13 said Atkins. “On one hole we have an infinity-type green with just blue ocean behind it. It’s a great visual.” Oliver added: “The eighteenth doesn’t reach the coast but offers a lovely final view of the Southern Ocean. There are views from most holes, and a surprising glimpse of Pelican Lagoon from the par-three twelfth. While the aim has been to build 18 really solid, fun and interesting holes, it’s really the flow of the round and the variety of settings, and surprise views, that we hope will provide golfers with a full sensory experience and keep them coming back.” The Cliffs has seen Oliver reunited with several shapers he worked with at Cape Wickham, including Lindsay Richter and Glen Peck, as well as finisher Cameron Semple. “The skill of what Darius has done is the routing, especially the inland holes,” said Atkins. “Most of the people that have been out here already have been just as excited about the golf on the meadow land as the cliff holes. There’s a surprise on every hole, whether it be a view, the way it plays or the animals you see.” The site is home to kangaroos, Tammar wallabies, echidnas, goannas and wedge-tailed eagles, among many others. The course’s vegetation has also been a priority. “We’ve planted more than 2,500 native trees and plants and are on track to plant 10,000 more over the next five years,” said Atkins. “Our goal is to be one of the world’s most sustainable golf properties.” Oliver added: “The native vegetation is a genuine attraction of the site and will be something that golfers are aware of from the very first tee right through to the eighteenth green. Across the course are a variety of vegetation pockets. Some holes are dominated by forests of ancient, bearded heath trees, while in other places the golf weaves through remnant dune tussocks, indigenous South Australian irises and a mix of succulents and other coastal plants. The vegetation is up there with the landforms, the coastal views and the amazing wildlife as a major drawcard.” Kangaroo Island welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year. Atkins hopes to attract 15,000 guests to the golf course each year. TEE BOX “ The skill of what Darius has done is the routing, especially the inland holes” Darius Oliver says the holes at The Cliffs ‘have all got amazing views’ Photo: Jacob Sjöman
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