Australia's Top 100 Golf Courses 2014 - Course by Course descriptions

1. Royal Melbourne (West) (no change)

After a minor blip in 2010, the West Course at Royal Melbourne is once again back where it belongs – atop the Australian Golf Digest Top 100. As evidence of its supremacy, 80% of judges who played the West Course rated it the best in the country. There are no finer holes in Australia than the best half-dozen here. Back-to-back professional tournaments last year reminded us all of how great Royal Melbourne really is.

 

2. Kingston Heath (no change)

Highest ranking - 1 (2010)

Steady at number 2, Kingston Heath is our most consistent performer scoring well in design categories as well as for memorability and conditioning. Always presented in fantastic shape, the Heath is arguably Australia’s best bunkered golf course and home to some of the finest green complexes in the world.

 

3. Ellerston (no change)

Highest ranking - 3 (2012/14)

After finishing ahead of such gems as Barnbougle Dunes and NSW last time, a fresh posse of 18 Australian Golf Digest judges made the trek up to Ellerston to see whether such a high ranking was warranted. Their verdict: it was. Thanks to some daring design, beautiful terrain, and exceptional conditioning, the Packer family’s private estate remains 3^rd on our list in 2014.

 

4. Barnbougle Dunes (no change)

Highest ranking - 4 (2010/12/14)

The most frequently visited course by our ranking panel, Barnbougle Dunes is a genuine success story and continues to mature and improve with each passing year. The best holes here, like the 4^th and 7^th, are already icons in Australian golf and reason alone to make the trip to Bridport, Tasmania.

 

5. New South Wales (no change)

Highest ranking - 2 (2006/08/10)

No change in its ranking, but the recent greens resurfacing program undertaken by the club has resulted in superior putting surfaces and plenty of positive comments from our panel. With its glorious setting and fantastic coastal holes, NSW has been a permanent fixture in our Top 5 for the last 20 years.

 

6. Lost Farm (no change)

Highest ranking - 6 (2012/14)

Bill Coore’s terrific companion to Barnbougle Dunes, Lost Farm has plenty of fans Australia-wide and managed to retain the number 6 ranking earned on debut in 2012. Less than a point (out of 50) separates the two Barnbougle courses. Lost Farm can be expected to narrow the gap, and challenge the Top 5, in the coming years as fairways and greens continue to mature.

 

7. Royal Melbourne (East) (up 1)

Highest ranking - 7 (2014)

Despite living in the shadows of the mighty West Course, the East at Royal Melbourne is a genuine classic and home to a number of world-class golf holes. Most are located on the main paddock and incorporated into the club’s Composite Course. Other gems on the eastern parcels of land include the beautiful par three 6^th & 13^th holes and the tempting par five 10^th. Recent redesign and restoration works undertaken by Tom Doak and his team have improved these areas.

 

8. The National (Moonah) (down 1)

Highest ranking - 6 (2010)

The jewel in the crown of Australia’s largest golf club, the Moonah Course actually improved its points average from 2012 but dropped a place because of improvements at Royal Melbourne. The Moonah scores big on design and memorability, and its bent greens and couch fairways oversown with fescue are generally terrific year-round. Has been firmly entrenched in the Top 10 since its debut in 2002.

 

9. Lake Karrinyup (up 2)

Highest ranking – 6 (1994)

The best in the West, Lake Karrinyup is back in our Top 10 after languishing down in 19^th position as recently as 2008. The changes undertaken by Michael Clayton and his team around that time have worked wonders, and helped restore Karrinyup’s status as Perth’s premier layout. Looked a treat during last year’s ISPS HANDA Perth International tournament.

 

10. The National (Old) (up 2)

Highest ranking - 10 (2014)

One of the big improvers among our Top 15, the Old course at The National offers golfers a delicious mix of sublime scenery and audacious design. There are some crazy moments here but the best holes and the most exciting tee shots manage to charm most visitors. The 7^th hole is among the most beautiful par threes anywhere in golf.

 

11. Victoria (down 2)

Highest ranking - 6 (1996/98)

Falling two places in 2014, Victoria remains the next best on the Sandbelt behind Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath. The mix of old-school MacKenzie style bunkers and greens together with more sandy areas and fewer internal trees than a decade ago make this a must-play track for anyone visiting Melbourne. Proof of how tight things can get in this list; Victoria finished less than a point (out of 50) from 7^th place.

 

12. Royal Adelaide (up 1)

Highest ranking - 5 (1989/2000/02/04/06)

One of our best and most important golf clubs, Royal Adelaide looks to have put the divisiveness and subsequent inaction of the controversial 17^th hole behind it and started to better manage its most important asset. This precious jewel has great variety and a wonderful mix of long/short holes. Conditioning has certainly improved in recent times and the sensible refinements suggested by Tom Doak are sure to lift things further. Expect Royal Adelaide to storm back into the Top 10 very soon.

 

13. Metropolitan (down 3)

Highest ranking - 3 (1994/96/98)

Metropolitan is another course that improved its point average (out of 50) in 2014 but went backwards, thanks to positive enhancements elsewhere. This remains a much loved Sandbelt classic, renowned worldwide for its flawless couch fairways and bent greens. The outward nine is the superior half here, thanks to more interesting terrain and gems like the 1^st, 2^nd, 5^th, 8^th and 9^th.

 

14. The Lakes (no change)

Highest ranking - 6 (2002)

Ranked the number 2 course in Sydney, The Lakes has hosted many professional championships over the years including the remarkable 2012 Australian Open won by veteran Peter Senior. The layout was redesigned by Michael Clayton and his partners a few years ago and holes now place a far greater premium on placement and strategy than they did previously.

