Overview

Ref# T5611
Pricing Valid Until 31 Dec 2021

At a Glance

  • When

    Flexible dates as required

  • Package

    12 nights, 9 games

  • Escorted

    Fully Escorted by RWGC staff member (sample only)

  • Accommodation

    4 nights at The Langham, Melbourne, including daily breakfast

    2 nights at Cape Wickham Lodge, including daily breakfast

    2 nights at Barnbougle Dunes, Lost Farm, including daily breakfast

    4 nights at The Langham, Sydney, including daily breakfast

  • Golf

    9 games of golf at:

    Kingston Heath GC

    Royal Melbourne GC (West Course)

    The Metropolitan GC

    Ocean Dunes

    Cape Wickham Golf Course

    Barnbougle Lost Farm

    Barnbougle Dunes

    The Australian GC

    The New South Wales GC

  • Drive

    All airport and golf transfers included

  • Pricing

    Price on application

Australia is home to world-class golf courses located in some the most scenic parts of the country. This itinerary offers you the opportunity to play some of the best Australia has to offer in four different locations along the East Coast. You will begin in Melbourne playing three of the famous Sandbelt courses that include Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Kingston Heath and The Metropolitan Golf Club. You will then travel south to Tasmania's Barnbougle which enjoys a reputation as one of the top links courses, created to mirror the wild coastlines of Scotland and Ireland. From there, travel on to King Island which offers breathtaking coastal views and a truly unique experience.  Ending your trip in Sydney, you will experience New South Wales Golf Club which boasts spectacular holes that overlook both the Tasman Sea and Botany Bay along with The Australian Golf Club which is one of Australia's most exclusive golf clubs.

Only the best luxury accommodation has been selected for this golf package with 4 nights at The Langham Melbourne, 4 nights at The Langham Sydney, 2 nights at Lost Farm Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania and 2 nights at Cape Wickham Lodge on King Island.

Package pricing on application

We look forward in assisting you with this package.

Itinerary Summary

Day Golf Accommodation
Day 1 Arrive The Langham, Melbourne
Day 2 Kingston Heath Golf Club The Langham, Melbourne
Day 3 The Royal Melbourne GC (West Course) The Langham, Melbourne
Day 4 The Metropolitan Golf Club The Langham, Melbourne
Day 5 Ocean Dunes Cape Wickham Lodge
Day 6 Cape Wickham Golf Course - King Island Cape Wickham Lodge
Day 7 Barnbougle Lost Farm Barnbougle - Lost Farm
Day 8 Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links Barnbougle - Lost Farm
Day 9 The Langham Sydney
Day 10 The Australian Golf Club The Langham Sydney
Day 11 The Langham Sydney
Day 12 The New South Wales Golf Club The Langham Sydney
Day 13 Depart

Itinerary Day-by-Day

Day 1
Flights Arrive Melbourne
Own arrangements - Flight details TBC
Transfers Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham, Melbourne   (Deluxe River King Room (twin share) including breakfast) 
The Langham, Melbourne affords five star service and quality in a five star location - the south bank of the Yarra River. Nestled on the south bank of the Yarra River, the hotel is within easy reach of the city's business district, fashion, shopping, sport, parks and gardens, al fresco restaurants, cafes and nightlife.
Day 2
Transfers Transfer to golf
Golf
Kingston Heath Golf Club | 01:00 PM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with pull buggy - tee time TBC) 
Kingston Heath Golf Club is universally regarded as one of the best manicured courses in Australia and arguably the world. Its strategic bunkering and clever use of dips and hollows fools the non observant golfer and any deviation from the fairway is generally met with a challenging recovery. The course was built on a compact parcel of land resulting in some of the best short par 4's and world class par 3 holes.
Transfers After golf, return to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham, Melbourne   
Sightseeing
Day 3
Transfers Transfer to golf
Golf
The Royal Melbourne GC (West Course) | 09:00 AM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with pull buggy - tee time TBC) 
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is a 36 hole private members club located in the heart of the world famous Melbourne Sandbelt golf region. The West Course is regularly rated as the number one rated golf course in Australia (and was recently ranked number 6 in the world) and was designed by world renowned golf course architect Dr Alistair MacKenzie. The natural peaks and troughs in the terrain have been used to maximum benefit with strategically designed and memorable holes throughout.
Transfers After golf, return to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham, Melbourne   
Day 4
Transfers Transfer to golf
Golf
The Metropolitan Golf Club | 09:00 AM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with pull buggy - tee time TBC) 
The Metropolitan Golf Club is one of Australia's premier golf courses. Tucked quietly in Melbourne's south eastern suburbs it is one of the renowned "sandbelt courses" and widely recognised as one of the finest golf courses in Australia. It has also been described as the Australian equivalent of Augusta National. The perfect fairways, marbletop greens and blindingly white bunkers all combine to offer a test of golf not seen previously in Australia. Metropolitan is a tough but fair test of golf.
Transfers After golf, return to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham, Melbourne   
Day 5
Notes Hotel Check Out
Check out of your hotel and settle up any incidentals.
Transfers Your driver will transfer you to the airport.
Flights Fly to King Island
Flight details TBC
Transfers Arrive King Island. Your driver will transfer you to Ocean Dunes.
Golf
Ocean Dunes | 01:00 PM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with shared mot cart - tee time TBC) 
Ocean Dunes incorporates a challenging 18 hole layout amidst rolling dunes and featuring unsurpassed views along two kilometres of majestic coastline, land made for golf and reminiscent of the links of Scotland and Ireland. Two spectacular par 3's cross the surging ocean with 360 degree ocean views on nearly every hole and exciting, risk and reward short par 4's abound with the inland variety of holes afforded by the coastal creek which flows through the course.
Transfers After golf, you will be transferred to Cape Wickham Lodge.
Accommodation
Cape Wickham Lodge   (Standard Room (twin share) including breakfast) 
What better way to experience the magnificent links setting at Cape Wickham than to stay in one of 16 deluxe rooms (avail from 1 Dec, 2016) each with balcony, ensuite and air conditioning. All rooms have superb north facing views over Victoria Cove Beach, Cape Wickham Lighthouse or the Golf Course.
Day 6
Golf
Cape Wickham Golf Links | 08:30 AM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with shared mot cart - tee time TBC | On-site guests can enjoy all day golf (subject to availability)) 
Designed by renowned US golf architect Mike DeVries, Cape Wickham sits on a magnificent piece of natural coastal land at the far north western tip of King Island, in the windswept waters of Bass Strait. Cape Wickham has already captured the attention of international golf writers and will no doubt enter the Australian golf rankings in an enviable position.
Accommodation
Cape Wickham Lodge   
Day 7
Notes Hotel Check Out
Check out of your hotel and settle up any incidentals.
Transfers Your driver will transfer you to King Island Airport.
Flights Fly to Launceston
Flight details TBC
Transfers Your driver will transfer you to Barnbougle Dunes. The drive will take approximately 70 minutes.
Golf
Barnbougle Lost Farm | 01:00 PM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with pull buggy and small bucket of range balls - tee time TBC) 
Lost Farm complements the natural landscape in which it is located. Featuring 20 holes, all of which are playable in any one round, the course layout tracks along the coast and inland amongst sand dunes. Strategic bunkering and undulating greens, combined with wide fairways make for a course which offers an exciting challenge for all golfers.
Accommodation
Barnbougle Lost Farm - Suite   (Course View Room (twin share) including breakfast) 
Barnbougle Lost Farm has two types of accommodation. The Queen Suites are an open plan hotel style room with a queen size bed, bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities. The Double Queen Suites are an open plan hotel style room with 2 queen size beds (in the same room), tea and coffee making facilities and a central bathroom. Both room types have views over the spectacular golf course or pristine Andersons Bay.
Day 8
Golf
Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links | 10:00 AM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with pull buggy and small bucket of range balls - tee time TBC) 
Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links is the creation of a small group of dreaming golfers who saw the potential to build the most amazing golf course on the small island of Tasmania a short jump from the mainland of Australia. The golf course meanders through towering dunes and along the beach, where the roar of the ocean and a salty breeze will embrace golfers, plotting their way around one of the world's most natural golf courses.
Accommodation
Barnbougle Lost Farm - Suite   
Day 9
Notes Hotel Check Out
Check out of your hotel and settle up any incidentals.
Transfers Your driver will collect you and transfer you to Launceston Airport.
Flights Fly to Sydney
Flight details TBC
Transfers Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham Sydney   (Deluxe Harbour Room (twin share) including breakfast) 
Experience a tradition of luxury and service that dates back to Europe's original grand hotel in London; The Langham. The Langham, Sydney blends the modern charm and attention to detail of a boutique Sydney hotel, with the timeless elegance and refined sophistication that are hallmarks of the Langham heritage. Recently voted 2013 Conde Nast Traveller Gold List, The Langham is the ideal 5 Star luxury accommodation in Sydney.
Day 10
Transfers Transfer to golf.
Golf
The Australian Golf Club | 10:30 AM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf including range balls and shared mot cart - tee time TBC) 
Located in the 2000 Olympic City of Sydney, The Australian Golf Club is one of Australia's most exclusive golf clubs. The Australian is a perfectly manicured and aesthetically pleasing golf course. A series of water hazards provide golfers of all standards with challenges right up until the final approach shot into the 18th hole.
Transfers After golf, return to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham Sydney   
Day 11
Notes Day at Leisure
Enjoy the day exploring Sydney city and surrounds.
Accommodation
The Langham Sydney   
Day 12
Transfers Transfer to golf.
Golf
The New South Wales Golf Club | 01:00 PM tee time TBC (18 holes of golf with shared mot cart - tee time TBC) 
The NSW Golf Club is rated in the top 50 golf courses in the world. In fact, it is the only Sydney Course rated in the top 100 best golf courses listing. The character of the course is unique, a links style course set amongst the hills and valleys that hug the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline boasting magnificent ocean views as backdrop.
Transfers After golf, return to your hotel.
Accommodation
The Langham Sydney   
Day 13
Notes Hotel Check Out
Check out of your hotel and settle up any incidentals.
Transfers Your driver will transfer you to Sydney Airport.
Flights Depart Sydney
Own arrangements - Flight details TBC

