A willingness to embrace change in order to improve is driving Royal Hobart’s future.
The lone Tasmanian course to host the Australian Open has been a hub of activity in recent times.
On the course, Royal Hobart Golf Club has commenced a masterplan penned by course architect Richard Chamberlain that focuses on making the layout more enjoyable, with more risk/reward shot options, a greater variety of playing surfaces – including fewer bunkers – and more features like grassy run-off areas. Additionally, the judicious removal of peripheral vegetation has created width and expanded playing line options, while reverting to vegetation types that are native to the site.
Touring the Vern Morcom design today, there’s now a greater sense of space – even though 17 of the holes remain only subtly altered for now. However, the most tangible evidence of change is Chamberlain’s new seventh hole. It’s a short, driveable and compelling par 4 that requires deep thought on every shot with every score from eagle to double-bogey on the table.
These upgrades are part of Royal Hobart’s focus on being willing to embrace change in order to become better. The club has made the transition to climate-friendly practices with a focus on water security, practices and processes. Meanwhile, the playing surfaces have improved throughout, including since the appointment of Shaun Bowden as course superintendent, who brought his expertise from his former postings at Elanora Country Club and Pennant Hills Golf Club in Sydney.
Elsewhere, the club has significantly improved its practice facilities with the addition of a 600-square-metre chipping green, two laser-levelled turf tees and an artificial turf tee on the extended driving range. Along with the ongoing improvements to the golf course, the entire club is now on a steady path of
all-encompassing enhancement.
Royal Hobart is a progressive club, one embracing positive change to create long-term financial and environmental sustainability under the basic principle of: leave it better than we found it.
THE DETAILS
Royal Hobart Golf Club
Where: Regal Court, Seven Mile Beach TAS 7170
Phone: (03) 6248 6161
Web: rhgc.com.au
Photos by: Gary Lisbon
