Golf is growing in Australia. Participation rates are up, club memberships are up and general interest in the game is on the rise post-pandemic.
89. PALMER COOLUM RESORT
Yaroomba, Queensland
NOT RANKED
Judge’s comments: “The Robert Trent Jones Jnr-designed Coolum course makes a return to the Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking after an absence of four years. The Sunshine Coast layout dropped out of this ranking and others on the back of a decline in presentation, which compromised Jones’ creation. Recent visits have revealed a better level of presentation, but this judge would love to see the routing returned to its original, ending with the iconic 18th hole.” – Brendan James.
“Course is definitely in better shape than it was a few years ago, but still a long way from its glory days.” – Craig Smart.
“I was so pleased to play at Coolum again and come away happy with the quality of the course.” – Charles Thomas.
88. LAKES ENTRANCE GC
Lakes Entrance, Victoria
UP 4
Judge’s comments: “Lakes Entrance is a fine example of a course that was built with minimal earthmoving and designed based on the natural landforms. The outward nine, closest to the beach, is outstanding in its simplicity and reliance upon the conditions to protect par. The back nine ramps up the challenge with more tree-lined holes, and a full water carry at the par-3 15th, to draw the curtain on a fun and diverse round of golf.” – Graham Brady.
“Lakes Entrance is a gem. It’s not a hidden gem anymore, but a gem nonetheless.” – James Walsh.
87. ALICE SPRINGS GC
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
DOWN 3
Judge’s comments: “Australia’s original desert course has dropped a few spots here but it received more voting points than it did in 2021, which suggests it has improved but so have many courses around it in the ranking. ‘Alice’ is a golfing oasis and the back nine setting, played against the backdrop of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, provides an experience worth the green fee alone.” – Brendan James.
www.alicespringsgolfclub.com.au
86. PALMER SEA REEF
Port Douglas, Queensland
DOWN 6
Judge’s comments: “I’ve played Sea Reef many times since it opened in 2001 and have always enjoyed Mike Wolveridge’s creative design. Who would have thought a links course could work in the tropics? It is always fun to play but it doesn’t really play like a true links course, that is firm and fast, despite being built on sand. A highlight for me is the often-dramatic green complexes, with the opening green being one of the best.” – John Blackwell.
“I’ve always liked this layout and have considered it the best in North Queensland for some time, even better than the now closed Paradise Palms down the road near Cairns. But its presentation has been a little up and down in recent years.” – Christian Harris.
85. COFFS HARBOUR GC – Lakes Course, 1-18
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
UP 4
Judge’s comments: “Subtle elevation changes and a wide variety of different holes requiring a range of shots, combined with beautifully manicured fairways and greens, make Coffs a favourite for me.” – Daniel O’Keefe.
“Having seen Craig Parry’s redesign work at Teven Valley, I’ll be interested to see what he does under his masterplan at Coffs Harbour, especially on the Lakes Course, which I consider is already a challenging and enjoyable layout.” – Brett Oldham.
www.coffsharbourgolfclub.com.au
84. SHELLY BEACH GC
Shelly Beach, New South Wales
UP 2
Judge’s comments: “Shelly Beach may have only climbed two spots in this ranking, but it is the third appearance by the NSW Central Coast course in this ranking and each time its rank has been higher than the last. This is one of NSW’s most picturesque courses, with its holes closest to the adjoining beach, being obvious highlights.” – Brendan James.
“Shelly Beach continues to improve from one visit to another. There are few better golfing views in this part of the world.” – Nikki Scott.
www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au
83. TURA BEACH CC
Tura Beach, New South Wales
UP 4
Judge’s comments: “Tura Beach is probably in the best shape I have seen it in the past decade, which makes you appreciate the Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge design even more.” – Nathan Burgess.
“Tura Beach was a mystery to me until early 2022 when I went on a golf road trip from Melbourne to Sydney. The designers did a great job considering the layout is spread across the side of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The landscape has given rise to some memorable, sweeping holes that cling to the terrain with none better than the rollercoaster ride between tee and green on the par-5 18th.” – Sam Brooking.
www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au
82. THE SANDHURST CLUB – North Course
Sandhurst, Victoria
UP 3
Judge’s comments: “The North Course is relatively flat, making for an easy walk, but the subtle ripples in the fairways do have some influence on the shape of shots you will hit. I quite enjoyed my last round here as its width from the tee keeps you in play but finding the right spot to have an easier follow-up shot takes a lot more skill.” – Edward Lee.
