OUR TOP-20 BEST VALUE FOR MONEY COURSES
1 PORT FAIRY GC
This genius links design on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast used to be a hidden golfing treasure … not anymore.
Now that Port Fairy is ranked the No.34 Public Access Course in Australia, it has become a ‘bucket list’ layout for many travelling golfers.
Golf Australia Architecture Editor Mike Clayton, who has advised the club on course design for several years, says a round at Port Fairy “is one of the best value for money rounds in the world.”
The stunning ocean views, coupled with the excellent design, raises Port Fairy’s stocks. The run of holes from the 12th to 16th is nothing short of impeccable and great fun.
In fact, one round at Port Fairy is never going to be enough. Green fee: $40. www.portfairygolf.com.au
2 BELMONT GC
A links-style layout where ocean breezes always dictate the degree of diffculty, Belmont presents a range of obstacles: sandy wastelands, grassy hollows, water hazards and a variety of bunker shapes. Although several holes on the front nine offer some shelter from the elements, most of the course is exposed, encouraging punch shots and rewarding controlled ball-strikers.
The run of holes from the 13th home is particularly strong, with a succession of solid par-4s as well as a redesigned par-5 16th, which now sees the green much closer to the back of the beach. Green fees: $40 (weekdays); $45 (weekends). www.belmontgolf.com.au
3 RATHO FARM
Ratho is the birthplace of Australian golf. The nation’s oldest course, just a few minutes’ drive from small town of Bothwell, dates back to 1822 when Scot, Alexander Reid, played on Ratho with featheries and clubs brought from the home country.
Three generations of Reids followed in their enjoyment of the links. The great-grandfather of Greg Ramsay purchased Ratho in 1936 and in recent years Ramsay has been working with course designers Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford to restore the course to its true origins. A round at Ratho is a memorable one not just because of the wonderful holes but it is as if time stood still here. Sheep graze across the fairways and tees, while fences keep them from venturing onto the square-shaped greens found on most holes. Green fee: $40 www.rathofarm.com
4 YARRAWONGA MULWALA GC RESORT
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort hosts hundreds of visiting golfers every week.
They come for the great facilities and the quality of its courses. Yarrawonga has 45 holes – the Murray course, the Lake course and the short nine-hole Executive course.
Both the Lakes and Murray courses are cemented in Golf Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses, but it is the Murray course that you will want to play more than once. The Murray layout is one of the best courses you will find along the river of the same name and continues to get better.
Several greens have been modernised in recent times, while bunkers have been redone and the overall presentation of the layout has dramatically improved, now that the club has greater access to water. Green fee: $50. www.yarragolf.com.au
5 SANDRINGHAM GC
Sandringham has long been regarded as the Melbourne Sandbelt’s best public access layout.
It covers gentle rolling land making it is an easy-walking round but it is the quality of the design and the layout’s recent improved presentation that elevate this par-70 to its high standing.
Given its location in the heart of the Sandbelt, just across the road from Royal Melbourne, it’s hardly surprising it offers many of the on-course qualities of its private club neighbours, at a fraction of the cost. Green fees: $37.50 (weekdays); $39 (weekends). www.sandringham.golf
6 PAMBULA- MERIMBULA GC
Boasting 27-holes on the far south coast of NSW, Pambula-Merimbula is distinctive for its natural bush setting, myriad kangaroos and solid, enjoyable golf course.
The layout, which has improved markedly in recent years, is not long but several sharp doglegs make it important to either shape the driver or lay up from the tee, while the greens vary from diminutive to expansive and everything in between. And for $45, you can play as many holes as you can in a day. Green fee: $45 (unlimited golf). www.merimbulagolf.com.au
7 MURRAY DOWNS G&CC
Set in the heart of Kidman Reid’s historic Murray Downs sheep station on the NSW side of the Murray River, the Geo and Ted Parslow-designed course opened for play in 1989 and has been ranked the No.1 course along the river ever since. Man-made lakes were included to help with irrigation and drainage, and a mass of native gums has matured to now line all fairways. Throw in some strategic, well-sculpted bunkering – featuring its spectacular ochre red sand – and water hazards on many holes and it is no wonder Murray Downs has many plaudits. Green fee: $50 www.murraydownsgolf.com.au
8 WARRNAMBOOL GC
Set in and around the sand dune land so common on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, the course is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities, but straight hitters will score well here as most of the fairways are lined with ti-tree or thick rough.
Some of that ti-tree has been cleared to expose sandy wasteland on some of its best holes, which can be found midway through the front nine. The holes near the clubhouse are good rather than great, but the stretch of par-4s from the 3rd to 6th is worth the green fee alone.
It is also a course where the player who can play a variety of shots in windy conditions, while also trying to work the ball in close to flags tucked behind bunkers, will excel. Green fee: $45. www.wgcinc.com.au
9 LEONGATHA GC
Carved from magnificent bushland, Leongatha is ranked the best course in the Victorian Gippsland region.
The par-70 layout covers rolling terrain with fairways flanked by majestic trees, some of which are obviously more than a century old.The topography has given rise to several blind tee shots, while the smallish greens place a premium on accuracy from the fairway. Green fee: $40. www.leongathagolf.com.au
10 MURWILLUMBAH GC
It’s not hard to be distracted by the panoramic views of typically Australian countryside when you play at Murwillumbah. Thousands of hectares of national park cover the Great Dividing Range and Mt Warning to the west, with large tracts of sugarcane fields lying in between you.
