Stuart Appleby one of the first to tee off at new Yarra Bend Driving Range

After more than four years of planning, the first stage of the Yarra Bend Golf Driving Range was opened for play on 3 October 2010. One of the first to tee off at the new driving range was Stuart Appleby, who was on site on 7 October.  Stuart is part of the Yarra Bend management consortium with Thomson Perrett, Bann Lynch an other tour players including Geoff Ogilvy and Paul Sheehan.

Situated just a few kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, Yarra Bend has been an extremely popular public golf course for 80 years.

The 30 undercover bays that have been opened are situated on the Yarra Bend Rd fringe of the course, next to the pro shop and carpark.  Future works include an additional 15 undercover bays, a new pro shop, extended relaxation areas, mini golf and a wellness centre.

The centre is a golfer’s one stop shop.  Yarra Bend is the Australian base for internationally acclaimed golf academy BannLynch Golf, who have dedicated professionals available both day and evenings for coaching and club fitting.
Opening hours are from 7am until 10pm. Excellent facilities include top quality practice mats and balls, and a 48,000 ball dispenser to ensure constant supply.

Unique to the range is the ground mounted flood lighting. Being used for the first time in Australia, it enables the entire flight of the ball to be seen at night by lighting the underside of the ball rather than above from lights mounted on high poles.
The Yarra Bend Park is a prominent precinct with the Yarra River wrapping around it. Home to a large grey headed flying fox colony, and extensive crown parkland, the process involved co-operation from many  groups and authorities. The opening is a great achievement for all involved and exciting news for Melbourne golfers. 

A special thank you to Project Manager Bernie Hogan for his work to date.

Stuart Appleby at Yarra Bend Driving Range