Royal Pines vs. ???? New year options.

[BUSHY]

Heading down to the GC for a couple of days in early January before a few weeks in Brisbane. My wife has unwittingly booked us into Royal Pines (she wasn't aware it had a golf course at the time) because she's catching up with her friends for her birthday.
Is it the best golf option in that area? What are some "must do" courses on the GC?
Will probably play Pacific when I get to Brisbane as the in laws live in Carindale but keen to get one or two games in down the coast.

[Waddzy]

Heading down to the GC for a couple of days in early January before a few weeks in Brisbane. My wife has unwittingly booked us into Royal Pines (she wasn't aware it had a golf course at the time) because she's catching up with her friends for her birthday.
Is it the best golf option in that area? What are some "must do" courses on the GC?
Will probably play Pacific when I get to Brisbane as the in laws live in Carindale but keen to get one or two games in down the coast.

Plenty of resort style courses on the coast mate , Sanctuary cove is always a good hit and they run a 2 for 1 deal so turns into $75 a head at the moment. I am playing there in 2 weeks so I can let you know how it looks if you like.

Brookwater is usually on a lot of must do lists for golfers , I have only walked it a few times during the Queensland open but looks the goods. Is getting out there an option?

Otherwise there's Hope Island , The Glades , Colonial and Robina woods are all on the better end of courses and a lot closer to where you will be based.


I live on the coast too mate so if your interested and the dates suit I am keen for a hit somewhere.

[BUSHY]

Not sure where Brookwater is in relation to every thing but I'll have a car so everything is a possibility. Going to look deeper into it today.

[backintheswing]

It's nowhere near the Gold Coast, but a few of us are playing Pacific Harbour at Brisbie Island on the 2nd Jan.

[benno_r]

The best course on the Gold Coast is Brookwater, followed by Pacific Harbour.

[backintheswing]

The best course on the Gold Coast is Brookwater, followed by Pacific Harbour.

This rating might change after the 20th.

[benno_r]

This rating might change after the 20th.

http://www.planetgolf.com.au/index.php?id=400
(http://www.planetgolf.com.au/index.php?id=400)
Trees in the fairway? No chance!

Hopefully a hamburger ordered to the bunker on the 7th might fix that.

[BUSHY]

So far, Brookwater is probably a lock for when we are in Brisbane. With regards to Sanctuary Cove can you get on the Pines or is it definitely Members only? The Palms looks good so does Pacific Harbour. How do these rates against Royal Pines? If I can only play once will it be worth the drive out to Sanctuary Cove rather than have a hit where I am?

[AndyP]

I'd have Royal Pines ahead of both of the Sanctuary Cove courses.

[Waddzy]

So far, Brookwater is probably a lock for when we are in Brisbane. With regards to Sanctuary Cove can you get on the Pines or is it definitely Members only? The Palms looks good so does Pacific Harbour. How do these rates against Royal Pines? If I can only play once will it be worth the drive out to Sanctuary Cove rather than have a hit where I am?
Rare to get on the Pines unless booked for a decent function I believe. I would say SC is worth going out for but I don't know if you would enjoy it any more or less than Royal Pines as I havent played RP since last years champs when we played off the PGA tee's. If your having a hit at Brooky then you've certainly got the top quality golf sorted and I would say it might be best for you to simply organize a hit at Royal Pines for convenience given your staying there I am sure they can offer a good rate to add on a game.

[benno_r]

I would rate it the following around Brissy / Gold Coast (of tracks I have played):

1st: Brooky
2nd: Pac Harbour
3rd: Indooroopilly
4th: SC Pines (but wouldn't pay $140 for the privilege)
210th: SC Palms
987th: Northlakes

[golfbound]

The Glades is always fun

[BUSHY]

Wow why North Lakes so low? I played there last time and enjoyed it as a single in the middle of the week. In saying that I didn't actually think it was worth the drive from Carindale.

[golfbound]

not a fan of North Lakes either

[ZENNON]

I would rate it the following around Brissy / Gold Coast (of tracks I have played):

1st: Brooky
2nd: Pac Harbour
3rd: Indooroopilly
4th: SC Pines (but wouldn't pay $140 for the privilege)
210th: SC Palms
987th: Northlakes
Haha, didn't know there were than many golf courses in the region!

[benno_r]

Wow why North Lakes so low? I played there last time and enjoyed it as a single in the middle of the week. In saying that I didn't actually think it was worth the drive from Carindale.

