Peninsula Kingswood Golf Club

Commencing in 2014, Peninsula Kingswood’s two courses underwent an upgrade unlike any other seen previously on the Sandbelt, led by Ogilvy Clayton Cocking Mead (OCCM). The aim was to realise the potential of the site by creating a true Sandbelt experience, both in design and conditioning. Bunkers and creek-lines add a level of complexity to the already strategic route created by the careful sculpture of the natural landscape. One of the most significant new features comes with the putting surfaces. A new construction method and a variety of bent grass in Pure Distinction has given the club consistently firm fast greens which rival the best in the world.

NORTH COURSE

While the intention was never to create two distinctly different designs the nature of the site suggested that the North would always feel a little different to the South. The North, playing over sandier and more undulating ground (with perhaps the best examples of heathland vegetation of any ground), was always intended to be a pure Sandbelt experience. Firm and fast, with tilted greens, expansive bunkers, wide fairways and roughs, the North course features that distinctive combination of sand, native grasses and heathland vegetation that the region is known for.

SOUTH COURSE

Since the original Peninsula course was developed into a 36 hole facility in the late 1960’s, the South course was always regarded as the longer more difficult test. Built over flatter ground than the North, the new design looks to capture its sandbelt origins. Bunkering and greens design have been reworked, putting more of a premium on positioning from the tee. Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the new design has been opening up the original creek lines, forming a key part of the design on at least half a dozen holes. The South remains a ‘big’ course – it is long with wide fairways, large bunkers and big greens. When playing Peninsula South, be prepared to have every part of your game tested.

12TH SOUTH, PAR 4, 299 METRES

The diagonal left to right line of the fairway and greenside bunkers force all but the longest hitters to make a choice of both line and club from the tee.

The wide green has difficult pin positions in both the left and right wings and the best line for the drive is left when the pin is right, and right when the pin is left – unless, of course, you like pitching over bunkers. Some like the visual definition of a bunker lip to carry but the majority prefer the open lines that are the reward for a well thought out tee shot. Look for the pin position before you tee off!