LEADING Australian golf course architect Graham Papworth has started detailed design work on the second 9 holes of the Maleny Golf Club course following a recent site visit to walk the land and finalise contractual matters.

Mr Papworth’s visit follows finalisation of the lease boundaries and Maleny Golf Club’s successful application for a $100,000 Queensland Government “Getting Places and Spaces” grant to help finance construction of next three holes.

“Well we’re now in the first phase of adding the second nine holes and working on the detailed design of the next three holes on an agreed parcel of land,” Mr Papworth said (pictured 3rd from left with Mick, Sel Hopely and Rob Bailo).

“We’re hoping to get these three holes built prior to the end of this year so that they’ll benefit from the growing season and be ready for play towards autumn next year.”

Maleny Golf Club President Dr Max Whitten said in addition to the State Government grant, the Club was also in discussion with the local Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) to secure continued financial support.

“We are determined to work with a top design and incorporate the latest technology during construction of the greens and irrigation system,” Dr Whitten said.

“Getting it right from the outset is the most cost effective approach as this eliminates the need for expensive corrections down the track. We are blessed with a fabulous piece of land and are committed to making the most of it.”

Graham Papworth of GNP Golf Design has been designing golf courses for more than 30years, including the Noosa Springs Golf Course and the Kabi Road Organic Golf Course in Queensland; Lynwood Country Club in NSW; and Geelong Golf Club in Victoria.

Mr Papworth said the new holes were being built in an “interesting” location and would complement the existing holes in both appearance and playing strategy.

“We’re going to have two shorter par fours and one attractive Par 3 which will play slightly up hill,” he said. “It will be a corner which is fairly isolated from the rest of the course so you won’t see a multitude of holes as you do elsewhere.”

Mr Papworth said the presentation and quality of the Maleny Golf Club course was remarkable given the budget and resources available.

“I think the existing 9 holes have turned out exceptionally well. It’s really been a dedicated team effort and budget driven, so there are certain things that have not been completed as yet such as adding more bunkers.”

Mr Papworth said the quality, presentation standard and playing interest of Maleny’s elevated hinterland course would surprise many golfers.

“When these other holes come on line and the course is expanded to 18 holes I think Maleny will become a highly sought after golfing destination and something quite unique from a south-east Queensland perspective,” he said.

Mr Papworth said the terrain, surrounding vegetation and open rolling pasture-like appearance all contributed to Maleny’s appeal.

“It’s not something you see that often, where you have that unique blend of topography and flora here which makes it quite unusual,” he said. “There’s plenty of space to play the game with a fair bit of up and down in places and an open links feel to it even though the course is located in the mountains.”

Mr Papworth said the club was very keen to push on toward completion of all 18 holes.

Progressive development of Maleny Golf Club will significantly boost the estimated $3.5 million value of the SCC’s existing community sports and tourism asset. SCC agreed at its July 2016 meeting to consider providing additional financial support for expansion of the course to 18 holes.