After two years of uncertainty brought by pandemic lockdowns and border closures, here is the most comprehensive ranking of the nation’s finest layouts.
85. KILLARA GC
Killara, NSW
Designers: Club members (1906); Commander John Harris (1961-1965); Harley Kruse (2020).
Average points: 47.87.
DEBUT
Comments: "To say that Killara is the best course "of its type" in Sydney's Northern Suburbs might be seen as faint praise but, in fact, architect Harley Kruse has shown nearby courses that restraint and decluttering is the formula to tease out great golf from Sydney's complex topography and clay soils.” – Adrian Logue.
“Killara is reaping the benefits of a redevelopment program that has extracted the best out of the landscape, removed the claustrophobic feel on some holes and raised the bar on its conditioning. The new bunkering also needs to be applauded.” –Hamish Walker.
84. SORRENTO GC
Sorrento, Victoria
Designers: Club members (1908); J.D Scott (1929); Peter Thomson, Mike Wolveridge & Ross Perrett (2014); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (2012 & ongoing).
Average points: 49.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 86, 86, 74, 84, 81.
Comments: "Sorrento is an enjoyable picturesque course. It is, however, a little confined for space resulting in a few average holes.” – Rob Williamson.
“Sorrento is somewhere everyone interested in golf should to try to get a game. It may not be the easiest to access but condition of the greens alone makes it worth pursuing.” – Kevin Nolan.
83. MT COMPASS GOLF COURSE
Mt Compass, South Australia
Designers: Brian & Neil Crafter (1995 & 1998); Neil Crafter (2016 & ongoing).
Average points: 49.15.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 81, NR, NR, NR, NR
Comments: “The quality of presentation continues to improve under the new ownership, allowing the architecture and the benefits of naturally sandy soil to show through. Some critical clearing of vegetation ingress has started to occur, enhancing the playing lines.” – James Bennett.
“Mt Compass may have dropped three spots from its rank in 2020, but it actually polled more points this time around, which suggests it has continued to impress the judges. And what’s not to like. The presentation of the layout is consistently very good and Neil Crafter’s design is great fun to play.” – Brendan James.
“Fantastic rolling land on a deep sandy base gives rise to some great holes, interspersed with some that are flawed. The surrounding housing estate seems to be expanding which is positive for the developer/owner but not for the golf course aesthetic.” – Ashley Clinch.
82. WARRNAMBOOL GC
Warrnambool, Victoria
Designers: George Lowe Jnr. (1928); Thomson Perrett (ongoing).
Average points: 49.67.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 85, 84, 89, NR, NR.
Comments: "The vegetation removal program undertaken here was the best decision the club ever made. It chipped away the rough edges of what has now become a must-play golfing gem.” – Brendan James.
“This is an incredible natural course with the holes weaving between the dunes on the front nine being an unforgettable highlight.” – Jan Richardson.
“I finally made it to Warrnambool for a game in 2021 and was jaw-droppingly surprised how good this course is. The natural terrain, the elevation changes, and the wind ensure no two rounds here are ever the same. What a joy!” – John Blackwell.
81. SUN CITY CC
Yanchep, Western Australia
Designers: Murray Dawson & Bob Green (1974); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead (2012).
Average points: 51.67.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 79, 75, 84, 100, NR.
Comments: “Tweaks to the design continue at Sun City, north of Perth. The course is blessed with gorgeous topography, sandy soil, a great locale, and lovely vegetation. If it were on the outskirts of an eastern seaboard city, Sun City would be packed seven days a week.” – Matt Mollica.
"The ‘new’ holes remain a step above the originals and a full course of these more open, strategic holes would have Sun City on the verge of cracking a Top-50 spot in this ranking. Holes like the short par-4 2nd, and the back nine par-4s the 10th and 13th are highlights of a round and are evidence of the potential this layout has.” – Tristan Holmes.
80. BLACK BULL GC
Yarrawonga, Victoria
Designers: Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett (2015).
Average points: 52.9.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 73, 78, 82, NR, NR.
Comments: “Wide rolling fairways, big manicured bunkers and subtly sloping expansive greens all wrapped up in a beautifully presented package. There is plenty to like about Black Bull.” – Alex Georgiou.
“While the ‘Bull Ring’ – a stretch of three holes played around a lake midway through the front nine – quite rightly grab plenty of attention. But I really enjoyed the challenge of the back nine, which climaxes in the best long hole on the course … a wide par-5 that tempts you to attack in search of a birdie to end the round.” – Lucas Andrews.
79. TASMANIA GC
Cambridge, Tasmania
Designer: Al Howard (1972).
Average points: 53.25.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 78, 80, 80, 83, 86.
