From Melbourne’s Strategic Masterpieces to Tasmania’s Elemental Links

The foundation of this journey was shaped in New Zealand, where a small group recently experienced some of the world’s most celebrated Top 100 courses across both islands. What stood out was not only the quality of the golf, but how naturally everything came together—private air transfers, remarkable scenery, and a pace that allowed each day to feel complete without ever feeling rushed. That same approach now defines the next chapter: a carefully designed golf journey through Australia in March 2027, hosted by Robert Sexton.

The experience begins in Melbourne’s Sandbelt, widely regarded as one of the purest expressions of golf architecture in the world. At its center is Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), designed by Alister MacKenzie, whose work also includes Augusta National and Cypress Point. The West Course is defined by strategic bunkering, firm playing conditions, and an emphasis on angles rather than power—qualities that reward thoughtful decision-making throughout the round. Nearby, Kingston Heath Golf Club reinforces this philosophy with its understated design and exceptional green complexes, creating a pairing that sets the tone for the entire journey.

From Melbourne, the itinerary shifts to the remote and dramatic coastline of King Island, where Cape Wickham Golf Links emerges as one of the most visually striking courses in the world. Designed by Mike DeVries and Darius Oliver, the course sits fully exposed to the elements, where wind, terrain, and ocean views define every shot. The experience here feels raw and immediate—a reminder that golf, at its best, is shaped by nature rather than controlled by it.

That same philosophy continues in Tasmania at Barnbougle Dunes, designed by Tom Doak, and Barnbougle Lost Farm, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. These courses represent a modern interpretation of traditional links golf—firm, fast, and deeply connected to the land. The ground game becomes essential, and creativity replaces predictability. Each round feels slightly different depending on the wind and conditions, reinforcing the idea that great golf is not about consistency alone, but adaptability.

The journey concludes in Sydney at New South Wales Golf Club, a course consistently ranked among the finest in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, the layout combines strategic design with expansive ocean views, creating a setting that feels both refined and relaxed. It provides a fitting finish—bringing together architectural excellence and coastal beauty in a way that reflects the entire journey.

Travel between these regions is as considered as the golf itself. Private air connections ensure smooth transitions, allowing the experience to maintain its rhythm without unnecessary disruption. The focus remains where it should be—on the courses, the landscapes, and the shared moments between them.

Beyond the fairways, the journey is deliberately layered. A day in the Yarra Valley introduces Australia’s wine culture, while evenings unfold over exceptional food and conversation. The structure allows space—not only to play, but to experience each destination fully, without feeling rushed.

This is not simply a sequence of great courses. It is a carefully paced journey across some of the most distinctive golf landscapes in the world—where architecture, environment, and experience come together with clarity and intent.

Experience Australia’s most compelling championship courses through a thoughtfully designed journey with Elite Golf Experiences.