8. Bonville

There are few places to play golf that are prettier than among the flooded gums of Bonville, long recognised as one of the most aesthetically pleasing layouts in the country. Course improvements, particularly in the bunkering, continue to progress, complementing the daring quality of its best risk-reward holes, such as the par-5 finisher or the all-or-nothing water carry on the new 17th.

These factors and the improved general conditioning of Bonville, year round, have no doubt contributed to Bonville reaching its highest ever position in this ranking.

Bonville, New South Wales

Terry Watson & Ted Stirling (1992)

6,079 metres, par-72

GREEN FEE: $110 (Mon-Thurs), $125 (Fri-Sun), inc. twin share cart.

CONTACT: (02) 6653 4002

www.bonvillegolf.com.au

9. Kennedy Bay

When Golf Australia last published its Public Access courses ranking in January 2009, Kennedy Bay was an unfortunate absentee from the pointy end of the list for the first time in several years. Having re-opened under new owners and management nearly two years ago, Kennedy Bay has re-entered the ranking in the top-10 and recaptured its former standing as one of Australia’s premier public access courses.

Kennedy Bay, with its undulating greens, penal pot bunkers and the rippling fairways wedged between vast tracts of native vegetation, is deserving of such high acclaim.

Port Kennedy, Western Australia

Michael Coate, Roger Mackay & Ian Baker-Finch (1998)

6,420 metres, par-72

GREEN FEE: $45 (weekdays), $50 (weekends).

CONTACT: (08) 9524 5991;

www.kennedybay.com.au