Tassie Tourism receives a boost

Golf superstar Greg Norman made a flying vist into Tasmania on Sunday to launch the design of his latest golf and residential development near Orford.

The Greg Norman Golf Course Design 18-hole championship course is a key component of the $150 million Solis development, a multi-dimensional community that will also include 550 residential allotments, 60 eco-cabins, a visitor centre and museum, deep water jetty, health spa and retreat.

The Great White Shark said he fell in love with the property, which has a stunning Maria Island backdrop, the first time he walked the proposed course.

“The first thing that appealed to me was the spectacular long views,” he said.

“There is no better feeling or thrill, as far as I’m concerned, than seeing a golf course come out of the virginal ground.”

Norman said he expected the 6300-metre, 71-par course to be ready for its opening in 18 months.

“We are designing a course that’ll appeal to everybody, for all skill levels,” he said.

“There’s a delicate balance between accessible broad corridors and making it too easy.”

The gala launch was attended by 100 guests including Premier Paul Lennon.

Mr Lennon said having people of the calibre of Greg Norman associated with significant investments like this said a lot about how far tourism had come in Tasmania.

“Visitor numbers to Tasmania broke 820,000 last year and Tasmania has never been a more attractive or sought-after destination,” he said.

Mr Lennon said of that number about 30,000 visitors to Tasmania were on golfing holidays.

He said the Norman-designed course would enhance Tasmania’s reputation as a top golf tourism destination on the back of the Barnbougle Dunes development near Bridport.

“This development will also be of enormous benefit to the Orford and Triabunna communities, providing employment and further investment opportunities to the region.”