Great Golf Courses of Australia

Victoria

Located just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre, the renowned Melbourne Sandbelt is a must-play destination for any golfer. Acclaimed golf architect Dr Alister MacKenzie is behind the design of Australia’s most famous course; Royal Melbourne West Course.

Close by, find the spectacular Sandbelt courses of Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Victoria, Yarra Yarra, Huntingdale, Commonwealth and the newly redeveloped two courses of Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. Each exhibits unique characteristics and memorable features earning them a reputation as some of the best courses in Australia, if not the world.

The courses of the Melbourne Sandbelt region have played host to countless memorable championships including The Presidents Cup, The World Matchplay Championship, The Australian Open, The Australian Masters and The Johnny Walker Classic. For those looking to stay near to the action, nothing is closer than residing overnight on-course. Both Victoria Golf Club and Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club offer accommodation options onsite.

On the Melbourne fringe lies the classic golf challenge of Woodlands Golf Club.

South of the city, on the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, golfers are tempted with a selection of three links courses at The National Golf Club. Perched upon seaside cliff tops and the rolling dunes of Cape Schanck, The National’s dramatic landscape will awe-inspire while the impressive course design will engage your sense of skill. Off the golf course explore galleries, spas and cafes in seaside villages, boutique breweries and wineries.

New South Wales

New South Wales has much to offer; Sydney  – the magnificent and vibrant harbour city, the quiet seclusion of picturesque bays, beaches and coastal inlets; the majestic Blue Mountains; The Hunter Valley wineries and breathtaking golf experiences.

On the edge of the rugged cliffs of Botany Bay looking out to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies the renowned golf route of the New South Wales Golf Club. Set atop the coastal headland, this course, designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, is ranked in the World Top 100. The inspiring layout is bound by water on three sides and has many characteristics of true links golf. The undulating fairways and small greens call for great skill, particularly when the sea breeze blows.

Golfers in Sydney should not miss one of Sydney’s most prestigious private golf clubs, The Lakes Golf Club. Located just 15 minutes from the CBD, The Lakes borders the Botany Aquifer and Wetlands area, showcasing spectacular views and an abundance of wildlife alongside one of Australia’s great golf courses.

Tasmania

Tasmania is a land of untouched beaches, rugged mountain ranges, the world’s largest tract of temperate rainforest and extraordinary World Heritage listed wilderness that makes up almost 20 percent of the island.

Home to Australia’s twin golfing gems – Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm - it’s only fitting that Tasmania’s rugged dunes and untouched coastline make Barnbougle a visually spectacular golf destination.

Designed by US architect Tom Doak and Australian Mike Clayton, Barnbougle Dunes rolls through the sandy coastal dunes of north-east Tasmania. Wide fairways, unforgiving roughs and undulating greens make Barnbougle Dunes the perfect challenge for all skill levels. This course has become an iconic Australian representation of the true links golf courses of Scotland and Ireland.

Designed by Bill Coore, the adjacent Barnbougle Lost Farm has rapidly earned a reputation as one of Australia’s best courses. This magnificent links course with dramatic dunes and ocean vistas has raced into the World Top 100 rankings. Linger longer and enjoy the serenity in the onsite lodge or cabin accommodation and enjoy fresh local fare in one of the food and beverage venues.

South Australia

Adelaide is the gateway to South Australia’s stunning landscapes and, of course, fabulous golf. From here you can explore the renowned wineries of the Barossa Valley, the seal colonies and the rugged coast of Kangaroo Island.

Royal Adelaide, Australia’s oldest established golf club, is a standout amongst South Australia’s many exceptional courses. One of the World’s Top 100 courses, Royal Adelaide, was designed by Australians C. L. Gardiner and H. L. Rymill. However, it was the later consultation by the famed Dr Alister MacKenzie that saw valuable changes made to the course, thoughtfully incorporating the site’s magnificent natural features and confirming its position as one of Australia’s great courses.

Nearby lies Kooyonga Golf Club, a magnificent layout on the sandy terrain between Adelaide’s city centre and lively Glenelg Beach. Featuring undulating fairways culminating in well protected greens, native trees line Kooyonga’s fairways and will punish inaccuracy. The greens are generally firm and small with prominent bunkers destined to catch wayward shots. A spectacular layout by H.L. Rymill, Kooyonga will inspire your senses and challenge your golf skills.

A short pitching wedge away lies The Grange Golf Club. The birthplace of Greg Norman’s professional career, The Grange Golf Club combines two internationally rated 18 hole golf courses just 14km from Adelaide.

These three spectacular South Australian layouts make up the rotation for the Women’s Australian Open tournament.

Queensland

A delightful blend of sun filled days, calm waters, secluded beaches, the Great Barrier Reef and diverse rainforest hinterlands, Queensland showcases Australia’s exceptional golf in a tranquil tropical paradise.

The Great Barrier Reef, sailing, luxurious accommodation and one of Australia’s finest golf courses are all within easy reach on Hamilton Island. Stay on the island and enjoy a round on nearby Dent Island, Australia’s only championship island golf course. With a spectacular backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands, the course’s changes in elevation, restricted landing areas and the ever-present ocean breeze provide a definite challenge from the back tees and enjoyable resort golf from the forward tees.

PREMIER AND UNIQUE GOLFING EXPERIENCES

In addition to Australia’s spectacular drawcard courses of the Signature Collection, Great Golf Courses of Australia includes an array of other great golf tracks and experiences in the Premier Courses of Australia and Unique Golf Experiences tiers. The courses within these two tiers offer a golfing experience to suit a wider range of budgets and golfing abilities and tend to be located in tourism hotspots. These courses are an excellent alternative for golfers travelling to popular tourism areas or looking to book a round of golf to enhance their Australian experience as opposed to the golf enthusiast visiting Australia primarily to play golf.

Reservations and golf course etiquette 

Part of golf’s appeal is the history and etiquette. Australian golf is no different, standard rules and regulations apply when playing these spectacular courses.

The availability of carts on Australian courses will vary from club to club. Golf in its traditional form is played without carts and many of the great courses in Australia have inherited this tradition. However, should a golfer be physically unable to walk a course, carts may be made available. Please be sure to enquire about cart hire when planning your itinerary.

As a general rule, golfers are required to submit their handicap during the golf booking process. The Great Golf Courses of Australia vary in difficulty. In providing your handicap details it can be assured that the courses you wish to play will be enjoyable for you. Golfers that do not have a handicap should indicate this when making a booking request so we can work with you to select courses that will be most suitable.

Dress code may vary from course to course, but as a general rule, golf gear must be neat casual. Collared shirts or golf polos are required for both men and women and shorts must be at minimum, knee length. Golf shoes are required on course.

Useful Links

Great Golf Courses of Australia

Website: www.greatgolfaustralia.com.au
Instagram: @greatgolfaus
Facebook: facebook.com/GreatGolfCoursesOfAustralia/
Twitter: @greatgolfaus