Gary Lisbon has been an accomplished Melbourne-based golf-course photographer for almost two decades. His photographic goal is clear-cut: to capture the essence of the golfing landscape and the spirit of the game — through the medium of his camera.

With an appreciation for the game's traditions, and a genuine love of the playing aspect, Gary brings a golfer's perspective to his photography, ably demonstrated by the spectacular and enduring images from many of Australia's and New Zealands famous golf courses.

Having grown up in Melbourne, Australia, in the middle of its world-famous Melbourne 'Sandbelt' region, Gary's golfing environment provides ample opportunity to practise his photographic skills. Previously a pennant player with a low, single-figure handicap, he now plays from a seven handicap at The National Golf Club, Cape Schanck.

A long-time panelist and World Top-100 course-rater for the illustrious Golf Magazine, Gary's images have graced the pages of the golf industry's premier magazines. An early riser by choice – also a vocational requirement – Gary's patience is reflected in this series of attractive images, which celebrate the striking yet ever-changing mood of the Down Under golfing landscape.

Married to Maureen, with three gorgeous daughters, Alex, Danielle and Grace, Gary is a committed Christian and devoted family man. He thanks God for, among many things, the ability to inspire golfers with his appealing photographs.

'Take a swing', a somewhat simple statement by a friend, was the catalyst for Great Golf Down Under. Made in the context of his life story, this comment underscores the importance of sometimes taking a chance by stepping out of your comfort zone. Self-publishing was certainly a big step out of my comfort zone! Not quite the magnitude of Neil Armstrong's famous step; but a big step, all the same.

So who else to turn to but Paul Daley — someone I respect immensely in this realm, and a person who has carved an enviable niche as publisher of numerous high quality golf publications over the past decade. I approached Paul in May 2008 and expressed my desire to have Great Golf Down Under in our hands by mid-September in the same year. Paul held back a few laughs, I am sure, and then proceeded to outline the required processes and necessary timeline. Paul's parting shot was: 'Gary, it's pedal to the metal'. With those words ringing in my ears, we began. Paul made the job of self-publishing Great Golf Down Under a lot easier than it could have been and provided much invaluable advice. Thank you, Paul, for making this project manageable and enjoyable.

My thanks also go to Andrew Cunningham of Studio Pazzo, who pulled all of my ideas and assorted imagery into a seamless product. Take a closer look at most of the Melbourne-created golf publications over the past dozen years, and you'll notice Andy's name appearing in the credits for design and layout.

Splitting Image, a colour management firm, expertly carried out its work and enabled the images to 'bounce' off the pages – or, in Andrew and Paul's words: to 'sing'.

These images have been captured over the last decade, necessitating countless early mornings, late evenings and sanity-questioning rides in single passenger helicopters. For every golf club there has been a friendly general manager, secretary/manager or golf professional who took pride in allowing me to capture their golf course at its finest. Their initial, enthusiastic response made the decision to publish the book a lot easier.

A collective thank you, therefore, to all golf club personnel who played their part.

I would also like to acknowledge Michael Clayton, a highly-regarded Australian golf course architect and co-designer (with Tom Doak) of Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links. Michael's insightful Foreword demonstrates his great knowledge and feel for the game.

A first-time project can never see the light of day without a supportive and loving family. I would like to sincerely acknowledge my wife, Maureen, for her constant support, guidance and companionship. To our beautiful daughters, Alex, Dani and Grace, your company on those many cold and long mornings made my photographic task much more comfortable. Let's also remember as a family, with fondness, the time we managed to get bogged in the sand alongside the second hole at Barnbougle Dunes!

I would also like to express my gratitude to God – who created everything, putting in place the ground on which the golf courses featured in this book have been crafted – for his amazing blessing and provision that has enabled Maureen and I to undertake this project.

I encourage you to enjoy this publication; to leaf through the pages in no particular order; to day-dream about playing these courses. Let it wash over you! Golf is a wonderful pastime and I hope these images help reaffirm your love of the game. Enjoy!

Gary Lisbon