After two years of uncertainty brought by pandemic lockdowns and border closures, here is the most comprehensive ranking of the nation’s finest layouts.
47. MOONAH LINKS – LEGENDS COURSE
Fingal, Victoria
Designer: Ross Perrett (2003).
Average points: 70.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 45, 33, 33, 30, 24.
Comments: “The Legends Course is just a really fun course, that doesn’t beat you up, yet is still very interesting and tactical. You are always guaranteed a great day when playing the Legends Course.” – DJ Loypur.
“Like most 36-hole complexes, it is always beneficial to have two contrasting layouts. The Legends Course plays that role perfectly alongside the Open Course. While the Open can be a stern challenge, the Legends, which covers a landscape of greater variety, is a lot of fun to play. The mix of short and long holes, different elevation changes and doglegs left and right ensure every club in the bag gets a work out during a round.” – James Walsh.
“The Legends is the better of the two courses at Moonah Links because it is enjoyable and interesting for players of all abilities.” – Paul Wilson.
46. ELANORA CC
Elanora, NSW
Designers: Dan Soutar (1929); James Wilcher (2004).
Average points: 70.15.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 48, 38, 42, 40, 39.
Comments: “More than any other course in Sydney, Elanora is the course that gives its members what they want. Fast greens, consistent sand, meticulous presentation and impressive visuals.” – Adrian Logue.
“On land not overly suitable for golf, Elanora is a charming, yet challenging experience that incorporates some wonderful golf holes. Always in pristine condition, the routing takes you across rocky outcrops and playing spectacular golf shots such as the 9th tee shot and the eye-catching par-3 17th.” – Michael Green.
45. SPRING VALLEY GC
Clayton South, Victoria
Designers: Vern Morcom (1948); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2017).
Average points: 70.27.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 41, 42, 43, 50, 44.
Comments: "Arguably the most underrated course on the Melbourne Sandbelt. It’s standing among its more famous neighbours has risen in recent years on the back of some smart tweaks to the design.” – Brendan James.
“Spring Valley boasts some really interesting holes but the standouts for me are the superb one-shotters, which all demand different shots with different clubs. The short downhill 10th is the pick of the bunch, but the equally well-bunkered 5th is not far behind.” – James Walsh.
“There’s never a dull moment during a round at Spring Valley. You can start making a good score and feel on top of the world but the moment you try and attack the course and disrespect it, it will bite back.” – Lucas Andrews.
44. THE NATIONAL GC – LONG ISLAND COURSE
Frankston, Victoria
Designers: Gordon Oliver (1938); Vern Morcom (1945); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (ongoing).
Average points: 71.3.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 46, 50, 51, 62, 57.
Comments: "The often-underrated Long Island course continues to rise in this list and has achieved its highest ever position. The layout boasts some wonderful, natural holes and it will be interesting to see what the acclaimed OCM design team are able to massage out of this already wonderful layout.” – Brendan James.
“I’m excited to see what Ogilvy, Cocking and Mead will do the fourth course at The National GC. It is already a great track but if their work next door at Peninsula Kingswood is anything to go by, then we are in for a new entrant in the top 10.” – Rob Williamson.
“Long Island has benefitted from some polish, following its inclusion into The National Golf Club stable. Its condition has improved and more golfers are now familiar with the course’s appeal.” – Matt Mollica.
“Great condition … tick. Location … tick. Interesting and challenging holes … tick. Long Island is on the rise and anticipating great things from the work OCM will do to improve this gem that sits on the outer edge of the Sandbelt greats.” – Kevin Nolan.
“This could be the most underrated course in the Top-100. It is like the Sandbelt without the price tag and The National continue to improve its conditioning. Holes 5 to 9 are classics through rolling terrain.” – Ashley Clinch.
43. GLENELG GC
Novar Gardens, South Australia
Designers: Herbert L. Rymill (1927); Vern Morcom (1955); Neil Crafter & Bob Tuohy (2004); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (ongoing).
Average points: 72.56.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 39, 30, 25, 28, 29.
Comments: “Glenelg is not only fun to play, but challenging and strategic. It boasts some quirky features as well as collars of rough, sod wall bunkering and beautiful water hazards. In superb condition, it deserves to be in the conversation as Adelaide’s best course after Royal Adelaide.” – Ashley Clinch.
“Glenelg's beautiful clubhouse stands tall over a wonderful course, which is the equal of almost everything in South Australia. A great mix of short and long heavily bunkered par-4s, which are made an even challenge no matter no matter where the wind blows from.” – Kevin Nolan.
42. HAMILTON ISLAND GC
Dent Island, Queensland
Designers: Peter Thomson & Ross Perrett (2003).
Average points: 72.85.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 44, 44, 44, 44, 38.
