Australia’s greatest links continually achieves top-40 status thanks to a sophisticated design coupled with a stirring seaside setting with holes nestled in large dunes that run parallel to the ocean. The clubhouse is situated in the middle, with each nine fanning out on either side. The dunes extend inland “only” some 350 yards and the architects did a fabulous job in having the holes flow across them in every conceivable manner. One highlight is the short 7th, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent to the Troon’s Postage Stamp hole and is equally adept at wreaking havoc. One of its tricks? Its abrupt change in direction from any previous holes means golfers don’t have a good read on how the wind will affect their tee balls. (Photo: Gary Lisbon)
