After two years of uncertainty brought by pandemic lockdowns and border closures, here is the most comprehensive ranking of the nation’s finest layouts.
31. ROYAL CANBERRA – WESTBOURNE COURSE
Yarralumla, ACT
Designers: Commander John Harris (1962); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (1984); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2017).
Average points: 78.7.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 25, 20, 23, 70, 42.
Comments: “The extreme cold and hot temperatures can also be very harsh on turfgrass and Royal Canberra has had some challenges since the 2017 redesign by OCCM. However, turf changes have been made and the layout is looking terrific and brings out the best in the ‘new’ layout. The renovation opened up the views through the trees and across the layout, and made each hole more interesting with extra width … not just on the ground but through the air.” – Brendan James.
“After some presentation hiccups Royal Canberra is now in magnificent condition, perhaps the best it’s ever been.” – Craig Read.
30. CONCORD GC
Concord, NSW
Designers: Dan Soutar (1916); Ross Watson (1997); Mark Parker (2009); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (2018).
Average points: 79.13.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 32, NR, 49, 49, 45.
Comments: “The site constraints limit the greatness possible at Concord, but the place continues to go from strength-to-strength after its 2018 redesign.” – Scott Warren.
“I'd never been a fan of Concord. Having played it for the first time about 10 years ago, a storm came in and I left after 12 holes, never feeling the need to return. However, since the Tom Doak redesign, I feel the course is far more interesting and would be an enjoyable course to play regularly. For what it is worth, it's the least ‘Doak’ course I have ever seen.” – Peter Robertson.
“Big tournament golf recently returned to Concord with the NSW Open and the new Tom Doak renovation showed its versatility with well-placed bunkers and firm, contoured green surrounds proving a decent challenge for the pros while still remaining great fun for the members.” – Adrian Logue.
29. NEWCASTLE GC
Stockton, NSW
Designers: Eric Apperly (1937); Bob Harrison (ongoing).
Average points: 79.15.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 27, 26, 18, 17, 16.
Comments: “This is a classic, tough championship layout that fits into that rare collection of quality courses that are also great fun to play.” – Craig Read.
“The stretch of holes from the 2nd to the 9th at Newcastle is among the best sequence of holes in the country, with such wonderful green settings, thrilling shots and great variety. Newcastle is always a joy to play, and is superbly presented.” – Matt Mollica.
“Newcastle will be undergoing some changes in the coming years, which will further consolidate its deserving place as one of Ran Morrisett's ‘Custodians of the Game’. It embodies the ideals of Ran's list as a course that holds up to repeated play throughout all stages of a golfer's life and provides features that are fun and engaging for the thinking golfer.” – Adrian Logue.
“Newcastle is no longer the hidden gem it once was. It’s wonderful contours and small greens that reward quality shot-making, have seen its popularity and esteem rise markedly in recent years. I would suggest getting your round in before dusk as the mosquitoes are the size of Messerschmitts.” – Peter Shaw.
“A brilliantly understated and subtle course that rolls through some beautiful sandy woodland. The first 13 holes are exceptional, with the last few on flatter land, which will soon be exchanged for new holes out closer to the back beach dunes and should make for a better course overall. The par-3s are tough and are standout holes here.” – Ashley Clinch.
28. PORT FAIRY LINKS
Port Fairy, Victoria
Designers: Club members (1963); Kevin Hartley (1989); Mike Clayton (2000 & ongoing).
Average points: 79.42.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 31, 43, 48, 53, 54.
Comments: “The changing face of the course in winds of different strength and direction is a source of attraction shared by Port Fairy and many Scottish links. Port Fairy remains one of Australia’s most under-appreciated golfing gems.”– Matt Mollica.
“Maybe my deep Scottish roots make me biased to any course where your senses are exposed to the sights, sounds and smell of the sea and the undulations that dunes land provide the golf course designer. When you are enjoying the scenery and golf of Port Fairy close your eyes and think of links golf in Scotland and Ireland because this is how it feels. Like much of the links golf of Scotland, Port Fairy is without pretence. It is quality golf on a quality piece of land and this is why it is such a special place to enjoy a day on the links.” – Ross Flannigan.
“If this was the ‘Bang for Your Golfing Buck’ rankings then Port Fairy would be the clear No.1. Regardless of the green fee, Port Fairy is ridiculously good for a member’s course in a small town and puts many big-name city courses to shame. The run from 12 through 16 is sublime, the conditions are always first class and all of this for the cost of a burger at some clubs.” – Brian Walshe.
27. THE DUNES GOLF LINKS
Rye, Victoria
Designer: Tony Cashmore (1995).
Average points: 79.73.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 29, 27, 27, 24, 25.
Comments: “An absolute gem that doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves due to the high quality of golf available on the Mornington Peninsula. For mine, it is the best public access course in Victoria.” – DJ Loypur.
“Pay for play doesn't get much better than what’s on offer on the Mornington Peninsula and The Dunes is right at the pointy end of that list.” – Kevin Nolan.
“Three words sum up a round at The Dunes … pure golfing pleasure.” – Craig Read.
