Golf Courses - Australia's Top 100 by nextmedia Pty Ltd

golf australia

JANUARY 2015

main: Stonecutters Ridge made a big move up in this year’s ranking. inset: Joondalup’s Quarry nine features twice on the list.

WORDS: BRENDAN JAMES & STEVE KEIPERT PHOTOGRAPHY: BRENDAN JAMES

ustralia is blessed with hundreds of quality courses, which not only offer a terrific golf experience but are affordable and fun to play. At last count there were approximately 1,500 courses spread throughout the land, ranging from the ultra-exclusive city layouts down to the nine-hole ‘sand-scrapes’ commonly found in rural and outback towns. Within that large number of courses there are private, semi-private and restricted-access layouts that are not readily playable for the average golfer. However, the vast majority of courses welcome visiting golfers – they are public accessible. By our definition, a public access course is one that sets aside tee-times for visiting golfers for a minimum of four days a week. As you follow our ranking through, you will note some highly-regarded resort courses, like Magenta Shores, Sanctuary Cove Pines and The Sands Torquay, have been omitted from our public access ranking. In terms of our publicaccess criteria, they do not qualify because they restrict access to their members and guests of the adjoining resort. We also didn’t consider several more courses for this ranking. Gardiners Run and Club Mandalay have only fully opened within the past eight months and the vast majority of our judges did not have an opportunity to visit both courses, located just outside Melbourne. They will certainly be considered for the 2017 ranking. Also, judges were instructed not to submit votes for the two 18-hole combinations incorporating the Green nine at RACV Royal Pines Resort, which was under reconstruction during 2014. The final ranking was compiled over the past two years since our last Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking was published. Golf Australia editors were joined by a team of committed Golf Australia readers who volunteered to present their opinions and insights on courses played during their travels. This involved visiting courses, without notice, and noting any changes to the design as well as the presentation of the course. They all paid for their rounds of golf. Each judge was given a list of voting guidelines and our judging criteria (published here on page 68) as well as an excerpt of words of wisdom from the great course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, they could use as a guide to appraise courses. “A pleasurable course is synonymous with a good one. No course can give lasting pleasure unless it is a good test of golf. I also submit that no course can be really first rate unless it appeals to all classes of players,” MacKenzie wrote. With those words, our judges went forth and more than 155 courses received votes as a result. We estimate there are about 1,100 public access courses in Australia, which means the courses that made our inaugural Top-100 ranking and subsequent lists represent the very best courses you can readily play. Enjoy!

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golf australia

JANUARY 2015

BALLARAT

The List …

The home of golf in the Goldﬁelds

One of Victoria’s leading regional golf courses, the award winning Peter Thomson course provides an outstanding experience for golfers of all levels. The club has stepped into the next chapter of its history oﬀering a full range of membership options, state of the art facilities and play & stay packages.

100. TOCUMWAL GC PRESIDENTS COURSE Tocumwal, New South Wales NEW ENTRY

Tocumwal is the biggest improver of any course along the Murray and as a result it cracks a spot in our Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking for the first time. The standard of conditioning seems to improve year-on-year, right across the entire 36 holes at Tocumwal. Of particular note here is the condition of the putting surfaces, which always seem to have a good cover of bentgrass and are some of the best greens to putt on anywhere along the Murray. The Presidents course narrowly has the wood on its neighbouring Captains course because our judges felt it has a greater number of interesting and challenging holes. www.tocumwalgolf.com.au

98. COBRAM-BAROOGA GC OLD COURSE Barooga, New South Wales DOWN 14 

This layout is rightly named as it has an ‘old’ feel about it with its rolling fairways being framed by tall, established River Red gums and pines. The putting surfaces are generally of an older design, in terms of shape and size, although some greens have been upgraded in recent times. The fairways, too, have also been converted to Wintergreen couch. Most of our judges felt the Old course had lost some of its polish from years gone by and in comparison with other courses along the Murray it needs to make up some ground. www.cbgc.com.au

Experience the Ballarat Golf Club for yourself...

97. TURA BEACH CC Merimbula, NSW DOWN 4 

This rolling, reclusive layout on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales illustrates Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge’s expert versatility when it comes to designing golf courses on varying land. The Tura Beach site moves from open hillside fairways with views to the adjoining Pacific Ocean to coastal flats and on to swathes of bushy forests, each set of surroundings accommodating interesting and challenging golf holes. As for which section houses the best part of the course, well, that’s not immediately obvious. But all departments of your game need to fire in order to score well. www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au

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MOLLYMOOK GC hilltop course Mollymook, NSW DOWN 2 

The undulating and visually stunning Hilltop course includes an inward half to rival the best regional nines in the country. Characterised by slick, sloping putting surfaces at the end of fairways that wind through chutes of tall timber, Mollymook’s main course (the nine-hole Beachside layout is located nearer the coast) is an 18-hole tree-lined thrill ride. Among the highlights is an Amen Corner-like stretch that fittingly encompasses the par-4 11th, par-3 12th and par-5 13th holes. One rule of thumb here: don’t leave your ball above the hole. www.mollymookgolf.com.au

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YARRAWONGA MULWALA GC RESORT LAKE COURSE Mulwala, New South Wales NEW ENTRY

Yarrawonga Mulwala’s Murray course has been a mainstay of this ranking for several years. The club’s Lake course now joins it in the Top-100 as a result of better conditioning across the entire complex. The Lake course is more open than the adjoining Murray course, with far less tall timber framing the holes. As the name suggests though, there are some water hazards to contend with and two of its most memorable holes – the par-5 13th and par-3 14th – play along either side of one of the prettiest lakes. www.yarragolf.com.au

96. NARACOORTE GC Naracoorte, New South Wales NEW ENTRY

Naracoorte makes its debut in this ranking and some might suggest it is long overdue. The par-72 is not overly long and the rolling terrain makes it an enjoyable walk. The course is nicely manicured and would be the envy of many city courses with bigger budgets. The greens and the 30-plus bunkers scattered throughout are very good. The practice of cutting the greens right to the edge of some bunkers – as practised throughout the Melbourne Sandbelt – adds to the challenge of keeping your ball in position for the best approach to the flag. www.naracoortegolf.com.au

95. THE SANDHURST CLUB NORTH COURSE Sandhurst, Victoria DOWN 15 

The Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett-designed North course covers the less dramatic land to be found at Sandhurst but there are still some standout holes that will live in your memory, including the par-3 3rd hole, the par-5 9th, where you need to make two water carries, and the very good risk-and-reward short par-4 14th hole.

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Reviews from some of our judges were mixed in regard to the conditioning of the course, which they thought had dropped off from their previous visits. www.sandhurst.com

94. LAUNCESTON GC Launceston, Tasmania NEW ENTRY

Launceston is the oldest 18-hole course in Tasmania, having opened for play in 1901. While the club is private, visitors are welcome to play outside competition times. The course makes its long-awaited debut in this ranking after several years of course improvements, from tweaks to the design to offering a better standard of presentation. With fairways lined by tall stands of eucalypts, blackwoods and wattles, Launceston more than makes up for its lack of length (by modern standards) with thought-provoking holes. www.launcestongolfclub.com.au

93. FORSTER-TUNCURRY GC TUNCURRY COURSE Tuncurry, New South Wales DOWN 3 

Forster-Tuncurry’s Tuncurry layout has dipped slightly from its No.90 spot in 2013 but it actually received

more voting points than it did in both 2013 and 2011, which suggests the new entries to the list have shuffled it back. Laid out on ideal sand-based land, Tuncurry’s fairways rise and fall over the natural dunes that run predominantly north/south and parallel with most fairways. The introduction of a new irrigation system a few years back has seen the playing surfaces continue to improve and complement the simple but good design. www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au

91. VICTOR HARBOR GC Victor Harbor, South Australia NEW ENTRY

Victor Harbor makes its debut in our Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking on the back of improved conditioning across the entire layout, which complements an interesting and challenging design. The most memorable moment here is walking out onto the 1st tee, which is elevated nearly 40 metres above the fairway, and looking out and beyond the hole to Encounter Bay. The front nine also has the lion’s share of the best holes with the par-3 3rd and the dogleg right par-4 8th being standouts. In recent years, wastewater has been used to irrigate the layout which is arguably the best presented in the region. www.victorharborgolf.com.au

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90. MURWILLUMBAH GC Murwillumbah, New South Wales NEW ENTRY

This New South Wales northern rivers course was desperate unlucky not to make the Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking in 2013, finishing just a few points outside the list. Murwillumbah makes its debut this year instead and fully deserves its spot. Regarded as a ‘hidden gem’ for many years, the par-71 covers fantastic rolling topography that is home to some terrific holes and provide scenic views across Mt Warning National Park. Its surge into the Top-100 can also be attributed to the high level of presentation of its fairways, tees and greens. www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au

