RACV Cape Schanck designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, is a great public access course in the Mornington Peninsula. One of my favourite courses in Australia was right next door, The National Golf Club Old Course, by the same designer.
Hamilton Island Golf Club
Hamilton Island golf course would have to be described as a great club located in paradise. Located off the Northern Queensland coast, the weather is tropical with high humidity, but ideal to get outside for a game, then hit the bar at the pool.
Bonville Golf Resort
I’ve thought about making the trip to Bonville Golf Resort for a few years now. Known as the Augusta National of Australia, why wouldn’t you be keen to play there.
Joondalup Resort (Quarry/Dune)
Joondalup Resort is located 25 minutes north of Perth and would have to be one of the most spectacular courses I have been to. The 27 hole golf course is made up into three distinct nines, each taking on the name of its characteristic feature.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Stopping at Monterey to catch-up with friends on the way to Los Angeles, the temptation to play Pebble Beach was too hard to resist. Having played the course so many times on the PC, it was time to step into the real world and physically play a round at this iconic golf course.
The Vines Resort & Country Club – Ellenbrook
With only half a day left on my visit to Perth, I decided to take advantage of being at the Vines Resort and play the Ellenbrook course. The Vines is located around 40 minutes north east from Perth city, in the Swan Valley (renown as a wine region).
Kooindah Waters Golf Club
Kooindah Waters was established as part of a residential estate and golf resort, north of Sydney in 2006. Designed by Ross Watson, in conjunction with Craig Parry (the ambassador of the club and Australian professional golf champion), the course is managed by the Troon group.
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.