 

15. The Australian (up 2)

Highest ranking - 2 (1989/91)

 Once a permanent fixture within our Top 10, The Australian recently completed a major redesign of its greens and bunkers in advance of hosting this year’s Australian Open. The work was carried out by Jack Nicklaus and his design associates, more than 30 years after the Golden Bear had first tinkered with the course for the late Kerry Packer. Although a gain of only two places may seem insignificant, feedback from our judges suggest that the greens and bunkers have improved considerably and that future rises are possible.

 

16. The Dunes (no change)

Highest ranking - 14 (2010)

Steady at 16, the ever-popular Dunes Golf Links introduced two new holes (15^th and 16^th) this ranking cycle and feedback from our judges was mostly positive. The holes they replaced were far from poor, and are still playable, but the balance seems a little better overall now. Always kept in great condition, this fair, fun and friendly links-style layout remains the most popular public-access course on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

 

17. Joondalup (Quarry/Dune) (up 1)

Highest ranking - 16 (1989)

Enjoying its best result on the Australian Golf Digest Top 100 since 1989, Joondalup is a fun resort layout but a hard course to categorise, as it’s just so different from everything else near the top of this list. The course polarises opinion, with judges scores ranging from the low 30s to mid 40s (out of 50). In its favour are beautiful holes that are both unique and fun to play, especially through the Quarry nine. Once ranked the 6^th best course in Western Australia (2000) Joondalup is now a clear number 2.

 

18. Woodlands (up 1)

Highest ranking - 18 (2014)

A consistent Sandbelt performer, Woodlands comes recommended for its wonderful bunkering, its clever short par fours and tight, dangerous green sites. The club has never quite enjoyed the same high profile of the better-known Melbourne courses, but our panel has always had tremendous respect for this thorough and enjoyable test.

 

19. Moonah Links (Legends) (down 4)

Highest ranking - 13 (2010)

The biggest casualty among the Top 20, the Ross Perrett designed Legends Course at Moonah Links drops down 4 places on the back of improvements elsewhere and a view amongst our panel that it’s no longer quite at its peak. With one exception, those judges who rated the course again this year scored it lower than in 2012, mostly by around half a point. Some of the new judges are also less enthusiastic about Legends than those they replaced on the panel. Regardless of their view, this is still one of the more enjoyable courses on the Mornington Peninsula.

 

20. Newcastle (no change)

Highest ranking - 10 (2004)

A genuine panel favourite, until this year Newcastle had actually fallen every ranking since it peaked in the Top 10 a decade ago. The course has had some maintenance issues in recent times, and started to look a little tired in places. Despite these problems, it’s hard to see Newcastle falling much further given the refresh tweaks proposed and the fact that judges were encouraged by the work already undertaken.

 

21. St Andrews Beach (up 7)

Highest ranking - 21 (2014)

Always one of our more controversial rankings, St Andrews Beach jumps 7 places this year but remains a divisive course among many of our panelists. There are those who adore this Tom Doak-designed dunes course and would push it closer to the Top 10, but for the majority it belongs somewhere in the 20-30 range. Regardless of your take, the best holes are unquestionably superb and there isn’t a better value public access track anywhere in the country.

 

22. Kooyonga (up 4)

Highest ranking -10 (1989/91)

Another big improver among our Top 25, Kooyonga’s rise this year reversed a trend that had seen it slide backwards each ranking since 2006. Improved conditioning along with some new judges and the closeness of courses ranked in the 15-30 bracket were the chief reasons for the jump. Kooyonga is too good a golf course to be languishing in the mid 20s, and we hope that sensible refinements in the years ahead will secure its position within the Top 20.

 

23. The Links Kennedy Bay (no change)

Highest ranking - 10 (2002)

Once the highest ranked course in Western Australia, The Links Kennedy Bay has fallen steadily from a high of 10 achieved back in 2002. The layout remains unchanged at 23 this year, despite a slight improvement in its overall average score (out of 50). One of the more authentic links in Australia, Kennedy Bay impresses with its well-positioned pot bunkers, challenging trade winds and fun holes.

 

24. Royal Sydney (down 3)

Highest ranking - 4 (1989/91)

Royal Sydney has ridden a Top 100 roller coaster in recent times – from 10^th in 2000 to 22^nd in 2006 and from 10^th again in 2008 back to 24^th this year. The course has its fans but clearly its detractors as well. It scored well in the conditioning category and unquestionably benefitted from hosting the Aussie Open in December, although judges have noted that outside tournament times there have been problems with the quality of its greens.

 

25. Barwon Heads (down 3)

Highest ranking - 20 (1991)

An almost permanent fixture among Australia’s Top 20-30 courses, Barwon Heads is a genuine coastal charmer that has somehow remained both popular and relevant in the face of rapid advancements in the modern game. Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford have modernised certain aspects of the course in recent times, but the appeal of Barwon Heads remains the timeless nature of its architecture and the fact that it still provides a stiff test at under 6,000m.

 

26. Magenta Shores  (up 1)

Highest ranking - 24 (2008)

Jumping one place in 2014 to near its debut-year peak of 24, Magenta Shores impressed our judges with its continued maturity and the gradual improvement of on-course conditioning. These are attractive, solid golf holes that have been softened a little since opening. Some on the panel still find them a little too penal given the frequent stiff winds here, but most golfers thoroughly enjoy this course.

 

27. Royal Queensland (up 2)

Highest ranking - 18 (1989)

The poster child for sensible redevelopment, Royal Queensland has improved its ranking every year since being redesigned by Michael Clayton and his team in 2006/07.  On a flat piece of ground Clayton and his crew crafted a terrific members course with plenty of subtle variation and strategic interest. The bunkering is a particular highlight, and distinctive in this country for its placement and style. An improvement of 30+ places since a ranking of 60 in 2006 is just reward for the bold redevelopment.

