Time for another “CRAPP”. Andrew and I were back on the golf course today after a 2 week hiatus. We thought Broken Hill was dry but Alice Springs to use a phrase from a Bazza Mac Kenzie movie, was as dry as a “dead dingo’s donga”! We thought Griffith greens were quick, they had nothing on Alice Springs, the grass was extremely short (looked like artificial grass) and at times it was like putting on glass. It was certainly an experience.

Design – The design was pretty good based on the landscape available. It had a resort style theme with many houses along the course boundaries. Basically flat, with a couple of slight hills to make it interesting. Rating – 15 out of 20

Condition – This is were its hard as the “outback” courses do suffer at times from a lack of water and Alice Springs was no different. Even though it was winter, the course was extremely dry, even the greens were sprayed to give them a more appealing green colour. The bunkers basically had no sand and were difficult to get out of, let alone stop your ball on the green, it was downright impossible at times. Rating – 12 out of 20

Cost – This was very disappointing, normally when you play in the club’s comp as a visitor you play half price green fees and then your comp fees, not so here as we paid full tote odds for our game today. It was the most expensive round I have paid in my travels around Australia in the last 3 years. Our rating is low but we my have been a bit generous as well. Rating – 7 out of 20.

Visual Appeal – The course did look good at first look but now we know the greens have been sprayed it does a a slight shine of the course. Nevertheless it did look pretty good. Rating – 17 out of 20

Facilities – The club had its own driving range and the practice putting green was an accurate facsimile of what you were to face on the course proper. The clubhouse overlooking the 18th green was nice as well. Rating – 17 out of 20.

Ambience- It was very pleasant at the end of the round to sit and have a drink overlooking the 18th. The locals treated us very warmly and we did enjoy our time here. Rating – 8 out of 10.

Conclusion – With a final score of 66, Alice Springs comes in 3rd of the 4 courses we have played so far. I think it would have rated higher if it wasn’t so dry resulting in extremely quick greens. As I have said many times you can only rate a course of what it displays on the day we play it.

I hope you look forward to my next “CRAPP” in Darwin!