Mount Compass Golf Course
A course review of Mount Compass Golf Course in McLaren Vale, South Australia
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A view from our airbnb in Aldinga Beach
Getting there…
In Adelaide for the weekend, we decided to spend two nights in McLaren Vale along the Fleurieu Peninsula. I love this place - it is one of my favourites, with plentiful wine, countryside and stunning blue ocean views. We stayed at a little airbnb in Aldinga Beach, and took the opportunity to book 18 holes at the Mount Compass Golf Course. Not knowing what to expect, we arrived to an incredible view overlooking the course from the clubhouse, and a warm welcome from the proshop. Weather (wind, temperature) it was a cool, late teens autumn morning, no wind.
The review
Condition 15/20
Excellent, particularly the greens.
Red Browed Firetail
Biodiversity /20
Loads of water birds and kangaroos, out in nature. We also saw the eastern rosella, red browed firetail (first time!), new holland honeyeater, little wattlebird, Australian swamphen, galahs, maned duck, white faced heron, yellow tailed black cockatoos and welcome swallows.
Vistas 15/20
Particularly as you arrive looking down from the carpark and the Range restaurant, spectacular.
Organisation 17/20
We are challenged to remember a warmer welcome, especially from the Range restaurant. The clubhouse has lovely views around the course.
Design 16/20
Reminded us of Lake Karrinyup in terms of layout, water obstacles, and had a feel of Alsace links in the country. Quite hills and the designer made use of this and the natural environment. Quite a few houses (newly, being-built) which detract a little from the natural feel.
Looking back from the 18th
Suggestions and strategy
Something the course taught you: reading unfamiliar greens
Favourite hole: 18th up the hill to the clubhouse
Some advice: keep out of the rough if you can, pack extra balls!
Hazards and Highlights
One surprise: undulating greens
One birdie: red browed firetails!
Biggest challenge: fairway bunkers and hidden water!
Mental approach: how to manage overthinking - bringing the attention back to the present moment using the NNNPW technique… (how to here)
Overall Score
81%
Our review of this course on this specific day.
