Australia is a land of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and world-class golf courses. Whether you are looking for a challenging test of your skills, a relaxing escape from the city, or a luxurious experience with exclusive amenities, there definitely are golf courses in Australia that will suit your needs and budget.
However, if you are looking for the ultimate golfing experience, you might want to check out some of the most expensive and prestigious golf courses in Australia. These are the courses that cater to the rich and famous, offering unparalleled service, quality, and privacy. Here are some of the best golf courses in Australia for the rich:
Ellerston Golf Course
Ellerston Golf Course is one of the most private and exclusive golf courses in Australia. It was built by media mogul Kerry Packer on his 27,000-acre property in the Upper Hunter Valley. The course was designed by Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, and is considered one of their finest creations. It features dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and challenging holes.
Ellerston Golf Course is not open to the public, and only a select few have been invited to play there. According to Golf Digest, the annual subscription fee for Ellerston is $100,000. However, even if you have that kind of money, you still need to be invited by one of the members or by the Packer family.
Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club
Located on the Gold Coast, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club is home to two championship courses: The Pines and The Palms. The Pines is the only Arnold Palmer signature course in Australia, and is rated as one of the most difficult courses in the country. The Palms is a resort-style course that was redesigned by Ross Watson in 2011, featuring undulating fairways, water hazards, and bunkers.
Sanctuary Cove is more than just a golf club, it is a lifestyle destination. It offers first-class residences, a world-class marina, signature events, and a thriving retail and dining precinct1. Membership at Sanctuary Cove is by invitation only, and comes with a hefty price tag. According to Golf Digest, the joining fee for The Pines course is $45,000, while the annual subscription fee is $6,600.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Royal Melbourne Golf Club is the oldest and most prestigious golf club in Australia. It has hosted the Presidents Cup three times, as well as numerous Australian Opens and other major tournaments. It boasts two 18-hole courses: the West Course and the East Course. Both courses were designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, and are ranked among the best in the world.
Royal Melbourne is known for its fast and firm greens, strategic bunkering, and natural beauty. The West Course is widely regarded as MacKenzie’s masterpiece, featuring some of his most iconic holes. The East Course is slightly shorter and more forgiving, but still offers plenty of challenge and variety.
Membership at Royal Melbourne is highly exclusive and competitive. According to Golf Digest, the joining fee for both courses is $25,000, while the annual subscription fee is $5,500. However, money alone is not enough to secure a spot at this prestigious club. Applicants must also be nominated by two existing members, pass an interview process, and wait for several years on a waiting list.
OTHER GOLF COURSES IN AUTRALIA FOR THE RICH
Other golf courses in Australia that one can consider include:
- The National Golf Club: This is a private golf club that has four 18-hole courses on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. The courses are Gunnamatta, Old, Moonah, and Long Island. Each course has its own unique character and design, offering a variety of golfing experiences. The Gunnamatta course is the newest and most acclaimed of the four, designed by Tom Doak and ranked as the eighth best course in Australia by Golf Australia. The National Golf Club is known for its spectacular scenery, superb conditioning, and exclusive membership. According to Golf Digest, the joining fee for The National is $25,000, while the annual subscription fee is $5,500.
- Hamilton Island Golf Club: This is a resort-style golf club that is located on Dent Island, near Hamilton Island in Queensland. The course was designed by Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett, and is the only 18-hole championship course in Australia that is situated on its own island. The course offers stunning views of the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Islands, as well as challenging holes that test your skills and strategy. Hamilton Island Golf Club is part of the Hamilton Island Resort, which offers luxury accommodation, dining, and activities for its guests. According to Golf Digest, the green fee for Hamilton Island is $150 for resort guests and $240 for non-resort guests. However, you also need to factor in the cost of travelling to and staying at Hamilton Island, which can be quite expensive.
HOW TO GET INVITED TO PLAY IN THESE EXCLUSIVE GOLF COURSES IN AUTRALIA
Getting invited to play at these exclusive clubs is not easy. You need to have a lot of money and connections, as well as a passion for golf. Here are some possible ways to get invited:
- Become a member of another prestigious golf club that has reciprocal arrangements with these clubs. For example, Royal Melbourne has reciprocal arrangements with some of the top golf clubs in the world, such as Augusta National, Pine Valley, and Muirfield. However, getting into these clubs is also very difficult and expensive.
- Become friends with someone who is already a member of these clubs, and ask them to invite you as a guest. However, you need to be careful not to offend or annoy them, as they might revoke your invitation or charge you a hefty fee.
- Become famous or influential in your field, and attract the attention of these clubs or their members. For example, celebrities, politicians, athletes, and business leaders might get invited to play at these clubs as a way of promoting their brand or building relationships.
- Become a professional golfer or a golf journalist, and get access to these clubs as part of your job. However, you need to have exceptional skills or credentials, as well as respect the rules and etiquette of these clubs.
- Become a philanthropist or a donor, and support the causes or charities that these clubs or their members are involved in. For example, you might donate money or equipment to the golf programs or foundations that these clubs support. However, you need to be genuine and generous, as well as discreet about your intentions.
THE BEST TIME TO PLAY GOLF IN AUTRALIA
The best time to play golf in Australia depends on which parts of the country you intend to visit, as the climate and weather vary across different regions. According to the web search results, here are some general guidelines for the best golf season in Australia:
- If you are coming to Victoria (Melbourne Sandbelt and Mornington Peninsula) or NSW (Sydney), then September to May is the best time. These areas have a temperate climate and offer some of the most prestigious and scenic golf courses in the country, such as Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, and New South Wales.
- If your trip is in the northern state of Queensland (Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast and Tropical North Queensland), then May to September is best. These areas have a tropical climate and can be very warm and rainy outside of these months. However, they also offer some of the most resort-style and picturesque golf courses in the country, such as Hamilton Island, Sanctuary Cove, and Brookwater.
- If you are looking for a more challenging and adventurous golf experience, you might want to check out some of the courses in Western Australia or Tasmania. These areas have a more variable climate and can be windy and cold in winter, but they also offer some of the most unique and spectacular golf courses in the country, such as Joondalup, Sea View, Barnbougle Dunes, and Cape Wickham.
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Conclusion
These are just some of the best golf courses in Australia for the rich. There are many other expensive and exclusive golf courses in Australia that offer amazing golfing experiences. However, if you want to play at these courses, you need to have a lot of money and connections. Alternatively, you can try to find some cheaper and more accessible golf courses that still offer great quality and fun. Happy golfing!
