Barham GC- hole 18
Barham GC is located near The Murray River between Swan Hill & Echuca.
It is a 3 hour drive from Melbourne, and is a popular venue for golfers playing along 'The Mighty Murray'
The golf course has undergone many changes over the years with renowned architect Ross Watson commissioned to draw up a Master Plan for the club nearly twenty years ago.
With the acquisition of adjacent land Watson designed 4 new holes which came into play in August 2003.
New greens were also added on holes 4 & 6, followed closely by greenside bunkering.
The club has continued to work to the Watson master plan to improve the course over time.
In March 2018 the par 3 fifteenth hole was reworked by Richard Stokes, increasing the size and movement in the green.
Barham GC- hole 15
Course:
The opening holes at Barham are strong.
Gum trees frame the fairways, but Watson has introduced interesting green complexes and strategic bunkering to keep the golfer honest.
Water also plays a part as the course weaves through the Hudson and Eagle Creeks.
The bridges, pathways, biilabongs and birdlife are a beautiful introduction to the round.
Barham GC- the bridge to the 2nd tee
Barham GC- the view from the bridge
Barham GC- the bridge to the 2nd
But the character of the course changes as you progress.
You will encounter some claustrophically tight holes which are quite challenging off the tee.
The back nine heads out into what I suspect are the older parts of the course.
Away from the creeks and hillier land the land has very little movement, and for me not as much interest.
But the nine closes with some newer holes in more undulating territory.
It's a nice finish.
Notable holes:
- hole 1, a challenging opening hole, with water in play long and short left of the green
Barham GC- hole 1 approach
- hole 5, a claustrophobically tight short par 4 with mature eucaplyptus trees framing the tee shot, and elevated green protected by a cavernous bunker.
Barham GC- hole 5 tee
Barham GC- hole 5 approach
- hole 8, another short tight par 4 with a tee shot over the river, and a green sitting high on the same hill as the 5th green
Barham GC- hole 8 tee
Barham GC- hole 8 approach
- hole 9, an interesting short par 4 with a river crossing off the tee and a severe little green surrounded by bunkers
Barham GC- hole 9 tee
Barham GC- hole 9 approach
- hole 15, a long par 3 to a green in a bowl (see pic mid page)
- hole 18, a short par 3 to a nicely contoured green (see pic top of page)
Barham is not the strongest course on the Murray, but it may be the most interesting..
It is a good course, with plenty of variety throughout, and some challenging holes.
Any golfing trips along The Murray should consider including Barham GC.
Golf Tours
The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to suit your group.
For suggested destinations see: Golf Destinations- The Mighty Murray!
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