And you get all of this just 35 minutes’ drive south of the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta. The par-71 was a hidden gem for many years but word on the quality of the layout has spread far and wide in recent times. In 2015 it debuted in Golf Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking at No.90. A few months ago when the 2017 edition list was released, it had jumped a further 11 ranking spots to No.79. Green fee: $36. www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au
11 CARNARVON GC
Most of the courses showcased in this feature can be found in regional Australia.
Price pressures on city courses take their toll, especially on quality public access layouts – but not at Carnarvon, which boasts the cheapest visitor green fee of any course on this list.
With only weekday times available for visitors, you can play this very well-presented course – which has hosted qualifying events for the Australian Open and other national tournaments – for just $20.
Several minor changes to its design in recent years have improved what was already a fine and challenging course, which is always beautifully presented. Green fee: $20 (weekdays). www.carnarvongolf.com.au
12 NARACOORTE GC
Naracoorte’s par-72 layout was carved out of wild, thick scrub, wattles and bracken more than 80 years ago and today it is one of the prettiest courses of South Australia’s Limestone Coast area.
The course lies across beautiful rolling terrain and the deep sandy base beneath its fairways ensures the layout is playable year round, while the bunkering is natural and easily maintained.
In fact, there are elements of the design and set-up of the course – like putting surfaces cut right to the lip of bunkers – that have obviously been influenced by the design of the great Melbourne Sandbelt courses. Green fee: $30. www.naracoortegolf.com.au
13 LONSDALE GOLF CLUB
An attractive and challenging test on the Bellarine Peninsula, Lonsdale rewards straight hitting and shrewd thinking on a rolling, sandy site that touches Lake Victoria in places but mostly uses tight, tree-lined fairways to examine golfers’ games. Holes 4 to 7 and 13 to 15 offer terrific tests and also give you an extra sense of solitude and serenity while wandering along the course’s outer pockets. Green fee: $30. www.lonsdalegc.com.au
14 BLACK BULL GC
The newest golf course to be found along the entire length of the Murray River, the Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett-designed Black Bull made its ranking debut earlier this year, picking up the No.57 spot in Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses list.
One of the course’s main attractions is a trio of very challenging holes known as the ‘Bull Ring’, which reflects the course’s name and the site’s origins (it was formerly an Angus cattle farm). Taking in the 4th to 6th holes, the threesome includes a 179-metre par-3 before two par-4s with the capacity to ruin a good round thanks to the unmissable presence of a chain of small lakes. A good, fun course where the challenge never seems to let up. Green fee: $45. www.blackbullgc.com.au
15 GROWLING FROG
There’s plenty more to this course than just a great name.
Located about 30 minutes’ drive north of Melbourne near Yan Yean, the Graham Marsh-designed Growling Frog has won acclaim from this magazine several times during the past six years with a spot in Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking. Its rise into the top echelon of public access courses comes on the back of Marsh’s design and the high standard of presentation year round.
One of the keys to Growling Frog’s conditioning was the creation of a dedicated recycled water supply, which ensured the course would be immune to drought and the playing surfaces could be maintained at the highest standard year round. The bentgrass greens are outstanding and are matched for quality by the Santa Ana couch fairways that complement Marsh’s design, which ranks among one of his best Australian creations.
Aside from the fine collection of good par-4s and par-5s as well as deceptive par-3s, the Australian bushland setting is memorable and includes more than 260 mature River Red Gum trees, some of which date back 300 years. Green fees: $40 (weekdays); $45 (weekends). www.growlingfroggolfcourse.com.au
16 WEMBLEY GC
Wembley is the biggest and busiest public golf complex in Perth, which is not surprising considering the value for money the Tuart layout and neighbouring Old course present.
The courses are laid out over 300 acres of undulating land and both feature densely tree-lined fairways, sizeable bentgrass greens and a sparing number of bunkers. The Old course is a much easier walk than the Tuart, which has several holes that are played from elevated tees or are played towards a green perched high above the fairway. Green fees: $32 (weekday); $39.50 (weekends). www.wembleygolf.com.au
17 SHELLY BEACH GC
Featuring a sequence of holes on a stunning piece of land, Shelly Beach is as scenic as it is testing.
Shelly Beach’s most eye-catching holes fall midway through the first nine, most notably at the oceanside 6th. The back nine may be less spectacular but lacks nothing in terms of difficulty. The final three holes return to within view of the Pacific Ocean and are not likely to yield pars without a fight. Green fee: $40. www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au
18 MT COOLUM GC
Set at the foot of the spectacular Mt Coolum, the golf club of the same name is rated by locals as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most demanding layouts.
While it’s similarly named and more famous resort course neighbour grabs a big slice of the visiting golfer market, those that seek out and discover the delights of Mt Coolum won’t be disappointed.
The best holes cover the southern half of the course. These include the challenging trio of holes comprising of the 523-metre par-5 4th, 194-metre par-3 5th and the 531-metre par-5 6th, which cut through and loop around wetlands and are heavily lined by rows of melaleucas. These are not only demanding holes for all players, they lie in a beautiful setting where plenty of birdlife abounds. Green fee: $48. www.mtcoolumgolf.com
19 MILLICENT GC
Vast areas of pine plantations north of the town of Millicent do a very effective job in hiding the Millicent Golf Club from passers-by.
The course was opened for play in 1961 after a local forestry office found the sandy soil was more suited to a golf course than growing pine trees. In the 50 years since, it has evolved into one of South Australia’s finest regional layouts.
Its wide rolling fairways – bounded by bracken ferns, string bark gums, wattle trees and surrounded by pine forests – have been routed to make the most of the undulating terrain and, as a result, Millicent boasts several strong sequences of sweeping dogleg par-4s and par-5s. Green fee: $30. www.millicentgolfclub.com.au
20 SHEPPARTON GC
The home of former PGA Tour player Jarrod Lyle, Shepparton was designed by Sam Berriman, who was also responsible for creating highly rated courses like Cranbourne and Horsham.
