Ranking golf courses, not unlike critiquing movies or restaurants, is far from being an exact science.
BONVILLE GOLF RESORT
Bonville North, NSW.
Designers: Terry Watson & Ted Stirling (1992).
Average points: 71.933. 2022 ranking: 40.
Comments: “A course of great beauty and wow factor, that demands exacting shots to fairways and greens perched behind bunkers, creeks and lakes.” – Ashley Clinch.
“The cart rides between holes break up the flow to create 18 separate golf experiences rather than a coherent course, but the best holes at Bonville set up thrilling shots you’ll relish playing and the setting – grand, dramatic and ethereal in the late afternoon light – is a legitimate drawcard.” – Scott Warren.
“It may lack some of the strategic decision making of some of Australia’s higher ranked courses, but the presentation and natural setting make Bonville a wonderful place to play golf.” – Michael Green.
GLENELG GC
Novar Gardens, South Australia.
Designers: Herbert L. Rymill (1927); Vern Morcom (1955); Neil Crafter & Bob Tuohy (2004); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford with Ryan Van Der Veen and Bob Tuohy (ongoing).
Average points: 73.000. 2022 ranking: 43.
Comments: “Glenelg boasts some quirky features, including collars of rough, sod wall bunkering as well as beautiful water hazards. All this is on offer as well as being in superb condition, means Glenelg deserves to be in the conversation as Adelaide’s best course after Royal Adelaide.” – Ashley Clinch.
“Glenelg’s ongoing four-year renovation of remodelling greens, rebuilding bunkers and replacing irrigation is producing some great results.” – Alex Lees.
ROYAL CANBERRA GC – 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: 73.111. 2022 ranking: 31.
Comments: “As far as I’m concerned this is Australia’s best inland course.” – Peter Shaw.
“The OCCM redo half a dozen years ago unveiled a great chunk of the potential Royal Canberra always had. The redesign gave us a closing stretch of holes that include strategic gems like the par-4 14th and the superb short par-5 15th.” – Alex Murray.
“There have been some turf problems at different times during the past few years so the club has chosen to convert all its fairways to the hardier Santa Ana couch, which will be a good fit here.” – Lucas Andrews.
THE GRANGE GC – WEST COURSE
Grange, South Australia.
Designers: Vern Morcom (1956); Mike Clayton (2008).
Average points: 73.143. 2022 ranking: 39.
Comments: “Grange’s West Course is beautifully presented all the time, and it really doesn’t have a bad hole. But, in saying that, there isn’t much to get the pulse racing
either.” – Peter Shaw.
“A wonderful Adelaide layout that is 14 years on from a thoughtful redesign by Mike Clayton. It has now matured into a solid layout where the conditioning never disappoints, placing it comfortably in the top half of this Australian ranking.” – Ashley Clinch.
CONCORD GC
Concord, NSW.
Designers: Dan Soutar (1916); Ross Watson (1997); Mark Parker (2009); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (2018).
Average points: 73.267. 2022 ranking: 30.
Comments: “After a few seasons to re-establish itself after the major renovation, Concord continues to maintain the intent of the Renaissance Golf redesign as a study in restraint with minimal bunkering and interesting greens on a good piece of land.” – Adrian Logue.
“Concord was always a solid test, but following its redesign the course asks many more interesting questions, offers memorable recovery shot opportunities and rewards smart approach play to a set of classic Tom Doak greens.” – Scott Warren.
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: 73.385. 2022 ranking: 35.
Comments: “A shortish, sporty, quirky, fun course on Sydney’s eastern suburbs sandbelt. It’s so good it really should be better known.” – Adrian Logue.
“Bonnie Doon was nothing like I had imagined with more movement and elevation change over the opening 12 holes before a more subtle finish. The paddock across the road felt like a bit of a shooting gallery on a busy day with golfers everywhere.” – Kevin Nolan.
MAGENTA SHORES G&CC
Magenta, NSW.
Designer: Ross Watson (2006 & 2020).
Average points: 74.533. 2022 ranking: 33.
Comments: “Magenta Shores is Ross Watson’s magnum opus.” – Adrian Logue.
“The presentation of Magenta Shores seems to get better and better every time I get a chance to play there. The decision to convert all the fairways to Santa Ana couch was a good one and should be applauded.” – Lucas Andrews.
“Magenta Shores’ conditioning has improved over the past decade. While still a very difficult test for anyone’s golf game there is much to love about the course including some memorable short par-4s including the 5th and 13th holes, as well as a set of four interesting par-3s.” – Michael Green.
