The sandy plains that run along each side of the Murray River offer perfect terrain for long fairways, bunkers and greens. There are more than 40 golf courses between Khancoban - where the Murray rises in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains - and Wellington, where it empties into Lake Alexandria.
Most courses are within easy driving distance of each other, so it is easy to plan a touring holiday along the river that takes in several.
The Murray creates a natural border between NSW and Victoria and visitors often come to take trips on river boats and paddle-steamers, the preferred means of transport on the river during the boom years between the 1860s and the 1900s.
Most of the golf clubs that line the Murray offer inexpensive meals and drinks, good sports facilities and reasonably priced accommodation, often within chipping distance of the course.
Value for money is one of the region's prime attractions and green fees compare favourably with fees in other golfing meccas such as Queensland's Gold Coast. Most courses also put on golfing competitions and welcome visitors who want to try their luck.
While each course has its own character, typical features include well-groomed fairways lined with mature pines and river gums, extensive water hazards, and the occasional grazing kangaroo.
This Murray River region is a popular stomping ground for retirees, and the often-flat, easy-to-manage courses can get booked out. Most courses are popular, even on weekdays, so it is wise to book your round in advance.
The Yarrawonga and Border in Mulwala is one of the largest golfing complexes in the area. Three courses and lots of accommodation make this an attractive spot for golfers of all abilities.
The newest course, the Murray, was carved out of a red gum forest, so it's flat, shady and surrounded by beautiful mature trees. There are plenty of billabongs and the long par-5 ninth is a challenge.
The Lake course is open and relatively hilly and the nine-hole Executive course has a couple of short holes that help make it good for a quick round. The centre has a heated pool and kids' pool, an all-weather tennis court and a bistro.
Drive half an hour east along the river and you'll come across the Cobram-Barooga golf club, with two challenging 72-par courses. Undulating along the river's edge, they have some of the longest par-5 holes you'll find in the area. The Old course is relatively free of water hazards while the East course has plenty. Accommodation is right by the course and a bistro serves meals all day.
Keep travelling east along the Murray for 15 minutes and you'll reach the Tocumwal, another golf club with two 18-hole courses. Both, the President and Captain have various water hazards - there are six lakes or dams in all. The rough is cut relatively short and there is plenty of wildlife around - including kangaroos.
The last holes on both courses are the top holes at the club - both challenging par 4s. There is also a 200-metre par 3 where some have bagged a hole in one. Practice fairways and greens make it easy to pop out and hit a few balls if you don't have time for a full round.
Tocumwal has accommodation close by, and, like many golf clubs in the area, offers packages including reduced-cost accommodation. If you need some help with your game, pro-lessons are commonplace in most clubs.
Lighten your load, instead of carting your clubs around with you, hire them. You'll find that most courses have clubs for hire at decent rates, this saves you having to carry and care for your own clubs as you travel.
Tim, Penrith.
4WD