Golf Courses

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Kingston Road
Cheltenham, VIC, 3192
Australia

Region: Melbourne Sandbelt

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Kingston Heath Golf Club is universally regarded as one of the best manicured courses in Australia and arguably the world. Its strategic bunkering and clever use of dips and hollows fools the non observant golfer and any deviation from the fairway is generally met with a challenging recovery. The course was built on a compact parcel of land resulting in some of the best short par 4's and world class par 3 holes.

Kingston Heath Golf Club is one of Australia's best golf courses. Currently ranked as the number 2 course in Australia and the 27th best course in the world, Kingston Heath enjoys an enviable reputation for its superb conditioning all year round.

The 18 holes were built on only 125 hectares (most courses in the modern era are built on over 250 hectares), it is perfectly manicured and its bunkering and clever use of dips and hollows visually fools the non observant golfer.

Many people would argue it is a more aesthetically pleasing course than the nearby Royal Melbourne, however if you wildly deviate from the fairway, the rough (comprising long grass, tea tree and sandy scrapes) will test your ability to get the ball back into play.

The 14th hole is a longish par 5 which, depending on the wind direction, can tempt the golfer into reaching the green for 2. One golfer Roger Mackay did better than that in a tournament at the Heath when he holed his second shot for an albatross.

The three par 3 holes are a feature of Kingston Heath and show off one fantastic feature of this great golf course - the classic, natural bunkering. The fifteenth hole, in particular, is a real test ( not necessarily needed towards the end of your round).

An uphill par 3 of moderate length, the path to the hole is surrounded by a myriad of bunkers (some of them very deep) all waiting to swallow the errant tee shot. If you reach the putting surface par is still not guaranteed as the undulating green gives up more 3 putts than 1 putts.

The remaining finishing holes are long par 4's and can ruin an otherwise good score. The 16th is known in golfing circles as the hole where Greg Norman took a 9 on his way to losing a tournament at Kingston Heath in the 1990's. Norman carved his tee shot into the right hand tea tree and it was all downhill from there.

Kingston Heath has hosted the Australian Open 8 times (7 men’s & 1 women’s) as well as hosting the 2009 Australian Masters. This event saw world number 1 golfer Tiger Woods grace the fairways of KH, and he didn’t disappoint, displaying superb shot-making over 4 rounds to take out the yellow jacket.

Kingston Heath is a wonderful golf course and a true delight to play. If you can manage to play a round there it is worth the effort - you will not be disappointed.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 74
Length (m): 6352
Architect: Dan Soutar (bunkering by Alister Mackenzie)
Design Year: 1925
Top 100: 2

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 418m

A long, accurate drive is required on this straight par four. Heavy rough and fairway bunkers make the first shot most demanding. An excellent starting hole.

2
Par 4, Length 351m

A well placed tee shot will leave only a short, uninterrupted pitch to the green. However, heavy timber on the left could spell trouble for any wayward shots or shortcut attempts. Accuracy, not distance, is the key.

3
Par 4, Length 269m

This is the shortest par four on the course. Most players will be looking for birdies here, but the terraced green is very undulating and could turn a potential one-putt into three.

4
Par 4, Length 357m

The fairway is wide open, but a drive to the left affords the best approach to the heavily bunkered green. Once again, the green has many undulations and slopes from back to front.

5
Par 3, Length 173m

Although this is the longest par three on the course, it is a fairly straightforward hole. There are plenty of sand traps on both sides, but the size of the green provides reasonable margin for error off the tee.

6
Par 4, Length 393m

A difficult par four requiring a long drive and a long second shot. A string of bunkers waits to snare any approach straying right, although the area around the green itself is fairly clear.

7
Par 5, Length 460m

The par five seventh hole is a definite birdie or eagle chance. Drive down the left centre of the fairway, short of the cross bunker. I favour a fairway wood or long iron to pass the small swale at the entrance of the green. Any shot short of the swale is very difficult to judge.

8
Par 4, Length 398m

Another long par four requiring placement off the tee. The drive must be kept left to open up the green and avoid fairway traps and rough on the corner of the dogleg. The green is severely bunkered on the left.

