The Down Under Golf Nation
We all know about Australia’s expansive coastline and beaches, incredible diversity of landscape and lively urban areas. What fewer people realize is that it’s also a nation of golf. Approximately 10 percent of adult Aussies play golf, making it the country’s number one participation sport. Once you experience the quality and uncommon beauty of the courses, including seven World Top 100s, you’ll understand why golf may be Australia’s greatest asset. Oh, and the wines are fabulous, too.
What We Love About Australia
Our favourite courses are the many wonderful ones in the sandbelt south of Melbourne, where we can tackle some the world’s best bunkers. After we’ve given our sand game a workout, we always take an unforgettable helicopter tour of the spectacular Great Ocean Road.
We also love to charter a small plane to King Island for a round at Cape Wickham, then continue on to Tasmania to play the two World Top 100 courses at Barnbougle (or we might stay overnight on the island so we can get in a second round at Cape Wickham). While in Tasmania, we like to check out the bustling art scene in Hobart, enjoy the burgeoning wine country nearby and find time for a stay at Saffire Freycinet.
Of course, we never miss Sydney, where we can do a night at the opera and go on a harbour tour—and play the New South Wales, designed by the legendary Dr. Alistair Mackenzie.
Favourite Courses
• The Royal Melbourne Golf Course: Both Mackenzie designs—East and West—are in the World Top 100 (the latter always Top 10) and check off all 13 of his principles of golf course design
• Kingston Heath: Ranked #22 in the world, this well-loved shortish course has sophisticated bunkers and greens that will test your shot-making abilities
• Cape Wickham: Set on tiny King Island, with breathtaking scenery, this course opened in 2015 and is already a must-play on any Australia trip
• Barnbougle Dunes: The wow factor of this course is one of two reasons all golfers heading to Australia include Tasmania on their itinerary
• Lost Farm: The second reason to add Tasmania. Which is better—this course or its surprisingly different Barnbougle sibling—makes for a fun debate
• New South Wales: Another Mackenzie layout from his trip Down Under in the 1920s, this is the Sydney area’s golf highlight
• Royal Adelaide: Until recently, this 1926 Mackenzie was ranked in the World Top 100 and is still well worth the trip, especially if you love the Shiraz from the Barossa Valley
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