One of the most highly anticipated golf course openings in recent years is that of Seven Mile Beach in Tasmania's capital of Hobart.
And Under The Card was there in September to check it out and experience the 11 holes which are now open for preview play ahead of the full course's anticipated opening later this year.
And Under The Card was there in September to check it out and experience the 11 holes which are now open for preview play ahead of the full course's anticipated opening later this year.
After the short hop over Bass Strait we spent the night in Hobart's CBD before making the 30-minute drive to the course the following day.
A permanent clubhouse hasn't been built yet so there's a neat little temporary set up. Our green fee was $250 which buys you your food and drinks as well as unlimited access to the course for the day.
The first hole you play is actually the par-5 18th which climbs up a steep hill. There's only 30-odd bunkers at Seven Mile Beach and a decent portion of them are on the 18th. The best view on the property is from behind the 18th green which in time is where the clubhouse will be.
Then we moved to the par-4 1st hole playing from the high tee although there is a much lower alternate tee which can be used. It's a gentle opening tee shot to a wide fairway with a gentle climb to the green which has a steep drop off to the left.
One of my favourite holes is the par-3 second which plays uphill to an infinity green. Once you walk onto the green - a view opens up of the entire property below. It's a genuine 'wow' moment showcasing the beautiful contrast between the blue water, green fairways and golden dunes.
Then we jumped to the short par-4 10th - a glorious drivable par-4 which plays towards the water. You can lay up and leave a blind approach to a wide but shallow green which has some devilish corners to cut some difficult pin positions.
Next up was the par-4 11th which plays parallel to the beach. If you can hug the right side of the fairway, you'll have a great angle to the green. If you drive left - you'll be playing completely blind over a steep dune to the green beyond.
One of the most dramatic tee shots comes at the downhill par-3 14th which plays to a large green.
Speaking of dunes - they might be most striking feature of the course. The dunes with plenty of exposed sand are a joy to look at and also give you a chance to find and play your ball if you're offline.
We rounded out the day with a tour courtesy of Anthony Toogood who showed us some of the yet-to-be-opened holes including one which has two greens - a feature which is prevalent on Japanese courses. And just quietly, the downhill par-4 fifth hole looks like it will be another standout.
Like the fairways, greens are fescue. They rolled beautifully although the sloped on some of the greens felt a bit too severe.
I highly recommend playing here and expect Seven Mile Beach to be ranked in Australia's top five courses.