The routing covers very good golfing terrain with the front nine weaving across the most interesting land and giving rise to a terrific stretch of four holes from the short par-4 6th to the par-5 9th holes. The short par-4 6th is a definite highlight. A blind tee shot presents and the best drive here is to the right half of the fairway to leave an unobscured view to the green. Green fee: $33. www.sheppartongolf.net.au
NEW SOUTH WALES & ACT BERMAGUI CC
Using the sometimes-dramatic terrain to great e ect, Bermagui tests your ability to judge a variety of uphill and downhill shots, and side-hill lies on a course that never gets boring. Recent clearing of some trees and lopping of branches away from playing lines has enhanced a round here.
The opening two holes, the 10th and 18th holes, are not indicative of the best holes to be found at Bermagui. Beyond the 3rd tee is a rolling golfing terrain that provides the foundation for some terrific holes. These holes also o er views back across the seaside town to Horseshoe Bay and Mt Dromedary. Green fee: $36. www.bermaguicountryclub.com
BLACKHEATH GOLF CLUB
Blackheath is widely regarded as the most picturesque and challenging of the Blue Mountains courses, west of Sydney.
The layout is home to several strong par-4s that present varying challenges, plus several par-3s designed to test your ability with every club in the bag. A pretty stream comes into play on the 1st and 15th holes, while a large dam will grab your attention at the short but devilish par-3 17th.
If you like the feel of crisp mountain air in your lungs during winter, this is the place for you. If you like it to be a little warmer, spring is one of the best times to play Blackheath as the various wattles and other flowering natives burst into colour. Green fees: $35 (weekdays); $45 (weekends and public holidays). www.blackheathgolf.com.au
BYRON BAY CC
Byron Bay GC is the current home of the Legends Australian Tour Championship, which was won by Steve Conran last year.
The layout has been extensively remodelled in the past decade and this saw it rise through the ranks into the nation’s Top-100 Public Access Courses list.
The one hole that is worth the cost of the green fee alone is the 538-metre par-5 4th – a tight driving hole from an elevated tee where trees, sand and water come into play en route to the green. Green fee: $49. www.byronbaygolfclub.com.au
CLUB CATALINA CC
Natural water hazards, well-placed bunkers and tree-lined fairways o er an enjoyable challenge at this 27-hole layout. Club Catalina is an established course with some of the finest playing surfaces in regional New South Wales, where the scenic views of Batemans Bay and its surroundings add to the round. Green fee: $40. www.clubcatalina.com.au
COBRAM-BAROOGA GC
Cobram-Barooga GC o ers one of the best value golfing experiences along the mighty Murray River.
The 36-hole complex, incorporates an Old and West course, which are always in very good condition. But it is the Old course, originally designed by Vern Morcom, with its more heavily tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain that, for many golfers, is the star attraction. The opening hole – a driveable downhill par-4 – and the signature ‘Bell’ 385-metre par-4 5th hole are arguably its most memorable o erings.
One of the best short par-4s at Cobram-Barooga is the 347-metre par-4 6th on the West course. The hole calls for an accurate tee shot rather than brute force as the narrow fairway doglegs right and over the crest of a hill. A good drive will leave a short-iron approach into a green that is surrounded by bunkers. Green fees: $35 (weekday); $40 (11am Fri to 11am Sun). www.cbgc.com.au or www.sporties.com.au
COFFS HARBOUR GC
Co s Harbour is one of the most challenging and best-maintained layouts in regional NSW.
With a design heritage including Carnegie Clark (1938) and Arthur East (1950), the north coast course has evolved into a 27-hole complex that is highly regarded for its consistently good presentation and challenging holes.
Heavily tree-lined fairways, punctuated by clever fairway bunkering or one of the many water hazards scattered throughout, cover a good mix of undulating and easier-walking flat areas. Green fee: $50. www.co sharbourgolfclub.com.au
COMMERCIAL CLUB ALBURY
The Commercial Club Albury layout rarely o ers the same shot twice as there are vast undulating areas to be found across the course.
The par-4 8th is a prime example. It is a terrific short par-4 where the drive is played to a rollercoaster fairway that also slopes slightly from right down to the left. Ideally, the best position to approach the elevated green is from a flat lie in the ‘valley’. But many a player is caught with an uphill or downhill lie making it a di¢cult short second shot to a small green. Green fees: $32 (weekdays); $36 (weekends). www.commercialclubalbury.com.au
COOMEALLA GOLF CLUB
Coomealla is a championship layout that winds through black box and river gum trees and it is just a pitching wedge from the clubhouse to the edge of the Murray River, at Dareton, north of Mildura.
Founded in 1971, Coomealla was the design brainchild of founding member Ross Putland - who carved out the layout from beautiful natural surrounds and the very best golf course grasses were used, including bentgrass on the greens and couch on the fairways, which are well maintained. Green fee: $35. www.coomeallaclub.com.au
COROWA GOLF CLUB
A wonderful Murray River course that adjoins the mighty watercourse at the 12th hole, Corowa features 18 narrow holes with towering and sprawling gums, tight playing lines and large bunkers in a shot-maker’s paradise. An extra nine was added in 1980 and utilises more open land on the north side of the clubhouse.
The value: The third nine. Longer, wider and dierent yet complementary to the original 18, the 1-9 loop adds a great contrast to whichever of the other two twins you pair it with. Green fee: $35.
www.corowagolf.com.au CUMBERLAND CC
As far as parkland golf courses go, Cumberland CC is one of Sydney’s finest.