9
Par 4, Length 328m

A relief, but accuracy is essential. Many will use an iron from the tee. The green slopes from left to right and is virtually surrounded by bunkers and thick bush.

10
Par 3, Length 128m

There should be plenty of birdies on this short hole, but any misdirected shots will finish in either heavy rough or one of the numerous bunkers, which surround the green.

11
Par 4, Length 378m

This hole has many pitfalls. Fairway bunkers just over 200 metres from the tee, heavy timber on either side, and an out of bounds behind the narrow green. There will be more bogeys than birdies on this tough hole.

12
Par 5, Length 509m

A solid par 5, and a real birdie chance with three well executed shots. However, the players, who take the shortest line along the left, must contend with fairway traps, thick timber, and an out of bounds.

13
Par 4, Length 323m

Another potential birdie opportunity, but again the tee shot should be well placed. Any shot hit to the right will leave a more difficult approach over bunkers to the small green.

14
Par 5, Length 515m

The longest hole, where birdies will be scarce. Bunkers 45 metres short of the green leave little opening for long hitters attempt to get close in two. An out of bounds left and behind the green provides an additional mental hazard.

15
Par 3, Length 141m

This hole is considered by many to be one of the best par three's in Australia. The very narrow green is protected by deep bunkers on both sides and slopes sharply from back to front.

16
Par 4, Length 397m

The first of a trio of great finishing par four's. This hole doglegs right with a large number of bunkers perfectly placed to deter or challenge long hitters. The extremely fast, sloping green requires a delicate putting touch.

17
Par 4, Length 420m

An extremely difficult par four, particularly if the wind is blowing from the north. Any shot hooked to the left is 'dead', and the huge, sloping putting surface will produce many three-putts.

18
Par 4, Length 391m

An accurate long iron approach is required to set up a par on this hole. The green is guarded by traps on both sides and like the previous 17, has many rolls and borrows.

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The Metropolitan Golf Club

Golf Road
Oakleigh South, VIC, 3167
Australia

Region: Melbourne Sandbelt

The Metropolitan Golf Club

The Metropolitan Golf Club is one of Australia's premier golf courses. Tucked quietly in Melbourne's south eastern suburbs it is one of the renowned "sandbelt courses" and widely recognised as one of the finest golf courses in Australia. It has also been described as the Australian equivalent of Augusta National. The perfect fairways, marbletop greens and blindingly white bunkers all combine to offer a test of golf not seen previously in Australia. Metropolitan is a tough but fair test of golf.

The Metropolitan Golf Club is one of Australia's premier golf courses. Tucked quietly in Melbourne's south eastern suburbs it is one of the renowned "sandbelt courses" and widely recognised as one of the finest golf courses in Australia.

The course has continually challenged the best players in the world. Peter Thomson began his brilliant career with a win here in the 1951 Australian Open. Jack Newton won the Australian Open in 1979 by one shot from a young Greg Norman, who three putted the final green.

In 1993 Brad Faxon mastered Metropolitan with a four round score of 275, 13 under par, including equaling Greg Norman's course record 65.

In 1997 Lee Westwood won a very exciting Australian Open defeating Greg Norman in a sudden death playoff on the 18th hole.

In 2001 the course hosted the World Matchplay Championships-a tournament which saw the world's top golfers gather at Metropolitan for a unique matchplay event where the unlikely winner Steve Stricker walked away with a cool $1 million pay cheque.

Most recently the course hosted the 2009 Women’s Australian Open with former world number one Laura Davies prevailing in a very exciting finish.

Metropolitan Golf Club can also be described as the Australian equivalent of Augusta National. The perfect fairways, marbletop greens and blindingly white bunkers all combine to offer a test of golf not seen previously in Australia. Metropolitan is a tough but fair test of golf.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 74
Length (m): 6427
Architect: J.B. Mackenzie (1906), Dick Wilson (1959)
Design Year: 1906
Top 100: 13

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 372m

The tee shot should be played right of the fairway bunker on the left. The second shot to an open green requires a long iron or fairway wood.

2
Par 3, Length 143m

One of the most picturesque holes on the course. The hole is heavily bunkered and the green moderately contoured. Anything not landing on the green will bring about a tough second shot.

3
Par 4, Length 368m

A two-tiered green sloping from left to right requires a tee shot to be played into the right hand side of the fairway. Such positioning opens up the second shot to the green. However, the greenside bunkers on the left is one to stay away from.

4
Par 5, Length 444m

A fairway bunker jutting out from the right side of the fairway requires a tee shot down the left. The second shot should be played short of the bunkers, allowing a pitch to a slightly elevated green. This hole favours the long hitters.

5
Par 4, Length 340m

Another hole made more difficult by the addition of a new championship tee. Two deep fairway bunkers are right in play down the left side of the driving area, the right hand fairway bunker is of little concern. The green features a huge slope off the shoulder of the right hand greenside bunker and if the flag is in the right half of the green an approach from the left half of the fairway - usually with a short or mid iron - is ideal. Widely regarded as one of the classic holes on the course.

6
Par 5, Length 457m

The 6th is the second of three front nine par fives and the player must drive to the far left side of the dogleg if an approach over the huge gum trees that block both the shot and view down to the green is to be avoided. Jack Nicklaus, famously, carried the fairway bunker that stretches across the left half of the fairway (270 metres) with a driver and a small ball in the 1967 Australian P.G.A Championship. The green and surrounds have been redesigned, the new cavernous bunkers and heavily contoured green require skilled shotmaking whether from a long second or short third shot.

7
Par 3, Length 180m

The longest par three on the course is characterized by a generous green sloping from the top right to the bottom left from the tee. A long iron or wood is required.

8
Par 5, Length 460m

A big fairway bunker has to be negotiated with the drive. The second shot should be placed on the right side of the fairway, which makes the approach considerably easier as the green slopes from left to right.

9
Par 4, Length 386m

A perfect hole to drag out that tired old story of "when I was your age I could drive it across those trees". In 1968 Nicklaus flew it over the corner trees on this sharp dogleg right with a three wood and hit a wedge to the green for four straight days but "the trees were only so high when I was your age". They have grown up so tall now it's impossible to pull that shot off. Most play down to the corner with a long iron or a three wood and if the driver comes out it has to be perfectly faded around the corner or it runs through the fairway. The second shot can vary between a four iron down to an eight or nine. This is the most beautifully contoured and shaped green on the golf course - being on in two is no guarantee of a par.

10
Par 4, Length 396m

A long dogleg left plays all of its length. The hole requires two good shots to reach the large green in two.

11
Par 3, Length 140m

A testing par three. The green slopes diagonally as you look at it from the tee-box. The tee shot should be directed towards the left part of the green. Play conservatively.

12
Par 4, Length 351m

Off the tee, the ideal position is the centre right part of the fairway to avoid sand traps on the left. The second shot should be played to the right side of the green, taking the front bunkers out of play.

13
Par 3, Length 131m

Playing to a large, well bunkered green, a shot to the middle of the putting surface is desirable. if you miss the green, be prepared for a tough up and down.

