GREEN FEES Hamilton Island
Golf Course $
Paradise Palms 128
198 •
Country Club $
•
Golf Course $
Sea Temple 144
2 3 [$ 94 for resort guests]
a large angled green. In windy condi- tions club selection can be treacherous as the green sits on an exposed ridge, anchored by large boulders nestled right of the green. The course guide heeds wise advice: “If you get your three here, be thankful and run to the next.” The par-3 16th hole presents some
magic. Flanked by a hill on the left and a severe cliff edge on the right, the elevated 175-yard tee shot plays over a steep escarpment to a plateau green. A small pot bunker guards the front right, while giant moss-covered boulders catch the eye right of the green. Locals will attest that a bag full of golf balls comes in handy even for the best of players on the testing track but undoubtedly the best tip for visitors—don’t forget to bring a camera. There is no shortage of accommoda-
tion options on the island. Hotels range from three-star Palm Bungalows to the luxurious Qualia Resort, where the likes of Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities have resided. For the well-heeled, a helicopter is on site to island hop guests to White- haven Beach or even the fi rst tee in style. For the majority of travelers, holiday
homes are an affordable option and are ideal for those who prefer to self- cater. A benefi t of house rental is the fully equipped kitchen and use of a four-seat golf cart to explore the shop- ping village, marina, restaurants, bars and sports activities.
It would be a sin to travel to the
region and not explore the Great Barrier Reef, considered one of The Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Fantasea Reefworld runs snorkel safaris and diving trips; alternatively, a semi- submersible lets travelers experience the world’s largest reef system while still keeping their feet dry. Whitehaven Beach is another
must-see and those who journey will be rewarded with brilliant white sand (made up of 98 percent silica) and surreal swirls of translucent blue and turquoise water. It’s a 30-minute high- speed catamaran ride from the island, or a 10-minute trip by helicopter. The second stage of the journey in-
volves a short plane ride up to Cairns to explore the coastal mainland. Located at Clifton Beach, a 20-minute drive north of the city, sits Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club. Opened in 1990, the course offers a sublime parkland set- ting that winds its way around a series of creeks and lake systems. Set at the foothills of the Kuranda State Forest, the strategic layout offers multiple paths to par. A course guide from the pro shop is well worth the investment as bunkers and creeks are ideally placed to catch frivolous or unsure club selections. The superbly designed 11th hole
illustrates the type of decision making that presents itself throughout the track. A bunker comes into play on the right-
FALL 2011 /
NCGA.ORG / 47
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME
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