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Most of Illawarra’s golfing establishments have deep-rooted ties with local steel industries, and The Grange Golf Club, much like the Port Kembla Golf Club, owes its existence to the massive proliferation of steel industries in the region. The Grange was established as the Australian Iron and Steel Collieries Golf Club in 1964 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2004. The club was established on the stretch of land offered by BHP from its land holdings near the Kembla Grange Race Course. Pretty soon, the area attracted golfers from local collieries, as well as social golfers who facilitated foundation and development of the first membership system in the club, among other members from interested steelworks personnel. Arthur East, renowned course architect, who was then the chief professional at the Sydney’s Lakes Golf Club, for about 16 years during the ’30s and ’40s, certified the land as a prospective golf course. East conceptualized, and headed the designing and implementation of the course till it opened for business. Professional golfing designer Al Howard was brought in to renovate some of the holes in 1972, taking the course to its present, slightly longer avatar of 6,270 metres, stretching from the blue championship markers. The course is a mixture of two unique, conflicting 9 hole layout that offers some stiff challenges to golfers. The external part of the course makes for an easy stroll on the surface. The most important holes here are the pair of par-3s; the 174 metre 4th hole, and 154 metre 7th.
The scenic Mullet Creek meanders and cut through the course on strategic locations at 11 holes, offering the stiffest handicaps on the last 9 holes. The last 9 holes are the toughest, and often considered to be the most scenic and picturesque layout in the entire course, with its gentle slopes and fairways generously bordered by trees. The distance from the par-12th to the short par4 15th, on the turf connected to the primary course by a walkway below the Princess Highway, presents an awesome golfing ambience and the surface undulations increase the unpredictability, as well as the quirky nature of the course. The 532 metre par-5 13th hole makes heavy demands of accuracy and precision on the golfer, while he has to constantly look out for the trees bordering the fairway. The Grange’s longest, as well as the shortest hole requires straight swings. The definitive hole in the course is obviously the 146 metre par-3 18th, and golfers on the tee position would be treated to the beautiful sight of the frontal greens, and the fresh stream of the Mullet Creek. The brief fairway on the left side of the Creek, consists of dense bunker positions and the area is highly influenced by the winds. The Grange Golf Club also offers excellent amenities for lounging and relaxation at the modern, fully temperature regulated clubhouse. The clubhouse contains a spacious Function Room and fully licensed bar facilities. The bistro serves daily lunch, with dinner facilities available on Friday nights. |
