Palmer Coolum

Magazine Ratings

I had high expectations going to play the Palmer Coolum Resort, partly due to it being home to large tournaments appearing on TV, gladly I was not let down.  With a bit of foresight I had managed to enter the Champions Day event (single stableford).  The booking had to be a bit in advance due to it being a public holiday weekend.

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 15^th 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).  Then appearing through  the trees was the clubhouse, a massive Queenslander style building, overlooking the 9^th, 10^th and 18^th holes.

The large clubhouse at Palmer Coolum Resort

Entry to the club house was through two of the biggest bronze doors I’ve ever seen, opening to a foyer with a great view out over the course.  Staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, which is always a good start to the day.  There was a small locker room facility available if required, but I’d come along dressed and ready for action, if you stay at the resort also no need to use.  The course facilities include a driving range, chipping green and putting green (always a must stop).  Unfortunately the driving range was closed due to the Queensland State of Origin side visiting (damn them cane toads).

Map of Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course (no dinosaurs to be seen)

Scorecard for Palmer Coolum Resort

I was partnered up with three others, two hackers (Mick & can’t remember the other guys name, just know I didn’t want to be the ball when he finally did connect) who were playing socially and Craig, a 3 handicapper from Darby, who could hit the ball beautifully.  So off to the first we go.  This is a little bit away from the club house.  The course underwent a major restructure to allow housing development, which meant’ five new holes were created. I have never played the original holes, but I did enjoy the new ones, although I did find it unusual that three of the first five holes were par 5s.

Hole 1 from the tee box

Hole one, a 500m par 5, is a beautiful starting hole.  Quite scenic, there is water most of the way down the left of the fairway, which then runs across the front of a landing area to the green, finishing on the right side of the green.  If you can’t draw the ball (or fade for left handers) the safest bet is to play a small wood, otherwise the bunker or trees may come into play.  I must admit a good start to the course.

The 1st green is protected by water

The third hole, again another par 5 is a bit shorter at 450m, but is well protected down the right by bunkers and the left has a dam going up to the green.  Best to play the ball down the middle allowing an easy second shot to the green for big hitters, or for shorter  shots, opening the fairway to the right of the green to layup.

Playing from the fairway bunker on the 3rd hole

Greens on the course have various undulations making it critical to land in the level of the green where the pin is located.  It is said that the greens are kept close to the conditions which the Australian PGA are played under, although not as quick.  I certainly saw this with the ball sometimes bouncing through the green, even seeing some chips go from one side to the other.

The front 9 had a few memorable holes, but some which did not seem to belong as well.  For me I really enjoyed playing from the 7^th hole to the 18^th.  The 7^th was a sharp dog leg left, where the only smart decision was to use and iron to allow an easy approach to the green.  There were four holes which really required some course management off the tee to reduce the chance of finding trouble (this of course relies on you hitting the ball clean, not always so easy to do).

Tee shot for the 9th Hole

The 9^th starts a trio of holes, all quite challenging and scenic.  Water is located all down the right side of the 9^th hole (and left for those who really misdirect their tee shot) playing almost like a long island.  The fairway sloping left to right certainly helps the ball run towards the water with no guarantee that the rough of stopping a wet second shot.

Looking back from the 9th green

The green has 3 bunkers but remains not too challenging.

Hole 10 from the tee

Another hole requiring a strategic tee shot is the 10^th.  This 326m par 4, although tempting to use a driver to have a short approach, is best played with a shot left between the two bunkers, ensuring the water on the left and right and trees are not in play.  This leaves a relatively safe short to mid iron to the green for the approach.

Par 3 – Hole 11

The 11^th is a picture perfect par 3 hole at 140m.  there is water in front and along the right of the green.  The tee is elevated so be sure to go down a club.  It is critical on this green to land in the same area as the pin.

The 11th green at Palmer Coolum Resort

The green slopes towards the water and there is a large ridge through the middle.  If the pin is at the front and your ball is at middle to back of the green, don’t be surprised to find the ball run right off the green.

Hole 14 – 149 meter par 3

Another good par 3 is found at the 14th hole.  This plays the reverse way to the 11th, with water down the left side but the tee is not as elevated.

Approach to the 17th green is all uphill

The 17th hole is a medium length par 4 measuring 331 meters.  From the tee there are two bunkers to avoid, before playing to a green sitting on top of a hill.  Anything short can potentially see the ball back at your feet.

The spectacular 18th Hole

The 18^th, the signature hole for the course is a great way to finish your round.  The tee is surrounded by housing (and the odd spectator, either human or animal) and has a specatular view of the lake approaching the green, and the clubhouse.   A straight drive down the middle is best, but don’t hit too long or the next will be from the sand.

Approach to the 18th green

If the pin is located on the lower side of the green, play it safe and aim for the middle.  Chances are the ball will use the natural slope and run down to the pin naturally.  This could save some unnecessary hair pulling (and lost balls) from finding the water.

The final green, where championships are won or lost

Next stop is the clubhouse for some light refreshments and exercising the elbow.  The spike bar was nothing fancy, but did have some great bar stools (which would like mighty fine at my bar).

The Palmer Coolum is a resort course and although I was not staying here, my playing partners had all mentioned that their stay so far had been enjoyable.

In summarising this is certainly a course I would not hesitate to play again.  the course was quite scenic and seemed to have a natural routing of the land.  The fairways were in great condition, as was the rough (which is good to avoid as its tough playing out of).  The greens were firm and very consistent, there were quite a few holes where strategic tee shots ensure an easy approach for birdie or par.

Mt Coolum in the background

The course is open to the public so you do not have to stay at the attached resort.  I do recommend booking in advance, especially for those wanting to play the local competition.