The club prides itself on its pristine playing surfaces and claims to be the first in Australia to introduce compulsory sand buckets.
The par-72 layout oers a good range of holes, with water, sand and elevation changes between tee and green on most holes all combining to add plenty of variety to your round. Green fee: $40 (weekdays). www.cumberlandgolf.com.au
DUNTRYLEAGUE GOLF CLUB
Orange, in NSW’s Central West, is home to a handful of pleasant golf courses but the pick of the crop is Duntryleague – a flowing layout flanked by stands of thick pines and all-manner of other floral species.
Playing in two loops away from the stately 141-year-old guesthouse, Duntryleague has changed very little over the years but is perhaps far more heavily tree-lined than it was when Eric Apperly oversaw the completion of construction of the course back in the mid-1930s. Green fee: $45.
www.duntryleague.com.au EASTLAKE GC
Eastlake GC occupies similar golfing land to its more famous neighbours, Bonnie Doon and The Lakes, which is a true indicator of how enjoyable a round can be here.
At 5,881 metres it’s not the longest layout, but its elevation changes subtly increase its distance. Natural waste areas and water hazards can be found amongst the pristine playing surfaces. Green fees: $47 (weekends); $37 (Fridays); $25 (Monday – Thursday). www.eastlakegolfclub.com.au
EASTS LEISURE & GC
Formerly known as Maitland Golf Club, Easts Leisure and Golf boasts one of the most under-rated courses in the Hunter region of NSW.
The club was first established in 1899, making it one of the oldest in NSW. Over the past century, the course has evolved into the challenging and enjoyable layout that presents today.
The cheap green fee here makes this layout one of the best value courses in the Hunter. Green fees: $27 (weekdays); $30 (weekends). www.maitlandgolf.com.au
FORSTER TUNCURRY GOLF CLUB (TUNCURRY COURSE)
The longer and tighter of the twin layouts is a true examination of your entire game. The firm, fast-running fairways weave and roll between swathes of gum trees, banksias and other natural flora that line both sides of almost every hole.
Designed by Kel Nagle and Mike Cooper, the Tuncurry layout features some of the best short par-4s and par-3s on the NSW North Coast. The sandy soil here also makes it ideal for growing good quality golfing grasses, so the presentation here is generally very good. Green fee: $38. www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au
GERRINGONG GC
Situated between the seaside towns of Gerringong and Gerroa, the course lies across undulating terrain overlooking beautiful Walkers Beach and oers ocean views from every corner of the layout.
This seaside layout is a simple but enjoyable design but the golfing experience here has improved dramatically during the past few years with all the greens converted to A4 bentgrass, the rebuilding of most tees and a sustained program of bunker refurbishment. Green fee: $32. www.gerringonggolf.com.au
GUNGAHLIN LAKES GC
The Ted Parslow and Jamie Dawson-designed par-72 has been in play now for two decades and has been at its best in recent years.
The layout is routed around six irrigation lakes spread throughout the property (it can be seen on 14 holes but actually comes into play on far less), which makes Gungahlin self-su¡cient for water and also enables the course sta to keep its ryegrass fairways and bentgrass greens in superb knick. Green fees: $29 (weekdays); $39 (weekends). www.gungahlinlakes.com
HAWKS NEST GOLF CLUB
Hawks Nest, on the northern shore of NSW’s Port Stephens, is a hidden golfing gem.
Tall timbers frame most fairways, which feature bumps and rolls over a fine sandy base – a by-product of its location wedged between the port and the ocean. The sandy base not only makes Hawks Nest the best wet weather course in the region, it has helped shape some wonderful holes over the easy-walking topography. Green fee: $45. www.hawksnestgolfclub.com.au
LYNWOOD CC
Now in its eighth year, this addition to the golf scene in Sydney’s north-western fringe sees 18 holes twisting and snaking between a series of ponds and other shallow water hazards.
Almost tree-less, the Graham Papworth design sits on low-lying land next to Pitt Town Lagoon and is largely flat, save for the greens and tees nearest the clubhouse.
The club became a part of the Castle Hill RSL Group in 2014 and since then there has been an increased investment in the course and some
Moruya is a fun course on the NSW South Coast and has terrific playing surfaces. of the facilities, including the driving range that now boasts all-weather hitting bays, a two-tiered grass tee and is floodlit.
The course design was tweaked to accommodate the new practice range but has lost nothing in terms of its challenge and the enjoyment it provides. Green fee: $40 (weekdays); $50 (weekends). www.lynwoodcc.com.au
MORUYA GC
Moruya GC is one of the most improved courses you will find on the NSW South Coast.
This is a fun course to play. It’s not too long, at 5,734 metres from the tips, and the playing surfaces are always very well-maintained. In fact, Moruya’s fairways are of the quality you might expect from a private city club with a much bigger budget and greens sta.
Moruya also oers a unique close to both nines. The 364-metre par-4 9th shares a huge green with the 351-metre par 18th. The enormous putting surface, easily the largest on the South Coast, is a fitting end to two tough holes. The 18th is the harder of the two holes where a solidly hit approach must avoid a big lake short and right of the green. Green fee: $40 www.moruyagolfclub.com.au
MOSS VALE GOLF CLUB
Moss Vale showcases the Southern Highlands region’s best natural assets in a fluid layout that winds up and down hills, traverses an omnipresent creek and on fairways flanked by stunning flora.
