Barwon Heads Golf Club, Victoria
Locals call Barwon Heads Golf Club “the closest thing to Scotland south of the Tweed”.
Ninety minutes by car from Melbourne via Geelong is – as local golfers say – “the closest thing to Scotland south of the Tweed”. The venerable par-70 connections to Barwon Heads are not the longest route in Australia, but when the wind blows over the Antarctic Ocean, which happens more often, small and fast greens can become diabolical. On Fifth T, a par-five reached with the prevailing wind behind you, you will see spectacular views of Point Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula and the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, as well as the strange lighthouse.
Distinctive holes are the majestic third par-four, with a dunescape on the right ready to devour a weak slice, the strong ninth dog’s paw and the tiny – and without bunker – the third thirteenth. Five parts are a delicious rarity. Paul Mogford and Neil Crafter’s recent editing work only reinforced the course.
The accommodation in the dramatic wooden club house is welcoming and warm, a sofa in front of a burning fireplace is the ideal place to tell heroic hits. The Dunes Course in the nearby thirteenth Beach Golf Club is also worth a visit. barwonheads.golf
Cape Wickham, King Island
The Cape Wickham golf course boasts sea views in every hole, but this can also mean having to deal with a stiff breeze.
Although only five, Cape Wickham has been ranked Australia’s second best course (after Royal Melbourne’s West Melbourne) in the most recent Australian Digest of Golf charts. The course – at the north end of King Island in the middle of the Strait of Bass – continues to attract superlatives (a panelist described the layout as “unmatched”).
Nestled among high sand dunes, the course’s crumpled fairways follow Victoria Cove beach and the rocky coves of Cape Farewell, with sea views from every hole. But be careful: with the sea view the wind inevitably comes. There are some other windy paths on earth, so bring your A-game.
If a ram bird hole interferes with your position, relief must be taken (without penalty). It would be a shame to bring your clubs to King Island and not allow time to play in the nearby Ocean Dunes. capewickham.com.au
The Cut, Western Australia
The Cut has been called the “rollercoaster ride of Australian golf”.
With many holes only a wedge of sand from the waves of the Indian Ocean, The Cut – in Mandurah, south of Perth – is a surprising and inspiring route of connections, especially with a strong land wind. The best holes wind along natural fairways, among dunes covered with beautiful native plants and wildflowers.
A judge a Australian Digest of Golf called The Cut “rollercoaster ride of Australian golf”. Flat lies are a rarity, while several greens are perched on the dunes, beyond infinity. While several holes on the top nine are lined with houses – the ruin of many modern paths – there are enough bright holes in the dunes on the back nine to more than make up for this, including the par-four 10th, the par-four 12 and the third par 16. the-cut.com.au
Hamilton Island, Queensland
Oddly enough, Hamilton Island Golf Club isn’t actually on Hamilton Island. It is located on nearby Dent Island, a short boat ride away.
Coral Sea offers a stimulating backdrop to Hamilton Island Golf Course, located on nearby Dent Island. Getty
Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson of Thomson Perrett Design (now simply Perrett Webb), the path winds around the island, each hole surrounded by native bushes including circle pines, pandanus and grass trees, the Sparkling water from the Coral Sea and the jagged peaks of the Whitsunday Islands offer a stimulating backdrop.
The nine front holes are arranged in a more compact layout, while the nine rear holes take full advantage of the topography of the island, running along dramatic ridges south of the island. hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au