I play golf anywhere and everywhere - the jungles of Malaysia to the basic old Canungra Army track. Everytime I walk off with a smile, glad that I was out playing golf.

Except Northlakes. Joint just sucks!

[Waddzy]

I play golf anywhere and everywhere - the jungles of Malaysia to the basic old Canungra Army track. Everytime I walk off with a smile, glad that I was out playing golf.

Except Northlakes. Joint just sucks!

Where do you rank Carrara gardens 12 hole course then? Surely in the 1000's :D.

[PeteyD]

I play golf anywhere and everywhere - the jungles of Malaysia to the basic old Canungra Army track. Everytime I walk off with a smile, glad that I was out playing golf.

Except Northlakes. Joint just sucks!
+100000000000

[benno_r]

Where do you rank Carrara gardens 12 hole course then? Surely in the 1000's :D.

I'll do the full list then (all actually played):
1st: Brooky
2nd: Pac Harbour
3rd: Indooroopilly
4th: SC Pines (but wouldn't pay $140 for the privilege)
5th: Arundel Hills
6th: Palm Meadows
7th: Tambourine Mountain
8th:Emerald Lakes
9th: Virginia
10th: Keperra
11th: Canungra Army
12th: GCCC
13th: Lakeside
14th: Carrara Gardens
15th-209th: Everything else
210th: SC Palms
211th-986th: Various Paddocks and council parks
987th: Northlakes

[BUSHY]

I play golf anywhere and everywhere - the jungles of Malaysia to the basic old Canungra Army track. Everytime I walk off with a smile, glad that I was out playing golf.

Except Northlakes. Joint just sucks!

Noted.
I think Royal Pines is definitely a go-er for the 7th. Now I think I have to pick between Palm Meadows, Lakelands, Colonial or the Glades based on their location to me. Is Palmer Gold Coast the old Robina Woods?

[Waddzy]

I'll do the full list then (all actually played):
1st: Brooky
2nd: Pac Harbour
3rd: Indooroopilly
4th: SC Pines (but wouldn't pay $140 for the privilege)
5th: Arundel Hills
6th: Palm Meadows
7th: Tambourine Mountain
8th:Emerald Lakes
9th: Virginia
10th: Keperra
11th: Canungra Army
12th: GCCC
13th: Lakeside
14th: Carrara Gardens
15th-209th: Everything else
210th: SC Palms
211th-986th: Various Paddocks and council parks
987th: Northlakes

Did you play my home track (GCCC) in its prime years or just liked it for the layout and didn't care about condition?

And Bushy if you play Brooky let me know if you don't mind someone joining you.

[benno_r]

Did you play my home track (GCCC) in its prime years or just liked it for the layout and didn't care about condition?

And Bushy if you play Brooky let me know if you don't mind someone joining you.

I played roughly 2008 when I was ultimate chopper, think I shot 115 or something like that. Condition wasn't in its prime but wasn't bad. Didn't mind a few holes at the start, and most of the holes north of the club house, but not overly memorable.

[BUSHY]

Did you play my home track (GCCC) in its prime years or just liked it for the layout and didn't care about condition?

And Bushy if you play Brooky let me know if you don't mind someone joining you.

No worries mate. Will do. It will probably be the second week of January once I'm back in Brisbane.

I think it is a must this trip, hopefully squeeze in Pacific Harbour as well. Google Maps puts it as an hour drive from the outlaws.

[golfbound]

Noted.
I think Royal Pines is definitely a go-er for the 7th. Now I think I have to pick between Palm Meadows, Lakelands, Colonial or the Glades based on their location to me. Is Palmer Gold Coast the old Robina Woods?

I would do Lakelands then the glades then Colonial ( Robina Woods is better than Colonial and just around the corner) with Palm meadows last

[Looney]

This rating might change after the 20th.

I hope it does but the grand is a course you either love or hate so it may not change

[jimandr]

I might make a more expansive comment after playing The Grand tomorrow, but I think Bushy's decision may come down to how much he values his money.

My understanding is that the super expensive Port Douglas course (can't think of the name) has a lot in common with some of the Gold Coast resort courses. If paying big bucks doesn't worry him, he might enjoy them. If value for money is important, we might direct him to other options.

[Courty]

Now I think I have to pick between Palm Meadows, Lakelands, Colonial or the Glades based on their location to me. Is Palmer Gold Coast the old Robina Woods?

I think Palmer Gold Coast is the old Colonial?

