Presenting a guide to the best golf courses in Australia which are open to the public, allowing you to book a tee time without needing a membership.
19. THE CUT
Dawesville, Western Australia
Beautiful views of the Western Australian coast line and when the wind is up, one of the most difficult rounds of golf a player can experience. The opening holes are so spectacular, the golf almost takes a back seat for a moment. – Matt Green
www.thecutgolf.com.au
18. BOUGLE RUN
Bridport, Tasmania
Twelve par-3s and two short 4s; playable in an hour if you’re quick and the type of golf we need more of. Kudos to Richard Sattler for taking a punt on great, short and unconventional golf. Kudos to Sattler for everything at Barnbougle. It makes him one of the most significant figures in Australian golf history. – Mike Clayton
The first thing to know about Bougle Run is that the playing surfaces are, unsurprisingly, just as amazing to play off as Dunes and Lost Farm. The second thing to know is that this is not a simple pitch and putt course. Although it is a short course, there is just as much danger lurking for a misdirected stroke as elsewhere on the property. But is it fun? You bet it is. Best played in teams, or with a small selection of clubs, it is a course for creativity. – Brendan Egan
The first thing you ask when you walk into the pro-shop is: where is Bougle Run? The course designer has done an amazing job of hiding the holes within the surrounding hills. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun playing a predominantly par-3 course before. While most tee shots seem simple, the links-style undulating greens provide a challenge to work out where to hit the shot to get it close. Take a group of mates, don’t take it too seriously and enjoy. – Jason Menzies
www.barnbougle.com.au
17. ST MICHAELS GC
Little Bay, New South Wales
Hard but fair and really pretty, St Mick’s offers fine fairways, penalising but not soul-destroying fairway bunkers, and tight-cut greens. Probably a few too many blind tee shots for those who like to see where their ball has gone – particularly on their monthly “Red-belly Challenge” Thursday, when secret tee-boxes are brought up from the boonies. But it’s a hoot, St Michaels. And the new green complexes on 10, 15, 17 and 18 look very cool indeed. – Matt Cleary
One of the best in Sydney, the course is absolutely spectacular, with blind tee shots over natural bushland, incredible doglegs and challenging par-4s all overlooking the stunning coastline of Sydney. Make sure you bring your game, as it’s one hell of a test off the tee. – Justin Avendano
www.stmichaelsgolf.com.au
16. MOONAH LINKS (OPEN COURSE)
Fingal, Victoria
An excellent piece of land and the most difficult course in the country. – Mike Clayton
A brutal challenge, testing every facet of your game. You will not see a course in better condition, making the challenge a lot more enjoyable. – Justin Avendano
www.moonahlinks.com.au
15. NAROOMA GC
Narooma, New South Wales
Renowned for the spectacular “Hogan’s Hole” at 3, but it’s the hole before that which I think is a better hole, sweeping up to the headland. The contrast between the clifftop holes near the clubhouse and the bushland holes which comprise most of the back 9 is so stark, they are almost two different golf courses. However, don’t be fooled into thinking the quality changes dramatically. It is arguable that the holes threading their way amongst the gums are more diverse and interesting, even though the coastal view holes get the attention. Just lap up the joy of experiencing such a combination in one round. – Brendan Egan
Aside from the iconic par-3 third, Narooma provides a host of magnificent holes which, while not incredibly long, always seem to ask a lot of questions of your game. The golf course morphs from an incredible ocean-side six holes, (subject to the variable winds which can make club choice on the 141m par-3 vary from 9-iron to 3-wood, depending on the direction). The back nine, carved out of a forest, provides some of the most difficult par-4 holes on the course, as they undulate through the valley. A magnificent golfing experience. – Michael Hodgett
As good as it looks in the pictures – and that is bloody good. The par-4 second and the par-3 third, called “Hogan’s Hole”, are among the most photogenic and fun holes in the land. The front nine is open and fun; the back nine weaves in and out of native bush. For mine, the best coastal course between Sydney and Melbourne. On the mighty island continent of Australia, that’s saying something. – Matt Cleary
A tale of two nines, with the first seven holes played links-style ocean-side, before transitioning into a tree-lined parkland course. You return to the ocean side for the final two holes, the last a par-5, where you can get on in two if you cut the corner and go over the trees; a true risk and reward shot. – Robert McLaughlin
www.naroomagolf.com.au
14. MOONAH LINKS (LEGENDS COURSE)
Fingal, Victoria
Not as hard as its big brother, but excellent golf nonetheless. It is remarkable how this course, the Open course next door, The Dunes and St Andrews Beach are within five minutes’ drive of each other. There are few superior concentrations of fine golf anywhere in the world – certainly not public golf-wise; not counting St Andrews. – Mike Clayton
The Legends Course is a shorter course to the Open, but is set on an incredible piece of property and has more natural trees and bushes. The course condition is truly phenomenal. If you like three-putting, this is the place for you. The greens are a challenging test when running hot. A must-play course for anyone travelling to the Sandbelt. – Justin Avendano
www.moonahlinks.com.au
13. HAMILTON ISLAND GC
Dent Island, Queensland
The most exhilarating of golf courses with ocean views in Queensland, bar none. Magnificent views over the Whitsunday Islands and a significant challenge for golfers of every level, with unforgiving marrum grasses to punish the wayward and an almost certain guarantee of breeze. – Paul Prendergast
What a remarkable design to fit it within the terrain. The views from the course are so breathtaking, it is difficult to focus on the golf; in fact, it’s one of those places where you might not mind if you’re not playing well. The layout is tight and there are some long carries to reach the fairways at times, so bring lots of balls and enjoy the experience. – Jason Menzies
From the boat ride over to standing on the 1st tee, you’re in constant awe of how they built this course. One of the best-designed courses in Australia, using the natural environment to create some of the most picturesque holes you could ever dream of. A must-play for anyone travelling to Hamilton Island, it also has the best food and clubhouse overlooking the water. – Justin Avendano
www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au
12. PORTSEA GC
Portsea, Victoria
Wild, tumbling dune land and fabulous golf. Kyle Wilson, the new superintendent, has returned the conditioning to the days of Bruce Grant’s tenure either side of the turn of the century. – Mike Clayton
www.portseagolf.com.au
11. JOONDALUP RESORT (QUARRY/DUNE COURSE)
Connolly, Western Australia
Perhaps the most striking of all of Joondalup’s holes can be found on the Quarry nine. When you stand on the 2nd tee – with the fairway falling and rising through a valley, past two massive bunkers including one resembling a moon crater, to a green perched on a plateau more than 350 metres away – you can’t help but be excited about the golf that is to come.
www.joondalupresort.com.au
10. BROOKWATER G&CC
Brookwater, Queensland
Arguably the most exhilarating inland golf course to play in Queensland, as the course winds and plunges its way around an undulating, tree-lined property. – Paul Prendergast
One of the most challenging and beautiful courses I’ve ever played. Each tee shot makes your legs shake and if you’re lucky enough to hit the fairway, you can admire the incredible layout and overall beauty. With recent renovations, this course has gone to another level, making it easier for everyone to enjoy. A must-play on the Australian bucket list. – Justin Avendano
www.brookwatergolf.com.au
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