89. ALICE SPRINGS GC Alice Springs, Northern Territory DOWN 6 

With the majestic MacDonnell Ranges forming the backdrop and some of the fairways lined by rocky outcrops or ochre-coloured sand, Alice Springs offers quality golf in the desert as well as a scenic tour during a round. Accuracy is of utmost importance around this testing Thomson and Wolveridge layout, as missing any fairway or green can result in your next shot being played from a rocky or sandy lie. Alice’s dip in the ranking here is more the result of new entries and the rise of other courses in the list. www.alicespringsgolfclub.com.au

88. COOLANGATTA & TWEED HEADS GC

WEST COURSE Tweed Heads South, New South Wales UP 3  Coolangatta & Tweed Heads’ West course is longer and has the appearance of being a little more open than the adjoining River course. Despite being one of the busiest courses in the region, both layouts are immaculately presented and the greens staff do a terrific job managing wear and tear from golfers, especially around the edges of the greens. Our judges could not fault the playing surfaces, singling out the greens as some of the best to putt on in the Gold Coast area. www.cooltweedgolf.com.au

87. RIVERSIDE OAKS RESORT GANGURRU COURSE Cattai, New South Wales UP 1 

Riverside Oaks’ original course, which hosted the recent New South Wales PGA Championship, has shed its tired look of past years under current owners, the Nanshan Group. The Chinese golf-course operator spent considerable funds reinvigorating the entire layout when it took over in 2009. The result is a re-worked 9th fairway and new 9th green, altered to

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85 now give the resort a full-length practice fairway, as well as a significant course renovation program that included upgrading the bunkers. www.riversideoaks.com.au

86. GISBORNE GC Gisborne, Victoria DOWN 11 

Gisborne, about 40 minutes’ drive north-west of Melbourne’s CBD, features a terrific variety of holes with several, like the par-3 16th hole, offering players scenic views of the Macedon Ranges. Various upgrades and improvements, especially to the bunkering, have been made to the course in recent times, which has raised the standard of presentation of what is a highly enjoyable golf experience. However, some of our judges noted it can be heavy under foot after wet weather. www.gisbornegolf.com.au

85. FLINDERS GC Flinders, Victoria DOWN 9 

Flinders, on the southern-most tip of the Mornington Peninsula, works its way inland from the cliffs

overlooking Bass Strait and stretches to just 5,277 metres. It’s no pushover though, as it would be a rare day when there was no wind blowing here. The short par-4 4th hole, called ‘The Coffin’ and a hole suggested by the legendary designer Dr Alister MacKenzie, is an obvious highlight on a course that is fun to play and is well presented. That said, long hitters might find it frustrating but those that keep their ball in play will love it. www.flindersgolfclub.com.au

84. ROSEBUD CC SOUTH COURSE Rosebud, Victoria DOWN 5 

Rosebud’s South course is more open than its North course neighbour, which makes it less penal on errant shot-making. That said, there is no shelter from the wind and weather among dense crops of trees, either. All our judges found both courses very well presented but noted the difference between North and South was the latter’s lack of variety. The par-72 covers relatively flat ground and some judges noted a “sameness” in the look and way to play many holes. www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au

World Class Golf in the Outback For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play this highly acclaimed Graham Marsh designed championship course. Situated in the heart of Western Australia Goldﬁelds, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is rated amongst the top 22 public access courses in the country.

World Class Golf PART OF THE NULLABOR LINKS Phone: (08) 9026 2626 in the Outback Email: golf@kalgoorliegolfcourse.com www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com

For a truly unique outback golf experience, come and play this highly acclaimed Graham Marsh designed championship course. Situated in the heart of the Western Australian Goldﬁelds, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course is rated amongst the top 25 public access courses in the country.

MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB

EASTLAKE GC

Kingsford, New South Wales UP 2 

On a sandy sliver of land wedged between the private havens of The Lakes and Bonnie Doon, Eastlake offers public-course golfers a taste of Sydney’s version of a sandbelt on an under-rated layout that’s exposed to the elements. Stretching away from the clubhouse for the entire front nine before returning along an adjacent verdant ribbon, Eastlake these days has benefitted from some significant redesign work undertaken by Ross Watson as well as a huge new bridge across busy Wentworth Avenue, which cuts the course in two. Watson’s work centred on the latter holes on the outward nine, which are among the best at Eastlake. www.eastlakegolfclub.com.au

83. LEONGATHA GC Leongatha South, Victoria UP 3 

When this Vern Morcom design first cracked a spot in our Top-100 in 2013, the secret was out and it could no longer be considered a hidden treasure of Victoria’s Gippsland. The scenic layout covers varied topography that ranges from hilly to gently rolling, with wide Santa Ana couch fairways flanked by thick natural bushland. The greens are terrific, with well-groomed bentgrass covering subtle contours that blend nicely with their surrounds. www.leongathagolf.com.au

82. ROYAL HOBART GC Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania DOWN 1 

Designed by Vern Morcom and opened for play in 1956, Royal Hobart possesses an old world charm with its tree-lined doglegs leading to pitched, angled greens and punctuated by numerous bunkers scattered throughout. The layout is beautifully presented year-round and a three-year program of replenishing all 80 bunkers with new sand has raised the level of presentation markedly. But there are some aspects of Morcom’s

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original design that perhaps need updating. www.rhgc.com.au

81. BYRON BAY GC

Byron Bay, New South Wales DOWN 8  A major redesign program implemented during the past eight years elevated the layout into this ranking. Several holes were completely rebuilt, while lakes, bunkers and mounding were also added and all the fairways are gradually being converted to Wintergreen couch. The opening four holes are terrific and really set the tone for the remainder of the round. The condition of the layout also impresses and not surprisingly the course superintendent here has won and been nominated for several awards. Byron Bay drops in this ranking though, as new entries and much improved courses make an impact. www.byronbaygolfclub.com.au

79. BELMONT GC

Belmont, New South Wales UP 10  This picturesque beachside course has rebounded from a drop in this ranking in 2013 and our judges believe it will continue to rise in years to come.

Belmont is a wonderful links course experience, especially on the holes that run along the edge of the dunes at the back of the beach, like the excellent 401-metre par-4 15th and more recently the par-5 16th. The new approach and greenscape on the 16th brings the beach into view the closer you are to the green and is a wonderful addition to this fine course. www.belmontgolf.com.au

78. COOLANGATTA & TWEED HEADS GC

RIVER COURSE Tweed Heads South, New South Wales UP 7  The better of the two courses at Coolangatta & Tweed Heads, it takes its name from the Tweed River that runs along the length of the 8th hole. This layout is not as long as the West course but the bunkers and doglegging holes make it more difficult than the scorecard would otherwise suggest. Designer Richard Chamberlain has been commissioned by the club to come up with a plan to eliminate some selected bunkers to make it more playable and less costly to maintain. The improved conditioning in recent years sees it continue to rise higher on this list. www.cooltweedgolf.com.au

Mollymook Golf Club is situated at one of Australia’s iconic tourist destinations on the south coast of New South Wales. The club features two unique courses with the 18hole “Hilltop” course set in a natural bushland environment, with each hole providing its own amphitheatre with heavily tree-lined fairways. The 9-hole “Beachside” course cut along the ocean provides breathtaking views and interesting challenges. Another unique feature of Mollymook Golf Club is that it has two separate clubhouses with the Beachside clubhouse open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, featuring magnificent views overlooking Mollymook Beach. You can enjoy a quality meal in luxurious surroundings with full TAB and Gaming facilities available.

Both courses are available for the public to play 7 days a week with bookings essential for the Hilltop course. Mollymook Golf Club is the perfect destination for couples or large groups from beginners to the accomplished player with the choice of two different courses and multiple tee options. The latest fleet of golf carts with GPS navigation are also available at both courses. The club is fortunate to be surrounded by motels and several accommodation options to suit any budget. Mollymook Golf Club’s golf operations are managed by Troon Golf, the worldwide leader in upscale golf course management. Golf Membership is available from as little as $195 per year. Mollymook is home to the 2014 NSW Senior PGA Championship.

