Australia’s 100 Best Par-5s

But, inevitably, these holes are also hot spots for double-digit scores. Here are the 100 Best Par-5s you will find in Australia, according to votes from our Top-100 Courses judging panel.

NEW SOUTH WALES & ACT

NEW SOUTH WALES GC
468-metre, 5th hole

The 5th at New South Wales (pictured above) offers players a memorable panoramic view of the ocean. The test is to hit your tee shot onto the plateau landing area of the hill that divides this hole in half. Be sure to avoid out-of-bounds left and the steep drop-off sandy wasteland right of the landing area. Downwind this hole can be a pushover but into any strength breeze, drives can drop short of the hill and you are left with a blind shot from a ‘rocket launcher’ lie.

AVONDALE GC
572-metre, 3rd hole

Having been eased into the round, you stand on the 3rd tee and quickly realise the challenge has been ramped up. This is one tough three-shotter. Its narrow, long and when the wind is in the face, it doubles in difficulty. Miss the dogleg fairway left into thick scrub here and you can reload, where a miss right will leave you pitching out from the trees. The lay up here requires thought as the right-to-left slope of the fairway can feed shots into two fairway bunkers about 40 metres short of the putting surface.

BONNIE DOON GC
467-metre, 7th hole

A relatively new hole at Bonnie Doon, coming into play as part of the last stage of works overseen by the OCCM design team. And what a gem it is. The tee shot requires some caution with out-of-bounds left and fairway bunkers to the right. The second and third shots into the elevated green are equally as demanding with a narrow entry to the green lined with bunkers.

BONNIE DOON GC
505-metre, 14th hole

A well-protected tee shot awaits with out-of-bounds right and dense shrubs hugging the left of the fairway. For the longer hitters looking at hitting the green in two blows, they will need to carry sandy waste areas flanking the inside edge of the dogleg left. A lay up here is into a very generous landing area.

BONVILLE GOLF RESORT
456-metre, 10th hole

While the distance number on the scorecard suggests the green can be reached in two blows, but the reality is a much different. A creek cuts cross the fairway in front of the green and flows down the edge of the fairway into a large pond, which cuts the fairway in two. It is best played as a three-shot hole, hitting from stretch of fairway to another and then onto the green, which is raised above the edge of the aforementioned creek.

BONVILLE GOLF RESORT

460-metre, 18th hole

Perhaps the best known and most photographed hole at Bonville. The tee shot is played uphill to the crest, at which point the fairway turns slightly left and descends to a water hazard, separating the end of the fairway from the green complex laying in front of the iconic clubhouse. The approach into the tiered and angled green is always from a downhill lie, adding some spice to the shot.

CONCORD GC
485-metre, 8th hole

The recent Tom Doak-redesign has raised the bar on the par-5s at Concord with this being the best of them. There are no fairway bunkers on this reachable par-5, but the shapely green complex is protected by a creek short and wraps around the left, while there are two bunkers right. Those laying up must get as far down as possible to leave a short approach.

COOLANGATTA & TWEED HEADS – RIVER COURSE
492-metre, 6th hole

A narrow driving hole that has been made even tighter in recent years with a tweak in the shaping of the fairway bunkers, but these only really come into play for longer hitters seeking to reach the green in two shots. The two-tiered green is protected by three bunkers but it is the water right and left that can be troublesome.

ELLERSTON
506-metre, 9th hole

On a course designed to be tough, you can imagine how difficult the longest hole on the layout might be. Your drive is played to a hillside fairway that cambers dramatically from right-to-left. This brings a nest of bunkers into play but can be easily avoided due to the generous width of the fairway. But the closer you get to the green, the narrower the playing line gets before turning sharply left – around a crop of trees – to the green, found just beyond a small creek.

MAGENTA SHORES G&CC
523-metre, 2nd hole

Often played into the prevailing southerly, this par-5 plays all of its 523 metres. No hole at Magenta runs as close to the beach as the lengthy hole sweeps right between grass-covered dunes right and seaside scrub left. A bunker in the middle of the fairway asks you to decide to go left or right, with each route having its benefits and pitfalls. The lay-up here is best from the left half of the fairway to avoid hitting over the greenside bunkers.

MOLLYMOOK GC – HILLTOP COURSE
491-metre, 13th hole

A beautiful par-5 that rollercoasters across the side of a hill with tall timbers lining both sides of the fairway. The tee shot is played uphill to the crest, with longer hitters able to find the downslope of the dogleg right. A creek cutting in front of the putting surface adds risk to going for the green in two shots – a tough shot at any time from a downhill lie. 

