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AFTER a few days of pure hedonism we headed north east, towards the Queensland coast. But, still in New South Wales, we tarried for a night or two at the Horizons resort, near the coastal town of Port Stephens. It's less than an hour from Cypress Lakes and, being close to the sea, makes a lovely contrast.
If you're into big game fishing or dolphin and whale watching or simply messing about in boats this is the spot to be. There are dozens of cruisers for hire, of all sizes and for every pastime available on water. Seriously salty sums up Port Stephens.
The huge marina is quite a sight, and Horizons, just down the road, is equally eye-catching. It too is a complete resort, set in 200 acres, with every facility and attraction, all centred upon a golf course of classical configuration. Year-round golf is normal here: it's never too hot.
Horizons may lack the opulence and sheer elegance of Cypress Lakes but it is still a classy resort that's ideal for families and large groups. There's no hotel as such: accommodation is in apartments and condominiums of one to three bedrooms, all overlooking the golf course and with generous balconies for outdoor living.
There are 60 or so properties set in clusters and when the place is full there are 200 guests, so it's not a huge, sprawling sort of place although there's room to move and the sea air is like wine.
The resort opened in 1992, just after the golf course was completed. Both have won heaps of awards. The course has been ranked in Australia's Top 10 by the national golf magazine and you'll see why when you play it. It's a beauty.
Designed by Graham Marsh, it was built as a resort course but is capable of staging major professional events. The New South Wales Open will be held here for three years, starting in November 2002, and the Australian Ladies PGA Championship was held here the year before that.
It's a big challenge from the tiger tees and even from the club championship tees you'll know you've been put under the cosh by a course of melodic tempo. There are some meaty two shotters, some shorter ones and some exquisite par 3s. No two holes are similar and you'll use every club in the bag here.
There's lots of water, but only a couple of water carries. The agua is mainly in the sight-line, frequently edging the fairway and the cleverly designed greens. They're of pencross bent and get a tad sharp in summer. You wouldn't want too many 20 footers.
With all that water it's a visually appealing lay-out enhanced by large stands of trees and a lovely routing. It was the first Graham Marsh design I've played and I was mightily impressed. It makes Horizons worth any detour.
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