1. ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – WEST COURSE Black Rock, Victoria
overgrown areas had a positive impact, by opening up the playing lines. It is a shame the rest of the scheduled work appears to have all but stopped, as this would have further improved the course.” – Carl Murphy. www.commonwealthgolf.com.au
27. NEWCASTLE GC Stockton, NSW
Designers: Eric Apperly (1937); Bob Harrison (ongoing).
Average points: 80.67.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 26, 18, 17, 16. Comments: “Newcastle never gets the accolades it deserves. Superb design!” – Matt Laverty.
“The stretch of holes from the 2nd to the 9th at Newcastle is among the best sequence of holes in the country, with such wonderful green settings, thrilling shots and great variety. With Bob Harrison engaged to create some new holes in times ahead, let’s hope the course retains its high ranking.” – Matt Mollica.
“Some layouts are described as great ‘secondshot’ courses, the beauty of Newcastle is that it’s a great ‘first-shot’ course. With the greatest collection of natural rolling fairways in Australia, quality tee shots are rewarded while poor play o the tee incurs a delayed penalty with less favourable angles into the small, slightly raised greens. An unpretentious club with a modest clubhouse and unadorned course, yet it has undeniable class like a kindly old gent wearing a neatly pressed suit in a timelessly fashionable cut.” – Adrian Logue.
“Newcastle is a timeless design of the highest quality.” – Craig Read. www.newcastlegolfclub.com.au
26. ROYAL QUEENSLAND GC Eagle Farm, Queensland
Designers: Carnegie Clark (1920); Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Mike Clayton (2007 & ongoing).
Average points: 80.89. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 23, 23, 22, 26. Comments: “Royal Queensland is the best course I have seen on a flat piece of land. It is a stunning achievement to build a set of greens that have you constantly searching for the preferred lines to approach them from. Without doubt the best course in Queensland.” – Brian Walshe. “Subtly strategic and really fun to play.” – Craig Read.
“Not many sites flatter than Royal Queensland in the country, which only exemplifies how extraordinary the design is. It provides a great balance of risk and reward on most holes and, in turn, inspires some thought provoking golf.” – Andrew Anderson.
“A disgruntled golfer told me of Royal Queensland: “You can drive it anywhere without penalty, and the greens are too hard to stop the ball on.” He was actually describing why it’s so brilliant, he just hasn’t worked it out yet.” – Scott Warren.
“Royal Queensland is one of the most underrated courses in the country. While many may feel the course is flat and uninteresting, the course is quite the opposite – delivering very few flat lies and reminding the player that being out of position is not without its consequences.” – Peter Robertson. www.rqgolf.com.au
25. ROYAL CANBERRA – WESTBOURNE COURSE Yarralumla, ACT
Designers: Commander John Harris (1962); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (1984); Geo
Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2017).
Average points: 82.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 20, 23, 70, 42. Comments: “Royal Canberra’s rolling hills, pine forest and distinct seasons lend it a character something like the inland courses of Scandinavia. The extreme cold and hot temperatures can also be very harsh on turfgrass and Royal Canberra has had some challenges with presentation in recent times. That doesn’t alter the fact that the OCCM renovation opened up some marvellous vistas and created some great strategic options.” – Adrian Logue. www.royalcanberra.com.au
24. THIRTEENTH BEACH LINKS – BEACH COURSE Barwon Heads, Victoria
Designers: Tony Cashmore (2001). Average points: 82.2.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 21, 24, 23, 22. Comments: “Any mainland course in Australia that features fescue fairways will always remind me of playing on a Scottish links and therefore always draw me back to it.” – Ross Finnigan.
“The Beach Course, for mine, is among the top-five most fun courses in the country. Cashmore’s dramatic green complexes demand you get a little creative with your short game and your putting, while some greens – like the punchbowl-shaped 18th – really test your ability to hit the right shot with the right club in hand. He has a combination of greens where some are receptive, and others are designed to repel mis-hits. It all leads to a lot of fun.” – Brendan James. www.13thbeachgolf.com
23. THE NATIONAL GC – OLD COURSE Cape Schanck, Victoria
Designers: Robert Trent Jones Jnr (1987). Average points: 82.33.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 21, 24, 23, 22. Comments: “Robert Trent Jones Jr at his best. Very little change to the original design is a testament to RTJ’s fine work.” – Matt Laverty.
