Bruce Young | Rated | 10 Nov 2001

One of several courses built during the Japanese golf course development frenzy on the Gold Coast in the late eighties and early nineties Lakelands has emerged as one of the best. Lakelands along with its near neighbours, Palm Meadows, The Glades, Robina Woods and Paradise Springs make up a series of high quality courses all within four kilometres of each other and just ten minutes from Surfers Paradise.

The course was originally developed by Sun Lakelands, a subsidiary of Sun Australia who were in turn part of the Japanese Education Group, Sundai. This is the first new course in Australia designed by Jack Nicklaus although he had previously been involved in remodeling work at the Australian Golf Club's course in Sydney. Much of the course's marketing is based around the theme that this is the first course in Australia to bear the great man's signature.

Located in the Mudgeeraba flood plain, the course was never going to be an inexpensive one to develop, not only in terms of meeting the significant constraints imposed by local council in relation to the issues surrounding recreational and residential development in the floodplain, but also the actual construction and landscaping costs.It commenced construction in 1995 and was opened in February 1997 and owned and operated by Sun Lakelands until September 1999 when the course and the adjoining real estate land were purchased by the US based golf course management company ClubCorp. ClubCorp are one of the leaders in golf course ownership and management in the world with more than 200 golf courses, country clubs, resorts and private business clubs worldwide.

The first time I played Lakelands I was struck by the rather generous nature of the landing areas from the tee.

The brief to Nicklaus from the Japanese President of the original developer company was clear, to create a golf course that would accommodate all levels of play. This is not in any way meant to demean the course rather it is meant, and should be taken, as a compliment as it is clear that it would require only minor adjustments in presentation and course set up for this to become a fine test of golf for even the highest level.

Having worked previously for a major golf course design organisation I am very much aware of the want of design companies to promote their ability to design for all levels of golfer almost to the point of ad nauseam, with not all fulfilling their promise. But in Lakelands, Nicklaus has very much met the brief. Nicklaus made two visits during construction and clearly had significant involvement in the design stages back in his Florida office.

When I last played the course it was being prepared to host one of the qualifying rounds for the forthcoming Australian Open which was to be staged at the nearby Grand Golf Club.

It may be in fact that, if not for ownership changes at a time when decisions were being made on the venue for the 2001 Australian Open, Lakelands would have been given serious consideration. Indeed it is likely in the future that the course would be considered for such an event. It is not only a good enough golfing test but also would be a fine tournament venue from a logistics viewpoint.

Reprofiling of the fairways was being undertaken to reduce the somewhat generous landing areas for the event. The grass combination, Windsor Green fairways and Greenlees Park roughs, both Australian varieties of Bermuda, allows for a smooth transition and affords the opportunity to reprofile the fairways without the concerns of encroachment that a different combination may present.

In terms of its playability the course has the flexibility to be softened or strengthened at will. There are many great tournament pin positions, so whilst Nicklaus may not have been too sinister in his demands from the tee he has, by the creation of some strategic hole locations, provided the opportunity to readily adjust the degree of difficulty. This in turn has created subtle demand on positioning from the tee as, although getting it on the fairway may not be an issue for many, it is important in order to access many of the aforementioned pin positions, to ensure you are not so much on the fairway but also in the right position.

It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security at Lakelands by playing the course from the forward tees and to pin positions perhaps more generous than are possible. To me that is the course's appeal and in the words of a great Queensland saying it has the capacity to be a pleasant golfing experience one day and a great test the next.

As I always recommend to golfers who do not have the long game to cope with a 7000 yard plus golf course, don't be a hero but play it from the tees that suit your ability. That way you will leave the course feeling good about yourself and the course. A win - win situation

The par threes offer great variety, from the 133 meter 14th through to the demanding 210 metre 17th. The 14th is one of the prettiest holes in the region and although from the forward tees it is only a wedge or 9 iron it still requires precision to avoid water to the front and left of a green which angles from front right to back left. Of the par fives, probably the 495 metre 16th for mine gets the nod. Again not too demanding from the tee but the second shot requires a decision as to whether the right or left option is the best to avoid a centrally located and collecting trap some 80 metres short of the green. A second shot finishing in there leaves that very awkward long bunker shot which every golfer fears.

Of the par fours my favourites are the eighth, which certainly does place a premium on placement from the tee.

A centrally located bunker in the landing area forces a decision which may be determined by the flag position of the day. Tee shots to the right avoid having to cross the water with the approach but leave a longer second. Those taking the left hand option from the tee however risk a long waste bunker left of the fairway and water beyond and a likely carry over water with the second. There are several demanding pin positions on the left half of the green due to a sharp drop off on this side to water below.

The par four 12th is, again, not overly demanding from the tee if you are looking to avoid trouble but if you are serious about getting close with the approach you need to flirt with the left hand traps to give the best angle to a narrow green.

Another hole that has extra appeal is the par four tenth with water all the way along the left hand side and an approach to a slightly elevated and bunker protected green

The bulk of the holes on the course play north / south and the prevailing wind comes from the east but quartering from southeast to northeast so this can also effect their degree of difficulty on a daily basis.

Like it's close neighbour, The Glades, Lakelands offers first class service in every meaning of the word. From the welcoming greeting on arrival, through the golf shop, the starter, the drinks cart and the clubhouse staff after the round, the ClubCorp influence is apparent. The green fees include a motorised cart although as yet no GPS system available for those who see that as important.

The facility also boasts highly qualified teaching staff. Mark Gibson is their resident professional and comes well credentialed with several awards to his name. Ann Wilson is the ladies professional there and again comes with a solid reputation. A generous driving range is available with a large chipping and putting green in close proximity.

Perhaps the only weakness of the driving range is that it comes with a prevailing left to right wind, never ideal for working on the swing.

This is one of the must play courses on the Coast for visitors and locals alike. As was the case with the Glades it may not suit everyone's pocket on a regular basis but it is a pleasure to play. The course is clearly well designed and constructed and importantly the maintenance standard has remained at a consistently high level since it's opening.

The combination of facilities namely the golf course and its presentation, the Clubhouse and the practice facilities make up a very attractive golfing package. In summary therefore a very enjoyable golfing experience.

The modern & luxurious one level Clubhouse operates on a daily basis from 6.30am until 6.30pm seven days a week. The main dining room area has floor to ceiling windows that lead onto the Terrace which has expansive views across the golf course leading to the Gold Coast skyline of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.