fairly flat course with aquatic challenges dominating the property. Some of these water hazards are clearly marked but others lurk out of sight so golfers need to exercise extreme care when plotting their way from tee to green.

Wooden railway sleepers have been used as wall retainers (for the island green on the short par 17th in particular) and in the lining of many of the bunkers, adding a certain antiquity to the layout. The use of this wooden design device splits opinion – some love the character it adds to the place, others feel it’s too contrived – but that debate is nothing to the controversy surrounding the 3rd hole at Kooindah Waters.

The par four 3rd is one that golfers either love or hate and it may have been designed to be controversial. A left doglegged hole with water on the right side, a tree sits in the middle of its fairway at the landing area, which many consider an unfair obstacle whilst others consider it a great piece of strategic design. We’d be interested to know what you think of this hole (and the course in general) by writing a course review.