The Renaissance Club

No play until 6pm at the Open today, but the KHGC vs TRC match went ahead as planned.  There were white caps in the water, and if the flagpoles were flexible like at North Berwick, they would have been bending today also.

 A nice touch was the large competition board indicating all matches, in the foyer of the clubhouse.

 

 

I was using Marc Warren's locker today, and was hoping that some of the form he had shown at The Open might rub off on me.  Sadly it did not.

 

Having stayed here for four nights, all members were very keen to play the course.  This is the 1st hole.

The 4th hole is a great short, dogleg right par 4.

The green at the 6th.

Unlike many links courses, prior to development, the site was heavily populated with trees.  Many still remain a feature of the course.  This is the approach into the 7th hole.

The view looking back down the 7th.

The par three 8th hole.

One of the other great features of the course, is the old stone wall.  The wall was discovered during construction of the course, under scrub and bushes.  The walls were exposed as a feature, and some green locations, such as the 7th, were moved so as to position them closer to the walls.

The 9th hole is the signature hole of the club.  A par four that runs along the coast, and toward Fidra Island.  Fidra Island is widely regarded as the source of inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson, when writing Treasure Island.

A shot looking back down the 9th.  These holes were not originally here.  This land belonged to Muirfield Golf Club.  As the Renaissance development progressed, Muirfield were concerned that TRC might remove trees and build accommodation adjacent to the TRC driving range, which directly overlooks Muirfield.

Another shot looking back down 9.
Muirfield had been told that this piece of land could not be developed as golf holes.  Jerry Sarvadi, the owner of TRC, offered to give Muirfield the land which they were concerned about, near the TRC range, in exchange for this land.
As Muirfield believed it could not be developed, they agreed.  Jerry was able to get planning permission, and built the new holes out here.

The green on the 10th hole.
The original first 3 holes, are now used as practice holes.  Somewhere in addition to the 400 yard long driving range where you can work on your game.

The 16th hole.

Looking back down the Par three 17th.

And the stone wall on the18th, looking up to the clubhouse.

Members of both clubs enjoying each other's company, prior to presentations.

The winning pair from The Renaissance Club, Steve & Alex Kelly (41 pts), being presented their prize from KHGC Team captain, John MacKenzie.

The winning pair from Kingston Heath, Peter & Jenny Lucas (41 pts), receiving their prize from TRC Team Captain, Frank Docherty.

It was a tremendous day, that capped off a tremendous stay here at TRC.
Unfortunately the KH team narrowly lost the teams match, in an aggregate of each sides nine 4BBB Stableford scores.  318 for TRC vs 308 for KHGC.

A great relationship has been formed between the two clubs, with TRC looking to visit Melbourne for the return match in 2016.

Thanks very much to Jerry Sarvardi, Jordan Whyte, Russell Smith and Nathan Keast from the TRC, for all of their assistance in making this a great day.

As we concluded our golf, The Open was only just re-commencing the remaining holes of the 2nd round.  The event will now go to a Monday finish, meaning unfortunately that our Sunday viewing will only be viewing of the 3rd round.  Good to see quite a few Aussies in the mix.  It should still be a great day's viewing.