Matthew Mollica | Rated | 25 Oct 2005

The last few years have provided a plethora of new courses for golfers throughout Australia to enjoy. It seems these things come in waves. The much-celebrated golden age of design was enjoyed in Australia with courses such as Royal Melbourne, Royal Adelaide, New South Wales, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Victoria and others all constructed around the same time. In a similar vein, the last five years in Australia has seen the creation of many wonderful new golf courses including The National Golf Club's Moonah Course, Brookwater in Queensland, St. Andrews Beach (Gunnamatta), and the indisputably brilliant Barnbougle Dunes in Bridport, Tasmania. The Cut at Port Bouvard sits comfortably within the company of these new courses.

Opened early in 2005, and designed by James Wilcher, The Cut is just about as exciting as a golf course could ever be. Routed predominantly through dramatically undulating dunes land within a stone's throw of the Indian Ocean, the course takes in wonderful views, is beautifully conditioned, expertly designed, and provides loads of thrilling golf. Boasting a par of 72, and a total course length from the back tees of 6385 metres, The Cut features a lone par 3 and par 5 on the front side, and a pair of each on the back. Eminently playable from the blue tees at 6077 metres and 5209 metres from the women's tees, the course has been constructed with strong and consistent prevailing winds in mind.

The Front Nine

The opening hole measures 346 metres, and plays to a broad receptive valley. The first tee is in close proximity to the clubhouse, as it is at Merion. The sense of theatre is palpable. As is so often the case at The Cut, ample fairway room is afforded the conservative player with a fairway wood, hybrid or long iron in their hands. The hole bends gently to the left and then plays uphill to a well-designed and constructed green, considering requirements that native flora adjoining the putting surface go untouched. A lone fairway bunker is found 260 metres from the tee, and aids in direction of the opening drive, whilst acting as a hazard, reachable only for the longest of hitters. The first green gives an indication of what is to come at The Cut, as the putting surface is subtly divided into several functional areas, boasting interesting pin positions, which significantly affect the difficulty and play lines.

Several quality short par 4s are found at The Cut, and the second hole is one such design. At 350 metres from the back markers, (325 from the blue tees), this hole features fairway bunkering in the right half of the landing zone. One may elect to blow past these hazards with a driver, or alternatively take a more consertative approach and play a shorter club from the tee, accepting a longer approach.

The beach lies immediately at the golfer's left when addressing the tee shot, providing a majestic if somewhat punitive out of bounds for the hooked drive. The hole is routed oblique to the prevailing winds, and with the hotel complex soon to be constructed beyond the right side of the fairway, 200 metres from the tee, accuracy is needed. This is enhanced with the simple yet cunning use of native shrubs between tee and fairway, which obscures some of the landing zone, no doubt creating uncertainty in the minds of many golfers.

The third hole, measuring 298 metres is a wonderful downhill short par 4, which tempts the golfer into going for the green. As is the case with holes 2 and 4, the Indian Ocean and beach sands sit immediately over the golfer's left shoulder. The views from this segment of the course are really special. Anything from a five iron to a driver can be played from the 3rd tee, yielding various approaches to a wonderfully situated green site, which boasts good internal movement. Drives hit with a draw, starting out at the right side of the fairway can bound down the hill, thread the needle and leave an eagle putt.

The first one-shotter of the day is the fourth hole, and at 179 metres, requires a well struck mid or long iron. The green is not all that big, and protected by two left side facing bunkers. The demand for accuracy from the tee in consideration of prevailing winds, and the subtle undulations of the putting surface make par here a good score.

The par 5 fifth hole is an enjoyable design, which offers a number of options for each shot from tee to green. Holes 5 through 9 are routed on the least conducive segment of the block, where the landscape is dominated by the neighbouring housing developments, and the ground beneath the golfer's feet is not as sandy as that on the remainder of the course. The 5th is however, a hole that provides a wealth of strategic options, which are most interesting to play. The hole veers slightly right from the tee then straightens; the heroic drive line exists over a pair of sprawling traps on the left. Ample room afforded to the conservative golfer who plays safe and right of these. Those electing to challenge the bunkers with their tee shot have a shorter second, which puts them within reach of the green. Even from this point one may choose a series of areas at which to lay up, affording a short pitch and putt for birdie. A cluster of traps is intelligently placed, starting 70 metres short of the green, complicating play for those laying up, and intimidating those attempting a long second to the putting surface.

The 6th hole at The Cut varies greatly in play as a direct consequence of the wind. At 327 metres from the pegs, this is a relatively short par 4 on somewhat uninspiring land. Wilcher's design however makes something of nothing. The solitary fairway bunker found 230 metres out on the left side is located precisely at the point where one would ideally play an approach shot. Three greenside traps are found on the right half of the putting surface, and they become more significant as the drive is played further right of centre. To compound this, much of the putting surface tilts from right to left. The smart play appears to be that of taking dead aim at the trap on the left side of the fairway, whilst not taking enough club to enter the sand.

