Forest City is one of those courses you don’t forget. From the minute you roll in, you can tell it’s built on a different level — massive resort layout, water everywhere, proper conditioning, and every hole feels like it was designed to show off.
We played it back in 2019 and it honestly felt like a golf trip movie. Big shots, big views, resort vibes, clubhouse flex… the whole experience was unreal.
If you’re ever anywhere near Malaysia, this is a bucketlister.
Not “nice to play” — a must play. ✈️⛳

Serapong is just a proper quality golf course. Everything about it feels sharp — fairways are pure, greens are fast and true, and the layout genuinely makes you think about every shot. It’s one of those courses where if you’re not on your game, it will happily chew you up and spit you straight back into the clubhouse.
The setting is unreal too — city skyline on one side, water and container ships on the other. It’s a cool contrast and gives the round a really unique vibe.
Not loud, not gimmicky — just a seriously good test of golf in a pretty incredible location.
If you get the chance to play Serapong, absolutely do it. It’s one of those tracks where you walk off feeling like you’ve just played golf on grown-ups difficulty mode — and you’ll want another crack at it.

RE REVIEWED IN 2024

Barnbougle Dunes just hits different. From the first tee, you realise this course isn’t built on the land — it’s carved out of the dunes and coastline. It feels raw, natural, and completely in rhythm with the landscape.
The fairways roll and ripple, the bunkers are deep and nasty, and the greens reward quality while exposing anything lazy. It’s pure links golf — nothing fake, nothing dressed up, just honest golf where every shot matters.
We played it in November 2024 and the course was in unreal condition — firm fairways and smooth greens. But the wind… yeah, when it wants to, it absolutely changes the day. One hole can be driver-wedge, and an hour later the same hole is driver-driver-pray. It’s half the challenge and half the fun.
You walk off tired, maybe sunburnt, and definitely humbled — but you’re smiling.
Barnbougle Dunes is pure golf. ⛳🌬️🌊

Played the Ocean Course at Desaru and it was unreal. Proper resort golf but still a real challenge. Fairways are wide and look friendly, but the wind off the South China Sea turns shots into decisions real quick. The coastal holes are the standouts — views are insane. Greens rolled well, layout flows nicely, and the whole place just has that holiday golf done right feel on a PGA level course.

Ria Bintan’s Ocean Course is just beautiful golf. The front nine winds you through proper jungle — quiet, clean, no nonsense — then the course opens up and suddenly you’re playing along the South China Sea with some of the best ocean views you’ll see on a course.
The signature par-3 on the coastline is ridiculous. Stand on that tee and tell me you’re not feeling like you’re on a golf ad.
Course plays fair, greens roll well, and it’s just one of those rounds where the setting does half the work.
If you’re anywhere near Singapore or Bintan — you play Ria. No excuses. ⛳🌊

Royal Melbourne East doesn’t try to be flashy — it just does everything properly. Perfect conditioning, smart layout, and that classic Sandbelt feel where the fairways look wide but the angles actually matter.
The bunkering is unreal. Miss on the wrong side and you’re basically negotiating with the golf gods. Greens are quick, pure and firm — you’ve got to think your way around, not just swing.
It’s one of those rounds where you realise why the Sandbelt is the Sandbelt.
No gimmicks. No tricks. Just pure golf done right.

The North Course is modern Sandbelt perfection. Firm, fast fairways, brutal run-offs, and greens that demand you land it in the right spot or you’re putting back and forth all day. The bunkering is pure artwork — deep, sharp, and waiting for any shot that’s even slightly offline.
It’s not a “grip it and rip it” course — it’s a strategy round.
You’ve got to think, play angles, and actually commit to shots. When you’re on, it feels unbelievable. When you’re not… good luck getting up and down from anywhere.
Conditioning is elite, the greens are ruthless, and the whole thing just feels big, serious, championship golf.
This is a 6-Star course — top tier, no debate.
One of the best in Australia. ⛳🔥

The Palms at Saujana is just proper old-school championship golf. Tight fairways, big mature trees, and water in all the right (or wrong) spots. It’s not the kind of course you just walk up and swing at — you actually have to shape shots and commit.
Greens are pure but firm, and the rough will punish you if you get lazy. It’s one of those courses where a par actually feels like a win, which I rate.
Not your resort holiday cruisy round — this one tests you.
But when you play well here, you know you’ve played well. ⛳🔥