Comments: “Everything about Hamilton Island is dramatic – the scenery, the holes and, sometimes, the wind. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to build this course but the result is spectacular. The stretch of holes from the par-3 14th through to the clubhouse offer unforgettable golf and views.” – Brendan James.
“The beauty of this course and its surrounds makes the worst scoring rounds completely insignificant.” – Debbie Walker.
“This is an unforgettable piece of architecture in a world class destination. The blue water views form every hole gives this course so much.” – Troy Scott.
www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au
41. JOONDALUP RESORT – QUARRY/DUNES COURSE
Joondalup, Western Australia
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1985).
Average points: 73.53.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 37, 31, 30, 34, 33.
Comments: "The Quarry/Dunes nine is as fun and challenging to play as it was when it opened more than 36 years ago. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th holes on Quarry are an exciting stretch of holes you could never tire of playing.” – Tristan Holmes.
“Joondalup’s Quarry/Dunes layout is a buffet of dramatic and fun golf holes. The fact that the playing surfaces, right across the property, are first class is the cherry on top.” – Julie Stokes.
“No two holes throughout the course of a round here are even remotely the same. Jones Jnr’s imagination ran wild at Joondalup and the result is plenty of memorable holes that are thrilling to play.” – Brendan James.
40. BONVILLE GOLF RESORT
North Bonville, NSW
Designers: Terry Watson & Ted Stirling (1992).
Average points: 75.05.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 42, 45, 53, 55, 64.
Comments: "Bonville lays across a stunning landscape that undoubtedly leaves first-time visitors in awe of the stunning visuals. While every hole is lined by beautiful flooded gums, they don’t encroach on the playing lines. The fairways are generously wide on most holes, giving all golfers a fair crack at hitting a green approach from the short grass.” – Steven Jeffrey.
“A challenging layout, with perhaps the most beautiful flora on an Australian course. If Costa Georgiadis played golf this is where he’d be a member. One of Australia’s most aesthetically pleasing courses.” – Craig Read.
“I can see why they call it the Aussie Augusta. It’s challenging, fun and seriously well maintained.” – Troy Scott.
“Bonville is a course of great beauty and wow factor, that demands exacting shots to fairways and greens perched behind bunkers, creeks and lakes. I imagine it would be a very tough course for the high handicapper, as sometimes you just have to hit over water. Carts are a must with many long treks between green and next tee, but often these drives are through beautiful rainforest and gardens.” – Ashley Clinch.
39. THE GRANGE GC – WEST COURSE
Grange, South Australia
Designers: Vern Morcom (1956); Mike Clayton (2008).
Average points: 75.15.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 38, 28, 28, 31, 30.
Comments: “A wonderful Adelaide layout that is a thoughtful redesign by Mike Clayton that has, 13 years on, matured into a solid layout. Conditioning here never disappoints.” – Ashley Clinch.
“A strategically superb layout that offers high rewards for quality shot-making and good course management.” – Julian Allan.
“Mike Clayton’s work on the West more than a decade ago enhanced a classic, strategic course, with width available off the tee, asking questions of the golfer every step of the way.” – Matt Mollica.
38. BOUGLE RUN
Bridport, Tasmania
Designer: Bill Coore (2021).
Average points: 76.
DEBUT
Comments: “Bougle Run boasts absolutely fascinating greens. It is the best fun with four clubs in Australian golf.” – Peter Shaw.
“The 14-hole Bougle Run has the distinction of being the first course of less than 18 holes to crack a spot in any Top-100 Courses ranking in this country. Bill Coore set out to design the best short course in the world, and only time will tell if he has succeeded, as more people sample its delights. It makes its debut at No.38 but is sure to climb higher as the playing surfaces settle through two growing seasons. The dramatic dunescape, which is home to the 12 par-3s and two par-4s, is a golfer’s theme park with fun at every turn.” – Brendan James.
“We talk about golf being fun and accessible – Bougle Run is all of that and more. I haven’t had a more fun day on course than the day I played Bougle Run.” – Troy Scott.
37. PORTSEA GC
Portsea, Victoria
Designers: Jock Young (1926); Sloan Morpeth & Jack Howard (1965); Mike Clayton (2000).
Average points: 76.11.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 34, 39, 36, 32, 32.
Comments: “Portsea has a great variety of holes on the southern end of the Mornington Peninsula. The par-5s give you a chance to score well but require careful strategy as do the short par-4s.” – Ashley Clinch.
“This is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s classic links style courses, which never fails to excite. Wide fairways offer the forgiveness required for a windswept layout, while the greens are receptive to a diverse range of short game shots.” – James Walsh.