The par 4 dogleg right 7th measures 353 metres, and boasts water on the right half of the driver landing zone. Again one is faced with the decision to either lay up short of all trouble off the tee, or chance their arm with a long straight drive, increasing the ease of the approach. The hole affords ample room left, with approaches from the left half of the fairway or the left rough having to negotiate a yawning left green side bunker. This is one of many greens where ground contours, green complex design, and maintenance practices all work well together to facilitate a myriad of options for an up and down par.

A pair of par fours provides a strong finish to the front side, playing as index two and four respectively. The 8th is a brute at 438 metres, slightly up hill and doglegging left to right. Thankfully the prevailing wind is at ones back when playing this hole. A series of offset bunkers are thoughtfully positioned in the driver landing zone. Sufficient room has been left around the primary right side fairway trap guarding the inside of the dog-leg so that one may be tempted to flirt with it and thereby significantly shorten the approach. As expected for a hole of this type, a large and relatively flat green is somewhat receptive to longer iron, hybrid, and fairway wood play.

The 9th is a slight dogleg left, 388 metre par 4 where one is tempted to cut the inside of the dog-leg and hit the 250 odd metres required to clear the traps guarding the line of charm. Enough scope exists so that one may elect to play safe and steer well enough away of the sand, electing to play a slightly longer approach from the right half of the fairway. The 9th demands an accurate approach, as the green is relatively narrow and not overly deep. It is fortified by left and right side traps. Those over clubbing will find that a steep drop beyond the green has whisked their ball out of bounds.

I'd have preferred a slightly shorter hole here, with a low-profile front to back sloping green, following the contours of the land. This would see a shorter approach, and some more margin beyond the green, so that long balls wouldn't tumble onto the road beyond the green.

The Back Nine

The start to the second nine gives a hint of the dramatic topography that lies ahead. The par 4 10th is a long, narrow, slight dogleg right, which winds like a serpent down a steep slope and then slightly uphill to a green, which is relatively small for a hole of this length. As he demonstrates on many occasions, Wilcher is not afraid to embrace a touch of blindness in his designs. In this instance, those on the tee take aim at a marking post in the distance, hoping to find their ball on the fairway below.

The par 4 11th measures 317 metres, and ascends a ridge in close proximity to the shore. Good drivers will fancy themselves for a birdie on this hole. Anything from a 4 iron up may be used, with each option offering an uphill pitch of varying lengths to the right half of the undulating green shared by the seventieth and eleventh holes. Golfers would do well to take note of the flag position when on the tee, as the eleventh green is distinctly divided into front and back tiers.

The 12th hole has been promoted as the signature hole at The Cut and given the location of the hole, the thrilling nature of the drive, and the challenge of the approach, it is not hard to see why. The 400 metre down hill slight dogleg right par 4 is routed over some of the most exciting golfing land one could hope to see. Again the fairway and valley floor below the tee is blind, and golfers must trust their aim at a large limestone bolder on the ridges beyond. Only a handful of tee shots provide the same thrill as that which finds fairway centre on the 12th. The approach is played to a wonderfully situated skyline green, protect by native coastal shrubs, informal sandy waste areas, and a trio of formal sand traps short and left of the putting surface. With the wind whipping off the ocean, the beach immediately right of the tee and a massive driftwood covered sand dune on the pro line from the tee, the 12th is a joy to play, and any par on this index #1 hole will no doubt be a cherished memory.

The 194 par 3 13th is the second one shotter of the day, and has the golfer with their back to the coast whilst aiming at a somewhat obscured green. Two sand traps are distinctly removed from the putting surface, allowing a degree of latitude for those who can't find the green on the other side of a deep and imposing valley, much like those of the 7th and 15th on The National's Old Course.

The par 4 14th is another down hill par 4, and a classic slight dogleg right. Left and right side fairway bunkering is suitably offset and positioned such that it sternly poses the question as to whether one attempts to fly the traps, or lay up. The length of the hole, prevailing breeze, relatively narrow green front, all demand driver, but the landing areas for this club are small. Wilcher poses a good question in an age where ball and club technology allow us to eat up holes, even of this length. The 412 metre par 4 14th does not take the driver out of ones hands, but asks them to hit it accurately if they choose to use the club. Those with less nerve won't bring the fairway hazards in to play, electing to hit a hybrid or fairway wood, leaving a difficult approach in excess of 200 metres.

The 15th is another exciting three shot hole, playing slightly uphill, and back towards the coast. The hole is straight for the most part, veering right at its end. A solidly struck drive brings the solitary right side fairway trap into play. From this point, the bold strong and accurate player may aim for the green with their second shot. Playing up hill, and to an unsighted green, which is tucked ever so slightly to the right, beyond a solitary shrub-covered dune, this elusive target provides a tantalising proposition. Those electing to play the hole in regulation may take a shorter club for their second, and aim left for the haven of visible fairway at the crest of the hill, only a short lob wedge from the putting surface. The bunkerless 15th green is another that features good contouring, and several ridges, which divide the putting surface into a number of functional areas.

