Royal Melbourne Golf Club was established in 1891 and is the oldest golf club in Australia without interruption. In 1926 leading golf architect Dr Alistair Mackenzie was chosen to design the new layout, now known as the West Course.
The Lakes Golf Club
The Lakes Golf Club was established in 1928 and built around the lake, which was part of the old Sydney water supply. The course remained as is until 1970 when it was re-designed by Robert van Hagge to allow for a new freeway.
The Vintage Golf Club
The Vintage Golf Club is located in the Hunter Valley (wine region) of NSW. It was the first Greg Norman designed course in the state built in 2003 and is now rated among one of the best courses in the region. A recent addition to the estate is Chateau Elan, a resort which has been built overlooking the 10th hole and has quite luxurious accommodation.
Palmer Coolum
Mt Coolum (the course is at the base of the mountain) can be seen from quite some distance away, so as it edged closer the excitement built. Then I got my first glimpse of the course, the 15th par 5, meandering along the roadside. Entering the gates you are reminded that this is the home of the Australian PGA Championship (and will remain so for the immediate future).
Pelican Waters Golf Club
This was to be my first game on the trip (also in Queensland) so I was really excited. I had rung the month before to ensure I could get a tee time, as I had originally planned to play Twin Waters the first day but a corporate event put an end to that. I was told it was no problem I could get on without any hassle. The course allows general public access outside of competition times.
Twin Waters Golf Club
Located only a couple of minutes up the road from where I was staying (although my impression was the hotel was almost a part of the course), I was looking forward to playing Twin Waters. I decided to get in an early morning round hitting of at 6.45am and avoid any slow play.
Lake Karrinyup Country Club
Lake Karrinyup Country Club is situated around 25 minutes north of Perth. It was established in 1928 and designed by Alex Russell. The course is surrounded by flora and fauna, and has a variety of wildlife, from birds in the wetlands to kangaroos hopping around through the native trees.
Settlers Run Golf & Country Club
I had grown up watching Greg Norman, so was curious to play for the first time at one of his courses, that being Settlers Run Golf & Country Club. The experience did not leave me dissapointed.
Yarra Yarra Golf Club
With the inaugural event of the Australian Masters rotating around the Sandbelt courses being held at Kingston Heath, I was in town and noticed that Yarra Yarra Golf Club was holding an open day. As a part of my original goal of playing the Melbourne Sandbelt courses, this was an opportunity not to miss.
Huntingdale Golf Club
Huntingdale Golf Club is why this quest to play Australia’s Top 100 courses probably all started. Watching the Australian Masters for many years, prompted my motivation to get more out of golf than just playing the same course over and over again. The inspiration was to play where champions played.