14
Par 5, Length 495m

A dogleg left as well as fairway bunkers on that side demand a shot to the right of the fairway off the tee. From there the second shot should be played to within pitching distance of the green with a chance for birdie. This hole favours the long hitters.

15
Par 4, Length 410m

This is probably the most difficult of Metropolitan's par fours and again the strategy is simple and clear. A long bunker with a high lip sits into the left side of the fairway and a green that angles from its front left corner to the back right clearly favours an approach from close to the fairway bunker. A greenside bunker closes off the flag for those approaching from the right and only a big high fade will get the job done for those who fly their drives too far to the right.

16
Par 4, Length 314m

This short par four doglegs sharply right around several deep fairway bunkers that have proved pivotal in deciding at least two Australian Opens. Bob Shearer in 1979 and Ian Baker-Finch in 1986 both drove into the bunkers and made killer bogeys that cost them their chance in those tournaments. Some can drive far enough to reach the green but it's almost impossible to keep such a long shot on the small sloping green. Often the pin placement dictates the best place to play to from the tee with the most difficult pin to get close to being behind the front right bunker, when the flag is there it's often easier to approach from 70 metres than it is from 30. A wonderful example of how great a well designed short par four can be.

17
Par 4, Length 374m

A single deep bunker that is almost impossible to hit the green from, sits in the left side of the driving area. It's the one place not to go. Some curiously sited trees (but favorites of the members) 60 metres short of the green make for a blind second for those who have driven to the right, although that is the only effect they have in the play of the hole. The green is relatively large, not in truth that difficult to hit and only when the pin is tucked close to the bunkers do they have much influence on the approach.

18
Par 4, Length 383m

The championship tee added for the 1997 Australian Open stretched this hole out to 433 metres and into a wind from the north it's a brutally difficult hole. The hole is actually dead straight and it is the blocked drive that is caught by the fairway bunkers down the right, but when the flag is on the left of the green it's clearly best to approach from close to the bunkers. In the 1979 Australian Open, Greg Norman hit two terrific shots, the second with a five iron, just under the tier of the two level green and then three putted to lose by one to Jack Newton. Eighteen years later in 1997, from almost exactly the same spot, Norman three putted in the playoff with Lee Westwood to lose the Open again.

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The Royal Melbourne GC (West Course)

Cheltenham Road
Black Rock, VIC, 3193
Australia

Region: Melbourne Sandbelt

The Royal Melbourne GC (West Course)

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is a 36 hole private members club located in the heart of the world famous Melbourne Sandbelt golf region. The West Course is regularly rated as the number one rated golf course in Australia (and was recently ranked number 6 in the world) and was designed by world renowned golf course architect Dr Alistair MacKenzie. The natural peaks and troughs in the terrain have been used to maximum benefit with strategically designed and memorable holes throughout.

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is continually rated as the number 1 golf course in Australia and has been as high as number 5 in the world. It is the most recognised golf course on the world famous Melbourne Sandbelt.

There are a number of key features of Royal Melbourne - tea tree scrub lining the fairways and catching any errant shots, cavernous bunkers surrounding most greens and also placed strategically on most fairways to catch a slightly wayward drive and lightning fast greens that give up their fair share of 3 putts.The golf club boasts 36 holes comprising of the East and West courses. The 18 hole composite course comprises 6 holes from the East Course and 12 holes from the West Course all contained within the one boundary.

The West Course forms the majority of holes contained within the main boundaries of the golf course aside from 4 holes (13 to 16) which are played across the road in an adjoining property. The par 5 holes are not long and all are reachable in two for the longer hitters. The difficulty of these holes is not so much in the length of the holes but rather the harsh penalties which exists for a less than perfectly struck shot.

The style of the holes is similar and MacKenzie has used the peaks and troughs in the slope of the land to maximum benefit. The course is not hilly by any stretch of the imagination however additional challenges are created on selected uphill approach shots. Both courses at Royal Melbourne consists of the full gamut of golf holes - strategic short par 4 holes measuring less than 300 metres (similar to another MacKenzie masterpiece - Cypress Point), classic par 3 holes with undulating putting surfaces, surrounding bunkers and local wind and reachable par 5 holes which reward precise shotmaking.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 72
Length (m): 6030
Architect: Alister MacKenzie
Design Year: 1931
Top 100: 1

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 392m

A good open driving hole, this presents a wide area leading up to a big green with little danger. But it's a deceptive hole, with a hooked tee shot leading to danger in unplayable trees on the left. A deep trap on the right of the green, plus a grassy mound and deep rough on the left, makes it a little deceptive. A hard par four and not a lot of birdies.

2
Par 5, Length 439m

A fast sloping green stands between a par and a possible eagle as this hole can be reached in two. There's plenty of room for the drive and a long iron can put big hitters on the green if they carry the bunkers guarding the entrance to the hole. Hitting too far left will find some thick ti-tree or maybe heavy rough - or the deep bunker.

3
Par 4, Length 324m

This is a real birdie chance, with a good drive able to set up a comfortable approach pitch. But beware - the green slopes down over the back and it's easy to finish well past the pin. Bunkers on the left are dangerous, but it's an open approach.

4
Par 5, Length 430m

A tough hole that is a good par if achieved. The drive goes over a hill, with fairway bunkers looming for the short shot. A wood or long iron approach must be straight, as bunkers on either side of the green are trouble.

5
Par 3, Length 161m

Accuracy and the right choice of club makes this a superb par three hole. A middle iron is needed to cross a valley to the green, heavily fortified with bunkers. The fast green has a steep slope from front to back and is a tricky test.

6
Par 4, Length 391m

Rated as the most difficult green on the course, the early shots are crucial. A sharp dog leg makes it vital that the tee shot carries a minimum of 200-metres across dense rough and fairway traps, in order to leave the ball in the right position. The elevated green slopes towards the front and produces many three putts.

7
Par 3, Length 135m

A deceptively easy-looking hole where club selection is vital. The tee shot must be well-placed, with the narrow green and difficult undulations making long putts tough. It goes uphill from the tee, with plenty of bunkers, especially for those who over-shoot the green.

8
Par 4, Length 346m

The 8th Hole is a deceptive Par 4 that requires a well judged second shot, to a flat green, that slopes towards the back bunkers.

9
Par 4, Length 380m

The 9th Hole is a testing Par 4, uphill to the green, well bunkered on both sides.

10
Par 4, Length 279m

A tempting hole for the big hitters, especially if they attack the pin by cutting the corner. But that's where the danger is, as the sand bunker is huge and a miss can be penalised. It's short, but suits the disciplined players who go the right way around. But watch the long drivers tackle that corner!

11
Par 4, Length 416m

A deceptive hole that tempts the big hitters who challenge the fairway trap and rough on the left as they go direct. A second shot to a sloping green is a long haul and must be accurate, with bunkers guarding the entrance. A drive and a four iron can still produce many bogies.

12
Par 5, Length 435m

A lengthy fairway which requires a couple of long shots, especially off the tee where some early bunkers await the strong hitters. This modified par four becomes difficult into the northerly wind.

13
Par 3, Length 134m

The 13th Hole is a challenging short Par 3, with a pitched green making it difficult to get close to the pin.

14
Par 4, Length 335m

The 14th Hole is a very good Par 4 with the green sloping right to left, making it hard to get close to the pin.

