1. johnny | Rated | 01 Oct 2002 | Add A Review

Moorina lies about 12 km north east of Derby on the way to Tasmania's fishing village of St. Helens. The 9 hole country course is ideal for players seeking refuge from crowded city courses. The fairways are well grassed although scattered with daisy flowers which can often camouflage a stray tee shot. The greens are smooth in comparison to some country courses, and allow friendly putting for the majority of the year. The first a par four follows the Tasman Highway before crossing the road to take in four holes. One of these a par three downhill is my choice as the course special. From the tee the green is obscured by a large tree in which could be hit over only if the wind is your friend. The left side of the fairway is lined with trees forming the gateway to a forest, they completely surround the green and wind their way back around the next tee adjacent to the third green. There is a line of trees seperating the third and fourth fairways. This spot where you tee off down to the third green then up to the fourth green is one of the most peaceful sections of a golf course I have encountered. At the back of the third green hidden deep in the woods lies Australia's oldest working power station. Crossing the road to return to the sixth, don't forget to close the gate if you are the last one out there on the day. On the seventh depending on the time of year be wary for diving plovers who are protecting their young. This distraction can make an otherwise straight and friendly fairway often trouble, it sometimes pays to lay up off the tee on this one as a perfect drive can mean plover invasion. On the ninth hitting down towards the clubhouse, the fairway is overlooked high on the hill by the Chinese cemetary. Where buried are the miners who spent many days searching these parts for tin. A dog-leg to the right leads you onto the green, in front of the clubhouse. But don't expect an audience here, this is one of the quietest rounds of golf you will ever have. A small dam comes into play on two holes and there are few bunkers. Combine the historic surrounds and the tranquility of the area, and you have yourself an enjoyable round of golf. If you are on the road between Launceston and St. Helens pack your clubs, just next to the fishing rod if you like.