“The Dunes is an incredibly enjoyable golf course, great variety, strategy and fun. The par-3s are standouts with the 13th and 17th being world class.” – Ashley Clinch.
26. THIRTEENTH BEACH LINKS – BEACH COURSE
Barwon Heads, Victoria
Designer: Tony Cashmore (2001).
Average points: 80.46.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 24, 21, 24, 23, 22.
Comments: "The Beach Course has always been a good course and it’s probably Tony Cashmore’s best work but there were niggles that detracted from it being better. Under the supervision of Darius Oliver, the club is undertaking a bunker rationalisation program and making a few changes to the course. The most important of those is a new tee on the par-5 6th and changes to the landing zone that significantly improve what was the worst tee shot on the course.” – Brian Walshe.
25. WOODLANDS GC
Mordialloc, Victoria
Designers: J.D Scott & Rowley Banks (1913); Sam Bennett (1917); Mick Morcom (1928); Jack Newton, Graeme Grant & John Spencer (1987-2001); Graeme Grant (2002-2005); Mike Clayton (2008-2011); Tom Doak (ongoing).
Average points: 81.62.
Comments: “Woodlands demonstrates that a solid yet enjoyable test of golf can still be conducted over a course measuring less than 6,400 metres. The quality short fours and set of small greens, demand precise approaches, and a nerveless short game … two of Woodlands’ most outstanding features.” – Matt Mollica.
“Calling all short game experts! If you think you're a wizard with a wedge, then Woodlands is close to the best place on the planet to test your skills. Small upturned greens that require deft touch to turn in a score is just one of the challenges Woodlands offers but is by far its most important.” – Kevin Nolan.
“Woodlands is home to some of the best short par-4s in the Sandbelt. These holes entice you into aggressive plays that you must execute with precision to score well.” – James Walsh.
24. THE NATIONAL GC – OLD COURSE
Cape Schanck, Victoria
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1987).
Average points: 82.15.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 23, 21, 24, 23, 22.
Comments: “This is a layout like no other in Australia with a routing that is very good given the challenges of the land. Some great fun golf can be had here but can be a tough day for a high handicapper if they choose the wrong tees.” – Ashley Clinch.
“The National’s Old Course polarises people. With wild fairways and even wilder greens there are some who think it’s ‘unfair’. If you don’t care about fair then it’s a thrill a minute course that rewards creativity and provides stunning views of Bass Strait and the Bay from almost every hole. On a nice day, and if you have your game together, it is one of the most memorable experiences in Australian golf.” – Brian Walshe.
“The Old Course is a rollercoaster of excitement, challenge and terrifying hazards. It can destroy a player on a bad day.” – Peter Shaw.
“How much fun is it to play the Old Course? I'm constantly blown away by the fact this course has had very few changes yet it is different every time I play it. This is just an awesome golf course.” – Kevin Nolan.
23. ROYAL QUEENSLAND GC
Eagle Farm, Queensland
Designers: Carnegie Clark (1920); Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Mike Clayton (2007 & ongoing).
Average points: 82.9.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 26, 23, 23, 22, 26.
Comments: “There are more elevation changes on the runway of nearby Brisbane Airport than there are at Royal Queensland, so how Michael Clayton turned this layout into such a strategical challenge says a lot about the brilliance of its design.” – Craig Read.
“Almost every course in this country that ranks higher than Royal Queensland starts off with a great site and builds from there. With most of those sites there were golf holes just waiting to be found. RQ is on a flat piece of floodplain where each and every hole had to be made. The brilliance of RQ is that the course maximises what little movement there is but is a master class in providing interest from tee-to-green. You are constantly trying for the best angles into pins almost never is the middle of the fairway the best place to be.” – Brain Walshe.
“An incredible use of width and angles makes Royal Queensland challenging, yet playable, for players of all standards.” – Peter Shaw.
“So much width! It will take many rounds to work out where to hit it and, more importantly, where not to hit it at RQ. Royal Queensland might be a little misunderstood by most golfers, which is a pity as its brilliance takes a while to find and usually you won’t get it until you really take the time to work it out.” – Kevin Nolan.
“Royal Queensland is a course offering thoughtful challenges and loads of fun, rewarding considered shot placement and a developed short game. The wide playing corridors and abundance of short grass about the greens are a welcome plus for many players.” – Matt Mollica.
22. LAKE KARRINYUP CC
Karrinyup, Western Australia
Designers: Alex Russell (1928); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (Early 1970s-2000s); Mike Clayton (2008).
Average points: 84.93.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 21, 18, 14, 21, 14.
Comments: "Easily the best prepared course, week-in-week-out in Western Australia.” – Gavin Hill.
“A big course that is the undisputed best in the west. It is also home to my favourite drop shot par-3 in the country – the little 12th hole.” – Peter Shaw.
“Sweeping over the sloping hills of this Alex Russell design, you are presented with a variety of shots over the course, along with a few that are blind from the tee.” – Carl Murphy.
“Lake Karrinyup has some of the best green complexes you will find. The three great drivable par-4s – the 1st, 10th and 14th holes – are a shining highlight of Karrinyup.” – DJ Loypur.