The par 3 16th is the 3rd and final one shotter of the day, with play commencing on an elevated tee, over a small valley, to a long skinny offset green, nestled against the hill only 130 odd metres away.

This hole provides a wonderful challenge, and great golfing excitement for all levels of player. As expected at such a hole, routed in close proximity to the coast on an elevated, exposed, and windy segment of the course, many will attempt a low shot underneath the wind. Those trusting a full swing with their lofted clubs put themselves at the mercy of the prevailing ocean wind. As such, this hole poses a similar question to that asked by The Postage Stamp at Troon.

The 16th green is 40 metres long but very narrow and offset. A great test of accuracy, with some margin left for those to recover after missing the green. This hole is similar in style to the 16th holes at Kennedy Bay, and that at Paraparaumu Beach.

The penultimate hole is another thrilling shot making invitation. At 293 metres from the back pegs, anything from 2 to 7 (or maybe even more) is possible on this wonderful penultimate hole. Tee shots are played uphill, beyond a saddle at the 180 metre mark, towards a unsighted green. Those attempting to drive the green or close to it must be incredibly accurate and may also require an ounce of luck when their ball finds the downslope beyond the saddle. The really long hitters face an all or none proposition with the driver, as the 17th green is surrounded by trouble on all sides. Conservative play off the tee leaves a shortish approach pitch, to a well structured green. Green width tapers away at the rear as the putting surface forms a small neck that forms a junction with the 11th green.

The closing hole, a 552 metre par 5 aided by the prevailing wind, is yet another that affords wonderful ocean views. The drive appears more demanding than it is as the fairway bends slightly right, and widens over the crest of the small rise. Much of the fairway landing area is unseen from the tee. Those hooking their drives towards the beach can take solace in one of the more beautiful out of bounds demarcations in Australian golf. A big drive aided by the wind brings a series of bunkers 70 ñ 50 metres short of the green into play for the second shot. If unable to reach the green with a bold and long 2nd, the play is to lay up well short of these traps allowing a full third shot from further back in the fairway. This conservative approach also yields greater visibility of the green. The final putting surface is yet another boasting artful contours. It is likely to see three putts when approaches are hit to the wrong green segment.

James Wilcher has designed a course that maximises the wonderful block on which it lays. The routing forays towards the ocean at its earliest opportunity, ventures back near the middle of the round, and provides a stunning conclusion with the final two holes in close proximity to the ocean. The course has a wealth of wonderful short par 4's and strong, longer 2 shot holes, which bend both left and right.

Wonderful Rhythm

Prevailing breezes exert different effects upon these holes, providing various golfing experiences from day to day. The course boasts a wonderful rhythm, with the tough demanding holes expertly balanced between short par 4's, reachable par 5's, and the various one-shotters. Bunkers are thoughtfully placed, not overly used, and prove points of consideration on the drive and approaches. Bunker design is sympathetic to the prevailing terrain, never appears out of character, and doesn't overpower undulations throughout the plot. Given the voracity of winds acting over the course, some consideration may be required in times ahead, on the coarseness of the sand filling the traps. Fine grain sand bunkers could conceivably be emptied in the week by strong winds, with their contents deposited over adjacent greens and fairways.

The Cut has been open for play for less than one year. As one may expect of a course in its youth, the greens are rolling incredibly truly and are totally free from any poa contamination. On the day of my visit green speeds were perfect. Similarly the putting surfaces were firm and not overly receptive to poorly struck approaches.

A Stunning Property

The Cut is a course built on a stunning property, which has been exploited to its full extent, providing shot after shot of challenging, exciting and memorable golf. The course doesn't really boast a poorly designed hole, and features many A-grade holes which are strategically sound, eminently playable, and great fun on sensational land. Holes in this category include 3, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18. James Wilcher is to be commended on a job well done, as the block provided environmental concerns, and other factors, which had the potential to detract from the overall course aesthetics and playability. Also, one all too easily forgets that a property such as this affords the designer at least 100 holes and that the work to find the best 18 is truly challenging.

The stretch from Bunbury north beyond Perth is blessed with an abundance of sandy coastal dunes land. More golf courses should be made of this terrain. Thank goodness The Cut has exploited it well. West Australia is now finally getting more good courses in the ground. The Cut joins Kennedy Bay, Lake Karrinyup, Joondalup and The Vines as worthy sites to visit in the West. Clearly, The Cut and Kennedy Bay lead the way. Despite the long flight from the Eastern seaboard, every golfer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and all points in between should visit The Cut. Any golfer who takes the game seriously owes themselves a game at this wonderful course.