GOLF AVENUE/CLIFFORD CLOSE, MOLLYMOOK NSW 2539 PHONE: (02) 4455 1911 WWW.MOLLYMOOKGOLF.COM.AU

77. BUNBURY GC

Bunbury, Western Australia DOWN 8  The pretty Bunbury layout is laid out in two loops over great golf terrain. This is not a long course but it grows teeth when the sea breezes pick up and hamper your shot and club selection, particular on exposed holes, like the downhill par-3 10th. The WA PGA Championship called Bunbury home for several years, which is testament to the quality and challenge of the layout. www.bunburygolfclub.com.au

76. PARADISE PALMS RESORT & CC Kewarra Beach, Queensland DOWN 22 

The slide down the ranking continues for this Graham Marsh and Ross Watson-designed par-72 that was once rated in the top-three courses in Queensland. Paradise Palms is a visually spectacular place to play golf, but the condition of the course and tweaks made via a redesign of its iconic 18th hole a few years ago continue to disappoint and have seen it drop 33 places on this list in four years. Couch encroachment continues to make/keep the greens smaller, impacting on a very good design, while many bunkers need renovation. Also, our judges unanimously dislike the new 18th green. www.paradisepalms.com.au

75 wave of changes to the course made by design firm OCCM (Ogilvy, Clayton, Cocking and Mead), headed up by Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Clayton. The design team created a masterplan for the course and nearly half of the layout has been redone with plenty of trees removed to open up the playing lines and sandy wasteland exposed next to the new, wider fairways. With more changes on the way, you can expect Sun City’s rise is not done yet. www.suncitycountryclub.com.au

ranking, Albany continues to impress 116 years after the first shots were played on the links course. The par-72 is dominated by holes that cover beautiful rolling sand dunes and are the basis for some of the most natural links holes in the country. Albany is a fun course for all golfers. It’s not overly long, which suits the higher handicapper, while better players can enjoy the challenge of playing a variety of shots from so many different lies during a round. www.albanygolfclub.com.au

Yanchep, Western Australia NEW ENTRY

74. ALBANY GC

73. PALMER GOLD COAST

Sun City has hovered outside the Top-100 of this ranking and others for more than five years. It makes a debut appearance this year on the back of the first

The oldest course in our Public Access Courses

Palmer Gold Coast, previously known as Robina Woods, is carved out of 65 hectares of native woodlands, with undulating fairways lined by seemingly endless stands of towering gum trees. In the past, the shade created by these trees had been blamed for the decline at different stages during the year of some tees and greens. But several of our judges made return visits up to six months later and found rough patches on greens and no grass growth on some tees. That’s a far cry from when it was ranked No.51 on this list four years ago. www.palmergolf.com.au/goldcoast

75. SUN CITY CC

Albany, Western Australia UP 3 

Robina, Queensland DOWN 7 

72. NORTH LAKES RESORT GC North Lakes, Queensland DOWN 9 

Graham Marsh’s design takes full advantage of the moderately undulating land to produce plenty of holes with both deceptive and slight cambering to the fairways, including holes where a good bounce can help correct a slightly wayward drive or punish it. One of the highlights here is the outstanding TifEagle putting surfaces, which are some of the best greens to putt on in Brisbane, if not Queensland. They make putting a joy and are complemented by well-manicured surrounds. www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au

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– as nature intended

ABOVE ALL ELSE, MEADOW SPRINGS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB OFFERS "GOLF AS NATURE INTENDED" Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, the course presents a highly regarded test for players of all levels, but is also renowned for its playability. Just thirty minutes south of Perth, near the coastal resort town of Mandurah, the Meadow Springs golf course promises a unique experience through open bushland. The course winds its way through undulating terrain, the layout dictated by the natural features of the land. Towering 200-year-old Tuart trees line generous fairways and subtly rolling greens that are equal to the best in Australia. Few holes run parallel and all are surrounded by bushland. Other players on the course are often out of view, enhancing the sensation that you are alone in the wilderness. Finally, thanks to its excellent drainage, Meadow Springs is one of the best all-weather courses in the country.

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A picture paints a thousand words….

WARRNAMBOOL GC Warrnambool, Victoria UP 3 

The home club of US PGA Tour player Marc Leishman is a place where negotiating the stiff breezes whipping off the Southern Ocean is a vital part of any golfer’s arsenal of shots. With holes carved through scrubby seaside dunes – which create a feeling of isolation on the par-4 5th and 6th holes – Warrnambool mixes short, tight tests with open and expansive ones. An example is the 230-metre par-4 8th hole, which is short and plays far shorter thanks to the very elevated tee but demands a high degree of accuracy from up there. www.wgcinc.com.au

70. GROWLING FROG Yan Yean, Victoria DOWN 11 

Routed through a sprawling rural landscape dotted with large River Red gums, dry stone walls and a meandering creek, this Graham Marsh design is enjoyable for players of all abilities. While the rough beyond the first cut is brutal in parts, the fairways are generally wide and accepting off all except the wildest of drives. With several courses rising sharply in this ranking and overtaking Growling Frog, it is no surprise the par-72 has suffered a short drop on the list. www.growlingfroggolfcourse.com.au

69. OCEAN SHORES CC Ocean Shores, New South Wales UP 2 

Ocean Shores has reclaimed some lost ground after dropping to No.71 in the 2013 ranking. This can be accredited to the improvement in conditioning of the course overall, but with special mention of several fairways on the back nine that are now irrigated. The overwhelming feature though is its greens … not just the superb bentgrass surfaces but the size of them. They are some of the biggest in the country so you will need to be on your putting game to score well here. www.oceanshorescc.com.au

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68. RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT BLUE/GOLD COURSE Ashmore, Queensland DOWN 5 

The 27-hole RACV Royal Pines Resort has several 18-hole combinations and the Blue/Gold layout is the only one currently ranked here due to the redevelopment of the Green nine. This layout combines part of the original course and nine holes (Blue) designed by Graham Marsh. The Blue nine covers more undulating land and afforded Marsh the opportunity to create a layout where the bunkering and holes are for more interesting. Superb conditioning is still the standard and it is anticipated that when the Gold nine is rebuilt throughout 2015, all the Royal Pines courses will improve in this list. www.racv.com.au

67. YERING MEADOWS GC NURSERY COURSE Yering, Victoria UP 3 

The more established 18-hole configuration of the Ross Watson-designed 27-holer in the Yarra Valley blends undulating terrain with a multitude of wetlands and ponds that define the challenge on most holes.

Long Reef Golf Course

Despite the penal nature of the punishment for miscues, however, there is actually plenty of room to move on the Nursery course, but safe plays invariably make the next shot more demanding. Two holes on this layout deserve mention: the long 8th and short 16th. The former is a snaking par-5 that bends left down a hill to a green with a pond lurking short and right; the latter is a fine par-3 with water short and left of the broad target. www.yeringmeadows.com.au

is renowned for its beautiful beachfront location and unique views. It is regarded as one of the one of the most picturesque courses in Sydney. The breathtaking beachfront location boasts unsurpassed views all the way to the Central Coast in the North and Manly in the South. Located just 20km from the Sydney CBD, Long Reef Golf Club is a links style golf course for members and the public. Long Reef Golf Course provides a challenge to golfers of all standards, and our spectacular location offers a cool breeze on even the hottest summer day.

66. INDOOROOPILLY GC

The Long Reef Clubhouse is set in a unique beachfront position with panoramic views of the ocean and sweeping

EAST COURSE Indooroopilly, Queensland UP 6 

The 36-hole complex at Indooroopilly covers very good golf land on a bend of the Brisbane River and the club utilises six course combinations. The two most common routings are the West course, reserved mainly for members, and the East course, which is available for visitors. The East course, incorporating the Green and Blue nines, covers terrific land with good elevation changes throughout. There are some tough holes on this par-72 layout but generally the fairways are wide with receptive greens and less bunkering than the member’s course. www.indooroopillygolf.com.au

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PALM MEADOWS GC

Carrara, Queensland UP 13 

Palm Meadows is one of the most improved courses in Australian golf in the past five years. After closing briefly in 2009, a new management company took over the layout the following year and reopened the course. The iconic Gold Coast layout didn’t make our Top-100 Public Access ranking in 2011 and debuted in 2013 at 78. Now it has jumped another 13 spots as the presentation slowly but surely reaches levels not seen since the early ’90s, which fully complements Graham Marsh and Ross Watson’s fine design. www.palmmeadows.com.au

64. THE VINES RESORT & CC

62. ROSEBUD CC

Ellenbrook is the longer of the two Vines layouts and places similar demands on shot placement to score well, and memorable holes like the par-3 8th and the par-5 12th certainly add to the enjoyment value. In the past, our judges noted Ellenbrook lacked the same presentation polish as its neighbour and addressing that would see it climb higher on the list. It has moved up one place this year, which suggests the course could be moving in the right direction. www.vines.com.au

Rosebud Country Club’s North course is arguably the most under-rated course to be found on the Mornington Peninsula. The routing of both the North and South courses allows the club to operate six course options. But it is the North layout, covering more interesting terrain, that our judges believe features the greatest number of fun holes and is certainly the pick of Rosebud’s layouts. The year-round presentation of the entire Rosebud complex, considering the large number of golfers playing there, is outstanding. www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au

