READ ON FOR MORE INFORMATION
Handicaps - you will see from the entry conditions that handicaps are fixed at their initial values for the purpose of the major Championship competitions. This is because there are fixed handicap grades (for men). The day prizes will be decided on the basis of best net scores for the day with up-to-date handicaps (we aim to get scores uploaded to GolfLink shortly after each round).
Motorised carts - let us know urgently if you need one. It looks like we may need to bring extra ones in which will increase the price. But this is better than missing out!
Schedule - click here
Course information - click here
Draw - due to a few late entries coming in we haven't done the draw yet.
Weather - it can still be showery/windy in Melbourne in late October/early November - so don't forget something warm/waterproof
Dinners - on the Monday night we are eating at the Middle Park Bowling Club - about 4 par 5s away near the opposite (south) side of the lake. We will do welcome to country there and the draw for Tuesday/Wednesday will be available. Be there by 630pm. It is possible to walk or perhaps you could catch a lift as many players will have cars - around 40. The venue is very close to the Middle Park station on the #96 tram route. By road you turn left off Canterbury Road just before you get opposite the Middle Park Hotel. There is a parking area after you pass under the tram track. You will need coins to park otherwise park in Canterbury Road.
On the Friday the dinner will be at Melbourne Bowls Club in historic Flagstaff Gardens just north of the CBD with William Street going up the east side and King Street on the west side. Be there by 700pm.
For extra people the cost is $30 per person at each dinner. About 10 people will be bringing partners and family as extras so we will cater for those. Let us know ASAP if you want to bring someone use the email address on links
Other extras - if you want extra shirts - $30 each, and caps - $15 each. Lunches - $7.50 each. Especially for the lunches let us know so we can cater for them - these will be the same lunch as for the players. You can also buy a fantastic IGAV shirt as well for $20.
To get around Melbourne on public transport you will need to get a myki card. You can buy these online www.myki.com.au or at outlets like newsagents. The idea is that you put a nominated amount of cash onto the card when you buy it and you can top up online or at outlets like newsagents. Each time you use the card money gets deducted. If you are quick enough you can see what balance you have left when you tap the card on the sensors on the tram or train. The tram will drop you in St Kilda Rd and then you walk west to the course (crossing St Kilda Rd and Queens Rd - WITH CARE!). The walk would be the same distance as a short par 4!The trams to catch from the City are #3,5,6 and 67 and you get off just after you pass the Albert Cricket Ground on the RH side of the tram. The #72 also works (you get off just before it turns left into Commercial Road) but as it stops just short of the Albert Cricket Ground you have a little further to walk.
Toll-road - if you drive on Citilink (which includes the Tullamarine Freeway) you will need to sort out a pass with Citilink. You can buy a pass at http://www.citylink.com.au/1090.htm - if you will be driving for more than a weekend a 30-day pass seems the best option.
Accommodation - you organise your own from the vast choice available. The golf course is a short tram or taxi ride from the city. Email us if you are struggling with the choice.
Onsite bag storage - Albert Park Golf Course will make a lockable shipping container available to us
Car parking - being so close to the City of Melbourne and the office buildings in St Kilda Rd and Queens Rd parking is tight. However, there is room at the course for golfers' cars for which a display ticket is required. You will be able to obtain a daily ticket when you register each day.
Those without official handicaps - a current Australian full GolfLink handicap is needed to play in the official event. Those without a current full Australian handicap will be able to play after the official field gets away. To encourage people to get a full handicap and insurance we are making arrangements for the scorecards of such players to be used for the purpose of getting a Golflink handicap and insurance for the rest of 2012 and all of 2013. IGAV encourages Victorian golfers to get handicaps and insurance and on this occasion we hope to offer the same service to others. A modest fee will be applicable because this process will involve membership of a golf club. At least one interstate golfer has taken advantage of this useful service by IGAV and its partner golf club at Growling Frog.
Extras - should you wish to have other than the standard $250 package, there will be a charge but this will depend on what you want eg guest lunch or dinners, shirts/caps etc. Email us so we can advise.
Practice - from the entry form you will see there is not much in the way of practice facilities at the course. However, there is a driving range just across Albert Park Lake - about 5 par 5s away. It is one stop closer to the city than the Middle Park station on the #96 line - use the Wright Street station.