Golf Australia Magazine have released their latest rating list, the 2016 ranking of all golf courses eligible in Australia. Not my official list that I am trying to complete, but one in which I do take a bit of interest. The latest release has seen my progress drop from 72 completed to 67. Three courses were excluded due to major renovations, including Royal Canberra GC, Peninsula Kingswood GCC South course and Royal Pines Resort Green and Gold course, but this is understandable. As to be expected the main contenders have stayed withing the top 10, with Royal Melbourne Golf Club West Course remaining at number one. The biggest winner this year is Cape Wickham on King Island, debuting at number five. In all honesty this is no real surprise, with all those who have been to the course giving high praise. On my list to visit once Ocean Dunes is completed and settled.
9th hole at Royal Melbourne Golf Club West Course – Remains top dog in rankings
The biggest loser however was The Heritage Golf & Country Club St John course, falling out of the list from 57. I really don’t know how this is the case, as I played the course during the ranking period and thought it was a fantastic course, well worthy of being on the list. During my visit they were removing a lot of excess grass surrounding the bunkers, but it still surprises me of its demise. The other major course to drop out was Palmer Coolum Resort, although not a major surprise. The way the course has been run since being purchased by its new owner took over, you would have to feel this was inevitable.
Any time a list is released, there is a lot of talk and debate, I’m sure there will be no shortage on this one. Now to prepare for Golf Digest to release theirs in 2 months time and how many shocks they may have. To view the listing in its full, with an explanation of every course, buy the January 2016 edition of Golf Australia Magazine.
Happy golfing.
