There are more than 200 courses spread across the state, from picturesque greens around Perth to moving hazards such echidnas on outback courses.
Golfing in the state is unlike anywhere else: there are more than 200 courses spread across the state, from picturesque greens around Perth to moving hazards such echidnas, camels and kookaburras on outback courses. Here is your introduction to golf in the state, including several courses with an outback twist…
THE GOLF COAST
Golfers are spoilt for choice in the Peel region, otherwise known as the Golf Coast. Choose between the Kennedy Bay course, Secret Harbour Golf Links, or the Meadow Springs Country Club, which is rated one of the top ten resort courses in Australia. Beware of the winds, however: they can ruin your shots.
FURTHER AFIELD
Bunkers and water hazards? Meh. There's loads of fun to be had in the Goldfields, with five outback courses open to the public. Try the 'obstacles' on the Nullarbor Links Golf Course, which include kangaroos, emus and bushes. The 18-hole, par 72 course stretches across 1365km of landscape from Kalgoorlie to Ceduna in South Australia. The course is the world's longest, and one you should put down on your golfing bucket list. If you're looking for a grassy fairway… there aren't any. What you will find is some of the most magnificent scenery in the Australia, so pack your camera too. Further north there are about 40 courses, so you can take your pick (try Derby's grassy oasis and avoid hitting the boab trees!). If it's views you're after, you won't find better views of Broome than from the highest point of the 18-hole, par 72 golf course at Broome Golf Club. The weather is intermittent in the wet season, but thankfully the course is quite sheltered and flat so you won't be too affected by wind (unless there's a cyclone). Down south there are more than 30 public golf courses to choose from, extending all the way down to the Great Southern, and wrapping around Esperance in the Golden Outback (there are 12 public courses near Esperance alone!). The Margaret River Golf Club has been around since the 50s; the cleared bushland is a 6092m, par 72 course, however the native flora lining the fairway remains virtually unchanged. While there aren't many bunkers on the course you'll be challenged by the various water hazards, mostly on the front nine holes. If you aren't a member you'll need to book, and there's gear available for hire. All Seasons Sanctuary Golf Resort in Bunbury is also an awesome spot for a swing. The 18-hole course has plenty of obstacles, including large water hazards where you'll get to spot native birdlife as well. Spring or autumn are the best times to play the course, ideally well before or after any heavy rain because the fairways can get swampy and tend to hold in moisture. The the resort also has a range of spa packages, ideal for the non-golfer.
CLOSE TO PERTH
Perth and surrounds has some fantastic courses open to the public. Here are the front nine…
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Araluen Golf Resort (08) 9397 9033 | araluencc.com.au
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Carramar Golf Course (08) 9306 1133 | carramargolf.com.au
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Collier Park Golf Course (08) 9484 1666 | collierparkgolf.com.au
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Joondalup Golf Resort (08) 9400 8811 | joondalupresort.com.au
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Point Walter Golf Course (08) 9330 3262 | pointwaltergolf.com.au
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Sun City Country Club (08) 9561 1148 | suncitycountryclub.com.au
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The Vines Resort (08) 9297 0777 | thevines.com.au
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Wembley Golf Complex (08) 9484 2500 | wembleygolf.com.au
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Whaleback Public Golf Course (08) 9457 8999 | whalebackgolf.com.au
For details on more courses, see www.publicaccessgolf.com.au and search Western Australia. WA also has some of the country's finest private courses; many are open to 'green fee' players. Check with clubs directly, or see wagolf.com.au for details.