Tee off at these golf courses on the Sunshine Coast

How does playing on the only championship quality course in Noosa sound? The golfing haven in Noosa Springs ranked 35th best course in Australia is conveniently within walking distance of the bustling Hastings Street should you be tempted by a pre- or post-golf bite to eat by the beachside.

The course itself is nothing short of picturesque - 18 holes which navigate their way through rainforest and along lakes, with views of historic Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park. There are a variety of options to choose from with the golf course on the Sunshine Coast designed to be welcoming of all ages and skill levels. That’s not to say it won’t be a challenge, with 12 of the holes featuring water in some way. After a day spent on the green, relax with a massage at the much-revered spa also on site.

Pelican Waters Golf Club

Welcome to Greg Norman’s first course on the Sunshine Coast, and widely considered his finest design. The green also happens to be rated 25th best public access course in the country and best in the region. But the best part may well be that it’s a possible day trip if you’re so inclined - Pelican Waters Golf Club sits at Golden Beach near Caloundra, an easy hour up the highway from Brisbane.

Another 18-hole adventure to be had, laid out in two loops of nine, the course sits on relatively flat land. Though plenty of  challenges to your skillset still abound with a handful of creeks and nearly 100 bunkers interwoven throughout the course. Those without accurate aim be warned - this is a place to bring a few spare golf balls.

Twin Waters Golf Club

Play a round on the home course of 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott, who grew up nearby and used Twin Waters Golf Club as his training ground. He still rates the resort-style golf course highly and he’s not alone - it’s considered one of the top six resort courses in the world.

Neighbouring Mudjimba Beach, the 18-hole, par 72 championship course was designed by five times British Open champion Peter Thomson and partner Mike Wolveridge. Though you can forget about the green and focus on your drive instead - Twin Waters boasts one of only a few aquatic driving ranges in Queensland, a place to allow for practise in hitting the ball when faced with a body of water. Just keep an eye out for the kangaroos that frequent the immaculate green.

Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range

Found yourself with the whole family in tow? Make way for the rather more casual Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range in Peregian Springs where refreshingly relaxed dress regulations will greet you. The facility was actually designed by Phil Scott, the father of champion Adam Scott.

Easygoing fun is the focus here - open seven days a week, the parkland-style course boasts 18 holes as well as a driving range and welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Here to learn? Join in on one of the personalised coaching sessions to work on that swing.

Palmer Coolum Resort

You’ll find ‘bigger is better’ to be the mantra at Palmer Coolum Resort, where one third of the entire resort property is occupied by the golf course.

This is a course with serious golfers in mind - it’s been the host of the Australian PGA Championships since 2002 after all. And impressively rather exclusively designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr,  the man responsible for the design of only five other layouts nation-wide. The 18-hole green hosts a mix of contrasting landscapes with link-like holes scattered along the beach, with another handful back in bushland, mingling with groves of native melaleuca and eucalyptus.

Featured image: @noosasprings