ELLENBROOK COURSE Swan Valley, Western Australia UP 1 

63. BALLARAT GC Ballarat, Victoria DOWN 5 

Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett have crafted a good layout across new ground, while also incorporating some of the land previously occupied by the club before the development of an adjoining residential estate. Our judges were unanimous in their praise of the design at Ballarat with many applauding the multi-directional routing, risk-and-reward options and, in particular, the quality of Ballarat’s short holes, especially the par-4s. Several judges made the point that Ballarat’s fairways have matured faster than the putting surfaces and their surrounds since the course opened in 2009. www.ballaratgolfclub.com.au

JANUARY 2015

NORTH COURSE Rosebud, Victoria UP 5 

61. EAGLE RIDGE GCse Fingal, Victoria DOWN 8 

Eagle Ridge rose to as high as No.42 (2011) in this ranking, which came on the back of a major renovation to convert all the fairways to Santa Ana couch grass back in 2008. After a few growing seasons, the course was certainly peaking in terms of presentation and playability. Since that high mark of 2011, the standard of conditioning has dropped according to our judges, who note the greens and fairways are not quite as beautifully presented as they were four to five years ago. www.eagleridge.com.au

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60. WATERFORD VALLEY GC Knoxville, Victoria DOWN 5 

Waterford Valley was created to appeal as a stern test for better golfers and a fun course for the social player. The wide, rolling fairways and huge greens ensure a round here is enjoyable for players of all standards. The playing surfaces are generally presented well. In short, it ticks all the boxes as a public access course. Its dip in rank this year can be easily attributed to several courses, which were listed behind it in 2013, rising past it this time. www.wvgolf.com.au

59. YARRAWONGA MULWALA GC RESORT MURRAY COURSE Mulwala, New South Wales UP 5 

Yarrawonga Mulwala’s Murray course is now seriously challenging Murray Downs for the crown as the top course along the Murray River. The course has blossomed during the past few years as a result of good rainfall and better irrigation, and the playing surfaces have flourished to an outstanding level of presentation. The Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge design has also undergone some changes in recent times with the best addition being the ‘new’ 3rd hole, which has turned a straightforward par-4 into an interesting and challenging two-shotter. www.yarragolf.com.au

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Visit the Number 1 course by the

Murray River

MURRAY DOWNS G&CC

The Murray Downs 18 hole championship course at Swan Hill is regarded by many as the best regional resort golf course in the country.

Swan Hill, Victoria UP 2 

Murray Downs remains the best course along the entire Murray River – a position it has held for more than two decades based on its challenging and enjoyable design as well as its high level of presentation. In 2013, our judges were critical of a slip in the conditioning standard of the greens, which have in the past been acclaimed as the best to be found anywhere on the Murray River. That issue has since been addressed and the putting surfaces are better than they have been for several years. www.murraydownsresort.com.au

Featuring an array of charming holes, perfectly groomed fairways, well placed water hazards and stunning signature holes.

Play & Stay Golf, bowl, tennis, relax in sunshine by the large tropical pool. Wine, dine and enjoy full NSW clubhouse facilities at the Country Club, before finishing the perfect day with a spa at the resort.

Noosa Heads, Queensland DOWN 5 

The holiday haven of Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast cried out for a championship golf course to complement its collection of decent established layouts, and in 1999 course architect Graham Papworth delivered. Noosa Springs sits on the shores of Lake Weyba, which flanks the 2nd hole before the course pushes inland with fairways intermingling with the huge residential precinct. The signature 5th hole is not only the course’s most visually appealing, it is its best test. A 329-metre par-4 that can be driven by long hitters in the right wind, the hole features a large lake along the right edge that has to be challenged whichever way you play the hole. www.noosasprings.com.au

56. YERING MEADOWS GC HOMESTEAD COURSE Yering, Victoria UP 6 

Yering Meadows’ Homestead course, which takes in holes 1 to 9 and 19 to 27, showcases the best assets of this 27-hole layout. The first nine moves across some of the more interesting land at Yering and via the largest of the course’s unique walnut groves

JANUARY 2015

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while also containing its most interesting hole, the aforementioned par-5 8th. The second nine, which is a year younger than its sister nines, features a stretch of wonderful holes beginning at the 22nd. This run includes a cute short uphill par-3, a gambler’s par-5 and both a short and long par-4. www.yeringmeadows.com.au

55. TASMANIA GC Sorell, Tasmania UP 1 

Set on the bluffs above Barilla Bay, Tasmania presents some breathtaking views from several holes. Winding over the cliffs, the course alternates sharply between fun, short holes, such as the steep downhill runs at the 1st and the 11th, to some long, stern tests, like the 549-metre 16th. Its exposed position leaves it open to the elements and raises the bar on its difficulty, given the tight playing lines, undulating fairways and sloping greens. www.tasmaniagolfclub.com.au

54. PALMER COOLUM RESORT Coolum Beach, Queensland DOWN 25 

Formerly the jewel in the crown of Sunshine Coast golf, Palmer Coolum has suffered a huge drop in this ranking with our judges unanimous in their

appraisal of the former home of the Australian PGA Championship.“The once high level of conditioning and presentation has dropped considerably and it is quite obvious that there is far less money or man power being spent on the maintenance of this great layout than there once was,” ranking judge Joe Thomas said. Other judges noted during their visits rough that had not been cut for some time, bunker deterioration and inconsistent levels of sand. And these were just some of the observations. www.palmercoolumresort.com.au

53. CURLEWIS GC Curlewis, Victoria UP 4 

On the outskirts of Geelong is one of the true hidden gems of Australian golf in the form of a vastly underrated and continually improving Curlewis Golf Club. Blessed with sandy terrain and an adequate number of trees but not so many as to feel claustrophobic, the course today is richer for the input of Mike Clayton, who in recent years has enhanced the Vern Morcom design via a strategic masterplan. With couch fairways, rugged and deep bunkers and an intrinsic Sandbelt-style look, Curlewis deserves to sit alongside the nearby elite courses of the Bellarine Peninsula. www.curlewisgolf.com.au

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57. NOOSA SPRINGS RESORT

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52. RACV CAPE SCHANCK RESORT

Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Play & Stay JANUARY 2015 WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Enjoy the challenge and beauty of golf at Joondalup Resort with a relaxing and comfortable stay in our hotel. Treat yourself to a delicious meal in Bistro 38 and kick back with a beer in our British style pub.

Cape Schanck, Victoria DOWN 1 

Robert Trent Jones Jnr’s design here covers dramatic topography overlooking Bass Strait on the southern side of the Mornington Peninsula. The great elevation change on many holes gives rise to some memorable holes, with few better than the downhill par-3 14th with its multi-tiered green framed by coastal scrub and the ocean off in the distance. www.racv.com.au

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51. THE SANDHURST CLUB CHAMPIONS COURSE Sandhurst, Victoria DOWN 1 

Sandhurst’s Champions course was one of 15 debutantes in our 2013 Public Access ranking. It has moved down only one spot in two years, which is testament to the consistency of the presentation of the Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett-designed layout that opened six years ago. The design has not changed in that time and it has to be regarded as a fine piece of work when you consider the land was not ideal for golf. www.sandhurst.com

50. SECRET HARBOUR GOLF LINKS

Secret Harbour, Western Australia DOWN 4  Secret Harbor is built on an exposed site where beating the elements counts for just as much as overcoming the obstacles on the ground. The strength and direction of the winds off the Indian Ocean usually determine which holes favour aggression and those that should be played with caution. A litany of pot bunkers and water hazards toughen a challenge that also includes tracts of salty scrub lining the naturally rolling dunescape. www.secretharbourgolflinks.com.au

49. JOONDALUP RESORT & CC DUNE/LAKE COURSE Joondalup, Western Australia NO CHANGE

The last of the three course configurations at Joondalup might bypass the excellent Quarry nine but it does take in two pretty impressive loops of nine holes. The Dune course’s lunar landscape flows seamlessly into the less penal Lake nine. As is the case across the entire 27 holes, the conditioning is nothing short of five-star and is another reason why Joondalup is a ‘must play’ for any golfer when visiting Perth. www.joondalupresort.com.au

48. FEDERAL GC

Red Hill, Australian Capital Territory DOWN 6  After debuting at No.42 two years ago, Federal has dipped six places this year, which our judges believe

is more reflective of where the course actually sits in the Australian golf landscape. It is a beautiful course that covers terrain that varies from gently rolling to hilly and offers plenty of highlights. One of those is the high quality of the par-3s, with the long 3rd and the short downhill 16th being the standouts. www.fgc.com.au

Joondalup Resort is a 27 hole PUBLIC golf course. Memberships and Corporate Golf days are available.

