Noosa Springs

The course at Noosa Springs Golf Club lies a couple of miles inland from the Pacific coastline, between the Noosa National Park and Lake Wayba.

With some fairways cut through tracts of tropical rainforest and others routed round a number of spring-fed pools, the course is intended to “challenge the experienced player, inspire the novice and provide enjoyment for all”.

A typical resort layout designed by Graham Papworth – who left the Ross Watson/Graham Marsh design company after eight years in 1993 to set up his own business – the Noosa Springs course was one of the first to bear his architectural stamp.

The front nine are tight and long with plenty of water to take into consideration – though a nice touch on tee boxes are signs indicating the yardage to carry these hazards – but golfers who are not prepared to trade distance for accuracy may find some big numbers appearing on their scorecard.

A program of establishing apartments close to some of the fairways is underway and it’s hoped this residential development will not unduly interfere with proceedings on the course.

Graham Papworth course architect writes:

Noosa Springs was created in the mid 1990s and carved out of marginal land adjoining Lake Weyba, behind the township of Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. It now forms the centrepiece of a very sought after residential estate which includes a superb clubhouse, resort and day spa.

The 6,189-metre par 72 layout is a very strategic design with some heroic carry options whilst providing alternative lines of play for the less adventurous. It challenges all standards of player to put a good score together yet remains fun to play when taking the safer route to the flag and the playing surfaces are always very well presented.

There are several good holes on both nines and no two holes are alike, on the outward nine the pocket of land which is home to the 5th, 6th and 7th holes is isolated from any surrounding development and has attained its own “Amen Corner” reputation. The 329-metre 5th is drivable across water and while there are many other playing options the least risky tee shot results in the most challenging second shot bringing water beyond the green into play.

The 6th is a straightforward 356-metre par four however the tee shot needs to be placed on the right side of the fairway near a trap in order to play an approach down the length of the green which drops away steeply on the sides and rear.

At 415 metres and often into a wind, the 7th has the number 1 index and to anyone but the scratch golfer it makes sense to play it as a short par five so as to reduce the risk of finding the water that stretches down the right side and the full length of the hole.

Coming home, the 14th is only a 329-metre par four but uphill to a blind putting surface and a number of traps to negotiate makes it the fourth most difficult hole on the course. After which you turn downhill to play the 524-metre par five with great incentive to try and carry the creek crossing the fairway at a good drive length and thus be in position to place your second short and just left of the green for the ideal pitch approach.