The international golfer said his venture into golf course design, teamed with Cashmore Golf Design, was exciting.

"I am a very proud Victorian so the fact that my first design is here is extremely exciting," he said.

"I have the utmost admiration for Tony and James Cashmore and look forward to working with them to incorporate my experience and thoughts into the new Forest Resort golf course design."

The new par 72 international standard golf course is part of the larger Forest Resort development, a $200 million integrated resort and residential development featuring a $60 million Novotel hotel.

"The existing Forest Resort golf course is to be extended into new land to create a spectacular 6300 metre golf journey featuring natural vegetation and crafted waterways," Allenby said.

"I believe the golf course will win international acclaim and I am extremely proud to be a part of this project."

The golf course is expected to be finished in March 2008.

Forest Resort managing director Jim Walsh said the development was the largest construction project outside Melbourne and would be the most significant relaxation and business travel destination this side of the South

Australian border.