Golf Australia magazine presents our Top-100 Courses list for 2026, a feature-length guide to the best golf courses in the land. The list, compiled with input from an expert panel of golfers, travellers and architecture buffs, is a celebration of the country’s finest layouts, from coastal masterpieces to inland gems.
25
COMMONWEALTH GC
Oakleigh South, Victoria
Designers: Sam Bennett (1921); Charles Lane (1926); Sloan Morpeth (1962); Kevin Hartley (1992); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2006–2019). Tom Doak & Brian Slawnik – Renaissance Golf (ongoing).
The recent changes by Tom Doak have been amazing. The refurb is one of the best I have seen. Renaissance Group (Doak’s company) has been able to refurbish the course and keep its original charm and character. The course has kept the original routing, but the playability has improved with bigger landing areas and, most importantly, the putting surfaces are very quick but fair. The standout for me at Commonwealth is the bunkering, which blends in with the natural landscape. Everything looks as though it should be there. Renaissance has done a terrific job at one of Australia’s great iconic golf clubs. – Matt Laverty.
24
KOOYONGA GC
Lockleys, South Australia
Designers: Herbert L. Rymill (1924); Martin Hawtree (2008); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford – Golf Strategies (ongoing)
Magnificent conditioning. - Rob Evans
Rare on a course to play two par 3s in a row, but this slips by almost without notice. The quickest golf course from green to tee that I’ve played. - Rob Williamson
Not overly long at a touch over 6000 metres, it’s the routing, bunkering and rise and fall of the land that underpin what is a wonderful challenge for those lucky enough to play it. Starting off with a couple of par 5s — the first with a wide corridor to an elevated green, followed by a complete contrast: a narrow corridor along the southern fence pointed away from the road, requiring placement rather than brute force to achieve par or better. Other holes of note for me include 9, 14 and 18, which remain in the memory weeks after playing them. - Simon Tyndale-Biscoe
23
CATHEDRAL LODGE & GC
Thornton, Victoria
Designer: Greg Norman (2017)
Southern Australia in a golf course. Beg, borrow, steal to get a chance to play. Incredible hospitality. - Josh Petterwood
A unique golf experience in the high country of Victoria. Very private and exclusive. The solitude of being the only group on the course feels like you’re a golden-ticket winner. - Rob Williamson
22
LAKE KARRINYUP GC
Karrinyup, Western Australia
Designers: Alex Russell (1928); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (early 1970s–2000s); Mike Clayton (2008); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2018); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (ongoing)
Lake Karrinyup gently lures you into your round before tightening the screws. Views of the lake accompany almost every shot, and the finish up to the old clubhouse is as punishing as it is charismatic. - Kevin Nolan
21
BARWON HEADS GC
Barwon Heads, Victoria
Designers: Victor East (1921); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford – Golf Strategies (2005 & ongoing)
This was the third occasion I’ve played this course; the other two were in May and December. On every occasion the condition of the course has been wonderful, with true putting surfaces, wonderful fairways and well-maintained tees being something to behold. At 5,591 metres with a par of 70, this course provides plenty of opportunity for players to score barring severe weather conditions. If you haven’t played Barwon Heads, my suggestion is to find some time to travel, book yourself into the clubhouse and play both courses. Both courses? Yes — there’s a 9-hole par-3 course which, when I visited, clubhouse guests could play for nothing. The hospitality at the club is first class, and guests can enjoy the serenity of the lounge and open fireplace long after the staff have gone home. - Simon Tyndale-Biscoe
The stay and play option is the best way to experience this great little course. Jacket and tie dining with magnificent food and wine finished off with billiards and a night cap. - Rob Williamson
20
LONSDALE LINKS
Point Lonsdale, Victoria
Designers: Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (2020)
Set alongside Lake Victoria on rolling terrain, this course has undergone extensive work, moving the course west from its original site and creating five new holes. The course is a modest 5,250 metres, with large, interesting greens, an abundance of short grass and plenty of room off the tee. The slopes around the greens and in the landing areas make for interesting bounces — sometimes in favour of the player and sometimes not. - Simon Tyndale-Biscoe
Returning to Lonsdale Links was an enjoyable experience, although I feel some of the holes are pushing the limits of fairness. The 9th stands out as a mismatch to the rest of the interesting course. - Kevin Nolan
Although short, this course has a lot of strategic merit and is a must-visit on the Bellarine Peninsula. It’s quirky, but offers architecture you would struggle to find on any other course in the country. - Carl Murphy
19
PENINSULA KINGSWOOD CGC – SOUTH COURSE
Frankston, Victoria
Designers: Sloan Morpeth (1967); Mike Clayton (2007); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019)
The South Course is an excellent layout with great variety, huge greens and plenty of strategy. - Ashley Clinch
Supporting act for the North Course; still great, but I prefer the North. - Clint Rice
An outstanding golf course — a bit like my first boss: hard but fair. The bunkering is next-level beautiful. The par-5 16th is a bit of a head-scratcher; I’m not entirely sure of the best way to attack it — maybe you can’t unless you can hit it 300m plus. It’s an easy walk despite the elevation changes. I loved it! - Kevin Nolan