Of that list, I'd play Lakelands, Glades, Palm Meadows, daylight, (Palmer) Colonial in that order or preference.


My understanding is that the super expensive Port Douglas course (can't think of the name) has a lot in common with some of the Gold Coast resort courses. If paying big bucks doesn't worry him, he might enjoy them. If value for money is important, we might direct him to other options.

I can only assume you are talking about the Sheraton Mirage course? Over-priced dog turd.

[BUSHY]

I hope you're talking about Palmer Sea Reef (formerly Sea Temple). Because Mirage is as Courty says. TURD!
I don't mind paying the fee asked at Lakelands, Royal Pines isn't going to be much cheaper as a guest. It's not like I'm doing it on a weekly basis.

[Ron Burgundy]

I assumed he meant Sea Temple. Mirage is rubbish. Any of the courses on the mentioned so far are much better. Even colonial and North Lakes. And Brookwater would be worth the drive but it's not on the Gold Coast. There are lots of options within 15 min of Royal Pines.

[BUSHY]

Whoops double post.

[AndyP]

Palmer Gold Coast is the Robina Woods course. It is very good.
Palmer Colonial was Colonial and before that Paradise Springs. It is meh.
Palmer, Clive is a fat and rich "politician".

[aussieashley]

Personally, I like The Glades and Robina Woods. I've never played Lakelands but I've only heard good things about it too.

[3Puttpete]

Was the 2013 QLD champs fri-mon order royal pines, glades, palm meadows, lakelands?

If so, I'd go royal pines (the 18 we played, not over the road), lakelands, palm meadows, the glades.

[3Puttpete]

I'll do the full list then (all actually played):
1st: Brooky
2nd: Pac Harbour
3rd: Indooroopilly
4th: SC Pines (but wouldn't pay $140 for the privilege)
5th: Arundel Hills
6th: Palm Meadows
7th: Tambourine Mountain
8th:Emerald Lakes
9th: Virginia
10th: Keperra
11th: Canungra Army
12th: GCCC
13th: Lakeside
14th: Carrara Gardens
15th-209th: Everything else
210th: SC Palms
211th-986th: Various Paddocks and council parks
987th: Northlakes

Nudgee 15th. Nice.

[BUSHY]

Ok, Royal Pines is in and now just deciding between Lakelands and the Glades. Looks like Lakelands is leading. One question though... My wife's mate is bringing her husband, he isn't a golfer. Are there any restrictions at these clubs with regards to having a GA handicap? It doesn't appear so...

[Daves]

I wouldn't think so. Why would they care? they are just happy to take any golfer's dollars.

At the moment I would think Lakelands is in the better condition by a fair margin.

[BUSHY]

I wouldn't think so. Why would they care? they are just happy to take any golfer's dollars.

At the moment I would think Lakelands is in the better condition by a fair margin.

Thats good, I've read alot about the condition of Lakelands always being very good since it opened. He's not going to be fussed but he will play wherever..

So far;

5th>> Royal Pines
6th>> Lakekands
7th>> Links Hope Island


??12th-16th??>> Brookwater & Pacific Harbour. (Tentative)

FIL has a good mate that is a member at Brookwater, there is a chance we will be there a couple of times over the course of the two weeks. Reviews for Pacific Harbour are very good for the price, we're hoping to get out there but three games across my wife's birthday on the Coast might mean Pacific Harbour gets the chop for Pacific down the road.

If anyone gets to these courses before the first week of Jan please let us know what they're playing like.
Could be some bulk high quality golf courses getting a good run this holiday.

[markTHEblake]

Ok, Royal Pines is in and now just deciding between Lakelands and the Glades. Looks like Lakelands is leading. One question though... My wife's mate is bringing her husband, he isn't a golfer. Are there any restrictions at these clubs with regards to having a GA handicap? It doesn't appear so...

Toss a coin, but if playing Lakelands play off the back tees (or 2nd from back). Its a doddle if you play it off the white and you will walk away wondering why you bothered.
Glades is a very good course relative to its location, but condition varies. I played lakelands in October and it was mint.

If your mate pays, he can play. no restrictions here.

[BUSHY]

Toss a coin, but if playing Lakelands play off the back tees (or 2nd from back). Its a doddle if you play it off the white and you will walk away wondering why you bothered.
Glades is a very good course relative to its location, but condition varies. I played lakelands in October and it was mint.

If your mate pays, he can play. no restrictions here.

Cheers MTB. Can't wait to be honest.

[markTHEblake]

there are no must do courses here though.