The elevation changes at Moss Vale aord wonderful views but also enchanting golf holes and shots. The best of both – views and golf – comes on the par-5 4th hole, where an eagle beckons and disaster lurks. Save your best drive for this elevated tee and the green is well in reach for two shots. Green fee: $40. www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au
MUIRFIELD GC
Muirfield GC is a club rich in history that boasts a scenic course with large bunkers, tall timbers lining most fairways and lakes ready to grab any mis-hits.
The club has had a long held reputation for presenting well-maintained playing surfaces. And despite being only a 25-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD via the M2, you’ll feel like you’re well away from the hustle and bustle at Muirfield. Green fees: $42 (weekdays); $48 (weekends). www.muirfieldgolf.com.au
NELSON BAY GC
Nelson Bay is one of the most popular courses in the Hunter region, simply because it oers a well-presented course year round, the green fee is not steep and, with 27 holes on oer, visitors can always get a game on weekends if they book in advance.
The club extended to 27 holes in the late 1990s, with nine new holes cut through bushland that adjoins the Tomaree National Park.
The designers were careful to incorporate the characteristics of the original 18 into their plans. And why wouldn’t they? These holes oer plenty of variety and some breathtaking experiences, from the opening tee shot at the par-4 1st, which is elevated high above the fairway and oers a brilliant vista, to the approach at the par-4 9th, with a picturesque pond and fountains behind the green. The club has recovered well from a fire that destroyed its clubhouse in September 2015, with work well-advanced on the rebuilding. Green fees: $45 (18 holes weekdays); $50 (weekends). www.nelsonbaygolf.com
OCEAN SHORES CC
Set in an area of natural flora with tidal lakes, rivers and the Great Dividing Range as a backdrop, Ocean Shores Country Club on NSW’s far north coast oers spectacular scenery as well as great golf.
Designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge, Ocean Shores opened for play in 1972 and it wasn’t long before it gained the reputation as a stern test. It is a reputation that remains today.
Some of Ocean Shores’ best holes are to be encountered on the inward nine, with one of the highlights opening the back half. The 394-metre par-4 10th plays much shorter than the scorecard says, with the fairway descending gradually before plunging steeply down towards the well-bunkered green beyond the corner of the sharp dogleg right. Green fee: $42. www.oceanshorescc.com.au
PORT KEMBLA GC
Port Kembla rates as arguably the best-conditioned and toughest golfing challenge in the NSW Illawarra region. Lush, easy walking fairways are bordered by a combination of gums, melaleucas and low-lying trees making this layout a straight-hitters paradise.
The par-72 has its fair share of impressive holes but it leaves its best until last. The closing quartet of holes are very good and add to the value of the green fee. Green fees: $20 (Monday); $30 (Tuesday to Friday); $40 (weekends). www.portkemblagolfclub.com.au
RICHMOND GC
Lying at the foot of the stunning Blue Mountains, Richmond GC oers players of all levels an enjoyable challenge on what is believed to be Australia’s oldest golf course still on its original site - having been established in 1897.
The tree-lined layout has improved markedly in recent years, so much so it was selected to host the Australian PGA Seniors Championship in 2014 and 2015. Winners of both events – Rodger Davis and Kiwi Simon Owen – were both glowing in their praise of the layout and its well-manicured fairways and greens. Green fees: $25 (weekdays); $35 (weekends). www.richmondgolfclub.com.au
RICH RIVER GC RESORT
Rich River Golf Club Resort is one of the Murray River’s major golf resorts, which usually means one thing … great value golf.
The two courses – the East and West layouts – dier greatly from each other so there is plenty of variety on oer. The Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge designed East course is more open with pot bunkers and mounding dominating the landscape. The West course has mature tree-lined fairways, smaller greens and more expansive bunkering than its younger neighbour. Green fee: $50. www.richriver.com.au
SOUTH WEST ROCKS CC
This layout is a real surprise. During the past 15 years the course has evolved from a nine-hole layout, to 15 holes and then 18 holes, with the design and construction of the course being carried out by the club’s green sta over the years.
Most of the fairways are lined with dozens of pines and a few species of gum trees - there is also a selection of wide open holes that feature palm trees.
A mix of kikuyu and couch cover the fairways, which are beautifully presented. But it is the quality of the bentgrass putting surfaces you will remember long after your round. Green fee: $30. www.rockscountryclub.com.au
TALLWOODS GC & RESORT
This Michael Hurdzan designed course boasts very good couch fairways and bentgrass greens, as well as picturesque views from several elevated tees.
True to its name, Tallwoods is lined by mature trees that are home to an abundance of birdlife and native fauna. The tall timbers also serve to isolate several holes as they wind across sometimes dramatic topography. Green fee: $50. www.tallwoodsgolf.com.au
THE RIDGE
The Ridge, located in the heart of Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, was the newest course developed in the city’s metropolitan area for two decades when it opened its full 18 holes nearly five years ago.
Designed by James Wilcher, the public layout is proving popular because of the interesting and fun design, combined with good playing surfaces you would be more likely to find at a private club.
The back nine here is outstanding and there are no more memorable holes than the long par-5 10th where the final approach must avoid water and sand to reach the huge angled green. Green fees: $36 (weekdays); $45 (weekends). www.theridgegolf.com.au
THURGOONA CC RESORT
Thurgoona is one of the most improved courses along the entire length of the Murray River.
The layout, located about 10 minutes’ drive north of the Albury CBD, was designed by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge before they created more famous courses in Twin Waters, Hope Island and Camden Lakeside. Immediately you have to recognise, from design alone, Thurgoona is from a good stable.
