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Augusta : Bunker NOT heaven sent !
by Greg Martin
You could be a zillionaire but that won ’ t get you a round of golf on the magnificent Augusta National golf course in the US state of Georgia .
The only way you can get to play on the home of the US Masters is by being a member or an invited guest .
But thanks to the fertile mind of Darren Hawes who is developing Hawkesbury Golf Resort ( HRGR ) into a world-class facility , visitors will be able to get an idea what it is like to play on the famous course .
All but one of the greens and their surrounds are modelled on holes at Augusta – bar one , and that is a replica of the 7th hole at the equally fabulous Pebble Beach .
Those playing at Hawkesbury Golf Resort will stand and stare in amazement as they prepare to tee off on the first tee .
Sitting on the right-hand side halfway along the fairway on the par 4 hole will be a bunker ,, which will not elicit amazement but fear to boot .
Sitting there - a joy to behold but eliciting panic , especially to right-hand players who , like 80 percent of us , have a tendency to slice the ball .
Say hello to a Church-Pews bunker , modelled on the famous – infamous ? – sand trap ( and it is ) on the third hole at highly-rated Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania .
The Church Pews is so-called because
of its notable configuration .
Normally a long bunker , the Church Pews ’ sandy expanse is broken up by a series of ridges - rows of grassy berms ( raised barriers ) running straight across the sand .
It looks like outdoor seating – or as another way of putting it , like rows of church pews .
Pray you never see you ball land in a Church Pews bunker !
“ Our Church Pews bunker will be 65 metres long , boasting eight berms , each 40cm wide and 30cm high ,” Darren explained .
“ If your shot ends up close up to a berm – and that is more than likely to occur from a tee-shot - well , good luck ,” Darren laughed .
“ Players would be well advised to play out sideways onto the fairway and not mumbling a prayer before playing ahead for the green , hoping their shot can clear the berm !”
Darren says it will be all systems go from the beginning of this month in rebuilding the old Rum Corps Barracks course .
“ We have already cleared a lot of the flood debris along the banks of Rickabys Creek and we are now in the process of preparing all nine greens .
“ We will be resurfacing each of the greens , installing a lake on the dog-log second hole and automatic watering throughout the entire course .”
Weather permitting , Darren says he is confident the revamped 9-hole
The terrifying sight facing golfers on the third hole at the world-renowned Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania . An aptly named Church Pews bunker is being installed on the first hole at Hawkesbury River Golf resort . Photo : Gary Lisbon Golf Photography .
course will be ready for play by August or September .
In the meantime , the HRGC driving
range is proving immensely popular with those keen to improve their swings . The range is open seven days a week .
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 166 // MARCH 2024 15