Greens on blue

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This was published 12 years ago

Greens on blue

Water hazard ... the Dent Island course has plenty of scenic distractions.

Water hazard ... the Dent Island course has plenty of scenic distractions.Credit: Peter Arnold

Courage is required to tackle the tricky but beautiful course on Dent Island, writes Mark Chipperfield.

Golf can be a cruel and unforgiving sport, even for those who strive tirelessly for excellence. The gullies, cliff tops and gusting winds on Dent Island in the Whitsundays have undone many a scratch golfer since this championship course opened in 2009.

As a self-confessed duffer who rarely ventures far from the practice range, I'm content to drive my buggy directly to the 19th hole; indeed, many people take the five-minute ferry ride from Hamilton Island to Dent just for lunch and a glass of riesling at the Chris Buckingham-designed clubhouse.

The elegant, minimalist restaurant has a fine menu and commands sweeping views of Passage Peak on Hamilton Island and the Coral Sea.

Ranked as the third most "aesthetically pleasing" golf course in Australia, Dent's Hamilton Island Golf Club has the distinction of being the country's only public course on an island.

Golfers from around the world come to pit their skills against the Peter Thomson-designed, par-71 course.

Thomson, a five-time British Open winner, always wanted the course to challenge the world's golf professionals as well as resort guests from Hamilton. Hole 14 is the signature hole, requiring a long drive to an elevated target, with bunkers on three sides of the green. The course notes say players need "courage and instinct" to conquer this particular hole, which is also subject to wayward breezes. As with every hole on Dent Island, players can choose from three tee positions ("Hoop Pine", "Grass Trees" and "Pandanus") depending on proficiency and courage.

Transforming Dent Island into an international golf course was a huge act of faith by the Oatley family, which owns much of Hamilton Island.The course, which can be tackled as either a nine-hole or an 18-hole circuit, was subject to stringent environmental controls and follows the island's natural landform. The island remains richly forested in hoop pines, pandanus and majestic grass trees. Much of the original vegetation was not disturbed during construction; the steeper, more environmentally sensitive areas were left intact.

Even with this concession, this course is not for the faint-hearted. Most holes are strung along the ridges and involve driving the ball across steep valleys and lakes, beyond trees and natural boulders. Ever-present sea breezes present a complication for the amateur golfer trying to maintain his or her composure.

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Anyone embarrassed by a wayward shot can, of course, always blame it on the view, which can prove an obvious distraction. The flash of a white sail against the shimmering turquoise sea or the glimpse of a passing whale is enough to put many off their game - both make a useful enough excuse back at the clubhouse.

Despite the island's comparative isolation, the facilities are second to none. Apart from a restaurant and bar area full of natural light, the clubhouse contains a well-stocked pro shop and men's and ladies' locker rooms. Anyone who wants to brush up on their technique can call on the club's full-time golf professional, Mark Snooks.

The club has a driving range but it is on neighbouring Hamilton Island and is as unconventional as the course itself. It is an "aquatic driving range", where golfers are required to drive golf balls into Lake Melaleuca - much to the amusement of travellers disembarking at the nearby airstrip - as suitable preparation for the traps on Dent Island.

Mark Chipperfield travelled courtesy of Qualia and Hamilton Island.

FAST FACTS

Getting there

Virgin Australia flies from Melbourne to Hamilton Island via Sydney. See virginaustralia.com. Jetstar flies direct from Melbourne and Sydney to Hamilton Island. See jetstar.com.

Golfing there

Hamilton Island Golf Club, on Dent Island, has tee-off times that tend to co-ordinate with the ferry timetable so that players have sufficient time on the greens and in the clubhouse. Green fees: $100 for nine holes; $150 for 18 holes. Both fees include the use of a golf cart and return ferry transfers from Hamilton Island. Additional costs include the use of the practice range: $15 (for 50 balls) and golf lessons ($90 an hour). Equipment, including men's and ladies' shoes, can be hired. A dress code applies. Lunch is served daily at the Club House Bar and Restaurant and it's open to non-golfers. Phone: 137 333; see hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au.

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