Country Club Boulevard, Connolly, WA 6027 | Tel: (08) 9400 8888 info@joondalupresort.com.au | VIRTUAL TOUR AT www.joondalupresort.com.au

47. HORSHAM GC Horsham, Victoria DOWN 6 

In the five years since being devastated by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, Horsham has rebounded to once again be one regional Victoria’s best courses. With most of the vegetation here being destroyed by the blaze, the club commissioned designers Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford to come up with a ten-year plan for the course, which has changed from a tight tree-lined layout to an open, almost links-style course. Horsham may have slipped slightly from its 2013 rank, but this can be attributed to the rise of other courses behind it in the ranking. www.horshamgolfclub.com

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46. KOOINDAH WATERS RESORT Wyong, New South Wales DOWN 8 

Ross Watson collaborated with Craig Parry to create what can be best described as a short, strategic layout where wetlands and bunkers have been widely incorporated into the design. These hazards more than make up for the overall distance (6,083 metres), which by modern standards is short, and force you to plot your way around the layout. That said, there are several forced water carries to be wary of, especially for long markers. One of the highlights of the course is the creative greenscapes, which feature bunkers, mounds and hollows close to each putting surface. www.kooindahwatersgolf.com.au

JANUARY 2015

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RIVERSIDE OAKS RESORT BUNGOOL COURSE Cattai, NSW NEW ENTRY

45. SETTLERS RUN G&CC

43. LINKS LADY BAY

The nearest layout to the Melbourne Sandbelt among Greg Norman’s portfolio of courses, Settlers Run exhibits characteristics that pay homage to its vaunted neighbours. The broad fairways, bunkering style and retention of several parcels of natural heathland couple with several wetlands to create a modern interpretation of Victorian golf. Norman and then-design partner Harley Kruse penned several intriguing holes across the rolling landscape, none better than the 303-metre par-4 17th, which lures players into bending a drive around wetlands along the right in a bid to drive the green. www.settlersrungcc.com.au

This excellent collaboration between Jack Newton, Graeme Grant and the late John Spencer an hour’s drive south of Adelaide captivates the eyes with stunning views of the Gulf St Vincent and captivates the brain through a clever layout that utilises the best features of the site. A mostly open front nine with fairways riding the gently sloping land moves onto a back nine that begins in the same fashion before exploring a hidden pocket of land tucked behind a ridge for holes 13 to 16. The seasonal winds make Lady Bay a capricious test depending on the time of year. www.linksladybay.com.au

Normanville, SA UP 5 

42. TWIN WATERS GC

44. THE COAST GC

Twin Waters, Queensland UP 5 

The Coast covers less dramatic terrain than its coastal neighbours St Michaels and New South Wales golf clubs, but its magnificent scenery and best holes generate the enormous excitement value. It owns some of the most spectacular holes in Sydney, like the par-3 4th and the challenging par-4 14th, where your drive needs to be played from the edge of a cliff, across a chasm, to a fairway running across the top of another cliff. www.coastgolf.com.au

British links design and topography meet a tropical climate in a popular and playable melange of styles from opposite sides of the globe. Twin Waters is a resort course with a difference. There is mostly plenty of space but Peter Thomson’s many pot bunkers have an infuriating way of narrowing the playing corridors on several holes, while the greenscapes offer a slice of the best links courses in England and Scotland. Indeed, Twin Waters’ 8th green bares a likeness to the famous 17th green on the Old Course at St Andrews. www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

Little Bay, New South Wales UP 1 

JANUARY 2015

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Price is based on two people for Monday visitor golf bookings. Bookings are essential and subject to availability. Dress regulations apply. Golf clubs are available for hire.

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The newest course on our list opened for play in October after a long-awaited period for Riverside Oaks’ second course to firstly materialise and then grow in. The first solo design by Bob Harrison utilises land adjoining the Hawkesbury River that’s split into two sections by a large rocky ridge. Harrison embraced the rustic riverside setting with a bunkering style and hazard placements that fit on a design that rewards favouring a particular side of most fairways. www.riversideoaks.com.au

Botanic Ridge, Victoria NEW ENTRY

graB a friend and start off your weeK with 18 holes of chaMPionshiP golf and a gPs golf cart for $90.

Indooroopilly Golf Club, Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, QLD

CONTACT THE GOLF SHOP ON (07) 3721 2122 OR BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.INDOOROOPILLYGOLF.COM.AU

THE JUDGING PANEL Wholesale changes were made to the judging panel after the Top-100 Public Access Ranking was published in 2013. Each of the judges, drawn from the large pool of loyal Golf Australia readers who subscribe to the magazine, joined Golf Australia editors to make up the new panel. Each judge was given specific guidelines about how to rank courses and they could only rank courses they had seen since January 2013. 1. Brendan James (Golf Australia editor) 2. Steve Keipert (Golf Australia deputy editor) 3. Joe Thomas (Golf Australia reader, hcp 5) 4. Hamish Walker (GA reader, hcp 16) 5. Felicity Chapman (GA reader, hcp 12) 6. Susan Johnson (GA reader, hcp 13) 7. Jacqui Lee (GA reader, hcp 18) 8. Noel Townsend (GA reader, hcp 1) 9. Steven Jackson (GA reader, hcp 4) 10. Stephen Armson (GA reader, hcp 12) 11. Craig Weeks (GA reader, hcp 14) 12. Tony Noyes (GA reader, hcp 17) 13. Freddie Doh (GA reader, hcp 16) 14. Simon Reynolds (GA reader, hcp 8) 15. Joseph Baker (GA reader, hcp 10) 16. Nikki Scott (GA reader, hcp 20) 17. Matthew Greig (GA reader, hcp 6) 18. Deborah Hill (GA reader, hcp 17) 19. Sandra Lyons (GA reader, hcp 14) 20. Phillip Nicholls (GA reader, hcp 0) 21. Toby McCracken (GA reader, hcp 11) 22. Richard O’Reilly (GA reader, hcp 19) 23. Christian Harris (GA reader, hcp 7) 24. John Blackwell (GA reader, hcp 12)

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• Top 100 Championship Golf Course • 84 room 4 ½ star Mercure Resort • 5 minutes from the M1 Freeway Phone 02 4351 0700

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Relax, recharge, unwind . . . 39

PALMER SEA REEF Port Douglas, Queensland UP 5 

This Port Douglas layout has changed ownership since our last Public Access ranking in 2013 and is now part of the Clive Palmer stable of courses. There are no dinosaurs here, just large, receptive greens and rolling fairways creating a links-style layout in the tropics. All of our judges were impressed with the layout, particularly its conditioning, which has improved markedly in recent times. www.palmergolf.com.au/seareef

THE CRITERIA

For the purposes of ranking truly public-access courses we have decided to eliminate any grey areas that have affected previous public-access ranking lists. Firstly, resorts that only grant access to their course if you stay at the resort are now excluded from our ranking. These include: Magenta Shores, Sanctuary Cove (Pines course) and The Sands Torquay. Secondly, for a course to qualify for our Public Access ranking, it must meet one standard in that tee-times are made available for visiting golfers for a minimum of four days a week. DESIGN (50%): When ranking a course judges were instructed to ask the following questions to themselves to determine where a course stands in the list: • Is there a good balance of par-3s, 4s and 5s? Is there good variety? • Is risk-and-reward a factor on many holes? • How fair is the course for all players? • Does the design offer a wide selection of shots bringing any variation of wind direction into play? • How memorable are individual holes and the course as a whole? CONDITION (40%): Things to consider include: • The overall condition of playing surfaces. Take into consideration elements out of control of course staff like drought, bushfire and flood. • Are the fairways cut to be well-defined from semi-rough and rough? • Have the bunkers been well-presented? VISUAL APPEAL (10%): In relation to public access courses, visual appeal is an important factor in not only attracting golfers but also getting those same golfers to play the course again and again. Visual appeal makes up the remaining ten percent. Things to consider include: • How aesthetically pleasing is the course to look at? • Are there many holes that have a ‘wow’ factor? • Does the course bIend well with its surrounds?

