My Favourite Courses: Steve Jeffress

Steve Jeffress, the  inaugural Fiji International champion, opted for an eclectic blend of

tournament venues both here and overseas plus some personal favourites among his top-ten layouts.

Natadola Bay GC, Natadola, Fiji

When you arrive at this course  (below) you’re blown away by the contrast between the lush green fairways and the bright blue ocean. It is a ball-striker’s course and it doesn’t matter whether you are long or short, you have to be smart and stay on the fairway. And it is the site of my first major win!

The par-3 4th hole at Natadola Bay. PHOTO: Brendan James

Augusta National GC, Georgia, USA

Not much needs to be said about Augusta National. I was lucky enough to play there earlier this year and the rolling fairways and greens are amazing. You need to have imagination and the ability to play different shots to score well. I’m sure I could play this course every day and never get tired of it. And just a little note, I made a two on the

par-3 12th the first time I played it!

Bonville Golf Resort, Bonville, NSW

The par-4 1st hole at Bonville. PHOTO: Brendan James.

I believe this course (right) is Australia’s answer to Augusta National. It is cut through a forest of 100-foot trees, 15 minutes outside Coffs Harbour but when you’re out there you feel like you could be anywhere in the world as the only thing you can hear is the birds.

Port Macquarie GC, Port Macquarie, NSW

I grew up in Port Macquarie and love the course. It has a great mix of short and long par-4s, great members and a fairly strong south-easterly breeze that blows most days, making this a great test of golf.

Desert Mountain GC, (Geronimo course), Arizona, USA

This is an amazing layout and is always in unbelievable condition. The 18th hole is a 7-iron distance par-3 surrounded by desert and cacti, which means don’t miss the green!

Carnoustie GL, Angus, Scotland

This was one of the first real links courses I ever played and I loved it straight away. Without the wind it’s not that difficult but add some breeze and it’s hold onto your hat. Carnoustie has one of the best finishing holes, a long par-4 with out-of-bounds all the way down the left and water to the right. But it is a course where if you play well you will be rewarded.

The par-4, 1st hole at Carnoustie Golf Club. PHOTO: David Cannon/Getty Images)

Paradise Palms, Cairns, Queensland

This is a hidden gem in Tropical North Queensland. Paradise Palms is a tough golf course that will eat you alive if you’re not on your game. The 7th hole is a par-3 that I think off the back tees is one of the most beautiful but difficult holes in golf. There’s water right, a deep swale left and it’s usually a 5-iron, so you need to man up!

Kingston Heath GC, Melbourne, Victoria

This course tests all parts of your game. You need to hit it straight off the tee and your irons have to be sharp. But the best part of Kingston Heath is around the greens. If you have any weak part to your short game, it will show up here. You need to be pinpoint or you will have eight-foot putts for pars all day.

Kingston Heath's par-4 6th hole with the clubhouse in the background. PHOTO: Brendan James.

Shishido Hills CC, Ibaraki, Japan

This course is unbelievably demanding from tee to green. It measures about 7,000 metres and the rough is normally four to six inches high. I love courses where you can’t ‘hide’.

Royal Canberra GC, (Championship course), Yarralumla, ACT

I have always loved playing Royal Canberra. The course has a terrific combination of long and short holes, plus holes where you have to hit draws and fades. And there’s something special about playing through the towering pine trees.