Palm Meadows Golf Course. (PHOTO: Brendan James)
 
59. PALM MEADOWS GOLF COURSE
Carrara, Queensland
One of only two courses remaining on the Gold Coast to have bentgrass greens, while every other course in the region, with the exception of nearby The Glades, has converted to a strain of Bermuda grass. During the cooler months on the Gold Coast, Palm Meadows arguably has the fastest and smoothest rolling greens in the Sunshine State.
www.palmmeadows.com.au
 
58. NOOSA SPRINGS GOLF AND SPA RESORT
Noosa Heads, Queensland
A very tough course off the tee, with water in play for 12 out of 18 holes. The 16th especially is one of the most challenging driving holes I’ve experienced. A very enjoyable round with great facilities waiting for you afterwards. – Matt Green
www.noosasprings.com.au
 
57. FLINDERS GC
Flinders, Victoria
Short and fun on the cliffs high above the ocean. The Coffin Hole (the 4th) was my first exposure to strategic architecture – when it was a big decision as a 12-year-old to carry the coffin in two. It is not so scary now because it’s been cleaned out, but restoring the fear would be a good thing, especially for those who can reach it in one. – Mike Clayton
 
Spectacular coastal views make this course a must-play. – Wayne Jameson
 
A beautiful ocean-side course with fantastic holes. A true architect-designed course which challenges the golfer on each shot. – Oscar Morrison
www.flindersgolfclub.com.au
 
56. ROSEBUD CC (SOUTH COURSE)
Rosebud, Victoria
Rosebud has undergone a resurgence in recent years, much of which can be attributed to the implementation of the OCM redesign masterplan, as well as the work of course superintendent Ian Todd and his green staff. While the neighbouring North Course has captured most of the accolades – courtesy of the wonderful land it lies across – the South Course is slowly gaining greater recognition as a well-designed, well-presented layout to play.
www.rosebudcountryclub.golfer.com.au
 
55. JOONDALUP RESORT (DUNE/LAKE COURSE)
Connolly, Western Australia
The last of the three course configurations at Joondalup bypasses the excellent Quarry nine, but it does take in two pretty impressive loops of nine holes. The Dune Course’s dramatic elevation changes flow seamlessly into the less-penal lunar landscape of the Lake nine. As is the case across the entire 27 holes, the conditioning is nothing short of five-star and is another reason Joondalup is a “must-play” for any golfer visiting Perth.
www.joondalupresort.com.au
 
54. THE COAST GC
Little Bay, New South Wales
Overlooking Little Bay and the visually spectacular coast of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, The Coast Golf Club has gorgeous vistas and quirky holes with five par-3s, 10 par-4s and three par-5s, all of which offer a wide range of challenges. The course’s par-4s do vary in length quite a bit and with wind being a significant factor at times, your club selection requires some thought. The condition of the course on the two occasions I played was very good and the walk between greens and tees was another positive. – Simon Tyndale-Biscoe
www.coastgolf.com.au
 
53. RACV ROYAL PINES RESORT (GREEN/GOLD COURSE)
Ashmore, Queensland
Consistently high standards of presentation at one of the Gold Coast’s most popular public courses. Now close to 10 years since its major redesign, undertaken by Graham Marsh. – Paul Prendergast
www.racv.com.au
 
52. BLACK BULL
Yarrawonga, Victoria
The gem of the Murray. Tight fairways with massive greens make it a challenging yet beautiful test. Only three hours from Melbourne, Black Bull is a must-play for anyone looking for a golf trip. – Justin Avendano
www.blackbullgolfcourse.com.au
 
Eastlake GC. (PHOTO: Brendan James)
 
51. EASTLAKE GC
Daceyville, New South Wales
Wedged between its more-fancied neighbours, The Lakes and Bonnie Doon, Eastlake plays across a narrow strip of land towards Wentworth Avenue, where possibly the biggest bridge in Australian golf takes you across to a larger paddock hosting the middle nine holes spread over and around a huge dune. Constrained at times by available space (1 and 18 in particular), there is a lot to like and the potential is clear  – Brendan Egan
www.eastlakegolfclub.com.au
 
50. EYNESBURY GOLF
Eynesbury, Victoria
A hidden gem and one of the longer courses going around. Is always in excellent condition. – Wayne Jameson
www.eynesburygolf.com.au