Lochie's Boy
Hole 1 — 51m
The opening hole begins right outside the front door. A small willow tree blocks the direct line to the green, forcing a high tee shot over the trees.
The narrow angle into the green makes accuracy important. Miss right and the oak trees come into play, while a shot left can find the greenside bunker. Despite being one of the shorter holes at McGowan GC, Hole 1 still provides an early challenge.
Index: 8
Dedicated to our landlord's first win as a trainer - Lochie's Boy - this opening hole celebrates where winning stories begin.
The Kennel
Hole 2 - 52m
Hole 2 features one of the most enjoyable tee shots on the property, played from an elevated tee box tucked along the banks of the Onkaparinga River. The small green is framed by native vegetation on the left and a large bank on the right, which can be used to guide the ball back towards the green.
With the river running alongside the hole, any wayward shot to the left is likely to find the water, making accuracy essential from the tee.
Index: 5
Running alongside the Onkaparinga River, this hole is where our golden lab Charlie likes to linger, joint with a quiet tribute to our club. The Kennel.
Juney Babes
Hole 3 - 48m
A staple of McGowan GC, Hole 3 is played from an elevated tee box beneath a large old gum tree, showcasing the rustic surroundings of the course. Large sycamore trees overhang the left side of the green, with wayward shots often rebounding into unexpected positions. Miss right, however, and the steep bank can leave a difficult chip from well below the level of the green. The difference in elevation between the tee box and green can also make it difficult to judge the distance required, adding another challenge to the tee shot.
Index: 6
In memory of our late grandma June, lovingly known as Juney Babes. A chair bearing her name marks her eternal place on the course.
Edward James
Hole 4 - 40m
The easiest hole on the course still presents its own challenges. With several holes sharing the same oval-shaped green, the pin can be positioned well to either the left or right. Those familiar with the course will often land their tee shot just short of the green, allowing the ball to run towards the pin. Hit it too hard, however, and the ball can find the bunker protecting the back of the green, leaving a difficult recovery.
Index: 9
Both of our middle names trace back to the backyard where we first practised golf, and where the course's first hole once stood.
Sparkup
Hole 5 - 93m
The first of the paddock tee shots, Hole 5 presents a significant challenge. Played from the newly built tee box beneath a gum tree, the shot requires players to navigate over nearby power lines and towards the smallest green on the course.
A bunker guards the right side, while a small stream sits out of bounds short and left. Combined with the 93-metre distance, these hazards make Hole 5 one of the most demanding tee shots at McGowan GC, earning its position as the index 3 hole.
Index: 3
A perfect blend of the nearby stobie pole carrying electricity to our home, and one of our most successful horses, Sparkup.
Slideshow
Bella's Tree
Hole 6 - 113m
Situated in the back corner of the paddock beneath a lone gum tree, Hole 6 is played from the tee box furthest from the green. The exposed distance between tee and green means wind can have a significant impact on the shot.
Players must carry both the fence and bunker protecting the green, while a small stream comes into play down the left side. A slight miss left can find the hazard, although a shot further left can leave an easier recovery with a short chip back over the stream and onto the green.
Index: 2
A tribute to Bella the koala, our unofficial pet, who lived among the gum trees around the property. The tee sits beneath one, earning the hole her name.
Great Eastern
Hole 7 - 75m
Situated amongst the surrounding horse jumps, Hole 7 is the most exposed tee shot on the course. Positioned in the middle of the paddock, the 75-metre shot can be made even more difficult by unpredictable wind gusts.
Like the previous holes, players are required to carry the bunker protecting the green, this time from a new angle. While the bunker remains the main hazard, a miss to the right of the green is generally the most favourable position for recovery.
Index: 4
The surrounding jumps and logs around the tee evoke memories of our nearby racecourse and its most infamous race - The Great Eastern Steeplechase.
Cornerstone
Hole 8 - 131m
The most challenging hole on the course, Hole 8 earns its reputation as the longest and most demanding tee shot at McGowan GC. With an exposed tee box, wind gusts can make judging the shot even more difficult.
The green, shared with Hole 3, sits within a narrow window between two sets of trees. Sycamore trees overhang the right side, while a miss left can find trees or finish out of bounds. Those familiar with the course will often club down and aim to finish just short of the green, as shots hit too long can catch the downslope beyond the green and find the riverbank—or the Onkaparinga River itself.
Index: 1
A nod to our local school Cornerstone, where we both began before one of us left for a snobby school (Scotch) - a reminder of where we both came from.
Winning Post
Hole 9 - 51m
The final hole at McGowan GC was one of the first holes created on the property, originally built for fun and practice. The tee box sits beneath one of the oldest gum trees on the property and offers a unique angle into the green.
A stream running just short of the green is the main hazard, while a bunker to the right can make any missed tee shots difficult to recover from. The safest miss is generally long or left of the green. As one of the favourite holes among the regulars at McGowan GC, Hole 9 provides a fitting finish to the course.
Index: 7
Our final hole honours the record breaking 2025 season for Kirsten Mooney Racing Stables and marks the thrilling finish of a horse race.