“The most picturesque course on the Mornington Peninsula with the short par-3 7th being one of the standouts. The Old is not everyone’s cup of tea the first time playing, but it becomes more enjoyable once you start to understand the contours on the severely sloping greens. An enjoyable, fun and gettable track o the front tees. However, playing from the Black tees, with any sort of wind, is not for the faint of heart.” – DJ Loypur.
“Built on a severe site, The National’s Old Course is spectacular, amazing, challenging and, above all else, fun. No course can wreck a scorecard more quickly, yet, few courses can make you smile as much as Old can. Breathtaking views and thrilling golf are a heady mix.” – Brian Walshe. www.nationalgolf.com.au
22. KOOYONGA GC Lockleys, South Australia
Designers: Herbert L. Rymill (1924); Martin Hawtree (2008); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (ongoing). Average points: 82.67. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 25, 26, 26, 23. Comments: “The unsung star of Adelaide golf. A great example of what can be accomplished on a small piece of land, and how a course can be short, fun and challenging to all levels of player.
– DJ Loypur.
“The redesign work overseen by Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford has enhanced an already great course. I love the quartet of holes from the 4th to the 7th, while the new 17th green is a beauty.” – Brendan James. www.kooyongagolf.com.au
21. LAKE KARRINYUP CC Karrinyup, Western Australia
Designers: Alex Russell (1928); Mike Clayton (2008).
Average points: 83.9.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 18, 14, 21, 14. Comments: “The new 007 bentgrass putting surfaces, coupled with a tweak to the irrigation water quality, has returned the greens and overall course presentation to near perfection. The routing is unique, producing a relatively flat course despite the hills. Tee shots on several holes are designed to play over hills or climbs resulting in less uphill/downhill approaches than would be expected.” – James Bennett.
“Lake Karrinyup features very well-designed green complexes, while it also boasts three great drivable par-4s, the 1st, 10th and 14th, which are the biggest highlight of Karrinyup.” – DJ Loypur. www.lkcc.com.au
20. BARWON HEADS GC Barwon Heads, Victoria
Designers: Victor East (1921); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (2005 & ongoing).
Average points: 84.6. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 19, 21, 21, 20. Comments: “Starting on some of the best links land in Australia, the course does not disappoint
on the first block. Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford’s work on the course masterplan continues to see improvements right across the course.” – Carl Murphy.
“A great example of how a course doesn’t need to be complicated to be good, sometimes less is more as is with Barwon Heads.” – DJ Loypur.
“The Hermitage Grange of Australian golf courses … it has always been good, and just keeps getting better.” – Craig Read.
“Barwon Heads presents itself in three distinct acts with great tumbling dunes on the smaller paddock then the wild holes around the turn that open out into some beautiful wide spaces on the back nine, finishing at one of the best clubhouses in Australia. The sort of course that compels you to gaze dreamily in the window of the real estate agents on your way out of town.” – Adrian Logue. www.barwonheads.golf
19. WOODLANDS GC Mordialloc, Victoria
Designers: J.D Scott & Rowley Banks (1913); Sam Bennett (1917); Mick Morcom (1928); Jack Newton, Graeme Grant & John Spencer (19872001); Graeme Grant (2002-2005); Mike Clayton (2008-2011); Tom Doak (ongoing).
Average points: 84.9.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 16, 16, 23, 22. Comments: “For so long a poor relation on Melbourne’s Sandbelt, Woodlands is today recognised for its great routing, fine collection of short par-4s, and overall quality. It demonstrates that a solid yet enjoyable test of golf can still be conducted over a course measuring less than 6,400 metres.” – Matt Mollica.
“With its small greens and use of doglegs, Woodlands should be added to more golfers’ Sandbelt visitors’ itineraries for the variety it oers compared to the more similar fare oered by the courses closer to the city”. – Scott Warren.
“Woodlands oers some of the best short par4s in Melbourne. Paired with quite small green complexes and fescue collars, it puts a premium on position o the tee.” – Andrew Anderson.
