Check out the full magazine, Tasmanian Travelways, here.
Golf may seem intimidating, but it’s deceivingly beginner-friendly – whether or not you’re athletically inclined.
Simon Coat is an engineer by day and a semi-professional volleyball player by night.
When he’s finished being a superstar on the court, he loves spending his free time at a golf course with friends and a couple of beers – regardless of where his ball ends up.
“In my experience, golf is best experienced with a great group of friends that will celebrate your successes and laugh off your failures (don’t worry, there will be many),” he said.
The great thing about golf is that you don’t have to be highly skilled to get involved. In fact, you don’t even have to own your own clubs. Many clubhouses across the country will have them for you to hire.
“Some of my most cherished times playing golf have been away from home, whether it is planned or on a whim, there are so many great and unique courses and experiences to be had all over Australia and the world,” Simon said.
“Playing courses away from home is also a great way to meet some of the locals and experience the surrounding ecosystem.”
Simon began his venture into golf just before COVID hit, and as the lockdowns began and the pandemic continued, he realised pretty quickly that it was a great way to both catch up with friends and to get outside.
“Now that COVID is over, golf maintains the same quality, providing a great environment to participate in an activity with friends whilst also being able to have great conversation in the meantime,” he said.
“Both golf and volleyball require very fine-tuned skills to be successful, and I have enjoyed starting again on something totally new. It is a tough but rewarding challenge,” he said.
Monday, February 23, saw Ricky Ponting testing out the first nine completed holes at Country Club Tasmania’s new Championship Golf Course. On track to open in the summer of 2027, the course is a $20m golf development.
“Playing the first nine holes for the very first time was just extraordinary. I can now visualise exactly what this magnificent facility is going to be,” Ricky said.
“The course is going to be something truly unique for Tasmania. It’s beautifully shaped, challenging in all the right ways and built to a championship standard.”
With spectacular parkland scenery, strategically crafted fairways and signature water features, the initial nine holes delivered a compelling preview of what is set to become one of Australia’s most exciting new golf destinations.
Designed by acclaimed architect Robin Gibson, the Championship Golf Course draws on inspiration from iconic layouts across North America and the UK while celebrating the natural Tassie landscape.
“Watching Ricky and his guests test out the first half of the course showed just how engaging these holes and the course really is.
Robin and the team have created a design that rewards strategy and precision. Every shot matters, and every hole offers something memorable,” Head of Golf at Country Club Tasmania, Bryce Gorham said.
Located just ten minutes from Launceston’s CBD in Prospect Vale.
Ocean Dunes Golf Course King Island
Barnbougle Lost Farm Golf Resort
Riverside Golf Club Tasmania
For up to date information, go to golf.com.au/tasmania.