Another CRAPP has dropped into your inbox! Today Andrew, Sue and I played Kalgoorlie Golf Course and we were really looking forward to this course as its been well reviewed over the years. I have to say we were disappointed as its reviews did not match up to what we were offered today. Very hard to understand how a course voted well inside the top 100 courses in Australia could not offer you a drink or something to eat after a round. Also the pro shop had limited stock, no KGC polo shirt for me, they had only 4 men’s shirts and basically they were for small or men’s size.

Design – Interesting but we found it hard to understand why the 1st tee was so long from the clubhouse. We couldn’t find the first tee even with a map, it took us 30 minutes and directions from the pro shop before we could locate it. Graham Marsh has designed a fine course but it is very complicated and difficult. Rating: 16 out of 20

Condition – Fairways were very good but the greens were very “fluffy’ and slow. Additionally the bunkers (not waste areas) were inconsistent and not much care was taken by other players or club members in cleaning up after themselves. Rating: 13 out of 20

Cost – We received a discount as senior card holders but at $75 normal price for 18 holes, we thought that was too much for what was offered. Rating: 12 out of 20

Visual Appeal – Driving into the course the view is outstanding, its the red dirt against the green fairways that gives you a vibrant contrast. It really grabs you and you want to play the course, probably one of the most visually appealing courses we played. Rating: 18 out of 20

Facilities – Based on what was offered today, there was little. The clubhouse and pro shop was disappointing and the practice putting green was also ordinary. Once again it was surprising how limited the facilities were. Rating: 4 out of 10

Ambience – There was none. It was not a comp day but we’ve played other courses on non comp days and managed to have a drink and something to eat and a general chat with the locals, not here. Rating: 2 out of 10

Summary – After looking forward to playing this course since I left Melbourne 3 months ago, it was very disappointing. I think we may have had an off day but nevertheless what we were offered today was sub-standard for a course that is rated so high. I’m sure when the magazine guys played here as part of the rating trip they did not experience the conditions we had today. The final score was 65 and I really thought that Kalgoorlie would be the best or close to the best course I have played during our trip around Oz. I suppose all golfers who come to Kalgoorlie will play the course but on todays experience, I think the locals are ripping off the visitors.