Water is a feature of several holes but it is no more confronting than when you stand on the 16th tee. The 173-metre par-3 is Thurgoona’s signature hole and presents an intimidating scene with a lake lying between tee and green as well as wrapping around the right to the back of the putting surface. Green fees: $32 (weekdays); $36 (weekends). www.thurgoonaresort.com.au
TOCUMWAL GC
Tocumwal has a spread of 36-holes – the Presidents and Captains courses – with both oering dierent experiences but are equally great value for your golfing dollar.
The clever routing of both layouts, with each nine starting and finishing near the clubhouse, means there are six course combinations to keep you entertained. Green fee: $45. www.tocumwalgolf.com.au
TURA BEACH CC
Elevation changes and a stunning, oceanside setting are hallmarks of this early Peter Thomson-Mike Wolveridge design on the far south coast of NSW.
Regarded by many as the pick of the region’s courses, Tura Beach uses its sloping, fragmented piece of land to full eect and delivers 18 holes that yield a serious test for any golfer.
The early holes move onto the flatter terrain closest to the Pacific while the back nine rolls across the more undulating parts of the property, including crossing a road to play holes 15 to 17. Green fee: $40. www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au
WAGGA WAGGA CC
Lying on the banks of Lake Albert, Wagga Wagga CC is one of the most visually stunning courses in the Riverina.
The more memorable hole is left until last. The 180-metre par-3 18th is a scenic hole that runs by the edge of the pretty lake. It is a dicult end to the round and is capable of cruelling your hard fought score at the last throw. Often played into the breeze, a long and straight long iron or fairway wood is needed to avoid bunkers that squeeze into the front edge of the putting surface, while any tee shot drifting left will hit a steep slope down to the water’s edge. Green fee: $36. www.wwcc.com.au
WAKEHURST GC
Having opened in 1971, Wakehurst has blossomed into an excellent layout in a setting few courses in large cities can match.
Many fairways are essentially flat but are designed along a series of terraces that cascade with the sloping land. The front nine drops to the lowest point on the course at the par-5 4th hole, which brings the course close to Manly Dam, before climbing back towards the clubhouse on the highest point of the property. Green fees: $43 (weekdays); $49 (weekends). www.wakehurstgolf.com.au
WOLLONGONG GC
This Ross Watson redesigned layout runs along a beautiful stretch of beach and is also walking distance from the Wollongong CBD.
Its natural wetlands combine with links terrain to create a wonderful golfing experience. The club hosted the NSW PGA Championship from 2009-2011, which is testament to the quality of the course. Green fees: $42; $27 (Mondays). www.wollongonggolfclub.com.au
YAMBA G& CC
Any golfer who has ventured o the beaten track to Yamba will testify what a hidden gem this layout is.
The course lies close to the centre of town, with two loops of nine holes stretching out from the clubhouse and several holes lying within earshot of the breaking waves on nearby Pippi Beach.
Yamba is an easy-walking journey but there
are few flat lies to be experienced with most of the fairways featuring a natural ripple above the sand base below. A lot of work has been carried out in the past decade or so with more than half the greens re-built to create large, undulating putting surfaces surrounded by quality bunkering. The changes have been superb. Green fee: $36. www.yambagolf.com.au YOWANI CC Yowani’s member-owned golf course was designed by James Herd Scott nearly 60 years ago and features tight tree-lined fairways, and two scenic lakes that come into play on five holes.
It has been a ‘must play’ course when visiting Canberra for many years.
At 6,330 metres, Yowani is a course of championship length that will challenge any level of golfer. But it is the quality of its shortest holes that will impress. The 187-metre par-3 12th is arguably the best of them. The green was completely rebuilt a few years ago and now features bunkers front left and right and a two-tiered green. A shot long left here also presents a really dicult recovery shot. Green fees: $42 (Monday to Thursday); $47 (Fridays and weekends). www.yowani.com.au/golf
VICTORIA ANGLESEA GC
The postcard-like seaside town of Anglesea lies at the heart of one of the most popular holiday destinations in Victoria. Such a location – at the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road – needs attractions and the Anglesea GC course is one of those.
The Vern Morcom-designed layout features eucalyptus tree-lined fairways and Melbourne Sand-belt style bunkering. Not large in number, the bunkers have been strategically positioned around the layout to add to the challenge of the holes across the undulating landscape. Green fees: $50 (18 holes, daylight savings times), $45 (non-daylight savings times). www.angleseagolfclub.com.au
BAIRNSDALE GC
Beautifully maintained couch fairways and some of the best greens in all of Gippsland make Bairnsdale GC a must for any golfer visiting the area. Add to that a successfully completed program of bunker renovation and you have a terrific layout that doesn’t receive the plaudits it probably should.
The two par-4s leading away from the clubhouse ease you into the round, before the first significant challenge presents on the 491-metre par-5 3rd hole. There is out-of-bounds well o to the right of the fairway, which will only hinder wild hitters. Of more concern are the fairway bunkers – one on the right of the driving zone and another on the left of the popular lay-up distance from the green. Avoid the pitfalls en route here and you can have a good shot at an early birdie. Green fee: $35. www.bairnsdalegolfclub.com.au
BALLARAT GC
It took nearly 110 years for Ballarat GC to establish itself as one of the country’s best public access courses.
Within 18 months of an extensive redesign by Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett, Ballarat debuted in Golf Australia as the No.54 ranked Public Access course in the nation, a far cry from the basic course that was first played in 1895.
One of the highlights of a round at Ballarat is the quality of its short par-4s. The 3rd and 4th holes are a great example. While each measures 319 metres from the back tips, they require a completely dierent strategy from the tee and fairway. Green fees: $30 (weekdays); $40 (weekends) www.ballaratgolfclub.com.au
BAY VIEWS GOLF COURSE
Occupying dramatic terrain near Rosebud on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Bay Views – as the name suggests –oers golfers spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the bay beaches all the way to Sorrento.
