GOLFING professionals across the nation are fast learning something many in the region already knew – Murray Downs is home to one of Australia’s leading golf courses.
Ranked the No.1 golf course on the Murray, the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is currently playing host to the NSW Open as the pros battle it out for the historic Kel Nagle Cup.
Hosting such a prestigious event and the likes of Australia’s 2022 Open champion Cam Smith and fellow LIV Golf star Lucas Herbert is certainly not being taken lightly by the club.
Course superintendent Paul Robinson and his team of greenskeepers have put in significant effort over the past year to ensure the course is in prime condition, impressing both players and spectators alike.
“It’s very exciting to have the pros here at Murray Downs – it’s something different for the crew and myself, and it’s great to see everyone in the club and the community are pumped,” Mr Robinson said.
“For me as a course manager, it exceeds anything I’ve ever done as the NSW Open is next level, especially with the quality of players we have here.”
Professional golfers, including Smith, Herbert, Josh Younger, and Marcus Fraser, have all praised the course, noting its excellent condition and the unique challenge it offers.
“They’re impressed that in the middle of the Mallee, there is a fantastic golf course right next to the Murray,” Mr Robinson said.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Robinson brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Having worked at various golf clubs, including Cohuna, Bacchus Marsh, Kyneton, Robinvale, and Croydon, he has a deep understanding of what it takes to maintain top-quality fairways, greens, and overall course conditions.
“There has been a lot of planning and fixes that have taken place over the past year, but the past week the guys have done up to 50 or so hours this week and I’ve done up to 60 – I haven’t been home much,” Mr Robinson said.
“When you host an event of this calibre, that eye for details goes to another level to ensure everyone is happy, and it seems to be the case – the greens are rolling fantastic, the course is looking great and the weather is ramping up a bit now, so it’s all coming together.”
Robinson’s passion for golf developed while growing up in Kerang, dropping his handicap down to single figures from an early age and deciding the pursue greenkeeping to develop a career in the industry.
Still an avid golfer, Robinson shared some tips on some of the more challenging holes the pros can expect.
“The Par 3 fifth hole will cause some issues as it has water on the right and bunkers on the left, playing 190m with a very undulated green,” Mr Robinson said.
“We’ve also extended the tee back 60-70 metres on the Par 5 12th, and that will be a tough driving hole.”
