Ranking golf courses, not unlike critiquing movies or restaurants, is far from being an exact science.
BARWON HEADS GC
Barwon Heads, Victoria.
Designers: Victor East (1921); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford – Golf Strategies (2005 & ongoing).
Average points: 81.917. 2022 ranking: 19.
Comments: “The opening six holes at Barwon Heads is as linksy as you’ll see in Australia, playing across one big paddock of rolling dunes with great holes making the most of
the topography. From there you move more into a coastal style that has benefitted from some good vegetation management of late with the short 13th a highlight. The finish lets the team down a bit with the 17th and 18th suffering from some injudicious mounding.” – Brian Walshe.
“Barwon Heads has the Scottish vibe, the brilliant front paddock is backed up by
the far end of the site improving under Crafter & Mogford’s stewardship. One of the premier places to play golf anywhere.” – Greg Thomsen.
“Barwon Heads presents itself like a play with three distinct acts. Fascinating tumbling dunes on the smaller paddock then the wild holes around the turn that give way to a wide open back nine finishing at an iconic clubhouse. A special place.” – Adrian Logue.
LONSDALE LINKS
Point Lonsdale, Victoria.
Designers: Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (2020).
Average points: 83.550. 2022 ranking: 20.
Comments: “Such an interesting lesson in what is possible if a club fully commits to letting a world-class architecture firm do their thing. Once an unremarkable course now maybe the most talked about layout on the Bellarine Peninsula.” – Adrian Logue.
“Lonsdale Links is different and in a good way. It’s OCM take on the early U.S architecture of the likes of Seth Raynor and Charles Banks with template holes, rectangular greens and all sorts of interesting and different architecture we just don’t see in Australia. It’s short but the lack of length is more than made up for by the complexity around most of the greens.” – Brian Walshe.
“Lonsdale has gone from just another course to a must-play destination with a unique D.N.A. The redesign has transformed it into something special.” – DJ Loypur.
PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC
– SOUTH COURSE
Frankston, Victoria.
Designers: Sloan Morpeth (1967); Mike Clayton (2007); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019).
Average points: 83.643. 2022 ranking: 16.
Comments: “A little like the West and East Courses at Royal Melbourne, the North Course at Peninsula Kingswood can overshadow its South Course sibling. As with the East at RM, the South may well be the lesser of the two PK courses in many eyes, but it is a really good course in its own right. It has similar strengths to North in the expansive bunkering, big, clever greens and a routing that takes advantage of what is almost ideal golfing land. Where it is different is that it is less penal around the greens. Where North can at times leave you with greenside recoveries well beyond the capabilities of mere mortals, the South is tough without stretching the friendship.” – Brian Walshe.
OCEAN DUNES
King Island, Tasmania.
Designer: Graeme Grant (2016).
Average points: 84.786. 2022 ranking: 18.
Comments: “Ocean Dunes is a rugged and dramatic course, and a round is played entirely at the mercy of the weather. When the wind is calm, the course poses a brilliant challenge, and when it howls, it can be almost unplayable. Nevertheless, I could play it every day and never grow tired of it.” – Steve Davis.
“Dramatic, bold, overpowering, sometimes penal, sometimes exhilarating. It’s a tough walk with incredible views and a back-breaking finish. To steal a line from ‘The Kramer’ episode on Seinfeld, Ocean Dunes is a loathsome, offensive brute yet I can’t look away.” – Kevin Nolan.
YARRA YARRA GC
Bentleigh East, Victoria.
Designers: Alex Russell (1928); Martin Hawtree (2011); Tom Doak & Brian Slawnik – Renaissance Golf Design (2020 and ongoing).
Average points: 86.250. 2022 ranking: 17.
Comments: “The maturing after such significant changes to this course, have seen one of the most overlooked Sandbelt courses, improve dramatically. The change in how the front nine plays is a masterstroke with a more logical flow. A joy to see one of Alex Russell’s great designs shining again.” – Carl Murphy.
“Tom Doak has cleared away the overgrowth to reveal how great this Alex Russell design is.” – Rob Williamson.
“A program to restore some indigenous heathland in certain areas exposed by tree removal during the Doak/Renaissance restoration will start to take on an interesting texture and colour.” – Adrian Logue.
THE LAKES GC
Eastlakes, NSW.
Designers: Bruce Devlin & Robert Von Hagge (1970); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2009).
Average points: 86.667. 2022 ranking: 14.
Comments: “The back nine at The Lakes is probably the most fun sequence of shots to play in Australian golf.” – Adrian Logue.