Vern Morcom was the original designer and his routing extracts the best out of the landscape. It’s nearly 20 years since Peter Thomson, Mike Wolveridge and Ross Perrett did a full refurbishment of the course, with the pick of the holes to be found on the back nine. The long steep downhill par-3 11th and the sweeping dogleg par-4s - the 13th and 14th - are the real the standouts … for golf and the views.
The layout’s presentation has been on the rise since August 2014, when Golf Services Management, which manages St Andrews Beach and Ranfurlie among others, took over the running of Bay Views and its maintenance. Green fee: $39. www.bayviewsgolf.com.au
BERWICK MONTUNA GC
Berwick Montuna is a picturesque par-69 on Melbourne’s south-eastern outskirts that measures a tick over 5,000 metres from the back markers.
The highlight of the round opens the back nine with the 354-metre par-4 10th. Regarded as one of the hardest holes in Melbourne, the dogleg left features a lake cutting into the fairway that prompts some thought from the tee – either lay up short of the water and leave a long approach into the green, or play aggressively
and aim for the sliver of fairway leading to the green. Mounding short of the green make it di cult to judge the distance into the flag. Green fees: $30 (weekdays); $35 (weekends). www.berwickmontuna.com.au
CLUB MANDALAY
This Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett-designed layout only o cially opened for play in 2014, but in three years it has managed to elbow its way into the upper echelon of Public Access Courses in this country.
The par-72 debuted at No.93 in this magazine’s Top-100 ranking earlier this year and for good reason. Thomson and Perrett managed to create a links-style layout out of grazing land in what is still predominantly a rural environment on the edge of a new residential development.
Surprisingly, given its location 40 minutes’ drive north of Melbourne, wind is a factor at Mandalay. The exposed nature of the holes, combined with the wind, makes correct club and shot selection one of the utmost challenges of a round at Mandalay. Green fees: $38 (midweek); $45 (weekends). Cheaper fees booking online. www.clubmandalay.com.au
GISBORNE GOLF CLUB
Gisborne is regarded as the best course in the Mt Macedon Ranges region, about 40 minutes’ drive north west of Melbourne’s CBD. It has ranked among the nation’s Top 100 Public Access Courses and always presents well.
Acclaimed designers Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford submitted a masterplan for the course in 2014 and a number of the recommendations from their report have led to further improvements to the course. Green fees: $35 (weekdays); $40 (weekend) www.gisbornegolf.com.au
LAKES ENTRANCE GOLF CLUB
Lakes Entrance covers a wonderful sandy landscape with high dunes the only thing separating it from the beach and the waters of Bass Strait.
One of the most memorable holes is the 137-metre par-3 15th. A lake between tee and green can be troublesome, as can the bunkers short and long of the wide putting surface. The real test here is getting the club selection correct for the tee shot from an elevated tee into a headwind or crosswind. Green fee: $35. www.lakesentrancegolf.com.au
LANG LANG GOLF CLUB
Surrounded by scenic forest landscapes and native wildlife, Lang Lang has been described as one of the hidden gems of Victoria’s Gippsland based on its terrific variety of holes and the quality of its playing surfaces. Extended to 18 holes in the early 1960s and designed by former Australian Open champion George Naismith, the par-70 is built on pure sand, making it a well-drained, year-round playable course. Green fees: $25 (weekdays); $32 (weekends). www.langlanggolfclub.com.au
PHILLIP ISLAND GC
Covering easy-walking terrain, Phillip Island is a much underrated course.
All the fairways were converted to Santa Ana couch grass several years ago and, today, they are finely manicured playing surfaces.
It’s not a long course and, as a result, it features some terrific short holes like the 320-metre par-4 8th and the 292-metre par-4 13th hole, which add to the fun of playing a round here. Green fees: $40 (except for weekends February – April and December 26th – January 31st). www.pigc.com.au
PORTARLINGTON GC
Portarlington is a much under-rated gem in regional Victorian golf.
The layout is solid and well-designed for a course split by a road, and the often dead-straight fairways oer more variety and intrigue through mature tree lines and definite entry angles into the greens that give the straight holes more character than is apparent at first glance.
The fine condition of the couch grass fairways plus the imposing bunkers make this layout a little slice of the Sandbelt on the Bellarine Peninsula. Green fees: $40 (weekdays); $45 (weekends). www.portarlingtongolf.com.au
RACV GOLDFIELDS RESORT
The 6,300-metre par-72 Forest Resort course is the first design collaboration between Tony Cashmore (Thirteenth Beach and The Dunes) and PGA Tour player Robert Allenby.
Opened for play in 2008, the design team came up with a creation that is challenging for both novices as well as professionals, which was seen when the course hosted the Victorian PGA Championship a few years ago.
The course follows the natural flow of the hilly landscape and this has heavily influenced the course routing. Where possible, the ridges, swales, spurs and landmark trees covering the layout have been used to create standout individual holes. Green fees: $40 (weekdays); $50 (weekends). www.racv.com.au
SUNSHINE GC
Former PGA Tour player and Australian Open champion Craig Parry joined the club as a 10-year-old and returned a few years ago to oversee the design of the club’s present course at Mt Derrimut.
