History

Buckinghams Cottage

Buckinghams Cottage is situated about 150 metres north of the 16th hole.

William Buckinghams Homestead comprises an original mud brick and iron homestead with a timber framed addition, a rammed earth construction sheep dip and a Cockscomb Coral tree.

It is one of the oldest extant buildings in the Roleystone district, and is associated with the European settlement of south-western Australia in general and the development of the Roleystone/Kelmscott area as an agricultural district in particular.

The sheep dip at William Buckinghams Homestead, constructed of rammed earth and stucco is an unusual piece of construction, with its U shaped plan form.

Rogers Tree

The golf course was designed by Michael Coate and Roger Mackay. Michael has designed many fine courses throughout Australia and Asia.

In conjunction with Roger and Ian Baker Finch this group designed the wonderful links layout at Kennedy Bay.

Here is a little of the history of Araluen Golf Course.

The Par 16th was the first hole on the course designed, there is only one way that hole can be played, so the rest of the course followed from there. The beautiful Par 5 17th is a mirror image of the 13th hole at Augusta National and 18th continues the flow up the enchanted Valley to the clubhouse.

One of the most talked about holes on the course is Hole 1.

There is a large tree about 150 metres short of the green on the right hand side of the fairway,the tree edges out onto the fairway and catches a lot of golf balls.

Roger wanted the tree removed, but all his requests were refused.

After Roger passed away, a plaque was placed at the base of the tree. It states:

"If you've just hit this tree , don't blame Roger, he wanted it cut down"

The large tree is now the most loved tree on the course.

The First Hole in One

The first official hole in one recorded at Araluen was by James Low from Singapore, who aced the 165 metre Sixteenth hole on October 19th, 1995.

Brads Drive

At the 2005 WAPGA title, Victorian Professional Brad McIntosh hit one of the most amazing tee shots on Hole 18, from off the back tee, Brad hit his tee shot over the huge poplar trees on the corner of the dogleg, the ball then carried the water crossover 260 metres from the back markers, finishing about 80 metres from the green.

Brad fine shot making continued with a superb pitch shot to within a metre of the hole and a wonderful birdie three giving him 3rd place in the tournament.

His tee shot was well over 320 metres!