“Playing The Lakes is a game of two parts. The front nine is all about thinking your way around. On most holes being in the right spot on the fairway leads to either a better view
of the target or a far superior line in. On the back nine the ever-present water just wants
to know how good and or brave you are. Kikuyu gets a bad rap, particularly from golfers south of the Murray, but the quality and playability of the fairways at The Lakes put plenty of couch courses to shame.” – Brian Walshe.
METROPOLITAN GC
Oakleigh South, Victoria.
Designers: J.B MacKenzie (1906); Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Dick Wilson (1959); Mike Clayton (2006); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford – Golf Strategies (ongoing).
Average points: 87.077. 2022 ranking: 15.
Comments: “The perfection of bunkering at Metropolitan is a highlight, and it should be, considering there are nearly 100 bunkers placed throughout the course.” – Steve Davis.
“Even with the other high-profile Sandbelt courses implementing more ambitious masterplans, Metropolitan holds its own for subtle strategy, magnificent greens and sensible bunker placement on a relatively featureless piece of land.” – Adrian Logue.
ST ANDREWS BEACH
Fingal, Victoria.
Designer: Tom Doak (2005)
Average points: 88.200. 2022 ranking: 13.
Comments: “The course proves public golf can be every bit as good as private course golf. St Andrews Beach is fun, quirky and a joy to play with its best as good as anything you’ll play. The sublime 2nd is in the handful of best short fours in the country.” – Brian Walshe.
“Tom Doak says St Andrews Beach is the course he’s built that he would most want in his own backyard – sorry Barnbougle, sorry Ballyneal, sorry Bandon – and Aussies can roll up and play it any day for a hundred bucks. Many probably don’t realise how fortunate they are.” – Scott Warren.
THE NATIONAL GC – MOONAH COURSE
Cape Schanck, Victoria.
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000).
Average points: 90.300. 2022 ranking: 12.
Comments: “If I were asked to nominate a golf course that best captures the spirit of Australia, it would be this one. Rugged aesthetics, an adventurous routing and some wild holes that less brave architects would never have dared to build.” – Scott Warren.
“The National Moonah is a course laid out on a big canvas. Set amongst the Cups country it has grand sweeping vistas on most holes as the course winds its way between and around massive dunes with wide fairways culminating in some of the best green complexes in the country. Yet it is the little deft touches of Bob Harrison’s work that make the course so good. Little slopes and swales in and around green complexes that can tempt the unwary and punish the greedy yet at other times provide the smarter player with a little more margin for error in the ever-present wind.” – Brian Walshe.
ROYAL ADELAIDE GC
Seaton, South Australia.
Designers: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (1979 & 1997); Mike Clayton (2009); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (ongoing).
Average points: 90.450. 2022 ranking: 11.
Comments: “Royal Adelaide isn’t big and bold like some higher ranked courses, but its beauty lives in the subtle challenges it offers on almost every hole. The Alister MacKenzie-designed 3rd, is close to being the best short bunkerless par-4 in the world.” – Kevin Nolan.
“The crown jewel in Adelaide golf and the unsung hero of Australian golf. A favourite amongst pro golfers, and it’s easy to see why as Royal Adelaide requires both skill and brains to be able to score well.” – DJ Loypur.
“I’m a sucker for golf courses with train lines running through them. Royal Adelaide is a great layout that has become even better over the last few years as the Renaissance Golf Design team have slowly and gently removed rough edges that had crept in over previous decades and made little changes that have further improved the course. It might not have the highs of some on this list, but few can match its quality across all 18 holes.” – Brian Walshe.
NEW SOUTH WALES GC
La Perouse, NSW.
Designers: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1928); Eric Apperly (1937 & 1951); Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2010); Greg Norman (2018); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf (2019); Mackenzie & Ebert (ongoing).
Average points: 92.300. 2022 ranking: 9.
Comments: “The members have voted almost unanimously to proceed with a renovation by Mackenzie & Ebert next summer that should create a more consistent character to the greens and hazards, elevate the lesser holes in the middle of the course and add some spectacular finishing touches to the oceanside holes that steal the show.” – Scott Warren.
“The flag stick blew out of the hole the first time I played here. Tough course when it’s like that. Thankfully the next time was only a two-club breeze … wonderful place to play golf.” – Rob Williamson.
“The topography and wind conditions at La Perouse pose varied questions of the golfer and require shots not many places can match. The prospect of a marked improvement under Open Championship rota architect’s Mackenzie & Ebert, make for exciting times at La Perouse.” – Greg Thomsen.
THE NATIONAL GC – GUNNAMATTA COURSE
Cape Schanck, Victoria.