MURRAY DOWNS G&CC
472-metre, 16th hole

The 16th is a tight three-shotter where the driving zone is bordered by water left and sand to the right. The final approach to the green is a highlight, with four huge red sandy bunkers ringing the putting surface, which has a dramatic slope off the front edge.

NAROOMA GC
450-metre, 18th hole

A great driving hole and arguably the best naturally designed hole on the course. The fairway cambers markedly from left-to-right toward the oceanside scrubland and tea-tree for the first 280 metres of the journey before narrowing at the 90 degree dogleg to the right. A deep hollow dominates the corner of the dogleg and only the most regular player at Narooma knows where to aim over the scrub to cut the corner successfully as there are no landmarks just sky above the scrub.

NEWCASTLE GC
485-metre, 10th hole

It is rare for a hole to offer two blind shots between tee and green, but that is what you will find on this hole, which covers beautiful rolling terrain. The tee shot is played over the first hill and leaves players facing a second blind shot over a second hill and down towards the green, which is protected by three bunkers.

NEW SOUTH WALES GC
505-metre, 8th hole

The 8th offers a wide, open tee shot to set up a blind second shot over the crest of a hill. The green is tucked a little to the right behind two large bunkers, so the best approach is to come over the hill to the left, opening up the angled green for a direct short shot in.

RICH RIVER GC & RESORT – EAST COURSE
532-metre, 18th hole

Closing out the East Course, the par-5 18th is a true brute at 532 metres from the back tees. Rated the hardest hole on the layout, water once again features down the entire left side and combines with an ever-tightening fairway among the trees to place great importance on accuracy. The final approach features nine bunkers adding to the challenge of making par.

ROYAL CANBERRA GC
449-metre, 15th hole

The shortish dogleg left par-5 was enhanced by the OCCM redesign completed in 2017. The tee shot here is relatively simple and whilst there is a temptation to cut the corner, two blind bunkers await for bombers. The challenge is the stone-walled creek cutting in front of the wide green.

ROYAL SYDNEY GC
535-metre, 16th hole

This final par 5 is reachable in two shots with a favourable wind. Players are confronted with a series of well-placed fairway bunkers that must be avoided. In fact, there are 11 bunkers scattered across the last 150 metres of the hole.

ST MICHAEL’S GC
472-metre, 13th hole

An accurate tee shot between a water hazard left and scrub-covered sand dunes to the right is needed here. In the prevailing southerly wind, the green is definitely reachable in two shots for the aggressive player but the second shot here is to a semi-blind green, bunkered left and right with a steep drop off through the back. Once you’ve reached the green, soak in the million-dollar ocean view.

ST MICHAEL’S GC
498-metre, 17th hole

The 17th fairway rises sharply over a hill about 200 metres from the tee, and the carry over the crest is slightly longer (due to the height of the hill) on the right. Once over the hill, the fairway drops before climbing gradually to a green beyond a narrow neck in the fairway, created by encroaching native trees and scrub.

STONECUTTERS RIDGE GC
508-metre, 10th hole

A well-designed hole with fairway bunkers right for the shorter hitters and left for the longer hitters. The second shot asks the question: “What now?” Going for the green in two shots brings water right and sand short into play. Laying up just short of the next fairway bunker on the right will leave a short pitch of about 80 metres. A long narrow green with a bunker left and water to the right requires accurate ball-striking and distance control.

TERREY HILLS G&CC
472-metre, 1st hole

This relatively short opening par-5 offers a real birdie opportunity. It is reachable in two shots if you can hit your drive long enough to get a kick forward from a dip in the fairway just passed a fairway bunker on the right. A creek cutting in front of the huge green is the main danger to second and third shots here.

THE AUSTRALIAN GC
553-metre, 5th hole

A long five turning right around two bunkers on the corner then a lay-up and a pitch or a massive wood to reach the two-tiered green. The lay-up is complicated by a huge sprawling bunker about 30 metres short left of the putting surface. It was here, during the 1990 Australian Open, that Greg Norman holed his second shot with a 3-wood for an albatross.

THE AUSTRALIAN GC
486-metre, 18th hole

The best par-5s demand strategy and courage, and that’s what is asked on the 18th at The Oz, which has been the scene of great Australian Open theatre over the years. Only a precise second blow will yield benefit for the bold. And the challenge from 100 metres, after laying up to avoid the greenside lake is almost as tricky – especially with a forward pin position.”

