Will be around this area this weekend , with another mate of mine from Sydney. Currently we are staying at the Peppers Resorts at The Sands & playing there Saturday , with 13th Beach, Beach course on the Sunday. Is the Sands a good option to play as I know the Beach course is rated well or would it be better playing the Creek course vs The Sands or somewhere elsewhere altogether?. Seeking opinions from those who have played courses down there.

13th Beach is the go, way better than the Sands although the Sands is still good. I have been a member at both. Currently a member at 13th.

I recommend playing both the Creek and Beach course. Beach is better but Creek is getting better all the time and they are both different. Creeks fairways are in immaculate condition at the moment.

Also wander over to Barwon Heads GC for a hit, great course. Play those 4 and you will have a great golfing trip. All different all good.

Niceshot…weren’t you a member at the Sands.

My order down there would be
13th – Beach
Barwon Heads
13th – Creek
The Sands
Curlewis (Not sure how they are going for water?)

The Sands is a good course, but it is tough and the bunkering is over done. That said I have only played it off the black marks. If you are a short knocker it can make for a long day.

Definately play Barwon Heads when you are down there

As Brad said, Barwon Heads is a must – great golf course. Played 13th Beach (Beach) course on 7/4/2008 for the first time and I was a little disappointed. The greens were quite good, fairways were very average, bunkers had no sand in them (the ones I was in anyway! – it felt like all of them!) The layout was quite good, however, the rough was too penalising around the greens. The rough is about 30 to 50cm long and thick and is only about 2 metres from the putting surface. The greens didn’t hold any shots into them and the shots ran through into this ridiculous rough. I lost 3 balls approximately 2 to 4 metres from the putting surface and when I did find my ball, it was a full swing (or two) with a wedge to get it out. Weather wise, it was quite a calm day, so the weather wasn’t an issue. IMO the rough was too penalising – I probably would have a different opinion of the course if I had of played well! :)

PS The clubhouse is great!!!!!!!!!!!

As Brad said, Barwon Heads is a must – great golf course. Played 13th Beach (Beach) course on 7/4/2008 for the first time and I was a little disappointed. The greens were quite good, fairways were very average, bunkers had no sand in them (the ones I was in anyway! – it felt like all of them!) .’

The bunkers were effected by a massive wind storm we had last week. Was cyclonic winds, some bunkers lost a lot of sand. Being fixed as we speak.

Niceshot…weren’t you a member at the SandsV>

I was but i left and joined 13th. Much better option.

I will also give a resounding thumbs up for Barwon Heads – fantastic layout.

Niceshot…weren’t you a member at the SandsV>

I was but i left and joined 13th. Much better option.

Good move mate..

The Creek is average at best – Curlewis is a much better option.

13BB and Barwon Heads are must plays down there.

Despite the bunkering The Sands is a decent enough challenge. Not too keen on the housing encroachment though.

The Creek is average at best – Curlewis is a much better option.

13BB and Barwon Heads are must plays down there.

Despite the bunkering The Sands is a decent enough challenge. Not too keen on the housing encroachment though.

Might want to steer clear of Curlewis their fairways are shot due to the drought. Basically have no fairways or crap ones to say the least.

To say the Creek is average i think is a bit harsh. When did you last play there? All of the fairways have been converted to Santa Ana couch now and are in mint condition as are the greens. Must be the design of the course you dont like which is fine as you are entitled to your own opinion. But the condidtion of the course cannot be faulted.

Niceshot…weren’t you a member at the SandsV>

I was but i left and joined 13th. Much better option.

Good move mate..

down and out…did ya get that?

Mate it was a super move. Can’t speak highly enough of the place. Although The Sands was good it is not a “Golf Club”. It lacks that club feel. And having 2 courses there is great as there is always one just for members. I played the Beach with the old man on Monday. Hit off at a leisurly 8.30, we were first off and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

RabbitohMitch

A sandy, tricked up golf course with surrounded by gaudy MacMansions should suit your style of golf. I’m starting to wish we chose Barwon Heads now – you have firmed for the Green Jacket.

After playing on the weekend, I would agree that for membership purposes 13th Beach is a better course. A great challenge off the black plates and not many houses encroaching onto the course. Greens were great but temporarily looks like the fairways are slightly out of nick and bunkering has been affected by the cyclone.
If you down for a first time hit though The Sands is a great course and I felt it was tougher. Greens were scary at times. the facilities at Peppers were good as well. Only real downside is the sheer quantity of residences on this course – not sure I’ve seen it to this extent before – even on the Gold Coast.
Point is, you are going to have a pretty good golf break wherever you play in this part of the world. Sounds like we need to play Barwon Heads soon.

Only real downside is the sheer quantity of residences on this course – not sure I’ve seen it to this extent before – even on the Gold Coast.

Their main interest at the Sands seems to be Corporate Days, and selling as many 500 square metre blocks, and charging ~$3000 per annum for Body Corp fees.

That’s a pity to hear about Curlewis’ fairways – its quite a decent public course. Come on rain !