 

28. Commonwealth (up 3)

Highest ranking - 12 (1994)

Once ranked among the top 15 courses in the country, Commonwealth has fallen steadily since its halcyon days of the 1980s and early 90s. The bare bones here remain outstanding, especially the greens and bunkering, and it wouldn’t take much for the course to start rising again back into the elite Top 15 or 20. Grassing, mowing and tree issues would need to be addressed, while the tweaking of a couple under-performing holes would also do wonders. While its been disappointing to see this course slide down the list, the best holes at Commonwealth remain as good as most on the Sandbelt.

 

29. Thirteenth Beach (Beach) (down 5)

Highest ranking - 24 (2012)

The Beach Course is another, like St Andrews Beach, that divides opinion among our panel. Some clearly believe it belongs higher up the list, while most have it here in the mid-20s to mid-30s range. The inland holes have matured over the years and improved, but it’s the beach holes that attract the punters, particularly the par threes among the heavier dunes.

 

30. The National (Ocean) (up 6)

Highest ranking - 30 (2014)

Once languishing as low as 47 on our list, the Ocean Course at The National achieved its highest ever ranking this year and looks to have started inching closer to where a layout on such great land should sit. The reputational damage done in the early days by its since-softened greens has been somewhat repaired, as most of the holes are better today than they were ten years ago. That said, the Ocean continues to be harshly marked by many because of both its sublime site and its superior siblings. As one judge noted, ‘if you played it on its own you would have a great time, but it’s the bronze medallist in The National family’.

 

31. Moonah Links (Open) (up 2)

Highest ranking - 13 (2004)

The Open Course at Moonah Links moves up a couple of places this year, reversing a trend that has seen it fall backwards each ranking since a strong debut (13^th) in 2004. Like National Ocean this course is on too good a site to be this far from the Top 20. The Open Course has never been seen as fun to play, but a sensible alteration or two and an easing up on difficulty could do wonders from both a rankings and a patronage perspective. The fact that it no longer hosts regular professional events might even help convince those who argue that it needs to be the nation’s toughest test, that the enjoyment of the paying public is what’s really important here.

 

32. Brookwater (down 7)

Highest ranking - 19 (2004/06)

Brookwater is another divisive test, that some raters love for the extreme challenge but others simply find too difficult and relentless to enjoy. It’s one of the narrowest and most unforgiving courses in the top half of our ranking. The tree-lined fairways were kept deliberately tight by designers Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, principally to ensure the golf enjoyed some separation from the housing. There are a number of good holes here, and the small greens and bold Norman/Harrison bunkers are a feature.

 

33. Huntingdale (up 5)

Highest ranking - 14 (1991)

Once ranked among the world’s Top 100 golf courses, Huntingdale’s slide down the Australian Golf Digest Top 100 has been somewhat dramatic. In 2002 it was ranked as low as 41 on our list. Back in the 1980s and 90s is was a very different story, as the course benefitted from the prestige associated with the Australian Masters tournament. The slide started for Huntingdale after an unfortunate redesign in the mid-90s followed by the loss of the annual tournament. There have also been significant improvements and new courses built elsewhere in the country. The jump this year was on the back of excellence in turf conditioning and positive reviews of some minor back nine adjustments made recently by Martin Hawtree.

 

34. Peninsula (North) (down 4)

Highest ranking - 25 (2004/10)

From outside the Top 100 altogether, Peninsula‘s North Course burst into the Top 25 in 2004 following an intelligent redesign of the layout by Michael Clayton and his partners. The course has since stagnated, and gone backwards this year due to continued issues with the state of its greens. It’s hoped that the club’s recent merger with Kingswood will allow for an increase in its maintenance budget, and see improvements in firmness and turf quality. It would also be nice to see the Ogilvy Clayton team given an opportunity to complete their redesign by rebuilding a couple of the original green sites.

 

35. The Cut (down 3)

Highest ranking - 16 (2008)

The Cut could crudely be described as somewhat schizophrenic, as it boasts some of the finest coastal views in Australian golf but also some less inspired holes around an integrated housing estate. As always, there are judges that look beyond the low spots and admire the views and others who mark the course down because of its inconsistencies. We recommend golfers try for themselves, because although the seaside holes are not quite of the La Perouse or Barnbougle standard, they are attractive and most golfers enjoy playing within sight of the ocean.

 

36. Peninsula (South) (up 5)

Highest ranking - 21 (1996)

Like the North Course, the South at Peninsula has suffered a little with conditioning problems over the past couple of years. Unlike the North, however, it went up this year instead of down. These aren’t poorly presented courses in any way, they just don’t quite hit the same standards as elsewhere on the Sandbelt, and they certainly aren’t as consistently firm as they need to be. The South is the longer and tougher of the two tracks, and best recommended for quality holes like the par five 8^th, the drivable par four 7^th and the long par four 13^th. The par three 9^th and 14^th are also very good.

 

37. Hamilton Island (up 2)

Highest ranking - 37 (2014)

After a strong debut performance it was pleasing that we were able to get almost double the number of judges up to Hamilton Island than in 2012. The verdict remains essentially the same, that the golf course is too panel and overly demanding for the average punter – but has some of the best, and most spectacular, views in the country. Even those who complained about the severity of certain holes had to admire the overall island ambience. It may not be perfect, but Hamilton Island is a terrific holiday golf course.

 

38. Elanora (up 4)

Highest ranking - 38 (2014)

Left out of the Top 100 altogether a decade ago, Elanora returned in 2008 on the back of a redevelopment project undertaken by designer James Wilcher. The course has climbed each ranking since, and finds itself at an historic high of 39 this year. Sydney harbour views and excellent turf standards are Elanora’s strengths, together with a couple of good short holes.

 

39. Glenelg (up 1)

Highest ranking - 36 (1994)

Glenelg has improved every ranking since 2004, when it was languishing down in 93^rd position on our list. A superbly maintained course, the design changes made by Neil Crafter and Bob Tuohy around this period helped steady a sinking ship and get the course moving back in the right direction. Continued high turf standards at the club were recognised by several judges this year, who rated Glenelg the best-maintained course in South Australia.