THE COAST GC
465-metre, 3rd hole

On the tee, aim for the mounds on the left to take advantage of the left-to-right camber of the fairway. The second shot should be into the right half of the fairway to leave an approach that does not have to carry a bunker short and left of the putting surface. There is a cliff directly behind and well left of the green, so erring on the side of being short of the flag is advantageous.

THE LAKES GC
528 -metre, 11th hole

The pros revel in the architecture of this hole, citing its perfect risk-and-reward qualities – reachable in two, but over water, and only when a certain length and line is achieved from the tee. For the rest of us it’s a riddle: easy(ish) drive, a confusing second shot line that often leaves the player under-committed, and then a pressured approach – from a downhill lie – over water.

THE LAKES GC
502-metre, 14th hole

The redesign here a few years ago didn’t alter the tee shot, which offers a great advantage to the player who can drive it close to the lake down the left side. The ground near the lake affords the player a level stance – as opposed to the downslope players who drive to the right will find – and the shot to the green is much shorter. The green hugs the water and is the biggest, wildest putting surface on the course.

THE VINTAGE GC
503-metre, 7th hole

A blind tee shot to a big wide fairway is followed by a beautiful view once you have topped the crest of the hill. The Bimbadgen Estate vineyard lies to the left of the descending fairway, which shortens the hole considerably. Most will hit their third shot from close range (or from the huge greenside bunker) onto the two-tiered green, featuring a left-to-right slope.

YARRAWONGA & MULWALA GC RESORT – MURRAY COURSE
470-metre, 5th hole

This tight, winding three-shotter follows the north bank of the Murray River. A long stand of tall gums right of the fairway brings the riverbank on the left and a penalty drop into play. Another imposing river gum sits to the right of the entrance to the slightly elevated green with a bunker left, meaning a very precise second shot is required.

QUEENSLAND

BROOKWATER G&CC
551-metre, 4th hole

A spectacular par-5 that sends golfers on a rollercoaster ride over half kilometre of the most undulating land on the course. From the tee you can see the green perched high on a hill in the distance. To get there, your drive flies downhill, over two fairway bunkers to a fairly generous fairway. The fairway is split in two by rough at the bottom of the hill. The “second” fairway climbs out of the valley to a green that lies diagonally to your approach.

HAMILTON ISLAND GC
446-metre, 5th hole

This par-5 plays even shorter than the scorecard suggests as the tee marks the highest point on the hole. By avoiding the bunkers right of the fairway off the tee and a decision to either lay-up short of the green or try and reach with the second, will have to be made. If laying up is the decision, the best line into the green is from just short of the second set of bunkers, to be found on the left of the fairway. A slightly longer lay up to the right will give a shorter shot in, but a more difficult line over the greenside bunker.

INDOOROOPILLY GC – RED COURSE
498-metre, 9th hole

Water plays a significant role on the Red nine at Indooroopilly and is the main feature of the 9th hole. Here, you must bomb a drive over a lake to the fairway, which is diagonally placed to the flight of your tee shot. Then you need to take on more water with your final approach to a semi-island green where there is water short, left and long of the putting surface. It is a treacherous journey from tee-to-green but what a closer.

LINKS HOPE ISLAND GC
484-metre, 2nd hole

This hole is fraught with trouble for those who try to reach the green in two. It is a slight dogleg left with water and a pot bunker easily reached down the left from the tee, while a huge fig tree can also be problematic. The slightly raised green is protected in front by a large pot bunker, which might be a slightly better find than any of the five small deep bunkers scattered across the last 80 metres.

LINKS HOPE ISLAND GC
511-metre, 18th hole

Hope Island co-designer Mike Wolveridge once described the 18th as “a venue for great theatre”. It is hard to argue with him given that water flanks the left side for all 511 metres and there are 13 bunkers between tee and green. The green is small and firm, placing greater importance on the angle of approach, with the left side close to the water –to avoid the swale built up high on the right – being the preferred option.

PACIFIC HARBOUR G&CC
492-metre, 14th hole

The 14th, known as Glasshouse, is a superb driving hole where water to the right and a massive bunker left frame the landing zone. Going for the green here requires a long shot to carry a creek that cuts in front of the putting surface. Laying up short of the creek in the right half of the fairway is a good play.

PALM MEADOWS
523-metre, 18th hole

The test is knowing your limitations as you stand on the tee and pluck up the courage to carry your drive over the lake and set up a chance to hit the green in two shots. If you cannot reach the green in two you must keep out of the bunkers on the left when you lay up with your second shot short of the water, which also cuts through the fairway.

