The Jewel at Broadbeach
In March 2022 Heather and I spent a week on The Gold Coast bringing ourselves up to date on the golfing facilties currently on offer.
Over the years some of the courses that used to feature in tournaments and televised broadcasts have lost some of their sparkle, and others have benefited from new owners injecting funds and investing in the facilities.
We did not get to see all of the courses on The Gold Coast, but aim to return to follow up on those that we missed.
Here is a brief summary of the courses we visited:
Sanctuary Cove- The Palms Course
Sanctuary Cove- The Palms, hole 7
I had not played The Palms course for decades- I just did not rate the old course at all.
But I knew that Ross Watson had been engaged to completely redesign the course some time ago, so we needed to have a look.
I am really glad we played the "new" course- it is a huge improvement, and now one of the courses I would recommend.
The Palms has a nice variety of holes, and the green complexes, and associated bunkering are a delight.
Recommended!
Sanctuary Cove- The Pines Course
Sanctuary Cove- The Pines, hole 17
The Pines is essentially a members course, and has always been one of the premier courses in the area.
It was designed by Arnold Palmer, and is beautifully conditioned.
Nothing has changed over the years- it remains in good nick and is a championship course.
The Pines is not generally available to the public, but we can gain access for clients from time to time.
Recommended!
Hope Island
Hope Island GC- hole 18, low 2nd shot
Designed by Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett, Hope Island has long been recognised as one of the true championship courses in Queensland.
It has a links like style dominated by a multitude of pot bunkers from tee to green.
In recent years housing development opportunities begat the creation of the brand new par 3 ninth hole over water.
It's a nice addition, and one of the more memorable holes.
Hope Island is in very good shape and one of our preferred options on The Gold Coast.
Recommended!
The Glades
The Glades sign
The Glades was designed by Greg Norman (with Bob Harrison), and is one of my favourite courses on The Gold Coast, so we looked forward to returning for a game.
At the time we visited the area had been subject to heavy rains and flooding in preceding weeks.
As it is one of the lower lying courses in the area The Glades went under..
But the only real sign of damage was to the bunkers- the rest of the courses had bounced back well and was in very good condition.
It is an interesting course with some challenging longer holes combining well with some spectacular par 3's and short par 4's.
Recommended!
Lakelands
Lakelands GC- hole 14 drone
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Lakelands was the first 'signature' Jack Nicklaus course in Australia.
It is a parkland type course, and always meticulously presented.
There are no surprises- it is a challenging strategic course- and it has grown in well over the years, so it looks good, too!
Recommended!
Arundel Hills
Arundel Hills was one of the better layouts on the Coast, but sadly no longer!
Under the current ownership the lack of funding has seen the course condition drop away dramatically.
With a maintenance crew of four, and a run down club house and associated facilities, we cannot recommend it to Travelling Golfers at present
Now closed
Palm Meadows
In it's heyday Palm Meadows hosted televised national tournaments and was beamed into our homes annually.
It was one of the premier courses on The Gold Coast.
I have vivid memories of tournaments being decided on that epic 18th hole.
But that was decades ago!
It still has good bones, but Palm Meadows is looking a little tired.
Although the course was recovering from the wet when we visited, it clearly needs some financial stimulus to get back to being a top choice.
Prefer others at present.
Palmer Gold Coast
Palmer Gold Coast was originally know as Robina Woods, and was always one of my favourite courses in the area.
It is a pretty course and a nice contrast to the many resort style layouts surrounding it.
We had heard that it had fallen into disrepair, but Clive Palmer has begun the process of reinvigorating the property.
It is an ongoing project and more needs to be done, but it is headed in the right direction..
Worth consideration..
Southport
Southport GC- hole 18
Southport is a lovely local club with a busy membership.
As such it is not easy to get green fee times for visitors.
But it is a good course and a nice contrast to the resort courses.
We certainly enjoyed playing there!
Befriend a member!
Royal Pines
Royal Pines is a 27 hole facility owned by the RACV.
The Green & Gold nines combo was rebuilt for The Australian PGA, and is maintained like a championship course.
It is an excellent course and definitely worth including in itineraries
The blue nine is neglected, and not worth considering..
Recommended!
Golf Tours
The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to suit your group.
For suggested destinations see: Golf Destinations- The Gold Coast
Enquiries
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