Designer: Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (2019)
Average points: 92.400. 2022 ranking: 8.
Comments: “If I had to pick one course to play every day for the rest of my life it would likely be Gunnamatta. It’s a rare combination of sublime green complexes with a great routing over tumbling dunes land that challenges all levels of golfer without ever needing to beat you up. It continually asks you questions and yet never dictates what that answer is, allowing you to work out how best to solve the puzzle. That combination means it’s just a fun place to play, regardless of your ability.” – Brian Walshe.
“The Gunnamatta Course has some similarities to Barnbougle’s Lost Farm in that players of all abilities are challenged to score well without being forced to take on impossible shots. It’s gone from the worst course on the property to the best course on the Mornington Peninsula.” – Kevin Nolan.
“Large open fairways, huge greens with well-placed fairway bunkers. I could play the Gunnamatta course every day and never get bored.” – Claire Cook.
PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC – NORTH COURSE
Frankston, Victoria.
Designers: Sloan Morpeth (1969); Mike Clayton (2002); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019).
Average points: 93.176. 2022 ranking: 6.
Comments: “Every green site, every routing decision, every gradient, every vista, every mowing line and every bunker feels meticulously planned and executed at Peninsula Kingswood North. Perhaps the only criticism can be that it is too unrelentingly perfect and would actually benefit from some patches of banality to contrast the overall spectacle of the property.” – Adrian Logue.
“Not for the faint-hearted, every hole on Peninsula Kingswood’s North Course feels like an epic adventure. The rolling fairways and brash green complexes are spectacular with the fun only just starting once you’re on the green. The par-3 2nd hole is an instant classic.” – Michael Green.
“The golf at Peninsula Kingswood North now builds on the fantastic rolling sandy site it occupies. A heavy textured aesthetic with outstanding conditioning and strategy that requires proper golf shots to access many pins.” – Greg Thomsen.
VICTORIA GC
Cheltenham, Victoria.
Designers: Oscar Damman, William Meader & Dr Alister MacKenzie (1927); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019).
Average points: 93.250. 2022 ranking: 10.
Comments: “On one of the best pieces of land on the Sandbelt right next to the Sandbelt’s most famous course and with incredible green complexes it’s no surprise Victoria is getting more consistent and deserving recognition on the world stage.” – Adrian Logue.
“The 2022 Aussie Open was a well-timed promotion for just how much sparkle the recent OCCM facelift added at Victoria. The weakest holes were elevated to belong in the company of the rest, and the best holes at Victoria rival anything on the Sandbelt.”
– Scott Warren.
“Victoria has always been a seriously good course, but the OCCM changes have taken it to another level. There is more consistency in look and feel between holes now with the one or two weaker holes much improved with the bunkering across the course being a real highlight.” – Brian Walshe.
ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – EAST COURSE
Black Rock, Victoria.
Designers: Alex Russell (1932); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (ongoing).
Average points: 94.158. 2022 rankings: 7.
Comments: “With its charismatic holes on the grand main paddock and it’s subtle but effective use of the less dramatic land in adjacent paddocks, Royal Melbourne East might possibly boast more variety than any course on the Sandbelt.” – Adrian Logue.
“More than just the sibling of the West course, Royal Melbourne East is a fine, testing yet manageable layout. It sits comfortably within the upper echelon of Australian golf courses and is still underrated by some due to road crossings and the grandeur of the course next to it.” – Matt Mollica.
“The East Course’s weaker holes being dotted through the round stops you ever getting complete momentum, but there’s world-class holes here of all lengths and the more famous West Course next door might not have a par-5 to rival the 10th on the East
or a one-shotter better than the East’s excellent 16th.” – Scott Warren.
BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM
Bridport, Tasmania.
Designer: Bill Coore (2010).
Average points: 96.826. 2022 ranking: 4.
Comments: “A course where the quality of the green complexes and routing ensures every hole is an adventure. From the tempting short par-4s with greens set into the edge of dunes on the 3rd and 14th to the brilliance of the likes of the 1st, 2nd and 16th where terrific holes have been created over flat ground, Lost Farm is a masterclass in how great architecture can be both challenging and fun.” – Brian Walshe.
“What a stunning collection of flat and undulating holes … 20 holes of heaven.” – Rob Williamson.
“There really is something about Lost Farm that entices the player into thinking they’re a chance of making a good score. Certainly, great shots are rewarded but the punishment for a poor shot at the wrong time is just as able to cruel a whole round.” – Adrian Logue.
