"There is a common thread that binds many of the Illawarra's golf clubs - their relationship with the steel industry.
The Grange Golf Club, like Port Kembla Golf Club, exists only due to the huge influence of steel on the region. The Grange, formerly known as Australian Iron and Steel Collieries Golf Club, will celebtrate its 40th anniversary next year (2004). It was formed after BHP made available land it owned near Kembla Grange racecourse. Golfers from the local collieries and social golf clubs formed the basis of the foundation membership, while other members were canvassed among the steelworks personnel.
Course designer Arthur East, who was the head
professional at Sydney's Lakes Golf Club for nearly 16 years during the '30s and
'40s, assessed that the land was for a good golf course. East oversaw the design
and initial construction of the course, which opened for play in 1964. Eight
years later, design veteran Al Howard was commissioned to revamp a small
selection of holes.
The course that stands today is slightly longer - 6,270 metres from the blue championship markers - and offers a terrific experience. It is a course of two contrasting nines. The outward half is flat and easy walking, with the pick being the two par-3s - the 174 metre 4th and 154 metre 7th.
The picturesque Mullet Creek winds its way through the course, coming into play on 11 holes and at its most penal on the back nine. The gently undulating and more heavily tree-lined back nine presents The Grange's most memorable holes. The stretch from the par-12th to the short par4 15th - on land linked to the main course by a walkway under the Princes Highway - is superb. The land these holes have been laid out over rolls and dips far more then any of the earlier holes, which makes them more exciting. The 532 metre par-5 13th is a brute - not just for its length but also its demand for accuracy to avoid the rows of tall trees lining the fairway.
While The Grange's longest hole requires straight hitting, so does its shortest. The 146 metre par-3 18th is the club's signature hole - and for good reason. Standing on the tee there is only one thing between you the front edge the green - the cool, flowing waters of Mullet Creek. There is a short fairway to the left of the water and in front of putting surface, which is heavily bunkered. This hole is easily affected by wind and anything from a 3-iron to a wedge could be used to find the small undulating green."
Extract from "Golf Australia", September 2003 edition.