TRIMMING THE VINES

The Vines Resort & Country Club recently announced plans to ‘downsize’ to make way for a residential development on the property.

Located in the Swan Valley, about 40 minutes’ drive north east of the Perth CBD, The Vines is currently home to the Lakes Course (ranked in Golf Australia magazine’s Top-100 Courses in 2020) and the Ellenbrook Course.

The resort recently announced on its website a vision for the future that will see the number of holes reduced but will see the reinstatement of the famed ‘Heineken Classic’ course (the opening three holes of the Lakes Course, the 12th to 18th holes of the Ellenbrook layout and the back nine of the Lakes Course). This ‘composite’ layout hosted some of the world’s best players during the 1990s and early 2000s and was regarded in the top-three courses in Western Australia. The front nine holes of the Lakes Course is set to be redesigned into a nine-hole family-friendly short course.

“We are pleased to announce we are creating an exciting new vision that will see The Vines transformed into a contemporary community hub which hosts upgraded golfing facilities, recreation, residential, entertainment and family-friendly activities,” the website statement said.

“The Vines (WA) want to grow and expand facilities to attract more families and people of all ages. To do this, we need to invest in state-of-the-art amenities that will attract a greater number of visitors and broaden our residential choices.

“Golf will remain an integral part of who we are. We plan to upgrade our golfing facilities with modern experiences that will appeal to more people of all ages, returning the Championship 18-hole Composite Course (Heineken Course) to its former glory and converting nine holes of the Lakes course into a nine-hole family-friendly short course.”

The Vines has called for any feedback to the project to be submitted via its website, www.vines.com.au