PELICAN WATERS GC
489-metre, 3rd hole

A wide driving area is laid out in front with the fig tree just left of the dogleg right fairway providing the ideal aiming point. The fairway continues to turn right, following the edge of the adjoining lake. Any approach into the green – whether they are a long second or short third shot – must be accurate as there is a bunker left and another to the right next to the water, both of which pinch in the entrance to the green.

RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT – GREEN COURSE
495-metre, 9th hole

With a wide fairway presenting from the tee, the only visible concerns being a lone bunker and a line of trees, with out-of-bounds beyond, to the right. Long hitters should be aware that there is a lake to the left that comes into play for tee shots blasted down the left edge of the fairway. The hole then turns slightly right and bunkers line the final approach into the semi-island green.

 

ROYAL QUEENSLAND GC
525-metre, 9th hole

A variety of playing lines from the tee, courtesy of the placement of bunkers at different lengths across the fairway, makes every player think about how they are going to navigate their way to the green. The major danger from the tee is the hazard down the left side, but once the golfer clears the driving area, the right side – which is the preferred line into the angled green – is protected by water.

SANCTUARY COVE G&CC – PINES COURSE
522-metre, 11th hole

The course’s trademark pine trees line the entire left side of the fairway, while a creek to the right snakes in and away from the fairway before cutting diagonally in front of the slightly raised green. Three fairway bunkers left and the encroaching creek narrows the fairway the further you progress from the tee. This genuine three-shotter rewards accurate ball-striking.

SANCTUARY COVE G&CC – PALMS COURSE
472-metre, 18th hole

The risk-and-reward aspects here make for a great finishing hole. A birdie is in the making for two perfectly hit shots favouring the left half of the fairway and including a second shot carry over the edge of a greenside lake. A lay-up second shot is best left near a lone fairway bunker about 30 metres short right of the green, as this will take the water out of play for the pitch shot.

TASMANIA                           

BARNBOUGLE DUNES
475-metre, 11th hole

Often overlooked as a fine par-5 simply because it lies between two memorable holes and also plays shorter in the prevailing wind, forcing the hole to let its guard down … for some. Mis-hits will inevitably find the bunkers left and right of the dramatically rolling fairway, which immediately takes birdie off the table.

BARNBOUGLE DUNES
508-metre, 14th hole

With a fairway set diagonally to the direction of your tee shot. A nest of fairway bunkers right lay on a direct line to the green, while two more bunkers to the left catch the over cautious player trying to take a conservative route. The fairway dips and rolls subtly before turning left and rising to the green, protected by two deep traps left and much larger bunker to the right.

BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM
467-metre, 1st hole

The fairway of Lost Farm’s opening hole is very wide. It is so wide that mis-hits are unlikely to find too much trouble. However, to enhance your chances of making a birdie your drive should skirt the fairway bunkers to the left as this opens up the route into the small green complex.

BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM
554-metre, 8th hole

From the tee, the drive carries long flowing marram grass to reach the angled fairway, which features a hog’s back shape develop the further you travel along the fairway. The fairway narrows between bunkers left and scrub to the right the closer you get to the green. A blowout bunker right and a small pot bunker cut into the steep false front of the putting surface, add to the challenge of making par here.

BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM
543-metre, 10th hole

Long grass covered dunes create a chute from where the tee shot is played to a relatively flat fairway. The high dunes line both sides of the fairway as it turns left towards the green, which is tucked behind a large bunker. A small mound covered in long marram grass looms just right of the angled green.

CAPE WICKHAM LINKS
447-metre, 6th hole

A short par-5 with a wide fairway that plays uphill and usually plays with some kind of right-to-left breeze. The shortest route is in the direction of the crop of fairway bunkers on the right edge of the fairway. This, however, leaves a blind second shot into the green, wedged between bunkers front and a long grass-covered dune behind. The further left you play along the fairway, the more green you get to see but the longer the approach shot becomes.

CAPE WICKHAM LINKS
488-metre, 9th hole

Plays much longer due to the prevailing wind, the fairway lies between high dunes and a nest of deep bunkers. The hole dips dramatically as it turns right around a sandy valley before veering left to the green, set against the base of a high dune. Missing the green left is dead, while any shot long will leave a difficult recovery shot.

CAPE WICKHAM LINKS
532-metre, 15th hole

A long, downhill three-shotter, the 15th is the closest hole you will come to the Cape Wickham Lighthouse during your round. The first part of the hole heads semi-blind across a bunkered crest, ahead of a wide split-level fairway. Those able to hug the more dangerous left side – avoiding four deep bunkers – with their second shots are rewarded with a much easier approach.