“I have looked forward to playing Magenta Shores for a while now and it didn’t disappoint. A great set of par-3s that test all clubs and run in different directions. There’s also an enjoyable group of short fours. Many of the bunkers look intimidating but often are not in play.” – Ashley Clinch.
THE AUSTRALIAN GC
Kensington, NSW.
Designer: Jack Nicklaus (1977 & 2013).
Average points: 77.556. 2022 ranking: 36.
Comments: “The Australian is the gold standard in course conditioning. The unique to Australia ‘American style’ of golf always makes for a fun day out.” – DJ Loypur.
“Still a great championship venue and a fun place to play golf with superb presentation, some decent width and surprisingly firm conditions for how lush it is. But there is a lingering question: How good it could be with a less American influenced design to take advantage of the great sandy land it’s situated on?” – Adrian Logue.
“I love The Australian and I always get excited before a game there. It’s always in superb condition, and who can resist an elevated 1st tee to let one fly?” – Peter Martin.
NEWCASTLE GC
Stockton, NSW.
Designers: Eric Apperly (1937); Bob Harrison (ongoing).
Average points: 79.333. 2022 ranking: 29.
Comments: “Newcastle’s plan to remove some lesser holes, create some new ones on better ground and improve the remaining holes seems like it can’t fail. If only it would get underway!” – Adrian Logue.
“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 that will soon be exchanged for new holes out the back, closer to the beach, which should make for a better course overall.” – Ashley Clinch.
PORT FAIRY GL
Port Fairy, Victoria.
Designers: Club members (1963); Kevin Hartley (1989); Mike Clayton (2000 & ongoing).
Average points: 79.556. 2022 ranking: 28.
Comments: “What was once a hidden gem is firmly in the spotlight these days and seems to be loving the attention. Port Fairy remains the best value golf in Australia with great holes from beginning to end. Conditions are always top notch and the only people who don’t seem to appreciate the all-world run from the 12th to 16th would appear to be the Victorian Government, who want to reclaim a thin strip of land the club inadvertently strayed onto 60 years ago.” – Brian Walshe.
“The second-tier links gems of Scotland might be the best golf in the world, and nothing in Australia evokes their spirit and charm nearly as closely as Port Fairy does.” – Scott Warren.
“Each time you go down the west coast and play this gem there has been some more improvements to what was already a wonderful links experience. Recent changes to 18 make for a better hole and some sod facing on bunkers is a positive. We played when there had been lots of rain in the previous weeks and heavy rain the day before, but the top holes were dry in a few hours … love sand. The putting surfaces are a treat, and a testament to the handful of ground staff who work on the course.” – Ashley Clinch.
THIRTEENTH BEACH GL – BEACH COURSE
Barwon Heads, Victoria.
Designers: Tony Cashmore (2001); Darius Oliver (ongoing).
Average points: 80.333. 2022 ranking: 26.
Comments: “Darius Oliver’s changes have added some balance to several holes that were a bit overwhelming in Tony Cashmore’s original version, lifting the playability in places too. This may not have the aura or history of Barwon Heads or the quirk of Lonsdale Links, but for my money it’s narrowly the best golf course on the Bellarine Peninsula.” – Scott Warren.
“Every year when the VicOpen is contested we’re reminded what a fun place Thirteenth Beach is to play. A genuinely interesting links.” – Adrian Logue.
THE NATIONAL GC – OLD COURSE
Cape Schanck, Victoria.
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1987).
Average points: 80.421. 2022 ranking: 24.
Comments: “The best golf courses evoke emotions in those that play them and The National’s Old Course can take you from ecstasy to misery with one swing of a club. It has stunning views from almost every hole, huge greens with massive steps and movement, fairways – bordered by seemingly impenetrable bush – that look far narrower than they are and bunkering that is both beautiful and intimidating. Leave the pencil and card in the bag and just enjoy the ride, it’s as thrilling as golf gets.” – Brian Walshe.
“The National Old is an amazing golf course that can just belt you in the head for no good reason if you even dare to lapse in concentration.” – Kevin Nolan.
“The crowd pleaser at The National. With views and stunning tree-lined fairways, the average golfer leaves with a smile on their face. Yet, the Old sits on the least golf-friendly land on the property.” – Peter Robertson.
KOOYONGA GC
Lockleys, South Australia.
