The Vintage GC. (PHOTO: Supplied)
 
29. THE VINTAGE GC
Rothbury, New South Wales
The Greg Norman design has stood the test of time. The layout is extremely challenging and at times, visually deceptive and intimidating. – Jason Menzies
 
A challenging test in the Hunter, with plenty of doglegs and long par-4s. The stunning par-5 7th is the highlight, with the vineyards running alongside the hole. – Justin Avendano
 
28. SANDY GOLF LINKS
Cheltenham, Victoria
A true Sandbelt course, accessible to the public for around $50. Standing on the tee box of the 14th, you can look across to Royal Melbourne East and question which is the better-looking hole. OCCM has done an absolutely fantastic job. – Oscar Morrison
 
The redesign of the old Sandringham course showed what’s possible with investment in tired, rudimentary public golf in our capital cities. It shows what’s possible at Moore Park in Sydney. – Mike Clayton
 
Mike Cocking has rightly won the praise of all with what he’s produced on this piece of land. Some holes go close to resembling those found across the road and the bunkering is first class. “Sandy” is must-play for any golfer visiting Melbourne with a spare four hours. – Simon Tydnale-Biscoe
www.sandringham.golf
 
27. ROSEBUD CC (NORTH COURSE)
Rosebud, Victoria
The club wisely put the North back together, instead of mixing and matching its four nines. Ever since, people have rediscovered the quality of the club’s original 18. Ian Todd has done a phenomenal job as superintendent since taking over the club’s 36 holes almost a decade ago. – Mike Clayton
www.rosebudcountryclub.com.au
 
26. THE GLADES GC
Robina, Queensland
Always a “must-play” on the Gold Coast, the Glades’ bent green putting surfaces are at their absolute best during the winter and Autumn months and are unrivalled in the region for speed and firmness. – Paul Prendergast 
 
The Glades is a thoughtfully-designed residential community golf course which has quality design written all over it. Width and strategic lines are a feature, and although it is likely a lot of earth was moved to develop the course, nothing looks excessively manufactured. There is a lot of water, as expected, particularly on the inward nine, but plenty of space to play safely away. My favourite hole was the 14th, which cascaded down to a green perched above Mudgeeraba Creek. – Brendan Egan
www.glades.com.au
 
25. SANCTUARY LAKES GC
Point Creek, Victoria
Bob Harrison worked miracles on the worst piece of ground any architect has been given in Australia since Gough Whitlam was the Prime Minister. – Mike Clayton
 
Multiple tee-boxes, combined with the vision of Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, mean Sanctuary Lakes can play as easy or as beast-like as your ego allows. The par-5 16th, par-3 17th and the par-4 18th will feature among many pundits’ selections at the best closing holes in Australia. – Matt Cleary
 
A beautiful yet challenging test of golf, stunning rolling fairways with long grass waiting to collect your ball if you’re off-centre. I was lucky enough to witness my mate have an albatross on the par-5 4th hole. – Justin Avendano
 
Kalgoorlie Golf Course. (PHOTO: Brendan James)
 
24. KALGOORLIE GOLF COURSE
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
A hidden gem of Australian golf. The colour contrasts and design of Kalgoorlie GC make this a truly special experience. – Matt Green
www.kalgoorliegolfcourse.com
 
23. 13TH BEACH GOLF (CREEK COURSE)
Barwon Heads, Victoria
Like most Victorian courses, you rely so much on the wind; if it’s down, it’s gettable, but if it’s blowing, hold on for dear life. Fast, big greens make it a challenging test for all golfers. – Justin Avendano
Would be even better if the ponds were turned into creeks. – Mike Clayton
 
22. MEADOW SPRINGS G&CC
Meadow Springs, Western Australia
A part of the golfing hub in Mandurah, Meadow Springs offers an amazing experience and is a great test of a golfer’s risk appetite. A thoughtful decision is required off every par-4 and 5, complemented with some stunning par 3s. – Matt Green
www.msgcc.com.au
 
21. CURLEWIS GC
Curlewis, Victoria
The new owners have transformed the business and both the clubhouse and the course continue to improve. If the short par-4, 12th was on the Sandbelt, critics would proclaim it one of the finest short 4s in the country. – Mike Clayton
 
Although I never played Curlewis before it was renovated, the carefully calculated planning which has gone into improving the course, as well as the amenities (accommodation, driving range, etc.) is obvious. However, all that effort is not worth anything unless the course stands up by itself and Curlewis does that in spades. Interesting, testing, yet suitable for all levels, Curlewis is the perfect base for a Bellarine golf trip, but you might find it is too good there to venture anywhere else! – Brendan Egan
 
Links Hope Island. (PHOTO: Brendan James)
 
20. LINKS HOPE ISLAND
Hope Island, Queensland
Always a treat to play, this course is maintained to consistently high standards year-round. The introduction of a new water carry par-3 only adds to the interesting layout. – Paul Prendergast
 
Stunning course on the Gold Coast. Hitting it straight is crucial off the tee. Not overly long, making the tight fairways a little easier as you don’t have to hit driver off the tee. The 18th is a truly remarkable finishing hole, with water all the way down the left. – Justin Avendano
 
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed playing at Links Hope Island, as I expected it was less likely to be a course to my liking. While there are several holes with significant stretches of water, and the all-water carries of 9 and 17, there was considerable width available. The range of tee options and the open green fronts on most holes mean golfers of any standard can enjoy a round. – Brendan Egan
 
This golf course offers enjoyment to players of all handicaps, as long as you are playing from the appropriate tees, as it is a beast from the plates. Plenty of water and undulating fairways with sea breezes to add to the mix. A delightful test of golf. A resort-style course, so carts are typically the go, but a very enjoyable layout and a lot of fun. – Michael Hodgett