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40. KALGOORLIE GCse Kalgoorlie, Western Australia UP 3 

After surging into the ranking just a few months after opening in 2010, Kalgoorlie has continued its gradual rise. Laid out over rugged but sandy terrain, Graham Marsh’s Kalgoorlie creation offers wide, rolling fairways where the well-positioned tee shot is afforded direct access into many of the angled greens. Marsh has let his creative juices flow with this design and it’s proving to be a hit with golfers. In fact, our judges reckon it’s one of Marsh’s best designs. www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com.au

38. AMSTEL GC RANFURLIE COURSE Cranbourne, Victoria DOWN 5 

In 2013, Amstel’s Ranfurlie course reclaimed five spots in the ranking from its position at No.38 in 2011. However, it has dropped back to that position despite earning positive comments from our judges, which suggests the elevation of other courses that were placed behind it in 2013 has seen it dip. The inconsistent presentation issue that dogged the layout in previous years has been addressed and the Mike Clayton design is acclaimed for its simplicity and the strategy required. www.amstel.com.au

37. SANCTUARY LAKES CLUB Point Cook, Victoria NEW ENTRY

The once-members only club in Melbourne’s west has gradually relaxed its stance on visitor play to a point that it is now eligible for our Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking. And that’s a win for golfers,

as the Greg Norman and Bob Harrison design has long represented an impressive achievement. What began as a former salt works on an uninspiring, wind-blown piece of land on Port Phillip Bay received new life as a spectacular golf course – the ultimate ugly duckling story. www.sanctuarylakesclub.com.au

e l y t S Noosa Come and enjoy one of Australia’s best Golf & Spa Resorts located right in the heart of Australia’s favourite playground, Noosa. Create your own golfing memories or choose one of our flexible packages ideal for singles, couples, families or groups.

36. SANCTUARY COVE G&CC PALMS COURSE Sanctuary Cove, Queensland UP 4 

Nearly four years on from a $9 million redesign and renovation by Ross Watson. Sanctuary Cove’s publicaccess track is viewed by many as sitting in the same echelon as the club’s private Pines layout. Far shorter than its sibling, the par-70 Palms measures less than 6,000 metres from the back tees in a design that emphasises position and placement over power. The sprawling bunkering is a feature, with fairways lined by numerous large lakes and century-old cabbage palms leading to multi-sectioned greens that further complicate the examination. www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.com.au

35. EYNESBURY GC Eynesbury, Victoria DOWN 5 

Since opening for play in 2008, Graham Marsh’s creation has cemented a place in the top-40 of this ranking. Despite a small drop on the list this year, it continues to impress with well-designed holes and a high level of conditioning. It is one of the longest courses ever designed by Marsh but it is the short par-4s and all the par-3s here that impress the most. www.eynesburygolf.com.au

To book your Noosa getaway visit www.noosasprings.com.au or call 61 + 7 5440 3333. Links Drive Noosa Heads Qld

To celebrate, we have limited edition individual golf memberships available with special benefits! The first 100 new members to purchase a 25th Anniversary Golf Membership will receive: » $250 food & beverage voucher to use at the resort » 25 complimentary buggy vouchers

ST MICHAEL’S GC

Little Bay, New South Wales UP 8 

» 5 overnight stays in the hotel » PLUS 25% off their first year golf fees

All our members also enjoy the unlimited access to 36 magnificent holes, equal playing rights for all members, exclusive resort discounts, private club house, swimming pool, gym, tennis & squash courts plus much more! This is your chance to join the prestigious golf club at The Vines Resort & Country Club with this very limited special offer.

St Michael’s is one of the most improved courses in this ranking, jumping eight spots from where it appeared in 2013. The rise in rank can be attributed to the program of bush- and tree-clearing implemented by the club. Vast areas of sandy wasteland have been exposed by the clearing, adding to the visual appeal of what has always been a challenging layout. Now there is more width on the holes where once a slightly mis-hit drive would have resulted in a lost ball in the bush. This factor alone makes a round at St Michaels far more enjoyable … that and the outstanding greens. www.stmichaelsgolf.com.au

34. CAPRICORN RESORT

test. The superior conditioning of the layout is also a highlight. www.sorrentogolf.com.au

Karl Litten’s design is arguably one of the most underrated in Queensland. While the par-72 stretches to more than 7,000 metres from the back markers to be one of the Sunshine State’s longest, it offers several shorter tees and the demands then become more strategic than based on power alone. There are plenty of standout holes but the most memorable is the dogleg-left par-5 15th that wraps around a lake and is punctuated by 15 bunkers. www.capricornresortgolf.com.au

32. JOONDALUP RESORT & CC

CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE Yeppoon, Queensland NO CHANGE

33. SORRENTO GC Sorrento, Victoria UP 3 

Sorrento has moved up three places after making its debut in this ranking in 2013. With more tee-times available for visiting golfers, Sorrento is a must for any golfer travelling to the Mornington Peninsula. With hints of the Melbourne Sandbelt in its design, Sorrento covers very good golf terrain and, as a result, the wide variety of shots you need to play to score well makes it an enjoyable

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QUARRY/LAKE COURSE Joondalup, Western Australia UP 3 

The second-best configuration of nines at Joondalup includes the iconic Quarry nine and the younger Lake nine, which features four holes (1, 2, 8 and 9) on the same portion of land as the clubhouse plus five holes on adjoining rolling land accessed through an underpass. The Lake nine may be the easiest of the three nines but it is still no pushover, with many of the holes demanding shots to be played from a variety of lies. www.joondalupresort.com.au

31. LONG REEF GC Collaroy, NSW DOWN 3 

Perched on a headland jutting into the Pacific Ocean along Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this is an exposed layout with fairways stretching up the open site to

the tops of the seaside cliffs and back down again. The wind is an ever-present factor and dictates the difficulty but the playing surfaces are routinely immaculate for a popular public course. Some holes are tucked in behind dunes while most are wide open. The pair of par-4s at the 16th and 17th are highlights, the former tumbling down the steepest portion of the site and the latter flanking the beach, which runs ominously along its entire left side. www.longreefgolfclub.com.au

30. PORT FAIRY GC Port Fairy, Victoria DOWN 3 

This volatile and windswept beauty on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast is a simple yet classic links at a price ($40) that can’t be matched for the quality of the layout. The direction and ferocity of the wind determines the degree of difficulty, but regardless there will be several times in a round at Port Fairy during which golfers have to be inventive in order to counter the sometimes trying conditions. The 14th, 15th and 16th, which head towards then run alongside the beach, are a fantastic sequence of seaside holes with exceptional views to match. www.portfairygolf.com.au

View all the benefits of becoming a member at The Vines Resort & Country Club – www.vines.com.au For more information, contact The Vines Resort & Country Club membership office during business hours on (08) 9297 0701 or phone 0406 047 895 or email memberships@vines.com.au *Terms & conditions apply. Special offer inclusions and price valid for the first 100 members only.

NAROOMA GC

Narooma, New South Wales UP 4 

After a small drop in this ranking in 2013, Narooma has bounced back by moving four places up the list. With its famous cliff-top holes of the front nine and the rollercoaster tree-lined fairways that dominate the back nine, there are an amazing number of memorable holes to enjoy. Heading into its 35th anniversary year, Narooma has changed very little in recent years in terms of John Spencer’s design but its condition has improved across the board, with the firm, speedy greens being a highlight. www.naroomagolf.com.au

27. PACIFIC DUNES GC Medowie, New South Wales UP 4 

If you are looking for variety in one round of golf, this is the place to play. The front nine winds through tracts of thick bush and scrubby foliage before the inward half opens up to reveal more spacious fairways with several strategically placed lakes in play on most holes on the back nine. It also borders the adjoining residential estate. The rise in its ranking comes on the back of improvements to the drainage and the marked improvement in the course’s presentation during the past few years. www.pacificdunesgolf.com.au

26. THE VINES G&CC RESORT LAKES COURSE Swan Valley, Western Australia DOWN 1 

It is 25 years since this Graham Marsh and Ross Watson-designed par-72 opened for play and during that time it has become, arguably, the most famous course in WA on the back of hosting major tournaments like the Johnnie Walker Classic and Heineken Classic. Much has changed since those heady days with several areas of scrub cleared to make the playing lines on most holes wider and less penal. This has made the Lakes course a more enjoyable journey

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golf australia

from tee to green, which goes hand in hand with the fun you can have chipping and putting around and on the massive, rolling putting surfaces. www.vines.com.au

25. THIRTEENTH BEACH GL CREEK COURSE Barwon Heads, Victoria DOWN 2 

The newer of the two layouts at Thirteenth Beach has matured during its first ten years to now stand proudly alongside the excellent Beach course. The Creek sits on flatter, less dramatic terrain and is far more open with water in play on occasion. The uncluttered site lends itself to some truly tempting holes, such as the cheeky 5th, where a bowl-shaped green can save shots bouncing in from the correct angle, and the 9th with its myriad bunkers dotting the fairway on the driveable par-4. A redesign of the Creek’s 12th hole in recent years turned a long but soft par-3 into a short and superb one-shotter. www.13thbeach.net

