Aim to be Kings of golf

WORK has begun on a second major golf development on King Island, with a $12 million course at Cape Wickham on the island's northern tip to operate alongside the Ocean Dunes resort, under construction 25km south near Currie.

Designed by American golf architect Mike DeVries and with a working title of King Island Golf Links, the 18-hole Cape Wickham development will operate as a public course and eventually include accommodation to facilitate a stay-and-play model.

The course will be built at the foot of the 50m Cape Wickham lighthouse -- Australia's tallest -- which will dominate the closing holes and views from the clubhouse.

Mr DeVries, who relocated his family to the Bass Strait island to oversee the project, has designed eight holes to run along the island's shipwreck-strewn coast, and another two have their greens on the shoreline.

"The combination of the Cape Farewell headland, Victoria Cove, Cape Wickham Lighthouse, views to the ocean and shorelines, as well as the prospect of direct golfer interaction with the water makes this the most amazing site I have witnessed, existing or imagined," Mr DeVries said.

"The opportunity is a great one because it's a beautiful site and all the people associated with the project have been a pleasure to work with."

Project consultant Darius Oliver described Mr DeVries as one of the most talented golf course designers in the world on a site that demanded a hands-on approach.

"Mike's preparedness to personally shape greens and bunkers was a major factor in his appointment, as was his proven ability to work creatively and efficiently in sand," Mr Oliver said. "Our aim is to put King Island on the golfing map, and we are confident that Mike can help us deliver, for the islanders, a genuine world-class course."

For visitors, air access to King Island Golf Links will be possible from Tullamarine or Moorabbin airports in Melbourne, or from Launceston or Burnie in Tasmania.

The $7 million Ocean Dunes development was conceived by Australian course designer Graeme Grant, who was encouraged by the success of the Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm courses at Bridport.

Construction of the Cape Wickham course will be completed in 2014 and will add another link in the burgeoning golden triangle of premium Australian coastal golf between Melbourne, King Island and Bridport.

Source: http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2013/07/10/383152_tasmania-news.html

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