OCEAN DUNES
479-metre, 1st hole

The opening fairway plays slightly uphill into the sand dunes, the highest of which features a deep bunker carved out of it. The dramatic left-to-right camber of the dogleg right fairway then leads into a steep drop down towards the oceanside green. It’s a wide green wedged between bunkers in front and the kelp track and breaking waves beyond.

TASMANIA GC
526-metre, 3rd hole

The hole follows the gradual curving foreshore of Barilla Bay to the left and offers an option of shortening the hole by cutting off the corner with your drive. But there is the danger of your ball finishing in the water 50 metres below. This is the most spectacular and hole fun hole to play.

 

VICTORIA

HUNTINGDALE GC
555-metre, 14th hole

A challenging long par-5, which used to play a pivotal role annually in determining the winner of the Australian Masters. The hole veers left before turning gradually back to the right nearly 300 metres from the tee. A large green, with four bunkers set alongside the front half of the putting surface, is full of subtle breaks.

KINGSTON HEATH GC
462-metre, 7th hole

A good scoring hole if the right strategy is implemented. A drive down the left centre of the fairway, short of the cross bunker, is ideal. Players can either go for the green or they should lay-up well back as any shot just short of the swale in front of the green is hard to judge. It is a glorious hole demanding good strategy.

KINGSTON HEATH GC
516-metre, 14th hole

Longer hitters need to thread their drive between the bunkers right and some trees on the left. The second shot is blind even for the lay-up approach. But if you’re aiming for the green in two, you really need to know where you are going. There’s usually enough run to assist and moving the ball from right-to-left is an advantage in hitting the big, circular green.

METROPOLITAN GC
476-metre, 8th hole

Lined with trees on both sides this hole can be the undoing of even the best golfers. The hole turns right but a drive too far right forces a long low fade around the corner trees if the player hopes to reach the green. The green is a real feature with a swale guarding the front and right of the putting surface. A typical Sandbelt bunker cuts into the left edge of the green.

MOONAH LINKS – LEGENDS COURSE
495-metre, 9th hole

A long hole that is easily affected by wind, which brings bunkers and mounds left and right of the fairway into play. When the wind blows hard from the left it is hard to avoid the eight huge bunkers on the right edge of the fairway. This is one hole that will never be played the same way twice because of the wind and the numerous subtle undulations in the fairway.

PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC – NORTH COURSE
503-metre, 3rd hole

A terrific par-5 where the ideal drive is down the left side of the fairway to open up the perfect line to the flag. Two fairway bunkers guard that left side and the green angles from the front left corner around to the back-right edge. Those straying too far right with the second are left with a difficult pitch across the deep greenside bunker.

PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC – SOUTH COURSE
456-metre, 5th hole

A short par-5 that turns to the right following a creek that flows the entire length of the hole. Those playing closest to the stream earn the best line into the green, an advantage if they are hoping to reach in two shots. If laying up short of the green, the best place to lay back is close to the bunkers 30 metres short of the green.

PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC – SOUTH COURSE
515-metre, 8th hole

The tee shot must find the hogs-backed fairway to set up a long second because if the drive is missed the player is guaranteed a difficult third to a three-level green that requires the player to pitch the ball the required distance. A long second played to the left edge of the fairway leaves the ideal angle for the pitch.

PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC – SOUTH COURSE
511-metre, 16th hole

The green opens from the front right corner and the thoughtful player will attempt to get as close as possible to the right edge of the fairway with the second shot. There is a bunker about 80 metres short of the green to deal with and that hazard provides the strategic interest here.

PORT FAIRY GL
465-metre, 12th hole

A straight par-5 where the only real hazards are the out-of-bounds line to the right and the marram grass lining the hole to the left. The hole is laid bare to the wind off the Southern Ocean, just a pitch shot away to the right. With the prevailing wind off the right, three bunkers short left of the green are definitely in play.

RACV HEALESVILLE CC
421-metre, 15th hole

The shortest par-5 showcased among the 100 here, but certainly not the easiest. A stream snakes the entire length of the hole, at first through the middle of the fairway, before lining the left side and cutting diagonally across the front of the bunkerless, but dramatically undulating, putting surface.

ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – WEST COURSE

461-metre, 4th hole

The 4th hole is one of three holes architect Dr Alister MacKenzie designed around a large sand dune. The tee shot is blind and takes golfers over the sand hill and its famous carry bunkers cut into the hill. Unless you can thread the ball between the drive bunkers on the left and tea tree on the right, the carry is a heroic one for all but the biggest hitters.

ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – WEST COURSE
435-metre, 12th hole

A right-to-left tee shot here is ideal to follow the camber and right-to-left shape of the fairway. In fact, the best line here is the right edge of the scheme of bunkers embedded in the rise of the hill. The cross bunker and heathland short of the green are problematic. Typically for Royal Melbourne, short grass surrounds the putting surface and fast-moving approach shots inevitably run into tea tree or scrub.

ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – EAST COURSE
457-metre, 10th hole

This sweeping left-to-right dogleg is all about setting up the second shot, whether it is a lay-up or an attempt at reaching the green. Four bunkers lie on the inside of the dogleg, with only two visible from the tee. Once negotiated, players have a multitude of options with their second shot, courtesy of the staggered cross bunkers laid out by designer Alex Russell. A left-to-right shaped shot into the green is ideal.

RIGHT: Royal Melbourne GC – East Course, 17th hole. PHOTO: Brendan James.

ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – EAST COURSE
520-metre, 17th hole

Like the 10th of the East Course, the 17th is all about the questions asked for the second shot. The drive is into a wide generous fairway across and down a hill, leaving a decision to be made for the second shot. Alex Russell, again, uses a well-placed diagonal line of cross bunkers to question your bravery and skill. Clear the sand and you’re a chance of finding the large putting surface in two or be left with a straightforward pitch.

ST ANDREWS BEACH
497-metre, 1st hole

From the elevated tee, you get a view of the green beyond a crop of bunkers for the only time over the first 400 metres of the journey. Most will play three shots to reach the green, and the ideal route is to the right of the cavernous sandy pits well short of the bunkerless green.

ST ANDREWS BEACH
477-metre, 17th hole

Tom Doak created an entertaining hole where your options depend largely on the wind direction and strength of the day. The fairway is wide but features two large bunkers left and a small pot bunker in the middle of the short grass about 240 metres from the tee. Approach the green from the right, but don’t over-club here as a steep drop-off long and left will repel balls well away from the putting surface into a bunker.

SORRENTO GC
489-metre, 11th hole

A terrific par-5 that can easily be reached in two one day and then a good three-shot hole the next. A draw from the tee around the bunker can take advantage of the down slope and will leave a short approach. The approach to the green will be played from a downslope making it more difficult to hold the wide, but shallow, green.

THE DUNES GL
537-metre, 12th hole

A memorable par 5-where using the roll and slopes of the fairway over the dunes is beneficial. A drive to the right half of the fairway will feed back to the middle of the fairway, leaving a long second shot over a vast sandy wasteland to a semi-blind stretch of fairway. Don’t get too greedy by aiming too far right as it’s a longer carry than it would seem.

THE NATIONAL GC – GUNNAMATTA COURSE
571-metre, 6th hole

The longest hole on the course is also quite a strategic one, as a result of the Tom Doak redesign. The tees were moved back and left to bring a boundary fence into play. The fairway is wide and turns left and then right around a massive blowout bunker, which blocks out any view beyond if hitting a second shot from the right half of the fairway.

THE NATIONAL GC – MOONAH COURSE
497-metre, 2nd hole

The strategy for playing this hole will vary tremendously from player to player and the wind conditions of the day. One thing is certain though. More pars and birdies will be made by a tee shot into the fairway, followed by an iron shot second to the heart of the fairway between the final framework of bunkers, located at pitching distance from the green.

THE NATIONAL GC – MOONAH COURSE
511-metre, 7th hole

The tee shot here is framed by deceptively deep bunkers, left and right of the fairway. A rear pin placement will favour running approach shots to a 36-metre deep green. The aggressive play is to take on the left fairway bunker and enjoy the added distance of landing the drive on the downslope to set up a birdie.

THE NATIONAL– OLD COURSE
511-metre, 17th hole

A rolling three-shotter with spectacular ocean views, again with an option for the longest hitters to blast a tee shot across the dogleg from the elevated tee, which will leave the green within reach of two blows. A more conventional approach avoids the left side fairway bunkers from the tee requiring the second shot to be played short of further fairway bunkers within pitching distance of the green.

THIRTEENTH BEACH GL – BEACH COURSE
486-metre, 4th hole

Depending on the wind strength and direction, players may need to throttle back to hitting an iron off the tee to find a narrow throat of fairway, which is guarded by a water hazard on the left and cypress trees and a bunker on the right. Most will reach this green with their third shot and is ideally played from right of the bunkers 100 metres short of the putting surface.