“Lake Karrinyup is now showing the rewards of patience, and committing to a plan to overhaul their course several years ago. Always a treat to play, Karrinyup is another interesting, well-presented, testing yet manageable course with lots of fun shots to play.” – Matt Mollica.
“In a class of its own in Perth.” – Craig Read.
21. KOOYONGA GC
Lockleys, South Australia
Designers: Herbert L. Rymill (1924); Martin Hawtree (2008); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (ongoing).
Average points: 85.24.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 22, 25, 26, 26, 23.
Comments: "Great terrain and superbly conditioned rolling fairways combine to provide a wonderful golfing experience. My only criticism would be the seemingly overused false front feature of Kooyonga’s greens.” – Peter Shaw.
“The unsung star of Adelaide golf that has only improved after the recent changes to the 17th hole. It is a great example of what can be accomplished on a small piece of land, and how a course can be short, fun and challenging to players of all standards.” – DJ Loypur.
“Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford’s work at Kooyonga has added lustre to what has always been a jewel of Adelaide golf. The quartet of holes from the 4th to the 7th are memorable, while the new 17th green is an absolute ripper.” – Brendan James.
20. LONSDALE LINKS
Point Lonsdale, Victoria
Designers: Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (2020).
Average points: 86.
Debut.
Comments: "Lonsdale Links is a breath of fresh air in Australian golf. A totally unique golf experience, there is no golf course like it in Australia.
“It is in exceptional condition for a new course. The green designs are a highlight, run true and are kept at a perfect speed, which allows for plenty of pin positions on the many internal contours and for the local winds.
“It is a short course that is playable for all standards and ages, but there are multiple ways to play just about every hole on the course depending on your skills and bravery. The options for short game approaches and recoveries are endless and require the whole bag.
“The short par 4’s will make or break your card and the five par-3s are all memorable holes. It is a course that will reward multiple rounds, as there is a lot of quirk and local knowledge. You will play holes a lot differently in your fifth round than you will in your first, and it makes for a great match play course.
“Lonsdale Links may well be the most fun course to play in the country” – Rich Macafee.
“This exciting new renovation has introduced template holes to Australian golfers and will prove increasingly popular to the masses. My one criticism is that the design doesn’t favour the ground game, which makes it tough for higher handicappers in a wind.” – Peter Shaw.
“Lonsdale is a short, playable coastal course full of imaginative takes on classical holes. The greens and bunkers possess a wonderfully natural aesthetic, and the re-working of the old course has revealed a new layout of great quality. It wows the first-time visitor and must also stimulate the members who play it weekly.” – Matt Mollica.
“I suspect that when this ranking is published again in 2024, Lonsdale Links will nestle into a position higher in the list as more judges get to sample its delights.” – Brendan James.
“Kudos to both Lonsdale Links and OCM for doing something different with their homage to Golden Age designers Seth Raynor and Charles Banks. It would have been easy to build yet another Sandbelt clone but instead they have gone full early 20th century American for their inspiration and it’s a blast. At between 4,500 metres and 5,500 metres, it’s short but don’t mistake that for easy with the templates holes sure to test even the best players.” – Brian Walshe.
“Lonsdale Links could be the closest thing to golf marketing genius I have seen. Take a course in a great location and give golfers a destination where they can experience a wonderful course designed around some of golf architectures hallmark templates. Ashley Mead from OCM has left a great mark for golfers who may have never experienced a square Scottish links green, or a Biarritz green, or a thumbprint, Redan, road hole and more. Well, it is right here in its own re-interpretated golf form for all of us to enjoy, and enjoy you will.” – Ross Flannigan.
“Lonsdale is a wonderfully fun, strategic and visually engaging course by OCM, which will be great to watch its development over the next decade. It’s link to golf history with the template holes is terrific.” – Ashley Clinch.
19. BARWON HEADS GC
Barwon Heads, Victoria
Designers: Victor East (1921); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (2005 & ongoing).
Average points: 86.54.
2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 20, 19, 21, 21, 20.
Comments: “Barwon Heads seems to improve incrementally each year. The first six holes are links classics, and you can’t help but have a smile on your face after playing. It’s Australia’s version of a Scottish gem that not many people have heard of.” – Ashley Clinch.
“Sitting on the first floor balcony of my guest room at Barwon Heads Golf Club, overlooking the circular drive way I feel an urge to extract my copy of P.G.Wodehouse’s Omnibus of Golf and read a chapter or two. Such is the ambiance of antiquity that permeates this magnificent course and clubhouse. May it continue to, always be thus.” – Craig Read.
“Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford continue to make subtle tweaks here and there that, over the past few years, have made this gem of a links a much more complete layout.” – Steve Beach.
“Barwon Heads is consistently good. It is a great example of how a course doesn’t need to be complicated to be good. Sometimes less is more as is the case with Barwon Heads.” – DJ Loypur.
“Barwon heads possesses an all too rare Old-World charm, containing sufficient challenge in a compact package. The course possesses many fun holes, and a number of drives and approaches requiring exacting shot-making. Changes to Barwon Heads have altered the aesthetic of the course to a degree, but the allure of those first six holes, however, has any genuine golfer salivating.” – Matt Mollica.
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