Danang is just pure quality resort golf with that proper links-style feel. Wide rolling fairways, big bunkering, and the ocean breeze that can turn a comfortable shot into a “hold on and pray” moment. The layout gives you room off the tee, but if you’re on the wrong side of fairways or greens, it gets real tricky real fast.
Conditioning is usually spot-on, clubhouse is mint, and the whole place just has that relaxed coastal vibe.
One of those courses where you finish the round and think, yeah… I’d happily play that again tomorrow. ⛳️🌴🌊

Ba Na Hills is just class. Proper championship feel tucked into the mountains, with elevation changes everywhere and views that make you stop mid-swing. Every hole feels different — some tight, some wide open, some downhill bombs, some uphill grinders.
Fairways are mint, greens are pure, and the whole place has that cool, quiet mountain atmosphere that makes the round feel big. It’s the type of course you remember — just really, really good golf in a ridiculous setting. ⛳️⛰️

Torrey South is big-boy golf. Long, tough, windy, and absolutely unreal to look at. You’re playing along the Pacific cliffs with views that make you forget what club you’re holding, but the course does not care — it will punish a lazy swing instantly.
Fairways look wide until you realise the angles actually matter, greens are firm, bunkers are deep, and the coastal breeze just lives in your head. It’s the kind of course where par feels like a birdie and walking off with your dignity is a win.
It’s a proper test, but when you hit a good shot here, it feels incredible.
This is bucketlister territory — you play it once in your life, and you remember it. ⛳🌊

RE REVIEWED 2024

Lost Farm is just pure links golf. Wide fairways, insane dunes, firm running turf and that Tasmanian wind that can turn a 9 iron into a punchy 5 iron real quick. It’s raw, natural golf — no gimmicks, no fake landscaping, just the land doing the work.
The views are ridiculous. You’ll stand on some tees and actually forget to swing for a second. Every hole feels unique, and the back nine along the dunes is just special.
Play it once and you’ll get it.
Play it twice and you’ll start planning your next trip back. ⛳️🌬️🌾

Kings Island is just class. You jump on a boat to get there which already feels like you’re heading somewhere proper, then you arrive to this big lakeside layout surrounded by mountains and jungle. Fairways are mint, greens roll true, and there’s enough water around to make you second-guess nearly every approach if you’re not switched on.
It’s scenic without trying — misty hills, quiet fairways, just a really good atmosphere to play in. Not the hardest course you’ll ever play, but it’s quality golf in a beautiful setting. Would 100% go back. ⛳️🌿🏞️

The Forest Course at Ria Bintan is just pure jungle golf. Tight fairways, proper tree lines, and that calm, quiet feel where every shot echoes. It’s not flashy like the Ocean side, but it’s clean, strategic, and really enjoyable to play. Greens rolled well, layout makes sense, and it’s the kind of round where good ball-striking actually gets rewarded.
Just solid, honest golf in the middle of the jungle. ⛳🌿

Torrey North is just coastal golf done right. Same cliffs and ocean views as the South, but a bit more relaxed and playable. Fairways are wide enough to feel confident, greens roll true, and the whole place has that calm California coastline vibe.
It’s not as punishing as the championship South course — and that’s the beauty of it. You actually get to enjoy the ocean views without having a meltdown every hole. Solid layout, breezy off the Pacific, and just a really good day out.
If you’re golfing in San Diego, you 100% play the North. ⛳🌊🌴

Wynn is pure Vegas golf luxury. Perfect fairways, perfect greens, not a leaf out of place. It’s built to look and feel like money — waterfalls, palm-lined fairways, and that crazy backdrop of the Strip right behind you.
It’s not the hardest course in the world, but that’s not what you go there for. You go for the experience — pristine conditions, top service, and the feeling that you’re playing golf in a movie scene.
It’s expensive… like proper Vegas expensive.
But you walk off understanding exactly what you paid for.
Golf meets resort theatre — and they do it well. ⛳🎰🌴

Capital is just different. Pure private, invite-only, zero crowds, no rush, no noise — just unreal conditioning and service that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally joined the PGA Tour. Fairways are perfect, greens are mint, layout is clever without trying too hard.
It’s not about being the hardest course — it’s about the experience.
You don’t play Capital… you get hosted.
If you ever get the invite — you go. No questions. ⛳️🔥

Moonah Links Open is big, exposed, brutal golf when the wind is up. There’s space off the tee, but that doesn’t make it easy — the fairways roll and fall, the bunkers are deep, and the green surrounds are designed to punish anything slightly off.
It’s a course where par actually feels like a win.
If you’re striking it well, it’s unreal — if you’re not, you’re in for a long walk. The scale of the place is massive, and the daylight out there can feel like you’re playing golf in an aeroplane hangar.
But the routing is strong, the setting is pure, and when you hit a good shot, you really know you’ve earned it.