THIRTEENTH BEACH GL – BEACH COURSE
483-metre, 11th hole

An outstanding par-5 where birdies are as easily achieved as double-digit scores are inflicted. It is a wonderful driving hole with a fairway rolling between an out-of-bounds boundary left and deep fairway bunkers right. A small pot bunker in the middle of the fairway marks the approach to the elevated and undulating green.

VICTORIA GC
448-metre, 8th hole

While this hole plays as a par-4 in tournaments, as a par-5 for members and guests it’s a gem. It has been made even better in recent years with the clearing out of scrub on both sides of the fairway, exposing vast areas of sandy soil beneath tall trees. The redesigned bunkering is a real feature of the straightforward hole.

VICTORIA GC
554-metre, 9th hole

The second of back-to-back par-5s plays much longer and can easily take back any shots gained on the previous hole. The 9th is a genuine three-shotter for most players, with two solid shots being needed to clear a hill en route to the green. Find the trees or any of the fairway bunkers and the best you can hope for is a bogey.

WOODLANDS GC
511-metre, 15th hole

Here is a par-5 fraught with danger from tee to green, but it is in the last 100 metres where the hole really ramps up the challenge. A large scheme of cross bunkers stretches across the fairway from the left and pose questions of your club selection for the second shot. More bunkers line the right of the fairway, just short of the green, and a deep greenside sand trap cuts into the left edge of the putting surface.

YARRA YARRA GC

479-metre, 9th hole

Playing the tee shot to the right centre of the dogleg left fairway is recommended as fairway bunkers inside the dogleg will catch even slight mis-hits. The uphill second shot, again, needs to be kept right to avoid more bunkers narrowing the fairway from the left. The green features a false front and subtle slopes that make one-putts a real challenge.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

BLACKWOOD GC
475-metre, 15th hole

Blackwood’s most memorable hole skirts the largest dam on the course and comes into play left of the fairway. The aggressive line is to drive just right of the water, which provides the shortest route and an opportunity to hit the green – found beyond a second lake. The green, which is set into a hill, features a false front in its right half and can repel any short shot.

GLENELG GC
460-metre, 12th hole

The 12th tee sits on the highest point on the course and offers great views of the course and beyond to the Mt Lofty Ranges. The right half of the fairway is the preferred driving line to gain a view of the green. That said, two sight-of-line bunkers through the fairway must be avoided. The green lies in a dell and slopes away from the approach shot.

KOOYONGA GC
450-metre, 2nd hole

Accuracy is critical on this short par-5 as thick vegetation lines both sides of the hole requiring a drive to hug the fairway bunkers on the left. Reachable in two or laying up the player needs to avoid a large natural dune on the right, which will grab any errant shots. Negotiating this leaves an easy pitch to a relatively flat green and a birdie opportunity.

KOOYONGA GC
504-metre, 16th hole

A drive that skirts the edge of the fairway bunker left will give long hitters a chance to go for the green in two. The second shot needs to be played down the left half of the fairway to avoid a dense stand of trees to the right, which may block approach shots into the relatively flat green that is surrounded by four bunkers.

LINKS LADY BAY RESORT
509-metre, 18th hole

With fairways that always play firm and fast, the closing hole at Links Lady Bay offers plenty of stumbling blocks before you get back to the clubhouse. A lone pot bunker – unseen from the tee – in the right half of the fairway can easily be found with a slightly inaccurate drive. The ideal playing line is to skirt the left rough. If one chooses to play short, the next complex of bunkers will come into play on the right, as the ball for this second shot will be below your feet (for right-handers). Greenside, there are bunkers right and left as well as mounds and swales, all of which add to the complexities of making a par here.

MT COMPASS
442-metre, 10th hole

A fabulous risk-and-reward par-5 which will have long-hitters anticipating a strong start to the back nine. Most of the 10th fairway can be seen from the elevated tee. The fairway is cut in two about 290 metres from the tee and, from there, it is about 150 metres up to the elevated green, which sits diagonally to your approach. Seven bunkers, some impenetrable long felt grass and native banksias line the final approach.

ROYAL ADELAIDE GC
464-metre, 2nd hole

The beautiful 2nd at Royal Adelaide runs alongside the Adelaide-Glenelg train line that cuts through the course. The railway line, which extends down the left side of this hole is an integral part of the course. An errant shot coming to rest among the sleepers must be played as it lies or a penalty taken. The par-5 is perfectly bunkered – with eight bunkers in the vicinity of the green –to make the long second risky and thought provoking.