15
Par 5, Length 427m

The 15th Hole is a short but tricky Par 5 which can be reached with an iron. The green slopes sharply to the front.

16
Par 3, Length 202m

An extremely tough Par 3 noted for its extensive bunkers and small green. Woods are often required from the tee, however don't overplay, lay up short to find an easier approach.

17
Par 4, Length 401m

Again two long shots are required, with the drive passing some bunkers on the left-hand side of the fairway. It's a tight driving hole and the second shot to a modified green needs a mid to short iron depending on the wind. Dangerous traps on the right make for a straight approach.

18
Par 4, Length 396m

This is a pleasant-looking hole, but full of danger. A dog-leg to the right means the drive must carry upwards and over 200-metres to present an approach shot from a downhill lie. The green looks awesome, well-protected by bunkers, but a good eight iron lobbed nicely will pay dividends.

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The Australian Golf Club

53 Bannerman Crescent
Rosebery, NSW, 2018
Australia

Region: Sydney

The Australian Golf Club

Located in the 2000 Olympic City of Sydney, The Australian Golf Club is one of Australia's most exclusive golf clubs. The Australian is a perfectly manicured and aesthetically pleasing golf course. A series of water hazards provide golfers of all standards with challenges right up until the final approach shot into the 18th hole.

Located in the 2000 Olympic City of Sydney, The Australian Golf Club is one of Australia's most exclusive golf clubs. The Australian is a perfectly manicured and aesthetically pleasing golf course. A series of water hazards provide golfers of all standards with challenges right up until the final approach shot into the 18th hole.

The club was founded in 1882 with golf at the Kensington location not commencing until 1904. On that basis the club is arguably the oldest golf club in Australia.

A private member's course, The Australian has hosted a staggering 15 Australian Open championships which include the first ever Open in 1904 through to the centenary open in 2004 where a strong local field saw Peter Lonard grab the title with a one shot victory over previous winner Stuart Appleby. In fact Appleby had a chance to win with a realistic birdie chance at the last hole however after a booming drive, his second shot did not find the target and the resultant bogey left Lonard with a one shot victory.

The golf courses was remodelled by Jack Nicklaus in the 1980's adding length, water hazards and distinct mounding to create a golf course dissimilar in many ways to the original. Most would agree that the modifications have made The Australian a better golf course. When played from the back tees The Australian can be a punishing course wth long, exacting approach shots needed to tight, bunker laden greens.

The multi million dollar clubhouse overlooks the course and provides luxurious post game surrounds to contemplate "what could have been". It is hard to imagine that all of this is available within a 10 minute drive from the centre of Sydney.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 75
Length (m): 6443
Architect: Clark, Hutchinson & Martin (1903)/Jack Nicklaus (1976)
Design Year: 1903
Top 100: 14

Playing Tips

1
Par 5, Length 461m

A relatively easy starting hole. Only the very longest hitters would consider taking on the corner bunkers and then only with a helping south/south westerly breeze. Keep well right with your second shot using a club that will keep you short of the right hand chain of bunkers. Ideally your approach shot should finish below that hole if the pin is in front half of the green. From above the hole an extremely slick putt will result.

2
Par 3, Length 198m

A long narrow green from an elevated tee, which with varying wind conditions and pin placement can play from a short iron to a fairway metal club. Avoid the right hand bunker when the pin is back. The green falls away sharply to the left at the rear.

3
Par 4, Length 340m

Long drivers can reach the water hazard (which is not in view) with a tail wind. Play to the right where there is ample fairway, avoiding the difficult left hand corner bunker. This sets up the best angle of attack to an obliquely set green. Lay up left if the water carry is too daunting. The two-tiered putting surface is fairly flat, sloping gently to the water on the lower level.

4
Par 3, Length 193m

Club selection is critical to this shallow green fronted by water. The safest line is to the centre. The back left bunker shot brings the water hazard back into play.

5
Par 5, Length 553m

Doglegging right from the tee, the corner bunker can be carried only by long hitters with a helping wind. The second shot should be kept well right on a right to left sloping fairway. The approach is to a narrow fronted green with well-protected bunkering. Putting from above the hole will require caution.

6
Par 4, Length 378m

Stay well left of centre to avoid a natural bounce to the right, which will give you the most difficult approach to this green. The further left you drive the more inviting and easy the approach shot becomes to a two-tiered green.

7
Par 4, Length 392m

From the Member's tee this hole is not long, however, the approach shot to a long narrow green is full of trepidation. Bailing out to the left to avoid the water leaves a difficult third, where a full range of options - putt, chip or pitch - is available.

8
Par 4, Length 440m

A long hole into the prevailing summer breeze. The drive should be directed to the right side to obtain the best view of the green, which is partially hidden on the left side. This brings into play the right hand fairway bunker, which can be carried, in favourable conditions. The safe approach play is right and short to a green which is difficult to hold and protected front left by a deep bunker.

9
Par 4, Length 424m

A very tough driving hole where the right hand side of the fairway ensures a clear approach to a green deeply bunkered on the left hand side. When the pin is back over-clubbing is the safest approach as the embankment behind the green invariably feeds the ball down to the putting surface.

10
Par 4, Length 381m

A ball driven to the right side of this fairway will generally roll back to the centre of the fairway. The second shot is deceptive and an extra club is generally the correct choice. To run a ball onto this green will require a line left of centre to avoid falling into a deep depression, to the right of the green.

11
Par 3, Length 172m

A very long, narrow and flat green. Careful club selection is required. The left hand bunker is set well back, so a miss to this side generally finds the grassy hollow and the easiest recovery spot.

12
Par 4, Length 385m

A very good driving hole from an elevated tee. The dogleg left is protected on both sides with bunkers. The easier approach is from the right hand side, from where the two-tiered and deeply bunkered green is opened up.

13
Par 4, Length 362m

The fairway bunker left is reachable by the longer hitter although this is the side to play from for the best approach to an elevated green, which will provide some testing putts if you do not finish in the correct quarter of the green.

14
Par 5, Length 485m

A ball driven toward the left hand bank will invariably find its way back to the fairway. There is plenty of room to the left on your second shot to avoid the right hand depression and long deep fairway bunker. The third shot is deceptive and generally requires a stronger club than the eye tells you.

15
Par 3, Length 188m

To a deep two-level green the tee shot is best played from right to left. A running shot on this line is generally effective.

16
Par 4, Length 430m

A long drive is required if you want to challenge the green, which is set obliquely to your approach shot and is protected by very deep and extensive bunkering. The green is three-tiered and putting from above the hole is a test for even the best putters.

17
Par 4, Length 399m

Arguably the best hole on the course. You are tested from the tee, where only a strong and straight drive will allow you to "go" at the pin. The green is again set obliquely to the line of play and precise club selection is needed to find the correct part of this long green and to avoid strategically placed bunkering. The green is relatively flat but has subtle breaks.

18
Par 5, Length 486m

An ideal finishing hole which will test the ability of the longest hitters to get home in two. Generally a lay up second shot is the correct approach leaving an intimidating third shot to a deep three level green with water at the front and down the entire right hand side.

