1. riversdale_naga | Rated | 14 Oct 2011 | Add A Review

Get around the Cups course ladies and gentlemen! This place is going off!

Went there today with a mate after we went flying at Tyabb airport, and decided we’d have a cheeky little 9 at the Cups course. Very cheap, we managed to push our way on as (19 year old errmmm) juniors for $14 a head. Of course, it didn’t hurt that The Cups Classic is being held in two days, thus the supreme condition, but that is always the case with The Dunes facilities.

I myself am a long 2 hcp and my mate is more a casual poke-her-around golfer to put it deliciously, and we both had the best time. The weather was peaking, minimal wind, however still a fair gust to be had, no doubt about it.

The best way to describe the layout is as a ’mini-dunes’ course. Most of the holes replicate a hole on the main course in some way, others more distinctly than others. Not long by any means in length at par 33/2316m, it definately has its share of challanges. For average golfers, it is a brilliant track to learn your game, as you will find all the features of a quality golf course, a la Dunes. For a better, longer golfer who likes to carve their way around the green stuff, it presents risk/reward options and best lines on every hole.

I don’t really have an opinion on which course I would suggest to play first; if I had to err on one side, perhaps play the Dunes first. Nonetheless, I urge everyone to have a crack here, beautiful course and a very fun experience. It’s all about walking around and not give two tosses. That’s it, that’s all.

PROS

• A scaled down version of the big brother course
• Conditioning is absolutely pure
• Very very enjoyable for both the average golf and the highly skilled golfer
• Club selection is vital

Cons

• When the wind gets up, may push some over the edge
• Some pretty brutal hills for those who are peaking athletes
• You don't drive an hour and a half for a 9 hole course, unless you've got mad cow

Also Liked

• The Dunes Golf Links (Dunes)
• Riversdale Golf Club
• Kingston Heath Golf Club

2. q-tip | Rated | 27 Nov 2010 | Add A Review

Measures 2316m Par 33 with four par 3s ranging from 74-168m, four par 4s ranging from 308-352m and the 466m Par 5 slight dogleg right uphill 4th with 4 fairway bunkers down the right and bunkers surrounding the green.

Course conditioning is just a touch below that of the main 18-hole layout, however, is still very good. Greens were smooth and pacy, but not as quick as the Dunes course. Teebeds and fairways are on par with the main 18-hole layout.

Holes worthy of mention is the 352m 2nd which plays slightly uphill and doglegs gently to the left to a green guarded by 2 leftside bunkers. The 74m elevated tee 6th plays at least 30m downhill to a green surrounded by 6-7 bunkers. The 343m 9th is slightly downhill with a slight dogleg right to a green which is obscured on the fairway.

Played here 16/11/2010 with green fees $16 for 9 holes. Wish I played here first to warm up before I played the Dunes layout.

3. handy_mate | Rated | 14 Mar 2009 | Add A Review

Best course I have ever played, even though it is only 9 holes. Pristine fairways and greens are well kept. A brilliant "links" course

PROS

• everything

Cons

• very challenging

4. rogerhammond | Rated | 14 Oct 2003 | Add A Review

The Cups course is pitched as a "lite" version of The Dunes. It's only 9 holes, but it is a superb 9 holes! The design is phenomenal...and very challenging on the mind-game. You tee off from sheltered positions out into strong crosswinds or tee from narrowed valleys that concentrate the wind force out into wide fairways tempting you to put more into it.

The fairways are a dream to walk on, the rough is forgiving (unlike The Dunes). The holes are extremely deceiving - it pays to pay attention to the distance markers (and know how long you hit with your clubs).

If I don't have the time - I play The Cups, if I have the time - I play The Dunes. The clubhouse is also really good with a good meal waiting at the end of your round...the Dunes Burger with the lot is great.

The only thing I found this trip was that the greens were rock-hard (probably due to the usually windy conditions) and the pins had just been repositioned (with that slight raised lip around the hole - meaning less-than-confident putts refusing to go in (3-putting a 1 foot putt is a bit annoying!).

But as far as 9-hole courses go...I think it would be hard to beat.