24. LAKELANDS GC Merrimac, Queensland NO CHANGE

Jack Nicklaus’ first full foray into course design in Australia yielded an exceptional layout on a flat site

on the Gold Coast. Lakelands is perhaps best known for its shortest hole, the 133-metre 14th, which plays across a chain of cascading ponds to a wide but shallow green, yet it is the series of robust par-4s that prove crucial to compiling a good score. That said, the pick of the par-4s is the shorter 8th, which at 342 metres requires players to dodge a pot bunker in the centre of the fairway as well as a long waste-style bunker spanning the left edge before crossing a lake to another broad, shallow green. www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

23. THE GLADES GC Robina, Queensland DOWN 5 

The Glades ambitiously brought cool-season grasses to a warm climate when the course opened in 2000 and boasted the only bentgrass greens on the Gold Coast. It also carried a green fee to match. Fifteen years later, the greens are still excellent, the bunkers have been rejuvenated and the green fee remains a hefty $150 (including cart). Another flattish course built on wetlands, The Glades utilises its natural features to good effect across the layout. The stretch of holes on the far side of the course – the 6th, 7th and 8th – include consecutive par-5s lining a large water hazard and, typically on Greg Norman courses, big bunkers. www.glades.com.au

Capricorn Resort Golf

THE VINTAGE

Rothbury, New South Wales DOWN 1 

This Greg Norman and Bob Harrison-designed layout has been a model of consistency in this ranking since 2011. It has either been ranked No.20 or now No.21 and this is reflective of what every golfer finds when they play the course … consistency across the board. Its location in the heart of the Hunter Valley sees it exposed to temperature extremes throughout the year but our judges found that the high level of presentation varied very little, no matter when they visited. www.thevintage.com.au

Both of our spectacular courses are listed among the top Resort Courses in the country, by Australian Golf Magazine. The Resort Course is a classic Thomson -Wolveridge course. A par 72 course, measuring 6,832 yards from the blue tees. In superb condition, this exacting but forgiving course, has wide fairways and there is no over abundance of water. With 39 sand bunkers the course cuts through Australian Melaleuca bushland using the natural undulations of the area to best utilise natural contours to enhance the course dynamics. The Championship Course is designed by Karl Litten and opened in 1992. Carved out of Melaleuca swamps and bushland, it is tight and demanding. Karl Litten is rated as one of the top two designers in the world. He considers the championship course a gem. “It really has to be one of the top five world class courses I have ever designed and I have now designed more than one hundred, over a period of twentyfive years. I rank it with my course in Dubai in the Middle East, the first ever desert golf course there, two in Florida and one in Japan. The Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon offer a variety of room types including resort rooms, suites, ocean view suites, one and two bedroom apartments so suit everyones requirements. Complimenatry hotel to club house trasnfers. 3 restaurants and bars including the famous Japanese Restaurant Tsuruya and one of the largest swimming pools in the Southern Hemisphere. For enquiries please contact the reservations team on 1800 075 902.

22. PACIFIC HARBOUR G&CC Bribie Island, Queensland NO CHANGE

Ross Watson’s creation has matured nicely in the eight years since it opened. You would hardly know this site was almost as flat as a tack when Watson first viewed the property. The sandy terrain was then crafted into a layout that features extensive mounding, rolling fairways, deep and expansive bunkering and huge putting surfaces. The variety of holes is a standout feature and, when combined with the differing winds and the direction of holes, you can be assured no two rounds here are ever the same. www.pacificharbourgolf.com.au

20. MEADOW SPRINGS GC Mandurah, Western Australia DOWN 1 

Several of our judges played Meadow Springs for the first time as part of compiling this ranking and were impressed with the rolling Robert Trent Jones Jnr design. Of particular note to them are the generous fairways, the expansive bunkering and the enormous greens. But the biggest plaudits came for the condition of the par-72 layout, with one judge suggesting it was the best-presented course in Western Australia behind

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Perth’s Lake Karrinyup and gave the layout full marks for conditioning. www.msgcc.com.au

19. MOONAH LINKS OPEN COURSE Fingal, Victoria DOWN 2 

Designed by Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett to be a regular host of the Australian Open championship, the Open course was created to be a tough challenge and tough enough to identify a national champion. Mission: accomplished on his part, but with the last Open being played here in 2005, it is now a public access course that might just be the toughest layout in Australia when the wind blows, which is almost every day. The key here is to choose the right tee to match your game otherwise the course will beat you up eventually. www.moonahlinks.com.au

18. LINKS HOPE ISLAND Hope Island, Queensland DOWN 3 

An icon of Gold Coast golf, Links Hope Island remains the benchmark layout in a region with no shortage of standouts. With a blend of links-like ground features amid

quintessentially Queensland foliage, Hope Island captures the best of both worlds in a layout that is playable for the average golfer yet a handful for the elite player striving to better par figures. No round is safe until it passes the leviathan par-3 17th hole. This 230-metre beast traverses a large lake to a green fronted by sand. There is a bailout option to the right for the meek but the brave must strike a truly heroic shot to find the green in one swing. www.linkshopeisland.com.au

17. STONECUTTERS RIDGE Colebee, New South Wales UP 9 

The final design collaboration between Greg Norman and Bob Harrison hosted the recent New South Wales Open on the Australasian Tour after opening just two years earlier. Stonecutters Ridge blends the best assets of other Norman/Harrison courses on a site that varies from low-lying wetlands to tumbling hillsides, all scattered among a large residential estate. The fairways are mostly wide and the bunkering both demanding and visually distracting, while water is squarely in play on half of the 18 holes. As the field at the NSW Open discovered, the strength and direction of the wind is the mitigating factor in shooting a good score here. www.stonecuttersgc.com.au

Capricorn Resort Golf Pro shop (07) 4925 2621 Email : golf@capricornresortgolf.com.au

Mercure Capricorn Resort Yeppoon Reservations 1800 075 902 Email: reservations@capricornresort.com

UNIQUE GOLFING EXPERIENCE… L E O N G AT H A G O L F C L U B

THE NEXT 25 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

15 16. PELICAN WATERS GC Golden Beach, Queensland UP 5 

Pelican Waters was one of several new courses to open in the years either side of the turn of the millennium but was somewhat lost in the rush. There was no need for any mystery to surround one of Greg Norman and Bob Harrison’s best designs, which makes excellent use of its setting. Some holes work between stands of trees while others are wide open but guarded by large lakes. The bunkering is strategic with plenty of sand across the course but it’s far from overdone as the largest bunkers invariably add definition to the widest fairways. www.pelicangolf.com.au

15. MOONAH LINKS LEGENDS COURSE Fingal, Victoria DOWN 3 

Now into its 12th year, the Legends course remains one of the ‘must play’ courses on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Designed by Ross Perrett to offer a different, less penal golf experience to the adjoining Open course, Legends covers terrific land that gives rise to some memorable holes. Our judges really like the design but most of them, who had played both Moonah Links courses before in years gone by, believe the high standard of presentation had dropped. That said, they were complimentary of the putting surfaces. www.moonahlinks.com.au

14. PORTSEA GC Portsea, Victoria DOWN 4 

Still basking in the success of its new clubhouse and resort that brought with it a positive re-sequencing of its holes, Portsea remains a must-play course on the Mornington Peninsula. The course lacks modern

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length but that’s a good thing, as there are few better collections of short holes – both par-3s and par-4s – all on the one golf course. Rising and dipping with the considerable undulations of the terrain, the fairway shapes demand that more than a mere starting line be chosen from the tee as the ground will influence the ball’s passage just as much. www.portseagolf.com.au

13. THE CUT GC

Dawesville, Western Australia UP 1  James Wilcher’s creation by the sea just south of Mandurah is one of only a handful of courses in this list that has improved its position in each ranking since 2009. A program to soften some holes by reducing the size of some bunkers and clearing away the almost impenetrable scrub in some areas has improved the playability and enjoyment of a round here. The back nine and the trio of holes beside the Indian Ocean on the outward nine are worth the cost of the green fee alone. www.the-cut.com.au

12. BROOKWATER G&CC Brookwater, Queensland UP 1 

The bold and brash Brookwater layout is a difficult test but far from impossible when played from the appropriate set of tees. Likewise, the seemingly narrow fairways are often less so in reality considering that many are saddle-shaped and feed balls towards the centre. However, this remains a ball-striker’s paradise as expert ability will elevate the elite, as evidenced by the past two Queensland Opens staged at Brookwater. Of all Greg Norman’s Australian designs, this might be the course that best reflects the Shark’s personality. www.brookwater.com.au/golf

Bayview GC Bermagui CC Bribie Island GC Camden Lakeside Corowa GC (East course) Country Club Tasmania Fleurieu GC Gainsborough Greens Gungahlin Lakes GC Mt Broughton G&CC Mona Vale GC Mt Gambier GC

Shelly Beach slipped out of the Top-100 but it will bounce back.

