Birdies, eagles and now crabs on the golf course
US Masters Champion Adam Scott may have tamed the Augusta, Georgia course, but the inaugural Christmas Island Golf Open would present him with an even bigger challenge, according to the event’s organisers.
Wedged between the cliffs of an ancient volcano and the Indian Ocean, the tropical island’s palm-lined golf course lays claim to being one of Australia’s most spectacular.
However, it’s not its dramatic setting which makes Christmas Island such a challenging course, rather it’s the unusual hazards presented by the island’s wildlife.
The island’s ubiquitous red crabs march en-masse across the course, forcing the local golf club to introduce unique rules.
"If a crab moves your ball you must place it back to where it landed, and if your ball falls into a crab hole, you have a free drop," explains Alan Thornton, club president of the Christmas Island Golf Club.
Golfers also need to need to keep a watchful eye on the sky.
"Some birds, including the Christmas Island frigate bird, will land on your golf stick if you hold it high," explains Thornton.
Little wonder the club’s logo has a bird carrying a golf stick.
"The whole community is getting involved, with private companies (construction company Acker has secured naming rights), the government and many other residents preparing the course and club house for the big event," says Thornton.
The tournament, which includes a-hole-in-one contest, three-person Ambrose and Open Stroke Event will be held on the weekend of May 18-19.
Package deals for the inaugural Christmas Island Open start from A$1700 per person twin share, including return airfares form Perth, five nights accommodation, extra luggage allowance for clubs, green fees, dinner after events, on-island transport and memorabilia packages. Places are limited.
For details contact www.islandexplorer.com.au
Ian Jarrett
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