DONT ever play SC Palms. You will want to punch anyone that told you to play there.
Murwillumbah is the sleeper, but its a bit far out for you. about 40mins drive.

Royal Pines may stack up Ok as you will be playing the new holes.

[PeteyD]

there are no must do courses here though.

DONT ever play SC Palms. You will want to punch anyone that told you to play there.
Murwillumbah is the sleeper, but its a bit far out for you. about 40mins drive.

Royal Pines may stack up Ok as you will be playing the new holes.

This.

[BUSHY]

Hmmmm, after planning a game at Links Hope Island I've just found that the course is getting renovated on the 5th of Jan. I'm going to have to find out how much is being done. The rate hasn't changed much though, $110.

[markTHEblake]

Mate of mine lives there, remind me later and I can ask him, He goes for a jog around the course almost everyday. ( not on the course, the residents have foot/cycle paths around the place)

[yoyo]

I just played there a few days ago, hard to believe they're doing 'renovations'?!?? The course is in pristine nick.

[BUSHY]

Perfect timing I guess. I don't think I'll be shelling out $110 for that.

[BUSHY]

I might give them a call just to check. But you don't close the course for a whole day if it's minor Reno's.

[MAZA68]

ISG have some good rates for the Glades (around $69), personally wouldn't waste $110 on Links Hope Island, Palmer Gold Coast (Robina Woods) is a another good option and a different layout to the resort type options around the Coast.
With the bit a rain around this week the courses will be looking nice early Jan.

[BUSHY]

I've got the Gold Coast sorted, what about some Brisbane courses? Can you get on RQ for less than the $220 mentioned on the net (worth it???), also is it worth trying to hit up Brisbane GC? Thanks for the help so far.

[Steve57]

I've got the Gold Coast sorted, what about some Brisbane courses? Can you get on RQ for less than the $220 mentioned on the net (worth it???), also is it worth trying to hit up Brisbane GC? Thanks for the help so far.

Marto is a member at Brisbane. Shoot him a PM.

[yoyo]

RQ is not worth it.

[sms316]

RQ is not worth it.
No good? What courses are better in SEQ?

[yoyo]

Brookwater

[PeteyD]

Seriously? nah.

[yoyo]

What's good about RQ? For their price and how much they rate themselves I want a wristy at the turn and a full service at the 19th.

[yoyo]

Brookwater is rated the hardest course in the state, if you had the opportunity to play it, not being from around here, why wouldn't you take up the challenge ?

[PeteyD]

Agreed on the price for RQ. Bit rich, but it is a great course.

Hills International is probably harder, rates 76 scratch against a 75 (I know the slope is lower) and I would not recommend anyone play there.

[Daves]

Imo you play Brookwater for the Augusta like vistas and the conditioning, not its hardness. Playing off the back tees is folly anyway, even the Pros struggle of the blacks. RQ is a totally different style of course, much more subtle, lots of strategy options and better greens. I would happily play RQ off any of the Tees and still enjoy it, that is the difference. Price is an issue for RQ, but it is quite reasonable if you can get a member invite.

[yoyo]

yeh i must get out to Hills one day, bloody long way though...

[PeteyD]

Bloody long way for a bloody long course!

[sms316]

What's good about RQ? For their price and how much they rate themselves I want a wristy at the turn and a full service at the 19th. Apart from the green complexes and options on every hole? Yeah, probably not much. Brookwater is a shitheap IMO. Just a dull grind.

[markTHEblake]

Bloody long way for a bloody long course! Bloody long way to shoot 90 too

[gazgolf1]

Brookwater is a shitheap IMO. Just a dull grind.

+1 Brookwater = Not fun.

[Hatchman]

+1 Brookwater = Not fun.

I thought it was great.

[MAZA68]

yeh i must get out to Hills one day, bloody long way though...

40 minutes from Brisbane, its a long course when its soft but most of the time it is dry and there is plenty of run.

[yoyo]

Good point

[Shreko]

Bloody long way for a bloody long course!

I am a member there and last month it was the longest I have ever seen it set up, all pins were as far back on the greens and every tee was at its maximum distance, it would, do normally be 6900 mas but it felt 7100. All bar 1 par 3 were over 220mt, :lol:

[Shreko]

I thought it was great.

I actually rate Brookwater now that most of the bush undergrowth has been cleared, before this your ball would just disappear into the nether and you would reload from where u stood

[yoyo]

I assume they're still enforcing their hit provisional/ take immediate drop rule though?