Designers: Herbert L. Rymill (1924); Martin Hawtree (2008); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford – Golf Strategies (ongoing).
Average points: 80.429. 2022 ranking: 21.
Comments: “Rare on a course to play two par-3s in a row but this slips by almost without notice. The quickest golf course from green-to-tee that I have played.” – Rob Williamson.
“Kooyonga isn’t a big course. In fact, it reminds me of Kingston Heath in that it covers a small amount of land, but the routing is so good you don’t ever feel hemmed in. Kooyonga sticks its hand up as Adelaide’s best presented course.” – Lucas Andrews.
THE DUNES LINKS
Rye, Victoria.
Designer: Tony Cashmore (1997 & ongoing).
Average points: 80.563. 2022 ranking: 27.
Comments: “The sheer volume of high-quality golf on the Mornington Peninsula unfortunately results in The Dunes not getting spoken about as much as it should. The Dunes can hold its own with the best of them. It offers amazing value for a public access course, and you would happily play here every week.” – DJ Loypur.
“The Dunes is a great fun course which has that perfect blend of variety and challenge for all golfers. There are some holes here – 12, 13 and 17 – that could challenge for being the best in the state.” – Ashley Clinch.
WOODLANDS GC
Mordialloc, Victoria.
Designers: Tony 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– Renaissance Golf Design (2021); Mike Clayton, Mike DeVries, Frank Pont (CDP) and Harley Kruse (ongoing).
Average points: 80.769. 2022 ranking: 25.
Comments: “The smaller greens and more liberal use of doglegs sets Woodlands apart from the rest of the Melbourne Sandbelt, where many of the second-tier courses lack a differentiator from the best of the best or from each other.” – Scott Warren.
“A course with layers of strategy, which reveals itself through repeat play. Improving vegetation management and outstanding conditioning make Woodlands one of the Sandbelt’s elite courses.” – Greg Thomsen.
“World class short par-4s, some underrated par-3s and superb variety all round. Woodlands is a bit scrubby in places but it’s a fantastic piece of land and a challenging layout.” – Adrian Logue.
ROYAL QUEENSLAND GC
Eagle Farm, Queensland.
Designers: Carnegie Clark (1920); Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Mike Clayton (2007 & ongoing).
Average points: 81.000. 2022 ranking: 23.
Comments: “Royal Queensland has been polarising for many years with those that love the course and those who don’t understand the intelligence behind the design. With the international spotlight of the Australian PGA Championship for the past two years on the course, RQ’s reputation is certainly gaining more fans than not.” – Peter Robertson.
“A case study in how good architecture can create great golf even on flat sites. Royal Queensland with its linear bunkers and clever greens is not a course for people who think the middle of the fairway should always be rewarded. It asks you to go looking for the best angles off the tee and rewards you for finding them.” – Brian Walshe.
“It was terrific to be reacquainted with Royal Queensland in 2023 after a Covid-enforced separation of several years and to realise it’s not just as good as I recalled, it’s even better. The variety of green sites on flat land is a masterclass, with the drama of those from 15-18 putting a fitting exclamation mark on the round.” – Scott Warren.
CATHEDRAL LODGE
Thornton, Victoria.
Designers: Greg Norman (2017).
Average points: 81.133. 2022 ranking: NR.
Comments: “Greg Norman’s design for investment banker David Evans two hours northeast of Melbourne finally makes its debut in this ranking with more of our judges able to experience the course in this voting period. It’s a beautiful setting for golf, which enthused our judges.” – Brendan James.
“In a state known for its great par-3s, Cathedral Lodge might have the best set of threes out of any course on this list. A truly amazing experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.” – DJ Loypur.
“A unique golf experience in the high country of Victoria. Very private and exclusive. The solitude being the only group on the course feels like you’re a golden ticket winner. The course is not without its faults, but dramatic landscape provides some limitations.” – Rob Williamson.
LAKE KARRINYUP GC
Karrinyup, Western Australia.
Designers: Alex Russell (1928); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (early 1970s-2000s); Mike Clayton (2008); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2018). Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (ongoing).
Average points: 81.429. 2022 ranking: 22.
Comments: “The fantastic green complexes are the highlight of Lake Karrinyup with great short par-4s to start both nines you always have a fun start to the day.” – 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.
“The re-profiling of Karrinyup’s greens to address some turf issues back in 2017-2018 has proven to be exceptional and if you’re looking for the most interesting and best putting surfaces in Perth, this is where you will find them.” – Brendan James.
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