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.
(4.0) | Add A Review
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14 May 2013
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09 May 2013
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04 May 2013
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27 Apr 2013
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19 Apr 2013
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09 Apr 2013
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01 Jan 2013
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08 Sep 2012
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28 May 2011
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1. Bladerunner | Rated
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17 May 2013
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Add A Review
Played 17/5/13. My first time at Lakelands and I was very impressed with the layout and condition of the course. Wide fairways from the tee but well guarded greens and plenty of bunkers. The course was quite busy but the marshall was active keeping traffic moving in a polite manner. Friendly staff (particularly the young land in the pro shop). Highly recommended and I thought excellent value at $65 with a cart.
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