“Significantly tidied up in recent years, it puts more notable Sandbelt courses to shame.” – Adrian Logue. www.woodlandsgolf.com.au
18. PENINSULA KINGSWOOD – SOUTH COURSE Frankston, Victoria
Designers: Sloan Morpeth (1967); Mike Clayton (2007); Geo Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019). Average points: 85.25.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: NR, NR, 25, 28. Comments: “Built on a slightly bigger scale than its neighbour, the South course is equally compelling. Broad fairways, larger rises and falls, as well as bigger hazards and greens provide enjoyable and high quality golf on a big canvas. This course rewards sound strategy and accurate shot placement. The par-3s are a standout, as are the short par-4s. OCCM did a mighty job with wonderful bunkering and construction.” – Matt Mollica.
“The recent renovations have dramatically improved the South course – exposing some of the sand underneath, better bunker positioning and waterway definition have improved not only
the scenery but the course’s strategy.” – Carl Murphy.
“A more member-friendly version of the neighbouring North course. Big, clever greens and thoughtful fairway bunkering make South a fun test of golf. Whilst you can get the feeling that North has tournaments in mind, South is less stern and doesn’t have as much in the way of trouble when you miss.” – Brian Walshe.
“Maybe a more impressive redesign than the North Course, in my opinion. The South has been turned into a really, really good course that you would have no problem playing if the time sheet is full on the North.” – DJ Loypur.
“Dierent but no less spectacular then its sister course. A great mix of holes using much the same routing, but the changes have improved the aesthetics and challenges. There is enough space here now to host a big tournament.” – Ross Flannigan. www.peninsulakingswood.com.au
17. METROPOLITAN GC Oakleigh South, Victoria
Designers: J.B MacKenzie (1906); Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Dick Wilson (1959); Mike Clayton (2006); Neil Crafter & Paul Mogford (ongoing). Average points: 85.66.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 15, 12, 13, 9. Comments: “Metro has gone through a remarkable journey in recent years reclaiming its heathland identity. The open vistas allow the masterful bunkering and intricate green shapes to dominate the eye. Land this bland has no right being home to a course this good.” – Scott Warren.
“Highly regarded for its presentation, Metropolitan is surprisingly flat and wildly scrubby away from the playing surfaces, but it’s also a layout that has more interesting strategy than people give it credit for. The index 1 par-4 15th is one of the more underrated strategic holes on the Sandbelt.” – Adrian Logue.
“For the life of me I can’t understand as to why the trees on the 17th fairway have not been cut down. For a course which employs strategy so well over the majority of the course, the 17th is so counterintuitive to the rest of the course.” – Peter Robertson. www.metropolitangolf.com.au
16. THE LAKES GC Eastlakes, NSW
Designers: Bruce Devlin & Robert Von Hagge (1970); Geo Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2009).
Average points: 85.9. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 14, 15, 15, 13. Comments: “In my opinion, no other course in Sydney comes close to The Lakes from an architecture perspective. This is simply not an “aim at the middle of the fairway” course but one that asks you to find the best angles.” – Brian Walshe. “Maturing into what it looked like as an infant.” – Craig Read.
“The incredible presentation of the kikuyu by superintendent Anthony Mills and his team lets Mike Clayton’s design sing. Nowhere else in Australia is water as well-used as a hazard, and there’s not a better bold set of greens.” – Scott Warren.
“It took Clayton’s renovation of The Lakes to peel back decades of over-grassing and tree planting to remind everyone that Sydney has its own tremendous sand-based precinct for championship golf. The back nine featuring the titular lakes provides possibly the most fun sequence of shots in Australian golf.” – Adrian Logue.
15. OCEAN DUNES King Island, Tasmania
Designer: Graeme Grant (2016).
Average points: 86.75.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 8, NR, NR, NR. Comments: “Starting along the coastline there are some great strategic holes, which do continue inland at various times. Some complain about the number of blind shots required, but routing would be my biggest criticism, with some very long walks between several greens and tees.” – Carl Murphy.
“Dramatic terrain will always give rise to dramatic golf. Grant’s work at Ocean Dunes might just be the finest of his long career.” – Alex Murray.
