Great Golf Destinations On The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is one of Queensland's most popular tourist destinations, with its beautiful beaches and clean safe environment. With a population of more than 400,000 people, it is now the 6th largest city in Australia.

Golf packages are particularly popular for those with the obsession AND the funds to be able to enjoy them. However, even if you are not a golf fan, you'll still be guaranteed a magnificent holiday on the Gold Coast.

Here are my 3 recommendations for great Golf destinations on the QLD Gold Coast:

1. Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Golf Courses

The Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Resort boasts of two excellent championship golf courses as well as a golf academy for both beginners and experienced golfers who want to hone their skills.

The Palms golf course is a par 71 (rating 69) and is measured at 5,663 meters. Fred Bolton made the design. The 18 holes traverse through cabbage palms, water hazards and even a few kangaroos lounging under the sun.

Touring professional Ian Baker-Finch is the resident pro of the Palms world-class golf course.

Meanwhile, the Pines championship course was designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer.

This par-72 course (rating 76) spans 6,694 meters and has been rated by the Australian Golf Union as the toughest course in the country.

The course is exclusive to Hyatt guests and country club members and, on Saturdays, it is restricted to handicap players. The driving range is open on certain evenings only.

About the venue: The Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove sits on 1,000 acres in the heart of Sanctuary Cove. It is renowned for The Great House, an exclusive enclave that boasts of colonial architecture and luxurious accommodations. The venue also has its own world-class shopping center and a host of restaurants as well as a 330-berth marina.

Venue awards

The Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove has won the following awards and distinctions:

• "Winner - Sanctuary Cove Boat Show" from Brisbane Tourism Awards 2001
• "International Environmental Award" from Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, 2000
• and "Winner - Deluxe Accommodation - 4 to 5 Stars" from Queensland Tourism Awards, 1997.

2. Royal Pines Resort golf courses

The Royal Pines Resort has two outstanding golf facilities - the East Course and the West Course.

As the traditional venue of the Australian Ladies Masters, the East Course has long been regarded as of one of the best courses in Australia.

It has been a popular setting for some of the greatest woman golfers in the country and in the world, and home to historic battles.

The West Course consists of a floodlit driving range and a 27-hole floodlit putting course.

The Golf Academy has a wide range of programs for both gold neophytes and experienced players, including one-day workshops to full-time training.

There are many color GPS golf carts available.

About the venue: The Royal Pines Resort is one of the largest in Queensland and features a 330-room luxury hotel that boasts of a health club, four restaurants, a boutique Day Spa and indoor and outdoor pools.

Venue awards

The Royal Pines Resort has won the following awards and distinctions:

• "Winner of 4 - Hotel, Fine Dining, Function & Convention Centre Catering" from the Restaurant & Caterers Awards, 2003
• "Hall of Fame" from Queensland Tourism Awards, 2000
• "Winner - Meetings Industry" from Queensland Tourism Awards, 1999.

3. Lakelands and Palm Meadows Golf Courses

The 18-hole championship Lakelands golf course is the first golf course designed by legendary player Jack Nicklaus in Australia. It sits right beside the Palm Meadows golf course.

Facilities include a floodlit driving range, pitch and putt green and a pro shop.

About the venue: The Radisson Resort Gold Coast is a serene venue that is just 10 minutes away from the exquisite beaches of the Gold Coast and a host of dining, drinking, shopping and entertainment options.

In Closing...

Of course, if Golf isn't your thing, but you still want to holiday on the gold coast in luxury, check out my favourite Gold Coast hotels here.

And, if a luxury hotel is not quite your speed, you might consider an apartment instead. I've reviewed what I consider to be the 8 best luxury apartments available on the gold coast. Read my reviews here:

Apartments in Gold Coast