 

40. The Grange (East) (NR)

Highest ranking - 28 (1994)

This was the panel’s first opportunity to rate Greg Norman’s redesign of Grange East, and generally speaking our judges liked what they saw. On a flat piece of ground his large, flashy bunkers caught the eye, as did the strongly contoured greens. There was also affection for more subtle moments, like the tiny par three 15^th. The East outscored the West here by less than half a point (out of 50) but judges who had played both courses were split on which they thought was superior. It will be interesting to see how they compare in the years ahead as conditions improve and more judges get to see Norman’s work.

 

41. Links Hope Island (down 6)

Highest ranking - 8 (1994)

The pick of the Gold Coast resort courses, Hope Island is a fun links-like test known for its humps, bumps, pot bunkers and non-traditional water hazards. It’s regarded by many as the best Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett course from the 1980s and 90s, their most prolific period. Another quirk of the ranking system, Hope Island essentially finished with the same points average as in 2012 but dropped several spots because of rises elsewhere.

 

42. Bonville (up 6)

Highest ranking - 27 (1994)

Despite the fact that Bonville suffered its share of unfortunate weather events, on course improvements during the last ranking cycle were well received by our panel and reflected in a nice little jump up the list. With all the rain recorded in the Coffs area of late, judges noted that turf standards were below normal expectations but that only makes the rise more significant and should give resort operators confidence for the future. This remains one of our most popular golf resorts and if the region can catch a break weather-wise in the next cycle then Bonville might find itself climbing even higher in 2016 and beyond.

 

43. Grange (West) (up 4)

Highest ranking - 19 (1991)

Only marginally out-ranked by its upstart younger brother, the West at The Grange nonetheless rises for the third ranking in a row, as the Clayton and co redesigned holes mature and attract more rating visits. The West is far more subtle than the East, and a nice contrast for members who can now choose from two good quality layouts.

 

44. The Grand (down 1)

Highest ranking - 42 (2010)

Queensland’s most exclusive golf club, The Grand also owns one of the state’s most challenging courses. Designed by Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, it hosted the 2001 Australian Open and attracted controversy for unconventional features like having trees in the middle of fairways. These controversies overshadowed a successful event, and a very fine course with slick greens and plenty of variety.

 

45. The Vintage (up 5)

Highest ranking - 40 (2008)

Set in the wine country of the Hunter Valley, the Vintage is another Norman / Harrison course with tight fairways, sharp greens and bold, flashed-up bunkering. The residential estate here has grown over the past few years, but the course has matured nicely and doesn’t feel too badly hemmed in by housing.

 

46. Terrey Hills (no change)

Highest ranking - 20 (2000)

Proof of the importance to some clubs of hosting professional events, and hopefully improvements with our ranking system, Terrey Hills was once a regular tournament venue on the Australasian PGA Tour and ranked as high as 20 back in 2000. Once the tour stopped calling the course started slipping, although it has now been stuck unchanged on 46 since 2010. Despite the drop, our panel this year recognised the continued excellence of its conditioning and the serenity of its setting. Terrey Hills is not the best course in Sydney but there are some really good holes here and, most importantly, it’s a terrific facility for members.

 

47. Palmer Resort Coolum (down 2)

Highest ranking - 27 (2000)

Formerly the Hyatt Regency, and long-time host of the Australian PGA Championship, the Palmer Resort at Coolum slips slightly on our list this year as a result of turf troubles and concerns some of our judges have with the layout’s new holes. It will be interesting to watch this course over coming years, as rumours abound about slashed maintenance budgets, a lower golf focus and the general direction Clive Palmer wants to take the resort.

 

48. Yarra Yarra (down 14)

Highest ranking – 13 (1998)

Once a true darling of the Melbourne Sandbelt, Yarra Yarra’s ranking this year seems about the harshest of any course on our Top 100. For a club like this to be teetering on the brink of the bottom 50 would have been unthinkable only 10 or 15 years ago. The big drop this year reflects the poorly received changes made recently by Martin Hawtree, as well as the general deterioration of some of the club’s better holes. The conditioning numbers at Yarra were fine, but it did not score well in the design or memorability categories.

 

49. Royal Canberra (down 12)

Highest ranking - 5 (1991)

A curious case study, Royal Canberra was ranked in the Top 10 back in 2000 and as high as 12 in 2004, but has been dropping steadily ever since. It has now fallen at least six spots in each of the last four rankings. Like Yarra Yarra, this years ranking is proof of how tight things get through this part of the list, with a half point drop in average score (out of 50) having a dramatic effect on a club’s final position. A proud and prestigious golfing institution, the members at Royal Canberra will be hoping that the planned redevelopment by the Ogilvy Clayton design team improves the golf on offer at Westbourne Woods and also elevates the course back nearer the pointy end of our Top 100.

 

50. Western Australian (up 2)

Highest ranking - 50 (2014)

After years in the wilderness, the attractive Western Australian Golf Club re-entered our Top 100 in 2006 and has been steadily climbing ever since. This on the back of a re-bunkering program that unquestionably made the course more aesthetically appealing.  The golf here is very pleasant, with raters appreciating the nice views of the Perth CBD as well as the excellent couch fairways and bent greens.

 

51. Pacific Harbour (up 5)

Highest ranking - 51 (2014)

A heavily bunkered resort-style golf course on Bribie Island, Pacific Harbour was designed by Ross Watson and continues to score well across all ranking criteria. Judges noted that it was a well-balanced test that houses a variety of solid holes and good greens. They also praised its conditioning, which has continued to improve since the opening in 2006.