“I’ve heard all the whingeing about blind shots at Ocean Dunes. To those people, I say Lahinch ‘Dell’ hole and Prestwick’s ‘Alps’ and ‘Himalayas’ – all great holes requiring blind approach and tee shots. Blind shots were all part of the ‘old’ game and thankfully a designer has been brave enough to incorporate them into a modern design.” – Joe Thomas. www.oceandunes.com.au
14. ELLERSTON Ellerston, NSW
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2001). Average points: 87.5.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 7, 8, 6, NR. Comments: “Kerry Packer’s brief to designers Greg Norman and Bob Harrison was to create a tough golf course. Mission accomplished on their part. There are a significant number of forced water carries during the round, which are best tackled by longer hitters. I would argue the par-3s, as a set, at Ellerston are as good as you will find anywhere in the country. As you can imagine with so few people playing the course during a year, the playing surfaces are incredible.” – Brendan James.
“Ellerston is a real thrill to play. It is unashamedly challenging, and presents an abundance of demanding drives, and exciting approaches.” – Matt Mollica.
13. THE NATIONAL GC – MOONAH COURSE Cape Schanck, Victoria
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2000). Average points: 88.9. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 11, 9, 8, 7. Comments: “Moonah marries the best combination of fun, quality design and test of golf.” – Ross Flannigan. “Moonah’s combination of massive dunes and superb green complexes combine to make a course that is playable and enjoyable to golfers of
all standards. One thing that sets Moonah apart from a lot of its peers are it’s fairways, with the fescue over sow of Greg Norman’s GN1 couch providing some of the best playing surfaces in the country year round.” – Brain Walshe.
“A real ‘golfer’s course’ that requires a lot of smart shot placement. Coming in from the right angle with the right shape and trajectory is crucial. You would also be hard pressed to find a more consistently well-presented course.” – DJ Loypur.
“I don’t hesitate to nominate this as Bob Harrison’s finest Australian course. Nowhere else are his serpentine par-5s more engaging, his dramatic greensites as tantalising or the interplay with the natural environment as engaging.” – Scott Warren. www.nationalgolf.com.au
12. ST ANDREWS BEACH Fingal, Victoria
Designer: Tom Doak (2005). Average points: 89.67.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 13, 13, 10, 11. Comments: “It is great to see St Andrews Beach thriving and vying for the position of best course on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
With a strong set of short fours, diverse and testing par-3s as well as a collection of excellent, understated greens, Doak’s minimalist layout is wonderful.” – Matt Mollica.
“Alluring from beginning to end, St Andrews Beach oers some of the best value golf in the country.” – Andrew Anderson.
“Cups country golf at its finest. Tom Doak gives you room from the tees and then asks questions of every approach shot.” – Ross Flannigan. www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au
11. NEW SOUTH WALES GC La Perouse, NSW
Designer: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1928); Eric Apperly (1937 & 1951); Greg Norman & Bob Harrison (2010); Greg Norman (2018); Tom Doak (2019).
Average points: 91.33.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 9, 7, 5, 5. Comments: “Tom Doak and Brian Schneider’s revamped 6th green has finally lifted that hole to a quality worthy of its setting. What they can achieve in improving the playability of the 2nd and 17th, as well as the crowded parcel that houses the 9th, 10th and 18th, will ultimately determine whether New South Wales has a future as a top five Australian course.” – Scott Warren.
“Iconic coastal holes, scrubby dunes, tight grass, repelling slopes, revetted pot bunkers and blowout waste areas – there’s a mix of eclectic features at NSW that are all spectacular and beautifully presented but it somehow lacks its own theme to tie it all together. Perhaps overgrassed in areas – it would be wonderful to see more exposed sand. With consulting architect Tom Doak there may be an opportunity to find more strategy in some weaker holes and create a more consistent identity for Sydney’s standout world-class course.” – Adrian Logue. www.nswgolfclub.com.au
10. THE NATIONAL GC – GUNNAMATTA COURSE Cape Schanck, Victoria
Designer: Tom Doak (2019). Average points: 92.9. Debut.
Comments: “The Tom Doak re-working of the old Ocean course, and transition into the new Gunnamatta has been a revelation. Arguably The National’s best land for golf is now home to its best course. The routing is more sophisticated, while the greens are more organic and individual. Bunkering is sympathetic with the landscape, more sparingly used and ideal in location. Legend couch remains on the fairways while the fescue collars have improved ground game options closer to the pins. A raving success and another new inclusion into the country’s Top 10.” – Matt Mollica.