Tasmania Golf Club ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our trip. Set on a beautiful headland overlooking Barilla Bay, the course delivers a perfect mix of coastal scenery, great conditioning, and pure playability. We actually enjoyed it more than Barnbougle’s Lost Farm and The Dunes, simply because it was fun, fair, and an all-round brilliant day of golf.
The layout flows naturally through coastal bushland before opening up to spectacular waterfront holes, with the par-5 3rd standing out as one of the most scenic in Tasmania. The greens were a real highlight — smooth, consistent, and some of the best we played all trip.
Tasmania Golf Club isn’t trying to be a punishing championship brute. Instead, it gives golfers a relaxed, enjoyable round with amazing views and just the right amount of challenge. It’s the kind of course you’d happily play again the very next day.

The Dunes is proper links golf — firm fairways, rolling dunes, pot bunkers, and the wind deciding what kind of day you’re going to have. It’s the kind of course where you can play the same hole two days in a row and it feels completely different depending on the breeze.
The layout is strong all the way through — no filler holes — and if you’re striking it well, you can run the ball in and feel like a genius. If you’re not… you’ll be playing a lot of creative recovery shots out of sand and scrub.
Conditioning is usually spot on and the place just feels like real golf — natural, raw and tactical.

Curlewis is just fun, modern, windy golf. Wide fairways to open it up, big rolling greens, and that Peninsula breeze that can turn a hole from “birdie chance” to “hold onto your hat” in one swing. It’s got a bit of bite but never feels unfair — you can score here, you’ve just got to flight it properly.
Always in good nick, always a good day out. Just a really solid course to play. ⛳🌬️

Portsea is tight, windy, and proper thinking golf. You don’t just pull driver everywhere — the fairways twist, the dunes squeeze you, and the breeze is almost always up. Miss the wrong side and you’re chipping out of scrub wishing you played for position instead of glory.
Greens are quick and firm, and if you’re not landing it in the right spots, you’ll be putting from one coast of the green to the other. But when you’re hitting it well, Portsea feels pure — beautiful land, great shaping, and a really strong back nine.
It’s not a bomber’s course — it’s smart golf, patience golf.
Get it right and you’ll absolutely love it.

Moonah Links Legends is still links golf, but it’s the thinking golfer’s version. It’s tighter, more intimate, and far more nuanced than the Open. You don’t get the same sense of vast exposure, but you get constant decisions — angles, shot shape, where to miss, and when to be aggressive.
There’s less room to just belt driver everywhere. Fairways pinch in, bunkers are more strategically placed, and the greens demand precision rather than survival. Miss in the wrong spot and you’re chipping from awkward lies, tight run-offs, or native scrub that makes you earn every up-and-down.
When the wind gets up, it’s still proper golf — but it feels fair. You can flight it, use the ground, and recover if you stay patient. It rewards good ball-striking and smart course management more than brute strength.
The scale is smaller, but the experience is richer. It’s a course you finish thinking about — replaying shots, second-guessing decisions, and wanting another crack straight away.
If the Open is a test of endurance, Legends is a test of judgment.

Heritage Henley is an awesome golf course — pure and simple. The layout is strong, the holes are memorable, and it’s a really enjoyable walk. It’s not trying to beat you up every hole, but it keeps you honest with smart bunkering, good green complexes, and just enough movement in the fairways to make you think.
It flows beautifully. You can get into a rhythm out there, hit a variety of shots, and feel like good golf is rewarded. It’s the kind of course where you look back after the round and realise how solid the design actually is — nothing gimmicky, just proper golf.
The only real downside is the distance from the clubhouse. Once you’re out on the Henley loop, you’re committed. Facilities are limited mid-round, so it feels a bit isolated compared to St John or other parts of Heritage. Not a deal-breaker, but something you notice — especially on hot days or longer rounds.
That said, if you’re there for the golf, Henley delivers. It’s a course people genuinely enjoy playing — and often enjoy more the second time around.

Settlers Run is Nicklaus golf through and through — wide fairways that look friendly, but the angles and green complexes make you actually think. If you’re on the wrong side of the fairway, your approach gets awkward fast. The bunkering is sharp, the greens have plenty of movement, and the layout has a really solid flow all the way around.
When it’s in good condition (which it usually is), it’s a quality round — playable for most, but still rewarding if you’re striking it well. The back nine has some proper scoring holes, but also a couple that can blow your card up if you switch off.
It’s not as brutal as the Sandbelt, but definitely not mindless resort golf either.
A strong 5-Star course — elite feel, strategic, always enjoyable to play. ⛳🔥