“Of the two Sandhurst courses the North is my favourite because it makes you think more about the shot in front of you as well as the shot you might have straight after it.”
– Debbie Walker.
81. ULVERSTONE GC
West Ulverstone, Tasmania
NOT RANKED
Judge’s comments: “The late Al Howard’s creation on the north west coast of Tassie has been vying for a spot in this ranking for several years and recent tweaks to the design and set-up of the course, as well as improved conditioning, has seen it surge into the Top-100.” – Brendan James.
“What a magnificent setting for golf amongst the tallest of eucalypt trees, which line most holes and make you feel tiny in comparison.” – Julie Stokes.
80. BYRON BAY GC
Byron Bay, New South Wales
UP 1
Judge’s comments: “This might be the best conditioned course in northern NSW. If it isn’t, it’s definitely on the podium.” – Deborah Hill.
“It is amazing how much of a difference switching the nines at Byron Bay has made. The closing five holes are now are far more demanding and memorable than they were as the front nine holes, probably because they have more impact on your scorecard. Finishing on the water-flanked 18th hole, as it is now, is far more challenging with the clubhouse in view and the need to make a par to play to close out a good round.” – Greg Rogers.
79. NUDGEE GC Bay Course*
Nudgee, Queensland
UP 9
Judge’s comments: “The huge James Wilcher redesign has bedded in well and the Bay Course (incorporating the back nine of the 18-hole Kurrai and front nine of the adjoining Bulka Course) offers a wide variety of shots and experiences. The fairways are wide but demand strategic placement of shots if you are entertaining the thought of shooting a low score.” – Sam Brooking.
“This is so much better than the Nudgee I remember playing 15 years ago. While there are trees on the course, there is a hint of links golf about the round here despite a significant number of bunkers seemingly raised above their surrounds.” – Richard O’Reilly.
*The Bay Course was judged for this ranking as it was the course most accessible to the public during the voting period. The remaining nine holes of the Bulka Course, which will be public accessible, opened shortly after voting for this ranking closed.
78. OCEAN SHORES CC
Ocean Shores, New South Wales
UP 12
Judge’s comments: “In the year of its 50th anniversary, Ocean Shores looked absolutely mint when I visited in early 2022. I’ve always liked the six par-3s, par-4s and par-5s aspect of the design, but this enjoyment was heightened by the quality of the playing surfaces.” – Greg Rogers.
“Ocean Shores has risen again in this ranking and I certainly expect once the club gets deeper into implementing designer Richard Chamberlain’s masterplan – focusing on new greens and bunker remodelling – the course will climb even further in this list.” – Brendan James.
77. FORSTER-TUNCURRY GC – Tuncurry Course
Tuncurry, New South Wales
UP 6
Judge’s comments: “I love this golf course. It’s a simple design across rolling sandy terrain, which has been even made better in recent years with some smart vegetation management.” – Lucas Andrews.
“Tuncurry is a course with enormous potential. It already boasts a terrific routing, wonderful natural design and a beautiful setting to play the game. You can’t ask for much more than that.” – Alex Georgiou.
www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au
76. SECRET HARBOUR GL
Secret Harbour, Western Australia
DOWN 1
Judge’s comments: “Secret Harbour is one of the strongest tests of golf in the region, especially when the wind blows, with the undulating back nine holes around and beside the dunes a definite highlight. Graham Marsh’s first-class design demands a wide range of shots and if you know how to play a knock down shot, you’re at an advantage here.” – Ken Robinson.
75. GROWLING FROG
Yan Yean, Victoria
UP 3
Judge’s comments: “A beautiful ‘Australian’ setting for golf just a short drive out of Melbourne to the north. Magnificent old red river gums and huge eucalypts dot the Graham Marsh-designed course, which has been created with golfers of all standards in mind.” – James Walsh.
“Growling Frog has some really cool holes – the hairpin loop of the par-4 4th, par-3 5th and par-4 6th is a good example – and interesting green complexes where expansive bunkers, mounds and swales co-exist. The high quality of the bentgrass greens is also of note.” – Tristan Holmes.
“After paying $40 for 18 holes here, I expected a $40 golfing experience. I would have happily paid double to play Growling Frog again.” – Paul Wilson.
Related Articles
Review: Mt Compass Golf Course
Review: Sandy Golf Links