“The National asked Tom Doak to build a course the members would find both playable and fun and he and his associate, Brian Schneider, have delivered a modern take on ‘Golden Age’ architecture. Gunnamatta is about width and angles into brilliant greens surrounded by fescue that emphasises the ground game. From the gorgeous drivable 2nd, with the green tucked a couple of metres from the out-of-bounds fence, to the stunning skyline green on 16 with Bass Strait as the backdrop, Gunnamatta is about as much fun as you can have on a golf course.” – Brian Walshe.
“The new Gunnamatta is head and shoulders above the course that used to be in its location and will continue to get better with age as the surrounds and fairways have another few growing seasons. A great members course with the 16th and 17th being, not just the highlight of the course, but maybe of all four National courses.” – DJ Loypur.
“Tom Doak has made this course ultimately playable for a wide range of golfers. The fescue approaches are exquisite. The re-routing now delivers a course with such a high degree of variety and fun factor. The 2nd hole and 17th holes are great examples of shorter par-4s where par is earned not a given.” – Ross Flannigan.
“Pure, unadulterated fun. Hats o to you Mr Doak.” – Brendan James. www.nationalgolf.com.au
9. ROYAL ADELAIDE GC Seaton, South Australia
Designers: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926); Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (1979 & 1997); Mike Clayton (2009); Tom Doak (ongoing). Average points: 93.15.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 10, 10, 11, 10. Comments: “One of Australia’s oldest golf courses is a true treasure that continues to surprise with each round. The subtle undulations, unique greens and playability for all skill levels proves great golf architecture is timeless.” – Michael Green.
“Royal Adelaide is slowly but steadily progressing through a course improvement program that is going along very nicely. Each modification so far has improved the course and
there is also good work being done in the roughs and vegetation. This classic course with a unique character is slowly working its way back up to where it belongs in Australian golf.” – Rich Macafee. www.royaladelaidegolf.com.au
8. VICTORIA GC Cheltenham, Victoria
Designers: Oscar Damman, William Meader & Dr Alister MacKenzie (1927); Mike Clayton (2005); Geo Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019). Average points: 94.5.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 12, 11, 9, 8. Comments: “The remodelling of Victoria has seen it regain some of its lustre, which had faded in recent years. The new Pure Distinction bentgrass greens are magnificent, and the subtle re-working of small parts of the course have improved several holes.” – Matt Mollica.
“Victoria is the epitome of Melbourne Sandbelt golf. An old-world charm, which only enriches the experience. Recent work has seen slight design changes throughout and a complete resurface of the greens allowing enhancements to the contouring.” – Andrew Anderson.
“A piece of land that blends some of the movement of Kingston Heath with the slopes and elevation changes of Royal Melbourne, while being narrower than both, but brilliantly routed on a relatively small property.” – Adrian Logue. www.victoriagolf.com.au
7. ROYAL MELBOURNE GC – EAST COURSE Black Rock, Victoria
Designers: Alex Russell (1932); Tom Doak (ongoing).
Average points: 94.9.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 6, 6, 7, 6. Comments: “Is it possible to call Royal Melbourne East a “hidden gem”? Whilst Royal Melbourne West gets most of the attention, the quality of the best holes on East is just as good as its sibling, which means very good indeed. The 2nd and 18th are as good a par-4s as you will play. The 16th would be the best par-3 in many cities and the 17th, and those diagonal cross bunkers, are world class. Doak’s work on the outside paddocks has created more continuity across the entire 18 holes.” – Brian Walshe. www.royalmelbourne.com.au
6. KINGSTON HEATH GC Heatherton, Victoria
Designers: Dan Soutar (1925), Dr Alister MacKenzie (1926), Graeme Grant (1983-1995); Geo Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2018); Geo Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCM (ongoing).
Average points: 95.75.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 4, 3, 4, 2. Comments: “Kingston Heath has an enviable reputation as one of the best courses and clubs in the world. It continues to be a great place to play golf and the drop in this ranking has more to do with the bar being raised, particularly with regard to conditioning by some of the newer courses.” – Brian Walshe.