“The restraint of Bill Coore’s work at Lost Farm gives a Scottish feel to the golf, where wind is a key part of the game and its courses and where the ground is your best friend.” – Greg Thomsen.
BARNBOUGLE DUNES
Bridport, Tasmania.
Designers: Tom Doak & Mike Clayton (2004).
Average points: 97.217. 2022 ranking: 3.
Comments: “The Tasmanian course that started it all. Still one of the best in the country and some of the best value golf on the planet.” – Peter Robertson.
“It’s so hard to split the two main courses at Barnbougle but the Dunes Course just has so many more memorable shots to play, I absolutely love it!” – Kevin Nolan.
“The rare links where everything is in balance, the dunes are dramatic but just the right size for golf, the greens look crazy but make sense with the ball on the ground, the weather can be wild but always playable, some holes ‘fit your eye’ and others are delightfully quirky.” – Adrian Logue.
“Barnbougle Dunes is such a stunning course, meandering through the dunes sitting along the coast, offering such a joyous experience for all golfers.” – Carl Murphy.
“My ranking of Barnbougle Dunes has wavered a little bit over the years, and the weaknesses are there compared to the other top five candidates, but no other course in Australia gives you as many acute thrills as this one.” – Scott Warren.
CAPE WICKHAM LINKS
King Island, Tasmania.
Designers: Darius Oliver and Mike DeVries (2015).
Average points: 97.381. 2022 ranking: 2.
Comments: “After a lengthy time between visits, I still find Cape Wickham to be a thoroughly enjoyable course to play. The routing ensures scenic views and various conditions come into play for most of the round. The wide fairways allow for various strategies to come into play.” – Carl Murphy.
“Cape Wickham is one of the most visually perfect courses I’ve ever played. The dramatic views combined with pure surfaces makes it a world-class links course.” – Steve Davis.
“It doesn’t take long into a round to realise the effort and expense to make the trip to
Cape Wickham was worth it. Almost faultless.” – Peter Martin.
KINGSTON HEATH
Heatherton, Victoria.
Designers: Dan Soutar (1925), Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926), Graeme Grant (1983-1995); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2018); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (ongoing).
Average points: 97.688. 2022 ranking: 5.
Comments: “The 2028 Presidents Cup host course has narrowly snatched its highest spot in this ranking for more than a decade. It has swept by three of the Tasmanian wonder courses to finish in the No.2 position where it had a mortgage for several decades. All shouldn’t really surprise though given its impeccable reputation among the world’s elite golf courses.” – Brendan James.
“Aptly for a course on what isn’t on a big piece of land, it’s the small details that sets Kingston Heath. Yes, it has some big sweeping bunkers, and the 15th is all world but it’s the little elements on most holes that contribute to it being so good. Greens that look straightforward turn out to be anything but with just enough movement to make you wonder how you missed. Approaches that up are far more dangerous up close than they looked from 100 metres out with wedge in hand. Just enough rough to make a greedy recovery a hole wrecker. It’s the one course that is greater than the sum of its parts.” – Brian Walshe.
“Kingston Heath’s strategy and variety reveals itself through repeated visits with discoveries as delightful as Melbourne’s laneway restaurant scene.” – Adrian Logue.
ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – WEST COURSE
Black Rock, Victoria.
Designers: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1931); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (ongoing).
Average points: 99.909. 2022 ranking: 1.
Comments: “Royal Melbourne West is still the best course in the land if you look at each hole individually and then as a collection. There are no weaknesses.” – Kevin Nolan.
“The brilliance of the West Course is it demands the highest levels of shot planning and course management. If you choose to play the course with a thoughtful approach, you’ll uncover a surprising number of opportunities to score. However, play without thought, and you’ll realise the tough challenge it can be.” – Steve Davis.
“Strategy that asks simple questions, with complex answers. Slopes that are grand, some that are subtle and some that are quirky. Firm greens with a perfect balance of speed, tilt and subtle internal undulation. Bunkers that make sense. A perfect routing. Sustainable green keeping practices. A vanguard of biodiversity. It all adds up to Australia’s undisputed best course and maybe the world’s best test of golf for the widest spread of golfers from beginner to pro.” – Adrian Logue.
“Royal Melbourne West is the one course in Australia that ticks every box. Superb routing across great land together with brilliant architecture, perfect conditioning, and wonderful vegetation management. It has the rare combination of both a grand scale and attention to detail that elevates the very best above the very good. The West Course is short by modern standards and yet it still keeps the very best honest and enthralled.” – Brian Walshe.
“Royal Melbourne West – best course in the southern hemisphere. Plain and simple.” – Matt Mollica.
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