 

52. Sanctuary Cove (Pines) (up 6)

Highest ranking - 13 (1989/91)

Once a fixture within the Australian Top 20, judges this year noted that the Pines Course at Sanctuary Cove is looking very tired and dated. Chief among criticisms were that aside from a couple of risk-reward par fives the course lacks genuine strategy, owing to its shallow bunkering and flat, uninteresting greens. Most golfers still find it fun to play, given its tournament history and abundant water hazards. Perhaps after the successful redesign of the Palms Course, however, resort operators will look to update and rejuvenate their prized asset as well. Rather than simply re-hiring the Arnold Palmer group to refresh what they already have, it would be nice if they followed the lead of another brutish championship resort course, Doral in Florida, and engaged a quality architect to give it a complete makeover.

 

53. Spring Valley (up 2)

Highest ranking - 36 (1998)

Courses like Spring Valley and Long Island are proof what a terrific golf city Melbourne really is, given they are often overlooked and somehow exist in relative anonymity – despite their obvious qualities. Spring Valley isn’t perfect by any means, but it has a really nice collection of holes, a solid routing, some excellent green sites and is generally presented in great condition.

 

54. Portsea (down 10)

Highest ranking - 28 (2000)

2013 was a year of change for the Portsea Golf Club, with the opening of a new clubhouse and the re-routing of its much-loved golf course. A drop on the Top 100 cannot be a surprise to those involved here, as you can’t lessen quality holes like the old 1^st and 6^th and expect to head anywhere but south. Hopefully the new clubhouse and hotel will do great business and the changes will prove themselves worthwhile economically. Strictly from a golfing perspective, they seem hard to justify.

 

55. Pacific Dunes (up 5)

Highest ranking - 55 (2014)

Half an hour from Newcastle, Pacific Dunes is an integrated residential-golf community with a James Wilcher course as its centerpiece. Cut mostly through an attractive native woodland, the front nine occupies flat terrain and is dominated by expansive and abundant bunkering while the back incorporates a series of water hazards. The conditioning here is generally very good.

 

56. Capricorn (Championship) (down 2)

Highest ranking - 39 (1996)

An incredibly consistent performer on our Top 100, the Karl Litten-designed Championship course at Queensland’s Capricorn Resort was first ranked 43 in 1994 and has managed to remain almost permanently locked in the mid-40s to mid-50s range ever since. This is a fun resort course, that judges seem to admire for both its character and its daring. The bunkering is good as are some of the more difficult driving holes.

 

57. Glades (down 8)

Highest ranking - 17 (2002)

A popular Queensland resort course, The Glades debuted back in 2002 at number 17 but has slipped back on our list every ranking since. The Norman/Harrison layout is known for its solid bunkering, its well contoured greens, attractive wetland areas and for being one of only two Gold Coast courses with bent grass greens. Unfortunately these greens aren’t presented quite to the same standard they once were and other areas of the course are starting to look tired and old. Despite this, the Glades remains a fun test of golf.

 

58. Pelican Waters (down 5)

Highest ranking - 36 (2004)

Another fine Norman/Harrison resort course in Queensland, Pelican Waters is known for its plentiful lakes, its solid short fours and its large, sprawling sand bunkers. It’s also the home course of Greg Norman’s parents. Plans exist to refresh some of the bunkering and relocate the challenging 8^th and 9^th holes in the future. Will be interesting to see whether such changes affect the course’s ranking.

 

59. Concord (down 8)

Highest ranking - 33 (2004)

One of Sydney’s premier private golf clubs, Concord has made regular changes over the past 15 years or so but watched as its ranking has gradually fallen. Design wise there remain elements of the original Dan Soutar routing as well as the influences of Ross Watson and club superintendent Mark Parker. Its possible that the course has lost a little of its flow and continuity. That said, judges this year were full of praise for the state of the club’s kikuyu fairways and bent grass greens.

 

60. Kalgoorlie (up 13)

Highest ranking - 60 (2014)

After a strong debut in 2012, it’s fantastic to see the Kalgoorlie golf course climb even higher this year, and repay some of the faith that the Kalgoorlie city itself showed in the project by partly funding its development. Graham Marsh has probably never had a more difficult site, yet out of a dusty, desert landscape he managed to carve what one judge referred to as ‘a seriously good golf course’.

 

61. Links Lady Bay (up 3)

Highest ranking - 43 (2006)

With its beautiful ocean views and tumbling links terrain, Lady Bay is an enjoyable resort course located on the western side of the Fluerieu Peninsula. It hasn’t quite managed to win the hearts and minds of Aussie golfers like a Barnbougle Dunes or Lost Farm, but for a quick and easy, affordable break from Adelaide, it’s a pretty good option.

 

62. The Heritage (St John) ( down 5)

Highest ranking - 32 (2004)

The original course at the Heritage Golf & Country Club, St John was designed by Jack Nicklaus and remains the highest ranked layout in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. This is a fairly standard modern style golf course, with its focus on pristine turf, large flat-based bunkers, sculpted greens and various lakes and ponds. There are some memorable holes, including the par five 9^th and short 11^th.

 

63. Sanctuary Cove (Palms) (up 14)

Highest ranking - 63 (2014)

Completely redesigned by Ross Watson in 2011, the Palms Course at Sanctuary Cove takes a leap up the list this year on the back of what our judges saw as continued conditioning improvements. Most on the panel have now reacted positively to the design changes made here. There is no doubt that the new Palms is vastly superior to the previous version, and some have even suggested that it’s a more strategic, and therefore better, test than its bigger brother.

 

64. Mount Lawley (up 3)

Highest ranking - 16 (2000)

Members at Mount Lawley must scratch their heads whenever Top 100 rankings are released, given their course was once listed among the country’s elite and appears to have improved yet still can’t break back into the Top 50. The truth is that the ranking process has changed and, dare we say it, improved since the 1980s and 90s when scores were submitted by state-based teams of judges. We have a more active panel now, who view courses across the country and, therefore, have a wider frame of reference than the old WA judges. There have also been many fine courses built since the turn of the century and plenty of improvement at older, established clubs. Mount Lawley members able to objectively analyse courses above it on the list should appreciate that a ranking somewhere in the 50s or 60s is appropriate for their course.