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The New South Wales Golf Club

Botany Bay National Park, 101 Henry Head Lane
La Perouse, NSW, 2036
Australia

Region: Sydney

The New South Wales Golf Club

The NSW Golf Club is rated in the top 50 golf courses in the world. In fact, it is the only Sydney Course rated in the top 100 best golf courses listing. The character of the course is unique, a links style course set amongst the hills and valleys that hug the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline boasting magnificent ocean views as backdrop.

Regarded as one of the top golf courses in Australia and currently rated number 34 in the world, NSW is a wonderful combination of undulating fairways, beautiful scenic vistas and a recently refurbished clubhouse which is a magnificent combination of traditional architecture and five star comfort.

The NSW golf course is a links style championship course spectacularly located on the Pacific Ocean and on historic Botany Bay. Even when there is a gentle breeze prevailing the course will test the above average player with its tight fairways and testing greens.

When the wind blows it gets tough! Should you lose a ball in the rough then don't bother looking - just drop another ball and take your penalty.

This golf course and club are steeped in history. It is a well known historical fact that Captain Cook and his crew found their first drinking water in a natural spring below where the18th tee is located today.

In short, this is more than just a golf course - it is an unforgettable golf and natural experience. To play golf at NSW Golf Club is to play golf how the game was intended to be played - at the complete mercy of Mother Nature and the golfer's ability.

NSW Golf Club has also been compared to Pebble Beach. The golf course has definitely more and better ocean views than Pebble Beach. To play at NSW Golf Club is a " must " for all discerning purist golfers.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 74
Length (m): 6227
Architect: Alister Mackenzie (1928), Eric Apperly (1932 and 51)
Design Year: 1928
Top 100: 5

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 293m

An easy drive and pitch par 4. The green is new and quite undulating. On the drive beware the bunkers to the right.

2
Par 3, Length 184m

A testing par 3 from the back tees. If you miss the green it is better to do so short than long. As a general rule this applies to all holes at New South Wales.

3
Par 4, Length 380m

A hidden dogleg which starts with a blind tee shot through a chute between the tee tree. Depending on how much of the dog leg is cut off you can have anything from a 4 iron to a wedge into this elevated green. Very steep drop over the green. Par a good score.

4
Par 4, Length 391m

Off the tee aim for the large hump to the right hand side of the fairway. The approach shot needs to cross a ridge to reach the hourglass-shaped green guarded by a bunker and 2 grassy hollows.

5
Par 5, Length 468m

A blind hole. Aim for the ridge 230 metres away from the tee. There is not much fairway left to land the second shot, so accuracy is the key here. The green slopes to the back with 2 sandtraps left and front right.

6
Par 3, Length 185m

A classic par 3. Depending on the wind, it can be anything from a long iron to a wedge. If still, take one more club as it is slightly uphill and the green slopes towards you and the sea.

7
Par 4, Length 376m

A straightaway uphill par four, but the shot is very demanding with Tea tree either side of the fairway capable of severely punishing any stray shots. Depending on the wind for the long hitters, it might be just a wedge or a nine iron with a southerly, but into a nor-easter it's a longish iron or even a wood. A very steep and difficult green and many a four-putt has been made during tournaments.

8
Par 5, Length 505m

Your line is over the dip in the hill in the distance. If your second shot clears this dip then it is a pitch to a well bunkered green. Ideally, your second shot should be slightly left of the dip as this improves the angle of approach.

9
Par 4, Length 340m

The driving line is further to the right than you might think. There is a clump of bushes (2 or 3 feet high) about 70 metres from the back tees. Go straight over that small clump and you will be set up in the middle of the fairway to attack the pin.

10
Par 4, Length 359m

A mid length par 4 with a fairly tight driving area followed by a medium length approach to a long green. Take note of where the pin is as the club selection will vary. Beware the bunkers on the right of the green!

11
Par 3, Length 149m

Another scenic par 3 which looks over the whole course. Wind is a big factor here and generally you are playing into the wind so take enough club.

12
Par 5, Length 482m

A hittable par 5. The landing area on the drive is wide. The longer hitters will be able to hit these green in two. But beware of the bunkers, they are deceptively difficult.

13
Par 4, Length 375m

A dog leg left par 4. After a well hit drive (depending on the wind) a mid to short iron is all which is left to a green which slopes back to front. Again below the hole is the preferred option.

14
Par 4, Length 323m

A wonderful par 4. Not too long but very spectacular. Long hitters can chew off a fair amount of the dog leg and be left with a short approach to a green perched high on top of a hill. Do not be long on your approach!

15
Par 4, Length 372m

A famous difficult par four which is ranked as the hardest hole on the course's stroke index. An uphill tee shot through a narrow chute needs to go about 220m to reach the top of the hill and so offer a view of the green. The tee shot is extremely difficult into a wind, but once you reach the corner there is little trouble near the green.

16
Par 4, Length 403m

A tough par 4 which dog legs left at about the 260m mark. Aim further right with your drive or else your second shot may need to be hit over trees. The approach requires more club than you may think.

17
Par 3, Length 153m

A deceptive par 3. The wind is a key factor here and although it may seem calm on the tee special notice should be taken of the flagstick and how the wind may be affecting it. Do not miss the green to the right as a very daunting approach awaits.

18
Par 5, Length 507m

Avoid trees to the right and further away on the left. From here a wood will carry the hollow on the right some 130 metres away from the green.

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Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links

425 Waterhouse Road
Bridport, TAS, 7262
Australia

Region: Tasmania (Launceston, Hobart, King Island)

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links is the creation of a small group of dreaming golfers who saw the potential to build the most amazing golf course on the small island of Tasmania a short jump from the mainland of Australia. The golf course meanders through towering dunes and along the beach, where the roar of the ocean and a salty breeze will embrace golfers, plotting their way around one of the world's most natural golf courses.

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links is the creation of a small group of dreaming golfers who saw the potential to build the most amazing golf course on the small island of Tasmania a short jump from the mainland of Australia.

The golf course meanders through towering dunes and along the beach, where the roar of the ocean and a salty breeze embraces golfers, plotting their way around one of the world's most natural golf courses.

It has now rocketed into the World Top 100 rankings with a very impressive debut at number 49. In the recently released Australian ratings the course has amazingly, but not surprisingly, been rated inside the top 10 courses.

Barnbougle Dunes is one of those escape from it all kind of places. The onsite accommodation is comfortable and the restaurant and bar within the clubhouse first class with very reasonable prices to boot. All in all it is a great place to visit and play golf on a course that looks as though it has been there for over 100 years!

The golf course itself combines a series of subtle, short in length par 4 holes with some testing par 3 holes and only 3 par 5's on a course where the wind is an ever present factor. One of the great features of the course in the variability in playing conditions depending on the time of day you are playing the course. The mornings tend to offer windless playing experiences with often crisp cloudless days whereas in the afternoon the wind tends to pick up and provides challenges on many of the closing holes. All in all Barnbougle is a great thinking person's golf course.