18
OCEAN DUNES
King Island, Tasmania
Designer: Graeme Grant (2016)
Ocean Dunes sits in a category of its own — exhilarating, punishing, unavoidable. Gorgeous views and wild contours fight with the occasional lack of fair pin positions, but the drama is undeniable. Let’s hope they can get their water issues sorted. - Kevin Nolan
17
YARRA YARRA GC
Bentleigh East, Victoria
Designers: Alex Russell (1928); Martin Hawtree (2011); Tom Doak & Brian Slawnik – Renaissance Golf Design (2020 & ongoing)
Tom Doak has cleared away the overgrowth to reveal how great this Alex Russell design is. A few minor adjustments, of course, but some wonderful views through the course now. - Rob Williamson
It was my first look at the “new” Yarra layout and it was an enjoyable experience. Greens were very fast . Some revegetation areas are coming along and I hope the club continues to put the work in to improve these. - Ashley Clinch
One of the Sandbelt gems! Greens were running about 13 on the stimp and it’s a classic. Beautifully conditioned and the YYGC team were outstanding hosts. - Brett Papworth
16
THE LAKES GC
Eastlakes, NSW
Designers: Bruce Devlin & Robert Von Hagge (1970); Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2009)
Superb course close to the airport — only the lack of ambience due to aircraft and car noise marks this down from one of the absolute best. - Rob Evans
The finest opening hole in Aussie golf. The 11th par 5 is second to none, sitting in one of the finest back nines in golf. - Rob Williamson
15
METROPOLITAN GC
Oakleigh South, Victoria
Designers: J.B MacKenzie (1906); Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Dick Wilson (1959); Mike Clayton (2006); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford – Golf Strategies (ongoing)
Bunkering, conditioning, facilities, hospitality all spot on. - Josh Petterwood
Magnificent condition — just lacks undulation and wow factor of the greats. - Rob Evans
Classy course with old-school charm. Great bunkers. The redesign of the back nine is clever. - Alex Johnston
Great course, challenging layout typical of the Vic Sandbelt. Highly rate. - Craig Sebbens
With a reputation as one of the best-conditioned courses in Australia, Metro — as it’s affectionately known — is a must-play for anyone visiting Melbourne who loves golf. Bunkers cut to the edges of greens, centre-line bunker complexes across fairways, along with a strong mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s, keep players interested and engaged throughout the round. - Simon Tyndale-Biscoe
14
ST ANDREWS BEACH
Fingal, Victoria
Designer: Tom Doak (2005)
A revelation — mighty fairways, firm and fast greens … it’s just so much fun. Tom Doak’s had his way with it and so should you. - Matt Cleary
A great routing over ground that seems destined to be a golf course. Superb condition and open to the public seven days a week. The best pay-for-play course in Australia. - Kevin Nolan
Minimal earthwork needed for this Doak/Clayton gem. The new clubhouse next to the 1st tee is a welcome addition. - Rob Williamson
Such a public-access gem. Fabulous green complexes and a relaxed atmosphere. - Alex Johnston
Playing amongst the dunes, this public-access links-style course feels like it has been created without much effort. There are some quirks within the course but also some gems, like the second — a short par 4. - Carl Murphy
It’s big everywhere. Wide fairways, very playable, but fantastic green complexes with closely mown runoffs that give so many options. Brilliant layout with some memorable holes. If it had better club-like facilities it would be hard to beat. - Brett Papworth
13
THE NATIONAL GC – MOONAH COURSE
Cape Schanck, Victoria
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000)
Very enjoyable course — the perfect blend of challenging and approachable. Love the windmill! - Alex Johnston
Another great course; more forgiving than the Old Course. Also great condition. - Craig Sebbens
A wonderful course on the Mornington Peninsula that is as much challenging as it is fun. I think the first 11 holes are some of the best in Australia with variety, challenge and quirk — punchbowl greens, split fairways, double greens and even a windmill. The run home is about as hard as it gets in Aussie golf. - Ashley Clinch
12
ROYAL ADELAIDE GC
Seaton, South Australia
Designers: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (1979 & 1997); Mike Clayton (2009); Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (ongoing)
Very natural, outstanding condition. Train line quirky! I just find it a bit enclosed. - Paddy White.
A tweak from being the best in Australia. The most beautiful ambience - Rob Evans
Royal Adelaide’s greatness lies not in loud gestures but in its subtlety. The angles, the pacing, the short par-4 brilliance — these are the elements that keep you coming back to unravel it all again. - Kevin Nolan
The course weaves seamlessly through small rolling dunes, sandy scrub and native vegetation. Some fantastic holes where strategy is the key, not strength — plus a train line running through the middle of the course. This is old-world charm. - Carl Murphy
11
THE NATIONAL GC – GUNNAMATTA COURSE
Cape Schanck, Victoria
Designer: Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design (2019)
Tom Doak’s rebirth of the Thomson/Wolveridge Ocean Course is magnificent. Large undulating greens and surrounds mean you’d better have your short game in order. - Rob Williamson
Great course, great condition. More forgiving than the Old Course. - Craig Sebbens
This course is maturing nicely. It’s a great members’ course, with playing numbers showing that. There are some quirky holes, but many great courses have that. - Ashley Clinch
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