Burswood Park Public Golf Course, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

February 16, 2009

I brought along my golf set on this trip for 2 reasons. I have never played golf every time I came to Perth. This could be my last trip here. My daughter, Nina is graduating from Curtin University. We came for her convocation.

Burswood Park (www.burswoodparkgolfcourse.com.au) is part of the Burswood hotel/casino set up. Its location close to the city made it easily accessible.

I did not book tee off time, thinking Monday would be a slow day for golf. I was only allowed to play the back nine since I was alone. I would have to join with another group at 9.30am if I wanted to continue another nine.

Burswood flat terrain with waters fringing the fairways

As I was pushing my cart to the 10th tee box, I was joined by a husband and wife team. I invited them to join my flight. Norm was the golfer and Jenny caddied for him. They were both good company for a golf flight.

Burswood is set amongst 8 lakes with panoramic views of the Perth city skyline and the picturesque Swan River. Australian Golf Magazine described it as “the best public layout in Australia”. I found the course generous with its rather wide fairways but the waters fringing them were a constant threat. I sent my second shot into the water on the left of the 10th hole after having a good drive.

Norm & I

The course plays 5,642 metres from blue tees. Norm and I played from the white tees since the blue tees are championship tees. I always play from the blue tees in Malaysia or any part of South East Asia. It was too short a distance for me. Once, my drive left me about 50 metres to the green. It measures 2,483 metres for the back nine from the white tees. Luckily, I was not getting my usual long drives.

I was not much into playing. I was getting the feel of playing on an Aussie course for the first time. The cool morning breeze was something I really enjoyed. Jenny said it was hot. Norm was focusing more on his game. He was not a long hitter. I outdrove him most of the times. I was surprised to learn later that this friendly couple has a granddaughter. They did not look like grandparents to me.

Black Swan that made Swan River famous

We stopped after 9 holes, had coffee and bade goodbyes. Norm and Jenny were truly a reflection of Australian hospitality. They made good company.