 

65. Settlers Run (up 3)

Highest ranking - 64 (2010)

One of the last major projects completed by Greg Norman’s Australian design office before its closure, Settlers Run has had its issues over the years but remains a strong and enjoyable challenge. It doesn’t have as many great holes as some of the other Norman courses in Australia and is perhaps a touch too long, but the bunkering is attractive and the greens well suited to the approach shots demanded.

 

66. Avondale (down 7)

Highest ranking - 59 (2012)

A prestigious northern Sydney golf club, Avondale dropped completely off our Top 100 list prior to the redesign changes made by Ross Watson around 2008. It’s now back entrenched within the 100, thanks chiefly to these changes and what our judges described as fantastic turf conditions and couch fairways.

 

67. Stonecutters Ridge (NEW)

As a clear sign of the slowdown in the golf market over recent times, Stonecutters Ridge is the only brand new golf course to debut on our Top 100 list in 2014. Last time there were 3 new courses and 10 years ago there were 8. As with the completely redesigned East Course at The Grange, Stonecutters was designed by Greg Norman’s company and features his trademark sand-splashed bunkers and high-quality couch fairways and bent greens. There are a number of strong par fours and fives here, and some fine, strategic golf on the flat areas early in the round. For golfers in western Sydney and members of the relocated Ashlar Golf Club, this is a nice addition to the region and a big improvement on where most were previously playing.

 

68. Lakelands (up 8)

Highest ranking - 29 (2002)

The first full Jack Nicklaus course to open in Australia, Lakelands has bounced around the Top 100 since a strong showing back in 2002 when it was ranked 29th. Usually well presented, it’s a fairly uncomplicated test that is best recommended for those on the Gold Coast simply looking for a decent game of golf on superior turf.

 

69. Sanctuary Lakes (up 5)

Highest ranking - 66 (2010)

Arguably the poorest site the Norman group were ever given for a golf project, the success of Sanctuary Lakes is entirely due to their ability to turn a flat, rocky salt farm into a believable and attractive golf course. There are some nice, strategic holes here and the wetland areas and large lakes have matured nicely over the last decade or so. It’s unlikely to ever feature in the top half of our list, but a Top 100 ranking on a site like this is quite an achievement.

 

70. Meadow Springs (down 5)

Highest ranking - 26 (1996)

Probably the most under-appreciated of the Robert Trent Jones II courses in Australia, Meadow Springs is very pleasant golf played on excellent surfaces and in peaceful, tranquil surrounds. The undulating greens and large bunkers are a feature here, as are the giant Tuart gum trees toward the end of the round.

 

71. Twin Creeks (down 8)

Highest ranking - 63 (2012)

Another residential layout designed by Graham Marsh, Twin Creeks in Sydney’s greater west provides golfers and members with a pleasant experience and a number of solidly bunkered golf holes. This is a very fair test of golf, with undulating greens and broad fairways that are often littered with large, floral sand traps. There are some holes that seem a little overdone, but the best par threes and short fours make it well worth a visit.

 

72. Sorrento (up 13)

Highest ranking - 44 (1989)

Another to benefit from improved conditioning standards is the Sorrento Golf Club on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, which jumps to 72 this year after bouncing around the bottom 15 on our list for the last 3 rankings. There is much they could do to improve design wise on this course, but from a maintenance perspective the fairways and greens have been terrific for the last couple of years. Given how tight things get near the bottom of the list, a half point jump in any category can make a huge difference as seen here with Sorrento.

 

73. Port Fairy (down 11)

Highest ranking - 60 (2010)

One of our most popular holiday courses, the Port Fairy Golf Club is located just outside the quaint fishing village at the end of the Great Ocean Road. The back nine here is especially memorable, with its ocean views and a handful of holes that get down into the seaside dunes close to the water. The strong par four 14^th and redesigned par three 15^th are very good. Great fun and great value for money, Port Fairy rarely disappoints.

 

74. Amstel (Ranfurlie) (down 2)

Highest ranking - 72 (2012)

Still the only new golf course designed from scratch by Michael Clayton and his team, Ranfurlie is a solid layout in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne that has continued to mature in the decade or so since opening. On a compact and gently leaning property, the holes here are mostly straight but the greens are strategically arranged to open up for those approaching from alongside the fairway bunkers.

 

75. St Michael’s (down 14)

Highest ranking - 48 (2008)

A disappointing drop for one of Sydney’s most loved layouts, the St Michael’s fall can be attributed to problems with turf presentation over recent years and a number of ill-advised design changes made by those in charge. There are some nice holes here and good views of the water, but until the St Michael’s design is more coherent its potential will remain largely unrealised.

 

76. Secret Harbour (up 2)

Highest ranking - 27 (2002)

Once listed among Australia’s top 30 courses, Secret Harbour has bounced around the mid-60s and 70s the last four rankings and seems to have found its natural home on the list. A good course surrounded by an expanding residential precinct, the front nine is the standout here for some of the larger dune holes and water views.

 

77. Thirteenth Beach (Creek) (up 18)

Highest ranking - 77 (2014)

After making its first appearance on our Top 100 list in 2012, the Creek Course at Thirteenth Beach improves this year on the back of what our judges noted was continued turf and tree maturity. The Creek has a different look and feel to the Beach Course, and has taken time to distinguish itself from the more rugged nature of its elder sibling. There are some good holes here and for those who enjoy trees, smoother fairways and clean bunker lines it’s a popular alternative to the Beach.

