Tallai is a Par 28, (one par 4 hole) situated on the Tallai Hills inland from Mudgeeraba. It is a hilly course so if you aren’t up to the exercise then i recommend you hire a cart.
A challenging opening hole with a narrow entrance and two-tiered undulating green
From the elevated tee position you can feel satisfied if you land on the first green. But like most of the greens here, the job is not done yet. Pat yourself on the back if you walk off with two putts.
The second hole is a demanding uphill tee shot leading to what I consider the best hole, the 3rd.
From the back white tee (second time around) it measures 166 metres to a mid-green pin position with large dams front and right of the hole. Go long left for safety and you will face the near impossible shot that would intimidate even those with the best short game. Coming forward 15 metres to the Blue tee for the first nine is still requires a good shot to make the middle of the two-tiered green.
Even off the Ladies Tee at only about 100 metres it can still be a case of bringing out that water ball that you have in your bag. By the way, if you happen to hit the electricity transmission wires that run across some of the holes, you get to replay your shot without penalty.
The view from the Ladies Tee at the 3rd
All of the greens on this course have undulations and sometimes quite steep falls to the front or sides. I’ve seen quite a few putts going past the hole and off the green, even into water on some occasions.
The greens are watered but the surrounds can be hard during extended dry periods putting a premium on accuracy or on your judgment of the bounce off some friendly greenside perimeter slopes.
The 9th/18th hole is a challenge for most players
The finishing 9th hole is a tester of only around 110metres. It has a water hazard most of the way to the front of the green with high slopes beyond the wide green which act as a backstop for the over-hit tee shot.. There is a middle ridge to this green. My advice is definitely to try to land on the correct side of this ridge for the pin position. be careful not to be short of the pin here that is usually on the high side of this back to front slope as there is every chance your ball will roll back into the water hazard. I’ve seen players deliberately hit a few clubs longer only to find themselves playing from a plateau half way up the slope towards the clubhouse. This leaves you with the terrifying shot with the water hazard perfectly placed to gather up any slightly overhit putt or chip down that slope.I’d ask one of your playing partners to act as wicket keeper just in case.
At only $12 for the nine holes or $18 for the two nines I believe this represents the low cost round on the Coast. Most of the week you will have no problem starting when you arrive. members have a comp on Wednesday and Friday afternoons so best to avoid those periods. You should also be able to get a game on a Saturday but I’d recommend you call up in advance just to be sure.
They are fairly relaxed with the rules here so if there are not many on the course you can play your social game as a 5, 6 or even more ball. Carts and hire sets or buggies are available. It’s a licensed club so no BYO drinks on the course. They have a very popular lunch menu available 7 days a week. The Tallai Rump for $12 is great value.
I’d recommend this course for any level of golfer wanting to sharpen up their iron play or for the social golfers who wants a friendly venue without the added stress of keeping their pace of play up on a busy crowded course.