“A course that asks a golfer to reflect on its subtleties and secrets long after you leave the car park. Its greatness just seems to creep up on you.” – Adrian Logue.
“Kingston Heath continues to enjoy a very high ranking. The Heath is a magnificent place to play golf, and features so many wonderful shots. The course’s bunkering consistently wins acclaim from all who play there, and the green complexes are among the best in the nation.” – Matt Mollica.
“You will struggle to find a course that has aged as well as Kingston Heath … it is simply timeless. As enjoyable and interesting to play the 50th time as it was the first time.” – DJ Loypur.
“Kingston Heath is the benchmark for golf architecture on flat land and small properties. The routing is excellent and is deserving of its reputation as one of the best courses in the world.” – Peter Robertson. www.kingstonheath.melbourne
5. PENINSULA KINGSWOOD – NORTH COURSE Frankston, Victoria
Designers: Sloan Morpeth (1969); Mike Clayton (2002); Geo Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead – OCCM (2019). Average points: 96.33. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: NR, 20, 18, 17. Comments: “One of the best parcels of land for golf on the Sandbelt is now home to a course of rare quality. Exceptional green complexes, and gorgeous bunkering are complimented by pure putting surfaces. Hole after hole of engaging design, fun and challenge. The course catapults into the Top 10 in the country, sitting comfortably alongside our most revered classic layouts.” – Matt Mollica.
“Peninsula North is OCCM’s take on the modern Sandbelt and they deliver a course full of great green complexes and clever fairway bunkering. The greens are big and full of interesting lobes and shelfs with greenside bunkers that can punish those who confuse ambition and talent. Moving the pins around could see the course easily transit from memberfriendly to pro-level test.” – Brian Walshe.
“One of the best redesigns I have seen. The new 2nd hole is one of the best par-3s in Australia. I love the variety of tee shots required around the North Course, which also oers a great blend and balance of strong holes alongside shorter tactical holes.” – DJ Loypur.
“The North Course is a true test of golf and in the tradition of the Sandbelt, the designers delivered a course with some of the best combination of holes in Australia. The par-3 2nd hole deserves to be remembered almost as much as the seamless transition to the multi-platform 3rd hole teeing ground.” – Ross Flannigan. www.peninsulakingswood.com.au
4. BARNBOUGLE LOST FARM Bridport, Tasmania
Designer: Bill Coore (2010). Average points: 97.
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 5, 4, 3, 4. Comments: “It’s a shame this is the only Bill Coore-designed course in Australia as it is a standout. Superb routing takes you through some fantastic dune land, whilst constant changes in direction ensures a variety in play.” – Carl Murphy.
“I’ve yet to have more fun on a golf course with golfers from all walks of life that I have at Lost Farm, which, for mine, edges out its neighbour by a blade of fescue. The downhill par-4 14th hole may be my favourite hole in Australia.” – Michael Green.
“Lost Farm is a course equal in quality to its older sibling next door. Expertly routed by Bill Coore, the course is wide and manageable in any wind. It presents dramatic tee shots, and asks for thoughtful golf, and many thrilling approaches. The variety and quality of the par-4 holes is really something.” – Matt Mollica.
“There are a lot of courses in Australia that have fantastic second shots. Lost Farm is one of the few where the tee shots are thrilling as well. The oblique drives on 1 and 13, the dare of the ‘Tiger’ line right on 8, the temptation on 3 and 14 and the daunting dune on 5. Lost Farm uses its width and superb greens to challenge everyone.” – Brian Walshe.
“Every time I play Bill Coore’s masterpiece on Bass Strait, I find some ground feature or pin position I had never previously noticed. It’s a close-run thing for the title of “Best Course at Bridport”, but for the fine details of Lost Farm raise it slightly above its rugged, dramatic sister next door.” – Scott Warren. www.barnbougle.com.au
3. BARNBOUGLE DUNES Bridport, Tasmania
Designers: Tom Doak & Mike Clayton (2004). Average points: 98.15
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 2, 2, 2, 3. Comments: “In my opinion, Barnbougle Dunes is the nearest challenger to Royal Melbourne West’s crown. The course features so many fun shots, and so many all-world holes. Amazingly natural green complexes, and great strategic quality are the course’s hallmarks. A tremendous setting for golf constantly skirting and traversing the dunes. The fescue surfaces are the southern hemisphere’s nearest thing to Scotland’s finest ancient fairways.” – Matt Mollica.