With views toward Melbourne’s CBD, Sunshine is a suburban oasis of nicely maintained Santa Ana fairways weaving between lakes and bunkers across easy-walking rolling topography. Green fees: $35 (weekdays); $45 (weekends). www.sunshinegolfclub.com.au
TRARALGON GOLF CLUB
A great trivia question for your next ‘golf’ dinner party; What Australian course was the scene of back-to-back Tour victories by Greg Norman in 1978-79?
It was indeed Traralgon GC, in the heart of Victoria’s Gippsland about 160km east of Melbourne, when the layout was a regular stop for the PGA Tour of Australia.
A course of similar standard in a capital city would easily charge more than double the meagre green fee asked here. Nice undulating terrain and well-manicured playing surfaces are of a much higher standard than its $30 green fee might suggest. Green fee: $30. www.traralgongolfclub.com.au
TRENTHAM GC
The hidden gem of Victoria’s Goldfields region, Trentham is a heavily tree-lined course fully redesigned by Kevin Hartley in the 1990s.
Lush playing surfaces are flanked by tall stands of mature native trees, while the terrain
varies from relatively flat to undulating, creating a superb mix of holes. The pick of the holes are on the back nine with the short downhill par-3 15th marking the start of an impressive quartet of holes leading back to the clubhouse. Green fee: $30. www.trenthamgolf.com.au
WATERFORD VALLEY
Created by Pacific Coast Design’s Phil Ryan, Waterford Valley opened in 2006 and has been a golfing success story in the heart of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Stretched to more than 6,500 metres from the back markers, Ryan has punctuated the wide Santa Ana fairways with lots of bunkers – 63 to be exact – as well as 11 lakes across the layout. Green fees: $45 (weekdays); $50 (weekends). www.wvgolf.com.au
YARRA BEND
With views over the Yarra River and CBD, Yarra Bend is one of Melbourne’s premier inner-city golf courses.
Recent investments have turned it into a golfing ‘Super Centre’, and it now features state-of-the-art practice facilities and a mini golf course.
The course itself has also been redesigned and oers a far more interesting and enjoyable round than it did only a few years ago. Green fees: $38.50 (weekdays); $43.50 (weekends). www.yarrabendgolf.com
QUEENSLAND BRIBIE ISLAND GC
Bribie Island is one of the biggest sand islands of Brisbane’s Moreton Bay, and this sandy base has given rise to a wonderful course that oers hints of the famous Melbourne Sandbelt courses.
This is evident from the 1st hole with Sandbelt-style bunkering lining the edge of the fairway. The rolling couch fairways thrive here, while the smooth rolling Bermuda 328 greens are superb. Bribie Island has some memorable holes with the 172-metre par-3 16th being one of the best. Green fee: $44. www.bribiegolf.com.au
GAILES GC
More than 60 years on from being a one-time host of the Australian Open, one could argue that Gailes is definitely a much sterner test than it was then with dozens of bunkers added to the landscape and its many trees maturing into towering timbers lining each fairway.
Gailes’ rolling landscape gives rise to some very good holes, where strategy and shot placement are the keys to good scoring Green fee: $20. www.gailesgolf.com.au
MARYBOROUGH GC
Maryborough GC is the oldest course to be found on Queensland’s Fraser Coast and presents well-manicured playing surfaces year round. Arguably the most memorable and picturesque hole closes out the front nine. Despite being Index 18 on the card, the 120-metre par-3 9th can kill your scorecard despite having just a short iron in your hand. The tee shot here must be played over the edge of a large lake to a green that is perched just above the water line and cut into the side of a hill. It is a long, narrow putting surface where the front pin position is close to being three-clubs shorter than a shot to a back flag. Two bunkers right of the green, and another back left, add to the accuracy required here. It is a terrific hole that you’ll want to play more than once. Green fee: $35. www.maryboroughgolfclub.com
NOOSA GOLF CLUB
Noosa Golf Club, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary this year, is one of the ‘must play’ layouts to add to your itinerary when visiting the northern hub of the Queensland Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads.
Located just 15 minutes’ drive from the restaurants and bars of trendy Hastings St, Noosa GC – which was known as Tewantin Noosa until 2014 – boasts a tranquil natural bushland setting with wide, doglegging fairways that favour a player with the ability to shape the ball left and right from the tee. Green fee: $50. www.noosagolf.com.au
REDCLIFFE GC
Redclie was named the Metropolitan Club of the Year at 2007’s QLD PGA Awards, and it’s still easy to see why.
Designed by Stan Francis in 1935, the course has been routed so the prevailing ocean breezes have a major influence, especially across the final three holes of the round.
The course is maintained like a park with the well-grassed and contoured fairways bordered by mature stands of native eucalypts, which feature an abundance of birdlife. Green fees: $37 (weekdays); $42 (weekends). www.redcli egolf.com
REDLAND BAY GC
Situated on the foreshore of beautiful Moreton Bay, Redland Bay oers picturesque coastal views, manicured Bermuda grass greens and gentle undulating fairways. The native bushland that lines the fairways is home to a colony of koalas and native birdlife.
Like Redclie, Redland Bay was designed by Brisbane-based Stan Francis and is an easy-walking enjoyable four and a bit hours spent playing golf. Green fees: $33 (weekdays); $38 (weekends). www.redlandbaygolf.com.au
SURFERS PARADISE GC
Straight drivers will prosper at Surfers Paradise Golf Club, which is a compact course with narrow fairways on a site bordering the busy Nerang-Broadbeach Rd right in the heart of the Gold Coast.
The design makes fine use of its small area. It requires decisive shot-making and while short at 5,841 metres from the back pegs, your use of the driver needs to be astute as frequently long irons and fairway woods will be more sensible from the tee.
Driver, however, is the club of choice from the tee at the 529-metre 3rd where a hazard lines