Ponderosa is your classic local club golf — simple layout, decent fairways, greens that roll fine, and a few fun holes to keep it interesting. Nothing flashy, nothing dramatic, just a relaxed round where the focus is more on the day out than the scorecard.
Good for a hit if you’re nearby — not a destination course, just easy, enjoyable golf. ⛳🙂

Seaview at Bintan Lagoon is holiday golf through and through. Wide fairways, palm trees everywhere, and those ocean holes are the money shots — proper postcard stuff. The layout is fun and playable, nothing too punishing, just a good enjoyable hit in a resort setting.
When the breeze comes in off the water it gets a little spicy, but that’s part of the fun.
Just relaxed island golf with views to match. ⛳🌴🌊

Black Bull is modern Murray golf done properly. Shape to the fairways, smart bunkering, and greens that actually make you think. It’s got that resort feel but still rewards good shots — you can go low here if you’re on, but it’ll bite you back quick if you get lazy.
Conditioning is usually spot on, the layout flows well, and the finishing stretch is quality.
Just a really solid course and easily one of the best hits on the Murray. ⛳️🔥

St John is classic resort golf in the Yarra Valley. Big wide fairways, big elevation changes, big greens — it’s the kind of course where you can open the shoulders and actually enjoy hitting driver. The scenery does half the work too, rolling hills and vineyards everywhere.
It’s not the tightest or most punishing layout, but that’s the appeal — it’s fun, playable, and always a good day out.
Just solid, enjoyable golf in a really nice setting. ⛳️🌿🍇

The Presidents Course at Tocumwal Golf & Bowls Club is a sharply crafted and very playable 18-hole layout that strikes a fantastic balance between challenge and enjoyment. Tree-lined fairways squeeze you into precise driving corridors, while the bunkering and green complexes demand thoughtful approach shots. Yet the scale and pace of the course make it accessible to mid-handicappers too. The conditioning is consistently good, the setting is relaxed but focused, and the rounds fly by without feeling overly stressful. If you’re heading to Tocumwal, this is the one to choose for a top-tier Aussie country-club golf experience.

Las Caras is desert golf with ocean views for days. Fairways cut through sand and cactus, then you look up and there’s the Sea of Cortez right there. It’s one of those courses where the setting does half the work — wide open landscapes, bright blue water, and that still, quiet vibe.
The layout’s pretty friendly off the tee, but the wind can absolutely flip the script if it kicks up. Greens roll fine, conditioning is solid, and it’s just a really enjoyable round in a pretty ridiculous location.
Not overcomplicated.
Not trying too hard. Just beautiful, relaxed golf by the ocean. ⛳🌵🌊

The Woodlands Course is classic Nicklaus golf — wide looking fairways that suddenly feel tight when you realise the angles actually matter. Jungle backdrop, rolling terrain, and a couple of proper strategic par 4s that make you think before you swing.
It’s not about ocean views here — it’s the shaping, bunkering, and decision-making that make the round fun. Greens rolled well, layout has variety, and it’s just a good, solid track to play while you’re on the island.
If Seaview is your relaxed holiday round, Woodlands is the one you actually try. ⛳🌿

RACV Torquay is resort golf with views. The course itself is open, playable, and forgiving off the tee, with big fairways and greens that are pretty friendly. The challenge comes from the wind off the coast — when it’s blowing, you’ll be hitting knock-downs and holding on.
Conditioning is usually solid, clubhouse and facilities are top tier, and the whole place has that relaxed surf-coast holiday feel. It’s not a brutal layout — it’s easy to enjoy, perfect for a weekend away, couple of drinks, stay on-site, roll straight to golf in the morning.
Great resort hit — smooth, comfortable, and fun. ⛳🌊🍹

Marina Bay was city golf done right. Proper links-style layout sitting right under the skyline, with the Singapore buildings glowing behind the greens. Wide fairways, big rolling bunkers, and that par-3 with the island green was the signature everyone talked about.
Not the hardest course in the world, but the setting made the round.
Sunset there was unreal.
Shame it’s gone — that one was a gem while it lasted. ⛳🌇

Mildura has come a long way since we first reviewed it back in 2012. The conditioning, the greens, the fairways — everything has lifted. The layout has always had potential, but now it’s actually starting to play like a proper Murray region course.
If they keep going the way they’re going, this could genuinely be the best course on the Murray.
Not quite there yet — but the upward trend is real.
Exciting times for Mildura. ⛳️🔥

Whistler is just mountain golf with pure vibes. Tree-lined fairways, big alpine backdrops, and that cool fresh air that makes every shot feel crisp. The layout isn’t trying to be tricky — it’s friendly off the tee, playable for everyone, but still rewards a proper strike.
It’s the kind of round where you’re as busy looking around as you are swinging a club — and that’s the charm.
Just a super enjoyable course in one of the nicest places you’ll ever play. ⛳🏔️🌲

