THE AUSTRALIAN ON COURSE
The storied and nomadic history of The Australian Golf Club is set to gain another chapter with the 2017 tournament marking the club’s record setting 20th as host.
Largely unchanged since it last staged the event in 2015 The Australian will again play as a par-71 measuring 6,619 metres. With the 1st hole again playing as a long par-4, rather than the gentle par-5 which opens the course for the members.
Although nowhere near the extent of Jack Nicklaus’ 2013 update to his own 1970s design, changes have occurred at the 4th and 12th holes since 2015, presenting players with a slightly different challenge than in previous years. While a new fairway bunker at the par-4 7th won’t come into play for the tournament players.
Despite being played from a new back tee, which sits to the left of the previous location, the 4th will still measure the better part of 200 metres. With the new tee opening up the right side of the green, offering tournament organisers more accessible pin placements for the mid- to long-iron approach the distance requires.
Still played downhill from the tee and doglegging left, the 385-metre, par-4 12th hole has seen the addition of a new bunker on the right side between the existing fairway bunker and the green, making players choose their line from the tee more carefully than in the past and strengthening one of the course’s weaker holes.