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links is just outside the coastal village of Bridport, 1 hour north of Launceston in the island state of Tasmania.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 75
Length (m): 6148
Architect: Tom Doak & Mike Clayton
Design Year: 2004
Top 100: 4

Playing Tips

1
Par 5, Length 506m

A wide landing area for the tee shot is a forgiving introduction to your round. But the immediate risk/reward carry of the bunker on the second shot, and the various slopes feeding the ball away from the front half of the Opening green will alert you to the challenge ahead.

2
Par 4, Length 381m

An apparently simple and wide open hole comes to life when pondering the shot into a very deep and narrow green, with three layers. There is no forgiveness for a wayward approach into the prevailing wind.

3
Par 4, Length 339m

Look left to the fairway and you'll see a thin ribbon of green fairway, leading right to the blind green. The tee shot is best aimed at the left edge of the distant bunker, with a driver taking you down to the lower shelf of the fairway (not the best place to attack the common back, left pin). The safe play into the green is to play long and right.

4
Par 4, Length 271m

The site of Barnbougle farm's first homestead, a rare still day will present a chance to go for the green with your tee shot, and putt for an elusive eagle. However, the sensible play is to either lay up short of the enormous bunker and accept the blind pitch into the green, or drive up the left side and open up your view at the flag.

5
Par 3, Length 201m

While the coastal scenery & dunescape is distracting, the Turn hole demands a precise shot to the left hand side of the split level green, letting the contours feed the ball around to the pin.

6
Par 4, Length 381m

With a tail wind big hitters can take on the sand hill, or the safe play is down the left hand side fairway. However short your shot in may be, this subtle green with its awkward depth perception rewards only the most precise approaches.

7
Par 3, Length 112m

One of Australia's shortest golf holes, is also one of the nation's most challenging. A sweetly driven long iron into the wind, or a softly floating pitch shot when its still, don't miss it long or left, and you'll never be so glad to walk off with a three.

8
Par 4, Length 446m

You can take the high road or the low road, with more room to the right hand side, but a longer shot into the distant green. A hole where the par is irrelevant, and your own shot shot selection and execution is everything.

9
Par 4, Length 400m

A tee shot where driver rarely improves your position, a long iron up the left side will open your line into the green, or a 3wood up the right will reward the golfer with one of the best views at Barnbougle, looking beyond the green and up the never ending beach and distant dunes. The inviting clubhouse will recharge your batteries for the back 9.

10
Par 4, Length 409m

The left side bunkers on this wide open fairway attract the aggressive golfers, while the multi layered green ensures that golfers are happy with a steady par to start the back 9.

11
Par 5, Length 475m

When the wind is up, an eagle putt is available to those straight enough with their approach into this shorter par 5. However the common lay up to the left side of the green provides one of the most subtle short approach shots to the flag- to pitch, fly, bump'n'run or putt it to the hole.

12
Par 4, Length 254m

Carrying the gaping bunkers short of the green tempt many on a still day, but into the prevailing wind the safe line is to the wide fairway left of the green. On your approach shot in, don't let the Bass Strait vista distract you from your bump'n'run to tucked away pins.

13
Par 3, Length 188m

Shots into the right half of this mountainous green will feed balls to the lower left side, the long chip or putt will need to traverse humps and hollows. But don't fret, there is always a way to the hole.

14
Par 5, Length 508m

The variety of driving lines is determined by the tail wind, as is the ability to reach the green in two. For those laying up, you choose to carry over or lay up short of the neck of fairway between wetlands. Green side craters await the errant approach.

15
Par 4, Length 321m

The central bunker offers 4 lines off the tee; safely short, the safe left, tight right or beyond. The strategy you choose will be governed by the hole location- but regardless of the pin, don't miss this green left.

16
Par 3, Length 153m

The green feeds away and right from the tee, so as long as you miss the short left bunker, a two putt par awaits. When the wind is up however, you'll have to hit one out of the screws to get it near.

17
Par 4, Length 400m

The tranquility of the rivermouth disguises one of the course's most demanding tee shots. Thread the drive between fairway bunkers and run the ball up onto the diagonal green, protruding from the dunes.

18
Par 4, Length 403m

A tee shot aimed at the left verandah of the clubhouse will leave you with an open shot into the green. With its valley of sin short right, the sand hills back and left, and beach all down the right, you won't find many prettier settings in which to finish your round of golf.

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Barnbougle Lost Farm

Waterhouse Road
Bridport, TAS, 7262
Australia

Region: Tasmania (Launceston, Hobart, King Island)

Barnbougle Lost Farm

Lost Farm complements the natural landscape in which it is located. Featuring 20 holes, all of which are playable in any one round, the course layout tracks along the coast and inland amongst sand dunes. Strategic bunkering and undulating greens, combined with wide fairways make for a course which offers an exciting challenge for all golfers.

Barnbougle Lost Farm is a 20-hole Links Golf course on Tasmania's north east coast. Designed and constructed by world renowned U.S golf course design company Coore & Crenshaw, the Lost Farm is situated on Barnbougle Farm adjacent to the Barnbougle Dunes Course which opened in December 2004.

With a reputation for minimalistic course design and a philosophy that traditional, strategic golf is the most rewarding, head architect Bill Coore created the Lost Farm with the intention to complement the canvas provided by Mother Nature.

Lost Farm features 20 holes all of which are playable during any given round, whilst the layout of holes at Lost Farm also offer a more diverse routing compared to Barnbougle Dunes, with fairways that roll both along the coast and inland.

Boasting spectacular holes that wind along the coast, adjacent to the Forester River and inland towards the Tasmanian hinterland, Barnbougle Lost Farm is a breathtakingly beautiful golf course that is dramatically different and yet simultaneously complements both the surrounding landscape and Barnbougle Dunes.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR:
Length (m): 0
Architect: Coore, Crenshaw
Design Year: 2010
Top 100: 6

Playing Tips

1
Par 5, Length 467m

2
Par 4, Length 309m

3
Par 4, Length 253m

4
Par 3, Length 124m

5
Par 4, Length 443m

6
Par 4, Length 155m

7
Par 4, Length 396m

8
Par 5, Length 554m

9
Par 4, Length 306m

10
Par 5, Length 543m

11
Par 4, Length 405m

12
Par 5, Length 516m

13
Par 4, Length 382m

14
Par 4, Length 263m

15
Par 3, Length 178m

16
Par 4, Length 382m

17
Par 3, Length 167m

18
Par 4, Length 420m

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Cape Wickham Golf Links

Cape Wickham Road
King Island, TAS, 7256
Australia

Region: Tasmania (Launceston, Hobart, King Island)

Cape Wickham Golf Links

Designed by renowned US golf architect Mike DeVries, Cape Wickham sits on a magnificent piece of natural coastal land at the far north western tip of King Island, in the windswept waters of Bass Strait. Cape Wickham has already captured the attention of international golf writers and will no doubt enter the Australian golf rankings in an enviable position.

The Course

Cape Wickham Links is being built on 160.6 hectares (393 acres) of coastal land.

The site is unique in Australia and rare in world golf given that;

  • 8 holes are adjacent (parallel) to Bass Strait (ocean)
  • 2 other holes have greens on the coastline
  • 3 other holes have tees beside the ocean
  • All 18 holes enjoy views of Bass Strait
  • The 18th bends around the beach at Victoria Cove, which is in play.

