Course 85, Wentworth GC, Orange, NSW
Interesting layout, good greens, controversial Sth African couch fairways
Nomadic_golfer : October 2020
Par 70, 5806m, slope 125, green fee $37
4 par 3s from 133-198m, 12 par 4s from 252-395m, 2 par 5s from 468-485m
From Dubbo, we moved on to Orange, a cold place in the Central Tablelands of NSW, population 40 odd thousand. There are a couple of courses in town (there were 3 until recently) and first up was Wentworth.
Its a quirky, interesting layout on quite undulating terrain on the outskirts of town. The course is challenging and has a very strong finish with 2 c.400m par 4s and a 200m par 3 in its last 4 holes. Condition of the bent greens when I was there in October was good, probably 1 month after coring, still showed the after-effects but were well grassed and smooth, medium paced. Fairways weren’t very good, the thin South African couch was out of season, non existent in parts, not helped by recent droughts.
The trees are a real mix; with a number of species a little different to what I’m used to due to the cooler climate here at 900m altitude. It has a good mix of generous and tight tee shots, and forgiving v penal outcomes for misses. There are bunkers on most holes, not all, and there are a couple of large storage dams that come into play on the front 9. Back nine is 300m longer and definitely the most challenging despite less hazards because of the length.
The mostly memorable holes: 5 (360m par 4, hard dogleg right round pines and an OB fence with reverse camber fairway protected by 1 row of pines on the outside also); 8(unique 480m par 5 with tee shot downhill towards 1 large dam, then turning right and uphill between that and another dam with very thin landing strip between the 2 from about 270 to 400 metres, to a 2 tiered green); then the tough 15-17 (15 is 400m right to left with large trees down both sides, 16 is 400m right to left and uphill all the way with sloping green and 17 is 200m back down the hill with trees on both sides meaning you can’t shape your shot much).
Overall, a decent track with some unique and interesting holes, marred by the fairways at the time of my visit. Played in comp with 3 locals (Nick, Brett and Dave), members of @hooksandskullsgc and I hadn’t enjoyed such competitive ‘banter’ for some time.