“Portsea boasts spectacular views from the high points on the rolling fairways that complement the undulating greens. Although Portsea is shorter than most courses on the Mornington Peninsula, don’t let that fool you into thinking it won’t test every aspect of your game.” – Kevin Nolan.
36. THE AUSTRALIAN GC
Kensington, NSW
Designer: Jack Nicklaus (1977 & 2013).
Average points: 76.61.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 40, 36, 31, 29, 31.
Comments: “The Australian feels like Florida in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, which is the opposite of natural golf. It does, however, boast immaculately manicured playing surfaces.” – Peter Shaw.
“An exciting experience and tough examination but still a style of golf that looks an unnatural fit for what is an outstanding sandy, dunes land that should have more in common with Muirfield, East Lothian, than Muirfield Village, Columbus, Ohio.” – Adrian Logue.
35. BONNIE DOON GC
Pagewood, NSW
Designers: Lance Giddings & Eric Apperly (1937); Prosper Ellis (1951); Ross Watson (1995-2003); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019).
Average points: 76.88.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 30, 34, 38, 38, NR.
Comments: “Finally, now with its last stage of redesign complete, Bonnie Doon is fulfilling the potential of the interesting sandy, hilly terrain on which it sits.” – Adrian Logue.
“Bonnie Doon’s staged course works have finally completed, revealing a layout of great interest, variety, and architectural merit. The new holes are wonderful, and unlock the potential of the terrain. The short par-5s are exciting, the par-3 holes always fun, and the short par-4s a standout. The Doon is perhaps the most architecturally notable course in Sydney, and a must-see for visitors to the city.” – Matt Mollica.
“Bonnie Doon continues to be hamstrung by a decision to accentuate difficulty in the set-up at the expense of fun for all standards of player. The width was where the variety lived.” – Scott Warren.
“Renovations have turned the worst house on the street into a palace.” – Craig Read.
34. BROOKWATER G&CC
Brookwater, Queensland
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2002).
Average points: 77.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 35, 29, 32, 36, 36.
Comments: “The renovation work carried out on the greens here in recent years has significantly improved the putting experience, while surfaces are now larger and more in tune with the original design.” – Joe Thomas.
“Brookwater is a thrill ride from the opening drive to the final uphill approach to the 18th green.” – Terry Anderson.
“The overwhelming feeling you get during a round at Brookwater is the majesty of the place. Dramatic elevation changes from tee to green on many holes, tall stands of gum trees, bold bunkering and dynamic green complexes. You can’t help but love playing here.” – Brendan James.
33. MAGENTA SHORES G&CC
Magenta, NSW
Designer: Ross Watson (2006).
Average points: 77.16.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 36, 37, 39, 42, 27.
Comments: “I looked forward to playing Magenta Shores for some time and when. I got the chance it didn’t disappoint. It boasts a great set of par-3s that test all clubs and play in different directions. Magenta also has an enjoyable group of short fours. Many bunkers look intimidating but often are not in play.” – Ashley Clinch.
“Magenta’s course staff have worked hard to convert all the fairways from Legends couch to Santa Ana couch. The Santa Ana has been extended right up to the edge of the putting surfaces and provide a firm and consistent approach, which enhances Watson’s design.” – Brendan James.
“Brutal when the coastal wind howls, just plain tough when it doesn’t. A very fine Ross Watson-designed layout.” – Craig Read.
“Probably the best site Ross Watson had to work with in his long career and maybe his best work.” – Adrian Logue.
32. COMMONWEALTH GC
Oakleigh South, Victoria
Designers: Sam Bennett (1921); Charles Lane (1926); Sloan Morpeth (1962); Kevin Hartley (1992); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2006-2019). Tom Doak & Brian Slawnik – Renaissance Golf (ongoing).
Average points: 77.55.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 28, 22, 19, 16, 19.
Comments: “The recent in-house changes to the course don’t fill me with hope that Tom Doak will be allowed to do what is needed to make Commonwealth what it should be.” – Scott Warren.
“Some of Melbourne’s best par-4 holes are choked by trees that need to be managed better. If Commonwealth took a leaf out of Kew’s book, they might find themselves back in the upper echelon of Sandbelt courses.” – Kevin Nolan.
“Commonwealth’s original greens are works of art, while the layout has four truly great holes. There might be more if tree management was better.” – Peter Shaw.
“After 20 years of false starts with master plans, Commonwealth has recently appointed Renaissance Golf to give their opinion of what they need to do to improve the course. Along with New South Wales GC, Commonwealth has the most upside with the bones of a great course in there waiting for someone to be allowed to bring it back to life.” – Brian Walshe.
“Commonwealth is one of my favourite courses but it is very much in need of a clean out of poorly managed tree planting over the years. The majestic clubhouse should be in view from every corner of the course.” – Rob Williamson.
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