The land is gently undulating and interspersed with giant sand dunes and ridges. The soil is either sandy or sandy loam. Occasional limestone outcrops create further interest.

Water for irrigation is sourced from ground water below the course.

The layout at Cape Wickham is made up of three basic loops;

  • Holes 1 – 5 on the Cape Farewell headland
  • Holes 6 – 13 in dune land to the south of Cape Farewell
  • Holes 14 – 18 in the Lighthouse/Victoria Cove zone

Scheduled to open in late October 2015, Cape Wickham is designed by renowned US golf architect Mike DeVries and sits on a magnificent piece of coastal land at the far north western tip of the Island, 48 kilometres north of Currie. Cape Wickham has already captured the attention of international golf writers and golf raters, and will no doubt enter the Australian golf rankings in an enviable position. The golf course meanders through towering dunes and along the beach, where the roar of the ocean and a salty breeze embraces golfers, plotting their way around one of the world's most natural golf courses. One of the great features of the course is the variability in playing conditions depending on the time of day you are playing the course. The mornings tend to offer windless playing experiences with often crisp cloudless days whereas in the afternoon the wind tends to pick up and provides challenges on many of the closing holes. All in all Cape Wickham is a great thinking person's golf course

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 72
Length (m): 6152
Architect: Mike DeVries/ Darius Oliver
Design Year: 2015
Top 100: 3

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 340m

One of the more exotic opening holes in world golf, the 1st at Cape Wickham is a short par four that appears more difficult than it really is. Provided you don't slice your opening tee shot into Bass Strait a simple par should await.

2
Par 4, Length 330m

Constructed along a lower ledge of the Cape Farewell headland, the 2nd is a mid-length par four with a wide fairway that heads toward the site's western tip. A small central bunker forces golfers to choose their preferred line carefully. One of the first holes built, the 2nd is maturing well and has a healthy cover of fescue.

3
Par 3, Length 170m

The 3rd is a strong par 3 that heads straight toward a pair of distant offshore islands. Plays into the prevailing south-west winds, and longer than its yardage suggests.

4
Par 4, Length 393m

The first hole away from the coastline, the 4th is a long par 4 that turns back inland toward the imposing Cape Wickham lighthouse. Those who aim their drive at the lighthouse are rewarded with a simpler approach into a partly obscured green site (below).

5
Par 4, Length 329m

Drivable with the summer easterlies at your back, the short par four 5th is an unheralded but dangerous hole with a tight fairway and smallish green that leans away toward the rear.

6
Par 5, Length 447m

The short par five 6th plays around a sizeable dune ridge, toward an elevated dell green site. Pin position is crucial here in order to determine your best playing strategy.

7
Par 3, Length 137m

To prove Cape Wickham is not all ocean and crashing waves, the short par three 7th is played across a diagonal valley with the lighthouse looming large in the distance.

8
Par 4, Length 384m

Initially blind across sandy scrub, the 8th is a beautifully natural inland hole set down in a valley.

9
Par 5, Length 488m

A shortish par 5, 460 metres due west into the prevailing wind. The hole is down a valley and dunes, through convoluted land forms.

10
Par 4, Length 327m

A short par 4 of only 310 metres heading straight downhill toward the ocean.

11
Par 3, Length 136m

A genuine talking point, the 11th is a short-iron par 3 set right down onto the rocks.

12
Par 4, Length 295m

There are a number of short par fours at Cape Wickham, but none better than the drivable 12th. The rewards for those who attack the green site are enormous, but so too are the very obvious risks.

13
Par 5, Length 520m

A strong par five heading east through sand dunes and linking the western coastline with the northern (lighthouse) section of the course.

14
Par 4, Length 386m

A charming right-to-left bending par four, the 14th plays from an elevated tee toward a natural punchbowl green site.

15
Par 5, Length 532m

A long, downhill par five, the 15th is the closest hole to the Cape Wickham Lighthouse. The first part of the hole heads semi-blind across a bunkered crest while the final part is played along a broad split level fairway. Those able to hug the more dangerous left side with their second shots are rewarded with a far simpler approach.

16
Par 4, Length 377m

One of the last holes built at Cape Wickham, and perhaps the most dramatic, the 16th is a mid-length par four that runs right along the rocky coastline. The scenery from tee to green here is magnificent.

17
Par 3, Length 164m

A glorious par 3 of 170 metres. The first photo below is taken from behind the green, with the three others taken from the tee, which is elevated several metres above the green.

18
Par 4, Length 395m

Destined to become an icon, for the simple reason that the beach on the right is in play (and in bounds) for both the tee shot and the approach. Those able to hug the beach with their drive are rewarded with a shorter and simpler second shot. The green here is narrow and guarded by one of the world?s largest bunkers.

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Ocean Dunes

396 North Road, Loorana
King Island, TAS, 7000
Australia

Region: Tasmania (Launceston, Hobart, King Island)

Ocean Dunes

Ocean Dunes incorporates a challenging 18 hole layout amidst rolling dunes and featuring unsurpassed views along two kilometres of majestic coastline, land made for golf and reminiscent of the links of Scotland and Ireland. Two spectacular par 3's cross the surging ocean with 360 degree ocean views on nearly every hole and exciting, risk and reward short par 4's abound with the inland variety of holes afforded by the coastal creek which flows through the course.

Construction is underway at this magnificent King Island location....

The course is a golfer’s dream – whether amateur or professional. The vision is to put Ocean Dunes on the list of ‘must go’ golfing destinations and achieve a top 100 ranking.

  • Covering 285 acres (115.4Ha) and incorporating rolling dunes and unsurpassed views along 2km of majestic coastline - this land is made for golf
  • Fortune favours the brave with heroic tee shots leaving simple approaches to the greens
  • Subtle, rolling greens set in picture-perfect, natural locations
  • Multiple tee blocks for players of all standards
  • Ample landing areas to accommodate even the most challenging of windy conditions
  • Two spectacular, signature par threes that cross the surging ocean
  • Future maintenance to be overseen by Graeme Grant to present the turf in the pristine condition that was his trademark at Kingston Heath.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR:
Length (m): 0
Architect: Graeme Grant
Design Year: 2013
Top 100: 10

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Suggested Accommodation

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Call us on +61 3 9563 6776

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you experience the best golf in the world.

Matthew Ridge, Golf Travel Manager, GOLFSelect

Matthew Ridge Golf Travel Manager

Richard Morgan, Golf Travel Specialist, GOLFSelect

Richard Morgan Golf Travel Specialist

Steven Lo Ricco, Golf Travel Specialist, GOLFSelect

Steven Lo Ricco Golf Travel Specialist

Door of Hope

Door of Hope Australia Inc.

GOLFSelect is strongly committed to assisting children who are not as fortunate as our own. We enjoy a very strong association with Door of Hope Australia Inc. This child-focused, non government organisation was established to help alleviate the suffering caused by poverty in developing nations. Their vision is that children in every nation will have access to education, clean water, nutrition, medical care, and protection from war, abuse and exploitation. As part of our association, a donation is provided to Door of Hope for every holiday that we organise on behalf of you, our client. We thank you for supporting this initiative and helping to make an important difference to those who do not always have a voice.