Waterford is wide fairways, big greens, and that constant breeze that loves to ruin your confidence. Off the normal tees it’s a fun, open and playable round.
But off the blacks?
Different course.
From the back tees it’s long — seriously long — and suddenly every approach feels like you’re hitting hybrids into the wind. It goes from casual golf to “hold on boys, we’re in for a day” real quick.
Always in good condition it’s a really enjoyable track, just depends how brave you are with the tee boxes.
Choose the blacks at your own risk. ⛳🌬️💀

Keysie is just proper classic Melbourne golf. Tree-lined fairways, smart bunkering, and greens that reward you if you’re on the right level and absolutely punish you if you’re not. It doesn’t rely on views or gimmicks — it’s straight, honest, strategic golf.
When it’s in good condition (which is most of the year), it’s a seriously good test.
Not flashy, just quality golf where ball-striking actually matters.
One of those courses you never mind going back to. ⛳🌳

Yarrawonga’s Murray Course is the serious one. It’s longer, firmer, and asks more of you from tee to green than anything else on the property. There’s space off the tee, but the second shots are where the round is won or lost — angles matter, and the greens don’t give you much for free.

It’s a course that rewards patience. Try to force it and you’ll find trouble quickly, especially around the greens where run-offs, bunkers, and firm surfaces punish anything half-committed. When the wind comes into play, it feels like proper tournament golf — tough, but fair.

The routing is strong and the course builds nicely, with a back nine that asks real questions. Good shots feel earned, pars feel valuable, and when you string holes together, it’s deeply satisfying.

It’s not flashy or gimmicky — just solid, honest golf. The Murray is the benchmark at Yarrawonga, and the one you judge your trip by.

The Captains Course at Tocumwal Golf & Bowls Club offers a refreshing contrast to its sibling layout. While it may be slightly more forgiving than the Presidents Course, it still delivers a satisfying round full of character. Expect broader fairways and more water hazards mixed among the holes, which adds playability without sacrificing interest. The conditioning is solid, the layout flows well, and the setting remains that relaxing country-club vibe. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, less pressured round that still tests your game in the right ways, the Captains Course is an excellent choice.

Sandhurst Championship is a serious golf course. It’s longer, tighter, and far less forgiving than North, and it asks you to think your way around from the first tee to the last green. Position matters more than power, and sloppy shots get found out quickly.
Off the tee, it looks generous, but the angles tell the real story. Fairways narrow where it hurts most, bunkers are properly penal, and playing from the wrong side leaves you fighting just to hold greens. It’s a course that quietly builds pressure — nothing feels outrageous, but mistakes compound fast.
The greens are the real defence. Firm, well-protected, and demanding good approach play, they reward solid ball-striking and punish anything half-committed. When conditions firm up, it becomes a proper test — the kind where you’re fully switched on every hole.
It’s not a course that gives much away, and it’s not meant to. When you play well, it’s deeply satisfying. When you don’t, it can feel relentless. But that’s why it’s respected — it identifies good golf.
Championship might not be everyone’s favourite round, but it’s undeniably the club’s benchmark. A true test, built for players who want to see exactly where their game stands.

Gardiners Run is open, modern, and all about the wind. The fairways look wide, but the breeze and slopes mean if you’re not on the right side, your next shot gets awkward real quick. Greens are big and can be sneaky with their breaks, so putting actually matters here.
It’s a fun, playable course that still gives you something to think about, and when the sun’s out over the valley it’s a ripper spot for a day’s golf.
Always a solid round. ⛳🌬️🌿

Mowbray is Ricky Ponting’s home track, and when it’s in top condition you can see why locals love it. It’s classic Tassie parkland golf — big gums, rolling fairways and greens that are usually kept in really good nick. It’s not trying to be a showpiece course, but it’s solid, honest golf where hitting fairways and picking the right side of the green actually matters.
There aren’t huge “wow” moments like the coastal links tracks down south, but there’s a good rhythm to the layout and a couple of holes that reward proper shot shaping. The vibe is relaxed, the walk is good, and the clubhouse feels genuinely local — in a nice way.

Riverside is classic country golf along the river. Wide fairways, relaxed feel, and a layout that’s easy to enjoy. It’s not trying to be fancy — just straightforward, friendly golf with a couple of holes that really stand out when the water comes into play.
Conditioning can vary season to season, but when they’ve got it humming, it’s a really enjoyable hit.
Just good vibes, good pace, good day out. ⛳🌾🌳