“Barnbougle is an outstanding combination of great routing and terrific greens. There are all world holes such as 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15 and 18 that, after a morning’s golf, drag you back out in the afternoon for a second attempt at deciphering some of the riddles.” – Brian Walshe.
“Still has the WOW factor. The opening nine is one of the best front nines in the world in my opinion.” – Matt Laverty. www.barnbougle.com.au
2. CAPE WICKHAM LINKS King Island, Tasmania
Designers: Mike DeVries & Darius Oliver (2015). Average points: 98.89
2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 2, 2, 2, 3. Comments: “Now fully grown in, Cape Wickham is putting a great case forward to be included in the argument as the best course in Australia. The firm fully fescue surfaces make it the best conditioned course in the country, especially around the green sites where every club in your bag is an option to play short game shots with. It has Australia’s best opening and closing holes now, and everything else in between is subtle, fun and rewarding to play – all in a spectacular setting.” – Rich Macafee.
“A very well-designed course that unfortunately doesn’t get as much recognition for its architecture as it deserves due to its spectacular setting, which is all you can talk about after a round at Cape Wickham.” – DJ Loypur.
“Cape Wickham is a bit of an enigma. On a good day it is close to the best course in the country with some of the most spectacular holes and scenery you will find anywhere in the world. The routing maximises what is a stunning backdrop. On other days when the wind really blows it is unplayable. Everyone should play Wickham at least once, hopefully when the weather contributes to the experience.” – Brian Walshe.
“Absolutely sensational course. Routing ensures scenic views and conditions come into play for most of the round. Wide fairways with a great deal of strategy throughout most of the course. Best finishing hole in Australia, although not a big fan of 9 & 10.” – Carl Murphy.
“Cape Wickham is wide, elastic, and understated in most parts. The sensible and sophisticated design accommodates the diverse and sometimes strong winds. Shot after shot is thrilling and the course is visually spectacular. The fescue surfaces are a joy to play o and have improved with age.” – Matt Mollica. www.capewickham.com.au
Designers: Dr Alister MacKenzie (1931); Tom Doak (ongoing).
Average points: 99.5. 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012 rankings: 1, 1, 1, 1. Comments: “Still the standout course in Australia with its classic routing on superb land. This may not have the views of some of the other top courses, but the design more than makes up for that. One of the great legacies left by Dr Alister MacKenzie for Australian golf.” – Carl Murphy.
“Despite the emergence of several challengers for the No.1 title, Royal Melbourne West continues to stand above all others. It boasts a vast number of world-class holes, brilliant green complexes and bunkering, is routed exceptionally well and sits on brilliant golfing land. Superintendent Richard Forsyth and his sta consistently present the course perfectly, and the vegetation management is world class. Royal Melbourne West is one of the world’s best courses, and the premier layout in Australia. The stretch of holes from 2-7 is perhaps the best sequence of half a dozen holes on Earth.” – Matt Mollica.
“When you finish a round on Royal Melbourne West, you’re immediately scheming to work out how you can get back on.” – Adrian Logue.
“Golf course architecture on a grand scale, with width, huge greens, beautiful bunkering and swooping fairways. Yet it is the intricate details, particularly around the greens, that sets Royal Melbourne West apart. The swale in front and the reverse slope on the 3rd green, the beautiful transition from sandy waste to bunker right of the 17th green. Royal Melbourne West remains the benchmark.” – Brian Walshe.
“There’s no greater experience in Australian golf. The brilliance of the green complexes continue to prove to be some of the world’s best, despite the seemingly never ending advancements in golf technology.” – Andrew Anderson.
“Australia’s greatest golf course may actually have benefited from the out-of-control golf technology arms race. The qualities of the reachable par-5s, short par-4s and the legendary 200-metre par-3 16th have become relevant for more and more regular golfers in the past decade.” – Scott Warren.
A high-quality global golf experience. The presence of Dr Alister MacKenzie is evident at every turn. It is built on the best parcel of land in the Sandbelt and deserves its position of global golfing respect.” – Ross Flannigan.