 

78. Cottesloe (down 8)

Highest ranking - 49 (1989)

A well-liked course in the suburbs of Perth, Cottesloe drops slightly this year as a result of a redevelopment project that is currently underway and has been interrupting member play. Perth’s own Graham Marsh has been overseeing changes here since the late 1990s, and is currently redesigning three of the older Cottesloe holes. Our panel will review this work when complete, so the club can expect another jump (up or down) in 2016.

 

79. Long Island (up 2)

Highest ranking - 39 (2000)

One of Melbourne’s most unheralded golf courses, Long Island is situated next door to the Peninsula Country Golf Club and occupies a similarly undulating tract of sandbelt land. The playing corridors are a little tight in places and some of the holes could use a refresh, but this is a quality layout with some quality par threes and short fours.

 

80. RACV Healesville (NEW)

The shortest course on our top 100, RACV Healesville is a fun track to play and recommended for its beautiful bunkering and tantalising half-par holes. While nice to see it make the list for the first time, course operators need to address concerns over bunker maintenance and turf presentation if Healesville is to fully reach its potential.

 

81. Eynesbury (up 2)

Highest ranking - 79 (2010)

A solid residential golf course in Melbourne’s outer west, Eynesbury opened in 2008 and has gradually improved and matured ever since. There are problems with some of the greens and bunkers here being too difficult, but mostly the holes are good and the high conditioning standards ensure that visitors, in particular, will enjoy their round.

 

82. Castle Hill (no change)

Highest ranking - 53 (1989)

One of Sydney’s premier private clubs, Castle Hill has hosted a number of professional events over the years and is the proud owner of a solid golf course cut through an attractive, established bushland. The course has traditionally scored high marks from our judges in the conditioning category, but this year several noted it was looking tired and in need of a refresh. Might have its work cut out to maintain its position on the list next time.

 

83. Tasmania (down 4)

Highest ranking - 20 (1989)

Sadly a shadow of its former self, the Tasmania Golf Club was once a shining light of Tasmanian golf but has fallen dramatically from its Top 25 highs back in the 1980s and 90s. The bare bones of this course are still intact, but the club appears to have fallen on difficult times financially and neglected some of the tree clearing work and design tweaking required. There are some good natural holes here, and Australian Golf Digest will be looking, and hoping, for improvement in the years ahead.

 

84. Murray Downs (up 2)

Highest ranking - 53 (2000/02)

A fixture on the Top 100 the last decade or so, Murray Downs is unquestionably the premier golf course along the mighty Murray River. Generally presented in excellent condition, the holes here are challenging, well bunkered and with enough variety to hold most golfers attention.

 

85. Paradise Palms (down 19)

Highest ranking - 29 (1994)

One of the more unlucky victims of the new ranking panel, Paradise Palms drops significantly in 2014 after fresh visits from some of our newer judges and a perception that conditioning over the 2012-13 period struggled a little. This remains Far North Queensland’s best golf course, however, and we are confident that it can start climbing back up the ranking as early as 2016.

 

86. Araluen (up 7)

Highest ranking - 58 (2006)

Designed by Michael Coate and Roger Mackay, Araluen is a secluded resort/residential course located in the hills to the east of Perth. Built on a clay base of limestone and granite, the fairways are lined by outcrops of dusty red rock and dotted with large, floral bunkers. Although there are pleasant views of the surrounding hills from many parts of this course, much of it is too steep for sensible golf. As a result few of the uphill or downhill holes impress. Fortunately there is enough quality elsewhere at Araluen for it to occupy a place inside the Top 100.

 

87. Cranbourne (NR)

Highest ranking - 74 (2002)

Cranbourne returns to the Top 100 this year after strangely falling off the list entirely in 2004. That was on the back of a strong ranking of 74 the previous survey period. This is a solid layout with a number of really interesting golf holes, and judges happily reported that the conditioning of fairways and greens this period was very good. It would surprise to see Cranbourne drop off the list again anytime soon.

 

88. Narooma (down 13)

Highest ranking - 56 (1989)

A popular holiday course on the NSW South Coast, Narooma will always be best remembered for its famous Hogan’s Hole, the par three 3^rd played partly across the Pacific Ocean. There is more to Narooma than just this one hole, but even if there weren’t it would still be a course to recommend as a fun, interesting test.

 

89. Indooroopilly (West) (NR)

Highest ranking - 53 (1996)

The West Course at Indooroopilly was not considered for the Top 100 last ranking because of the clean up required after those tragic SE Queensland floods of 2011. It’s back this time, with our panel lifting it from 99^th position in 2010. This is a fine golf club and the West Course is clearly the superior of the two layouts, although some judges were a little critical of the recent redesign work done by Ross Watson, and in particular the number and location of the bunkers.

 

90. Monash (up 4)

Highest ranking - 66 (2004)

Up 4 places in 2014, Monash is in the midst of a redevelopment program with architect Bob Harrison and can expect further improvement in the years ahead. The course has long suffered during the wetter months and looks to be on track to improve its drainage and turf conditioning as well as its design. Harrison’s most significant design change to this point has been to the bunkers and green at the par three 3^rd, which has divided the opinion of both members and judges.

 

91. Kooindah Waters (down 7)

Highest ranking - 84 (2012)

Situated on the NSW Central Coast between Sydney and Newcastle, Kooindah Waters is a popular public access course designed by Ross Watson, who also designed the nearby Magenta Shores. Lacking the natural sandy dunes and beautiful ocean views of Magenta, Kooindah makes up for it with manufactured lakes and big, bold bunkers, some even with sleepered faces.

 

92. Alice Springs (down 4)

Highest ranking - 53 (2008)

The premier golf course of the Northern Territory, Alice Springs has been falling on our list ever since reaching a high of 53 back in 2008. Designed by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge in the 1980s, the track has plenty of fans among those on our panel and is particularly memorable when presented in tip-top condition.