ROYAL ADELAIDE GC
449-metre, 9th hole

Tom Doak’s work at Royal Adelaide in recent years has seen positive changes here with a new fairway bunker added, about 275 metres from the tee on the left, from which a gentle mound extends across the fairway to thick rough and a small stand of swamp oaks. On the right, the mounding has been increased and complements two deep bunkers. The green has a well-defined step and a putt from any direction demands close scrutiny.

THE GRANGE GC – EAST COURSE
521-metre, 16th hole

From the back markers, this is a beast. But the blue markers (468 metres) and red markers (416 metres), offer a more interesting and fun hole, especially when the prevailing headwind is blowing. The tee shot is uphill with out-of-bounds right but once you’re in the fairway, you have plenty of options to consider in avoiding greenside and fairway bunkers en route.

THE GRANGE GC – WEST COURSE
457-metre, 1st hole

The opening hole is easily reached in two shots by longer hitters. But the wide green will reward the player who has driven down the right of the wide fairway and close to the sandy wasteland that flanks most of the hole. Those playing the hole as a three-shotter will find an easier pitch from the right edge of the fairway as the shot over the front bunker from the left half of the fairway is best avoided so early in the round.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

JOONDALUP RESORT – QUARRY COURSE
475-metre, 4th hole

The double dogleg par-5 is home to Australia’s longest and deepest bunker, which flanks the fairway for the last third of its journey to the green. Ladders help you get into and out of the bunker, which has a 20-foot high rock face and can prove the downfall for players of all abilities.

JOONDALUP RESORT – DUNE COURSE
507-metre, 9th hole

Snaking is one word often used to describe a thin fairway that bends and turns its way from tee to green. It is a word that applies to the 9th hole of the Dunes course at Joondalup. Not only does it turn left and right but the fairway pitches and rises several times (and winds between bunkers and bushes) before reaching the very wide but shallow putting surface.

KALGOORLIE GC
540-metre, 18th hole

This par-5 is as tough as it is memorable. Cut in two by a sandy wasteland, most will have to find the far left of the fairway to avoid running into the sand, while the longest hitters can take a playing line right down the shorter carry over the wasteland. The angled green is terraced into the hillside with three distinct levels, with the lowest point being at the back of the green.

LAKE KARRINYUP CC
560-metre, 7th hole

Played over a hill, most players will hit over the crest and have to play off a steep downslope with a long club in hand, which is a tough shot for any golfer. Some will be able to reach the green in two blows, but the rest will have to answer the strategic questions posed by the fairway bunkers both left and right of the landing area.

LAKE KARRINYUP CC
506-metre, 11th hole

This par-5 was lengthened nearly 70 metres by Mike Clayton during his redesign in 2008. He also placed a centreline bunker in the driving zone to ask more questions of players on the tee. It’s a huge influence on the drive and players with aspirations of getting up the hill on the green two have to take the bunker on. The green here is small and slopes markedly from back to front, which presents plenty of headaches for players finishing long of the putting surface.

LINKS KENNEDY BAY
520-metre, 4th hole

A long, narrow three-shotter with pot bunkers right off the tee and an enormous fairway trap, known as Kennedy Bay’s ‘Hell’ bunker, short of the green. The prevailing wind is off the left, which makes this hole very tough indeed.

MEADOW SPRINGS G&CC
484-metre, 15th hole

The 15th is a sweeping right three-shotter that is played from elevated tees with an unobscured view of the journey ahead – a rolling fairway lined by ancient Tuart trees. This places a real demand on accuracy all the way to the triangular green, with its subtle and deceptive slopes.

THE CUT GC
552-metre, 18th hole

A brutal three-shotter to end the round, particularly if played into the breeze. However, the prevailing sea breeze does offer some help, as the rolling fairway heads inland between sand dunes, turning slightly right and then back to the left as it climbs steeply toward the green. A scheme of deep bunkers in the lay-up area and surrounding the green, must be avoided.

THE VINES RESORT & CC – ELLENBROOK COURSE
540-metre, 12th hole

A gum in the centre of the fairway gives food for thought. Aim right and you flirt with bunkers. So cut the tee shot around the left side of the tree and then negotiate a half a dozen bunkers guarding the second shot landing area. West Aussie pro Stephen Leaney reckons it is “the most difficult par-5 in WA.”

THE VINES RESORT & CC – LAKES COURSE
470-metre, 18th hole

A stirring hole during the old Vines and Heineken Classics, with a reward for anyone risking a second shot 220 metres across water to the undulating green. The tee shot, which must be kept left of centre, is partially blind.