Peaceful beauty in a natural bush setting.

• 10 minutes from Inverloch and Leongatha • Beautiful beaches, wineries, cafes, crafts and tourist attractions with easy access • All weather course practice facilities, buggies and club hire • Attractive special membership and group incentives • Licensed clubhouse, fully catered kitchen providing quality food for weddings, seminars and social golf groups. • Meals available

• Natural scenic bush • Challenging 18 hole golf course • Santa Ana fairways, Bent grass greens • Membership available • Visitors and Green Fee players are welcome • Competitions offered four days per week • Easy access from Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula

Book your GOLF LESSONS NOW – JOSH HALL PGA AUSTRALIA. Phone NOW (03) 5664 3314 For more information please contact the manager at:

LEONGATHA GOLF CLUB KOONWARRA INVERLOCH Road, LEONGATHA SOUTH, VICTORIA 3953 Phone (03) 5664 3314

Email leongathagolf@gmail.com

Web www.leongathagolf.com.au

Leongatha hph GA JAN 15.indd 1

13. Liverpool GC 14. Pambula-Merimbula (Pambula course) 15. Rich River Resort (East course) 16. Shepparton GC 17. Shelly Beach GC 18. Millicent GC 19. Yamba GC 20. Moss Vale GC 21. Portarlington GC 22. Duntryleague GC 23. Lonsdale GC 24. Tocumwal (Captains course) 25. Ulverstone GC

11/11/2014 12:27:18 PM

Newcastle Golf Club Come and Experience our Classic Culture

*listed alphabetically Mt Gambier is one South Australian course on the rise.

The Hunter’s ﬁnest and Australia’s 9th ranked golf course “Golf Australia Public Access ranking 2015”

Visitors and corporate days welcome

Newcastle Golf Club’s ico

Newcastle Golf Club Vardon Road, Fern Bay, NSW, 2295 Australia l Phone: (02) 4928 1365 l

nic Par-3 7th Hole

Pro Shop: (02) 4928 1984

Email: info@newcastlegolf.com.au l www.newcastlegolf.com.au

11. HAMILTON ISLAND GC Dent Island, Queensland UP 5 

The Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett-designed course in the Whitsundays has bounced back to reclaim the five places it dropped in this ranking in 2013. Hamilton Island’s setting atop neighbouring Dent Island is breathtaking and the course doesn’t disappoint as a stern test (especially in the wind), weaving across undulating terrain and with views at every turn. Now in its sixth year, the presentation of the par-71 has matured beautifully and the quality of the playing surfaces is consistently first class. www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au

10. BONVILLE GOLF RESORT Bonville, New South Wales UP 1 

For more than two decades the NSW North Coast course has won wide acclaim for its beautiful setting, laid out across undulating land and with fairways lined by flooded gums and a wide variety of other sub-tropical flora.

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These days golfers are also leaving Bonville equally impressed with the presentation of the layout. Our judges visited the layout at different times during the past two years and all gave Bonville’s conditioning, particularly the greens and bunkering, big ticks of approval. www.bonvillegolf.com.au

9. NEWCASTLE GC Fern Bay, New South Wales DOWN 2 

Despite dropping two places from its ranking here in 2013, Newcastle maintains its top-ten position on the list. Its dip in rank does not reflect any change in the high quality of the layout, but is the result of other courses moving up on the list. Newcastle is a fabulous course where the holes follow the rise and fall of the dunescape and give rise to world-class par-4s like the 5th and 6th as well as the short par-3 7th. This is a great course that continues to impress. www.newcastlegolf.com.au

8. THE DUNES LINKS Rye, Victoria UP 1 

Touring 18 holes at The Dunes transcends merely playing golf; it is an experience that connects golfers with the very best raw and rustic elements of the game. The rugged dunes and bunkers that are so natural in style yet so fitting within Tony Cashmore’s design combine with fairway shapes to leave you feeling umpteen more great holes could have been built here. Great layouts always evolve. Two years ago The Dunes unveiled a pair of revamped holes on the back nine, a new par-4 15th and par-5 16th, which lifted what was previously a ho-hum part of the course to match the high calibre of the rest of the holes. www.thedunes.com.au

7. BARWON HEADS GC Barwon Heads, Victoria UP 1 

Playing Barwon Heads is a step back to an era when golf courses didn’t have to be 6,600 metres long to

be challenging, as the 5,886-metre layout is instead a reminder how great things come in small packages. Simple ones, too. The 13th hole at the western extremity of the property is a brilliant example of classic, uncomplicated design. The downhill par-3 measures just 130 metres and has no hazards yet is as demanding a shot as you’ll find courtesy of the exposed location and the small green with ripples and run-offs on all sides. The course today is partway through a greens renovation program of rebuilding two greens per year. www.bhgc.com.au

6. THIRTEENTH BEACH GL BEACH COURSE Barwon Heads, Victoria DOWN 1 

Another state Open venue sitting high on our list, the original layout at Thirteenth Beach features fairways that slide in between chains of woolly dunes so seamlessly that you’d be forgiven for thinking God gets the design credit here instead of Tony Cashmore. The past two concurrently held men’s and women’s

Victorian Opens gave the Beach course (and adjoining Creek course) much-deserved exposure. The layout offers a mixture of cheeky short holes and bold options as well as safer playing lines. The bunkering is typically craggy and natural, while several green sites are shaped to allow bounding balls to collect onto the putting surface. www.13thbeach.net

5. JOONDALUP RESORT & CC QUARRY/DUNE COURSE Joondalup, Western Australia UP 1 

Joondalup is one of Australia’s most spectacular inland courses. The Quarry/Dune sequence of the resort’s three nine-hole loops includes the best holes, which have been laid out on what was an abandoned limestone quarry. Designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr let his creative juices flow and the results are breathtaking. You will long remember holes like the Quarry nine’s 3rd, 4th and 5th, while you will marvel at the rugged beauty of the par-4 3rd and long par-3 4th on the Dune nine.

If there is one constant, it is the high standard of its presentation right across the 27 holes. www.joondalupresort.com.au

4. ST ANDREWS BEACH Fingal, Victoria DOWN 1 

The arrival of St Andrews Beach nine years ago added an important spoke to the public-access wheel of Mornington Peninsula golf. Tom Doak’s only solo design in Australia further fortified the region’s reputation as the best golf destination in the country. St Andrews Beach’s early history was chequered (the course closed briefly in 2009 and a long-discussed second 18 is yet to materialise) but none of that detracts from what is one of the finest public courses anywhere. The layout is mostly about angles and taking the route to the green that favours each golfer’s individual strengths. At 6,050 metres, there is no need to overpower St Andrews Beach yet Doak provides ample opportunity to flex the muscles down the generous fairways. www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au

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LINKS KENNEDY BAY Port Kennedy, Western Australia UP 1 

Set on some of Western Australia’s best golf terrain, Links Kennedy Bay finds a spot at No.3 based on its continually improving presentation. Four years ago, the Michael Coate, Roger Mackay and Ian Baker-Finch design slipped out of the top-ten after a period of decline due to off-course difficulties. With its firm, raised greens and revetted bunker faces, this is a little slice of British linksland that should be on every Australian golfer’s bucket list. www.kennedybay.com.au

BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM Bridport, Tasmania NO CHANGE

Acclaimed course architect Bill Coore and Barnbougle owner Richard Sattler gave Australia and the world of golf a special gift four years ago when the Lost Farm course opened. The second layout at Barnbougle completed one of the great double acts in Australian golf. Featuring more changes of direction than the original course and including two cute extra par-3s to make a 20-hole excursion, Lost Farm further reminded us of what a phenomenal stretch of golf land lines the northern coastline of Tasmania. The highlights are plentiful. The tiny par-3 4th hole is a gem, while the short par-4s at the 3rd and 14th (the latter of which deserves to be ranked among the best driveable 4s in the land) offer more strategy options than are obvious at first sight. www.barnbougle.com.au

BARNBOUGLE DUNES Bridport, Tasmania NO CHANGE

The arrival of Barnbougle Dunes’ sister layout served not as a competitor but rather as a reminder of the enchanting magnificence of the elder sibling. For most judges, Lost Farm presented a different perspective in which to view Tom Doak and Mike Clayton’s Dunes course and perhaps identified assets and nuances about the original course not immediately evident. The looping nines along Anderson Bay create an extraordinary set of highlights via holes such as the multi-faceted par-4 4th and the fiendish short 7th, which presents possibly the most impossible 110 metres in the game. We’ve been blessed with this gem for the past ten years and hopefully centuries from now 2004 will be remembered as a seminal moment in Australian public-access golf. www.barnbougle.com.au

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