 

93. The Vines (Lakes) (down 24)

Highest ranking - 50 (2010)

Highest ranking - 15 * (1998) * Composite Course ranked.

The Vines was once a star of WA golf, with its tournament hosting Composite Course regularly listed among our Top 20 or 30. Those heady days are long gone, and the Lakes Course has dropped to an all-time low this year, on the back of particularly poor scores from judges in the memorability and conditioning categories. It doesn’t seem The Vines excites our panel anymore. Clearly the resort suffered from our decision a few years back to stop ranking Composite courses, but even still a drop like this should concern those in charge of this important resort.

 

94. The Heritage (Henley) (down 23)

Highest ranking - 71 (2012)

Another to take a big drop in 2014, the Henley Course at The Heritage Golf & Country Club was designed by Tony Cashmore several years after the more popular Jack Nicklaus layout had opened. Although the Cashmore routing briefly touches an elevated plateau, most of his holes are set within a sunken floodplain and noted for their rugged bunkering and their use of the wetland areas. Henley might not rank as highly as the St John Course but it does offer members a contrasting experience.

 

95. Riversdale (down 15)

Highest ranking - 51 (1989)

One of the oldest golf clubs in Victoria and host to one of the oldest Amateur championships in the country, Riversdale is an attractive parkland course in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Set on a tightly treed parcel of land, the course lacks the space and sandy base of those on the Sandbelt but it does enjoy a pleasant setting and some nice golfing undulations.

 

96. Palmer Gold Coast (Robina Woods) (down 4)

Highest ranking - 27 (1991)

According to our panel, the old Robina Woods course remains a fun challenge but has become too cramped over the years and is in need of some sensible tree pruning and removal. Otherwise this Marsh-Watson design from the 1980s has aged quite well, and the change of name and management doesn’t appear to have diminished its appeal or its high conditioning standards.

 

97. Federal (down 1)

Highest ranking - 36 (1989)

Having improved its conditioning over recent years Federal is now only a couple of points (out of 50) from passing Royal Canberra as our capital’s best course. Judges have always enjoyed the attractive bushland setting here as well as the views of the Brindabella Ranges. The golf itself is also good, with the back nine boasting a number of memorable holes.

 

98. Horsham (down 8)

Highest ranking - 37 (2000)

Of the last eight courses to be ranked 100 on our list, Horsham (2010) is the only one that remains in 2014. It drops several spots this year largely on the back of improvements made elsewhere and the fact that we have a fresh set of judges rating and reviewing courses now. Once ranked up in the top half of the list, Horsham is a popular course that we expect, and hope, to stick around for many years to come.

 

99. Fleurieu (NR)

It took more than decade, but the Fleurieu golf course finally makes it debut on our Top 100 in 2014. Designed by Neil Crafter and maintained with a very modest budget, this true public access course won over judges with its variety, its natural flow and its challenging bunkers. If this list encourages a few more Adelaide golfers to get down to Fleurieu and check out the course then it will have done some good.

 

100. Macquarie Links (down 1)

Highest ranking – 58 (2004)

Having fallen every ranking since a strong debut (58) back in 2004, Macquarie Links now has the unenviable honour of being named Australia’s 100^th best golf course. Designed by Robin Nelson in Sydney’s southwest, this is a stern test of golf dotted with plenty of bunkers, water hazards and mounding. The course has its fans among our panel and they, along with the club, will be hoping to reverse recent trends and avoid further relegation in 2016.

 

The Curse - 100^th spot the last 20 years.

1994 – Rich River (New). Next Ranking NR.

1996 – Castle Hill. Next Ranking 97.

1998 – Capel. Next Ranking NR.

2000 – Devonport (Woodrising). Next ranking NR.

2002 – Ulverstone. Next ranking NR.

2004 – Killara. Next ranking NR.

2006 – Cypress Lakes. Next ranking NR.

2008 – Tallwoods. Next ranking 98.

2010 – Horsham. Next ranking 90.

2012 – Royal Hobart. Next ranking NR.

100 isn’t the only number with a poor retention record. Historically the 92^nd ranked course has performed even worse than the 100^th, and is more likely to lose its spot the next survey than any other number. In fact, 2014 marks only the second time since 1994 that the 92^nd ranked course from the previous ranking (Robina Woods) has retained its place on the list.

 

Where are they now? Top 50 Courses that have dropped off the list.

Laguna Whitsundays – 14 (2000)

Royal Hobart – 16 (1994)

Twin Waters – 20 (1998)

Kooralbyn Valley – 32 (1996)

Horizons – 32 (1998)

Camden Lakeside – 37 (1996)

Great Lakes Tuncurry – 39 (1994)

Keysborough – 40 (1994)

Ocean Shores – 40 (1998)

Palm Meadows – 45 (1996)

Sun City – 45 (1994)

Yowani – 50 (2000)

 

Our Panel

….For their part, we thank our judging panel for the 2014 ranking: Aaron Spalding, Adrian Johnston, Alex Cleave, Brad Clifton, Chris Croker, Colin Kaye, Darrell Arnett, David Chantrell, Don Fardon Jnr, Doug Hannaford, Gary Lisbon, Graeme Bond, Grant Dodd, Grant Naylor, Greg Dowling, James Ponder, Jason Trisley, Jayden Lawson, John Hopkins, Kevin Pallier, Loren Justins, Lucas Parsons, Luke Elvy, Matthew MacMahon, Murray Williams, Nick Stephenson, Nick Stewart, Paschal Flynn, Peter Quattro, Phil Heads, Robert TrisleyRod Hammond, Rohan Clarke, Ross Bishop, Ross Hildebrand,  Selwyn Berg, Stephen Glen, Stephen Pitt, Stuart Cox, Tim Browne,  Tony O’Rourke, Will Stubbs and Darius Oliver, who acted in a non-voting capacity.

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