1. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), Victoria
Location: Black Rock, Melbourne, Victoria
Designer: Alister MacKenzie
Opened: 1926
Par: 72
Length: 6,077 meters (6,646 yards)
Royal Melbourne’s West Course is the crown jewel of Australian golf, often ranked as the top course in the country and among the best in the world. MacKenzie’s design is a masterclass in strategic golf, where the natural contours of the land dictate the challenge. The bunkering is iconic, with deep, rugged sand traps that require precision to avoid. The greens are fast and true, demanding a delicate touch. Signature holes like the short par-3 5th, which plays over a sandy waste area to a green set on a natural shelf, showcase the genius of the course. The combination of historical significance, pristine condition, and timeless design makes it a bucket-list course for golfers worldwide.
2. Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania
Location: Bridport, Tasmania
Designers: Tom Doak & Mike Clayton
Opened: 2004
Par: 71
Length: 6,085 meters (6,655 yards)
Barnbougle Dunes is Australia’s quintessential links course, set against the dramatic backdrop of Tasmania’s northeast coast. The course captures the essence of traditional links golf with its firm, fast fairways, large undulating greens, and ever-present coastal winds. The layout winds through towering dunes, offering stunning ocean views on almost every hole. The 4th hole, a par-4 that runs parallel to the beach, is a standout with its risk-reward strategy—players must decide how much of the corner they dare to cut. Barnbougle Dunes is as much about the experience and connection to the land as it is about the game itself.
3. Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria
Location: Cheltenham, Melbourne, Victoria
Designer: Dan Soutar, with later influence from Alister MacKenzie
Opened: 1925
Par: 72
Length: 6,352 meters (6,947 yards)
Kingston Heath is celebrated for its brilliant bunkering and subtle yet challenging design. Despite being shorter than other top courses, it tests every aspect of a golfer’s game. The bunkers are perhaps the most famous feature, with deep, steep-walled traps that protect the greens. The par-3 15th hole, with its famous “sandbelt bunkering,” is a highlight, requiring precision off the tee to a narrow green. The course has hosted numerous international events, including the World Cup of Golf, and is revered for its impeccable conditioning and pure golfing challenge.
4. Cape Wickham Links, Tasmania
Location: King Island, Tasmania
Designers: Mike DeVries & Darius Oliver
Opened: 2015
Par: 72
Length: 6,150 meters (6,726 yards)
Cape Wickham Links offers one of the most visually spectacular rounds of golf in the world. Every hole has an ocean view, with eight directly abutting the coastline. The course’s design takes full advantage of its stunning setting, with natural contours and elevation changes that make for a thrilling round. The 18th hole is a memorable finisher, a par-4 that sweeps down towards the coastline, offering panoramic views of the rugged landscape. The isolation of King Island, combined with the raw beauty of the course, creates a unique and unforgettable golf experience.
5. New South Wales Golf Club, New South Wales
Location: La Perouse, Sydney, New South Wales
Designer: Dr. Alister MacKenzie
Opened: 1928
Par: 72
Length: 6,245 meters (6,832 yards)
Perched on the rugged cliffs overlooking Botany Bay, the New South Wales Golf Club is one of the most dramatic and scenic courses in the country. The layout makes the most of its stunning coastal location, with several holes playing along the cliff edges, providing both a challenge and breathtaking views. The 6th hole, a par-3 requiring a carry over an ocean inlet, is one of the most famous holes in Australian golf. The course is a testament to MacKenzie’s philosophy of using the natural landscape to dictate the design, making every round at NSWGC a visually and technically engaging experience.
6. Royal Adelaide Golf Club, South Australia
Location: Seaton, Adelaide, South Australia
Designer: Alister MacKenzie
Opened: 1906 (with major redesign in 1926)
Par: 72
Length: 6,550 meters (7,162 yards)
Royal Adelaide is a course rich in history and tradition, offering a classic links-style experience in an Australian context. The course features wide fairways that invite aggressive play, but strategic bunkering and challenging greens demand precision. The 3rd hole, a par-4 with a challenging drive over a railway line, is a signature hole that embodies the course’s strategic demands. Royal Adelaide’s layout blends the best elements of traditional design with the unique characteristics of the South Australian landscape, making it a favorite among both local and international players.
7. Ellerston Golf Course, New South Wales
Location: Upper Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Designers: Greg Norman & Bob Harrison
Opened: 2001
Par: 72
Length: 6,594 meters (7,214 yards)
Ellerston Golf Course is one of the most exclusive and private courses in Australia, originally built by media mogul Kerry Packer as his personal playground. The course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, challenging layout, and stunning natural beauty. Set in a remote valley, Ellerston offers a secluded and serene golfing experience. The course features a number of standout holes, including the par-5 7th, which requires a long, accurate drive followed by a precision shot over a creek to reach the green. Playing at Ellerston is a rare privilege, offering a world-class golf experience in a truly unique setting.
8. The National Golf Club (Moonah Course), Victoria
Location: Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Designer: Greg Norman
Opened: 2000
Par: 72
Length: 6,828 meters (7,465 yards)
The Moonah Course at The National Golf Club is a modern links-style course set in the rugged coastal terrain of the Mornington Peninsula. The layout is characterized by wide, undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and large greens, offering a true test of golf in a natural setting. The course’s proximity to the coast means wind is often a significant factor, adding to the challenge. The par-3 16th hole, which plays downhill to a green protected by bunkers, is a highlight. The National’s Moonah Course is a perfect blend of strategy and beauty, making it a favorite among those who appreciate links golf.
9. Lost Farm, Tasmania
Location: Bridport, Tasmania
Designer: Bill Coore
Opened: 2010
Par: 72
Length: 6,663 meters (7,288 yards)
Lost Farm, the sister course to Barnbougle Dunes, offers a unique 20-hole layout that takes full advantage of its stunning coastal setting. The course is designed to complement the existing landscape, with wide fairways that wind through towering dunes and along the coastline. The greens are large and undulating, providing a stern test for even the best putters. The par-3 4th hole, with its elevated tee and green set against the backdrop of the ocean, is particularly memorable. Lost Farm’s natural beauty and challenging design make it a standout in the world of links golf.
10. The Lakes Golf Club, New South Wales
Location: Eastlakes, Sydney, New South Wales
Designer: Mike Clayton (redesign)
Opened: 1928 (redesigned in 2007)
Par: 72
Length: 6,307 meters (6,897 yards)
The Lakes Golf Club is a challenging course known for its water hazards and fast greens. The course is situated just minutes from Sydney’s CBD, making it a convenient yet testing round for both locals and visitors. The redesign by Mike Clayton in 2007 enhanced the course’s strategic elements, with water coming into play on several holes, including the signature par-4 14th. The Lakes’ demanding layout and proximity to Sydney make it a popular choice for golfers looking for a top-tier challenge close to the city.
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