Comments: “Some tree removal has opened up vistas and playing lines, but more could be done. Some much-needed greens renovation appears planned, which will be a good investment for the future.” – James Bennett.
“The strategic clearing of unnecessary trees across the property has been welcomed by most judges on our ranking panel. For mine, the only trees left to be removed are those separating the left edge of the iconic 3rd fairway and Barilla Bay. Standing on the tee, it would be brilliant to see the entire length of the par-5 laid out in front and not obscured by trees. This course of action would elevate this gem to a world standing.” – Brendan James.
“Tasmania has some really strong holes and several challenging green complexes to boot. The recent tree removal program has significantly improved the course. It is a shame the road widening of the Tasman Highway on the south eastern boundary of the course will see some good holes affected.” – Peter Shaw.
78. MAROOCHY RIVER GC
Bli Bli, Queensland
Designer: Graham Marsh (2015).
Average points: 54.33.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 76, NR, NR, NR, NR
Comments: “A Graham Marsh design on the Sunshine Coast that plays firm, in excellent condition and provides challenge and variety for all golfers, which is a real achievement given the flat land. There is lots of water running through the course but is rarely in play unless you are really wayward.” – Ashley Clinch.
“Maroochy River is one of the fairest and fun courses I’ve played. The majority of the green frontages are wide and there always seems to be a route to the flag without throwing the ball in the air as there is only one real forced carry in the 18 holes.” – Deborah Hill.
“Cast an eye out from the clubhouse and you can see plenty of water across the property. But once you get out on course you find it rarely comes into play, and is in more of a supporting role than a starring one. The real star is the work of the shaper during construction, with dramatic bumps and hollows mixed with subtle undulations present on every hole. There is no way you could pick this land as a former flood plain.” – Brendan James.
www.maroochyrivergolfclub.com.au
77. NAROOMA GC
Narooma, NSW
Designer: John Spencer (1980).
Average points: 55.25.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 80, 87, 90, 94, 82.
Comments: "Much is made of the oceanside holes, especially the cliffside 2nd and 3rd holes, but the dramatic inland holes created by John Spencer are just as impressive.” – Stephen Jackson.
“Narooma has become one of NSW’s great destination courses. It’s a badge of honour now to say you’ve played this great course.” – Brendan James.
“Here is a course of exceptional conditioning with two contrasting groups of holes either side of the road. The holes closest to the cliffs are Narooma’s drawcard but the holes in the hinterland are extremely well done, very beautiful and provide all players with fun challenges. I’d give top marks for presentation … with only five greens staff they must work 24/7.” – Ashley Clinch.
76. AVONDALE GC
Pymble, NSW
Designers: Eric Apperly (1927); Ross Watson (2008).
Average points: 56.13.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 72, 61, 56, 61, 68.
Comments: “Set on the edge of a national park, Avondale offers more than a great round of golf … it’s a nature walk. The quintet of holes through the middle of the round – the par-5 7th through to the long par-3 11th – are a definite highlight as they cover interesting, natural terrain.” – Brendan James.
“The changes in elevation across the course provide the variety of shots that make a round here memorable. The beauty of the setting and the high quality of its playing surfaces ensure you keep the number of that Avondale member saved on your phone.” – Lucas Andrews.
75. THE GLADES GC
Robina, Queensland
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000).
Average points: 56.5.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 64, 77, 62, 45, 43.
Comments: “Until Greg Norman and Bob Harrison came along, who knew you could turn a swamp into a Top-100 ranked course. Today, some 22 years on, The Glades has endured a few ups and downs over the years but it continues to improve as a Gold Coast favourite.” – Ken Robinson.
“If you’re looking to test yourself on firm, fast and smooth putting greens you will find them at The Glades.” – Toby McCracken.
“The Glades is one of the better public access courses in south east Queensland.” – Peter Robertson.
74. MT LAWLEY GC
Inglewood, Western Australia
Designers: David Anderson & James Tinlin (1928); Michael Coate (2004); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking Ashley Mead – OCM (2018 & ongoing).
Average points: 57.57.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 71, 65, 63, 60, 65.
Comments: “Mt Lawley lies on land that appears was earmarked by Mother Nature for golf to be played on. The terrain gently rolls across sandy ground and gives rise to some memorable holes. My favourite is the diminutive 132-metre downhill par-3 known as Commonwealth because the green complex resembles the shape of Australia. The elevated tee here brings any wind into play adding some challenge to your club selection.” – Tristan Holmes.
“Here you will find a touch of the Melbourne Sandbelt in the northern suburbs of Perth. This is a fantastic course but I eagerly await to see the OCM masterplan rolled out and Mt Lawley fulfilling its enormous potential.” – Craig Smart.
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