Golf on the Sunshine Coast | Where to Stay & Play

When Aussie golfers start throwing around ideas for their next annual golfing long weekend away, places like the Gold Coast, Tasmania’s Barnbougle Dunes, Victoria’s Sandbelt or the Mornington Peninsula are generally at the forefront on most minds. On the ‘must have’ list in terms of the right locale include easy access by air, high quality golf courses, comfortable accommodation and a vibrant nightlife.

After you filter through some of the usual suspects, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast should be rearing its head with a silent confidence. And after all, everyone loves an underdog right? In our opinion the Sunny Coast (as the locals call it) is definitely the dark horse in the golf trip destination race and ticks all the usual boxes. Add to this it’s consistent warm sunny weather and some of Australia’s best beach spots in its arsenal such as Noosa, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba, you really can’t go wrong.

The Sunshine Coast is just a few hours’ drive north of Brisbane- if you plan to fly into there. Alternatively, the local domestic airport at Maroochydore (Marcoola actually) will have you hitting the ground running without a minute to waste. Either way, both options are really easy. Depending on your group size, the amount of time you have and where you stay and play, a hire car is very handy and highly recommended.

Ok, let’s talk golf.

There’s an array of Queensland’s top-rated golf courses on offer here and the best way to perhaps plan would be to segregate them into three broad regions of the coast- the North Coast (Noosa & Coolum), Central Coast (Maroochydore & Surrounds) and the South Coast (Mooloolaba & Pelican Waters). Each area has high quality golf and if you have your own car, all are pretty accessible. Choosing which are the best Sunshine Golf Courses can be a tad overwhelming, but relax…..let’s take a look at your options.

North Coast (Noosa and Coolum)

Noosa Springs Golf Course

Regarded as one of the country’s best resort layouts. Designed by golf course architect Graham Papworth, Noosa Springs provides golfers of all skill levels a demanding and fun experience.

The course is lined by black wood forests, melaleuca and tropical rainforest and is expertly curated that ensures it keeps its fine reputation intact year in year out. The course is a 6,180-metre par 72.

Accommodation and the resort’s facilities are excellent and it’s only a short trip to the restaurant and bars of well known Hastings Street Noosa. We have all inclusive golf packages available that include this resort.

Palmer Coolum Resort

Designed by none other than Robert Trent Jones Jnr and with arguably the best backdrop of all the Sunshine Coast golf courses, Mt Coolum. The Palmer Coolum Resort can boast having some of the world’s best players visit and play this magnificent 6137 metre including our very own Jason Day and Adam Scott.

Expect a great round of golf on this high-quality championship course. Perfectly presented and an enjoyable challenge.

Mount Coolum Resort

Palmer Coolum’s neighbour, Mt Coolum is a pleasure to play every step of the way. The course features pristine Bermuda greens combined with Green Lees Park couch fairways. The layout overall is relatively flat so generally your lies are quite friendly however you do have a total of twelve holes with water in play! Signature holes of Mount Coolum include ‘Amen’s Corner’ where two par fives and a par three weave around stunning water hazards.

Peregian Springs Golf Course

One of the region’s top public access course and in very close proximity to Noosa (12 mins) and Coolum (7 mins). Don’t let the ‘public access’ and more relaxed regulations deter you, Peregian Springs holds its own and is a highly ranked park-land style layout. Course metrics: 18 holes, 6,036 metres, par 72.

Central Coast (Maroochydore & Surrounds)

Maroochy River Golf Club

Since opening in 2015 the Maroochy River Golf Club has able to earn itself a solid reputation amongst its peers in a very short period of time. The Graham Marsh designed course is one of his more recent masterpieces and has been thoughtfully planned as it seamlessly blends into its surrounds. It is characterised by its wide fairways, accommodating greens and lumpy fairways. Ranked in both Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses and Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses the layout is an 18 hole, 6,440 metre, par 72 golfers paradise.

Twin Waters Golf Club

Bring your a-game but look forward to a memorable challenge. Peter Thomson’s work on this magnificent Sunshine Coast golf course is stunning at every turn and is lined by native bushland and natural waterways. Quite flat, spacious fairways and pot bunkers are also strong theme here. Be warned though, some bunkers will test the best!

South Coast (Mooloolaba & Pelican Waters)

Headland Golf Club

Only a short drive from Mooloolaba beach, the Headland Golf Club is an almost vintage style designed course that welcomes players with its charm and jaw dropping views of the coastline. It’s also enjoyed some success with its two Queensland Golf Club of the year awards. Course metrics: 18 holes, 6,086 metres, par 72.

Pelican Waters Golf Club

Rated as the Sunshine Coast’s best course in 2019 by Golf Australia and consistently ranking in the top echelon of Queensland’s best courses, Pelican Waters is worth the trip further south if you have the time. This Greg Norman designed course enjoys some sights of the Glasshouse Mountains as it winds its way through the stunning scenery of Golden Beach. The course is a link style layout lined with thick Melaleuca, some waterways and near perfect fairways and greens. Course length 6,359 metres.

So that’s our run down of the Sunshine Coast’s best golf courses. Whatever you choose, they’re all of high quality and the region makes for a perfect location for that golf getaway with friends, family or corporate retreat.

We’ve taken the hard work out of all the planning and preparation with our pre-built travel packages. Alternatively, we can fully customise an itinerary for you. So feel free to get in touch and let us help you get there.

Mates’ Escapes