ETW Staff – Mumbai
Greg Norman officially launched The Eastern Golf Club’s new course in Yering, located within Melbourne’s famous Yarra Valley, on October 16, 2015. In selecting the setting of the Yering Gorge, where bushland intersects with the Yarra River against the backdrop of the Christmas Hills and Dividing Ranges, Eastern Golf Club’s vision was to establish a country estate within the Yarra Valley, whilst respecting the informal character and rich traditions of the Club that date back to 1896.
Ben Telley, general manager, The Eastern Golf Club, said, “The opening of The Eastern Golf Club in Yering represents a US$70 million tourism and sports infrastructure investment into the Yarra Valley and the Club believes that its relocation to Yering will further establish the Yarra Valley region as a premier golf destination.”
With a philosophy to create an environment that would be in harmony with the broader landscape, The Eastern Golf Club commissioned Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) to design the 27 hole championship standard course plus a nine hole, par three course. Recognised as an industry leader in promoting the compatibility of golf courses with the environment, Norman’s ‘least-disturbance approach’ design philosophy has created a course that is complementary to the existing topography whilst ensuring that the natural features and dramatic views are maximised to enrich the playing experience.
Greg Norman, Greg Norman Golf Course Design said, “My responsibility when designing a golf course is to ensure it complements the natural surrounds, and at Eastern, to showcase the native flora and fauna that Australia is renowned for. Yarra Valley’s Eastern Golf Club is a place where members can enjoy teeing off with kangaroos while taking in the views of the surrounding Christmas Hills and Dividing Ranges. This course delivers a natural golf experience and I am proud to be a part of it.”
The remaining nine, of the planned 27 holes together with a nine hole par three course are currently under construction and scheduled for completion in April / May, 2016.
Designed by leading architects, Perrott Lyon Mathieson, the new Club House reflects an environment of understated elegance whilst engaging with the surrounds through the choice of building materials; subdued colour selection and a design focus that creates seamless transitions between interior spaces and the natural environment. The surrounding landscape has seen the reintroduction of native plants and the use of rock forms and water to emulate the uniquely Australian landscape.
As part of the day’s events, Norman will conduct a coaching clinic for returned servicemen and women, from the Greg Norman Foundation’s charity partner for the opening, Soldier On.