Queensland is known for its pristine beaches, year-round tropical weather,
laid-back coastal lifestyle and fresh seafood dining. The secret lies in its undiscovered golf courses situated in the state’s top vacation destinations—The Whitsundays, Cairns and Port Douglas—that are well worth the pilgrimage Down Under.
The fi rst of the trio is Hamilton Island Golf Course, the only layout in Australia built on its own island. The experience begins nestled amongst Aus- tralia’s northeast Whitsunday Islands. A launch takes golfers from Hamilton Island marina on a short ride to neigh- boring Dent Island where the clubhouse awaits; perched on the hillside with views of Passage Peak and the azure Coral Sea, it is a fi tting locale to relax before the round for lunch or after for sunset cocktails. Just shy of 6,700 yards, Hamilton Island Golf Course is as challenging as it is spectacular. The championship layout opened two years ago, with holes positioned on ridges to take advantage of omnipresent ocean views, while penalizing dense vegetation guards the rough line. The Peter Thompson design (fi ve-time British Open champion) de- mands both accuracy and understanding of the coastal breezes. The 4th hole forms the fi rst of a set
of superbly designed par 3s. A demand- ing 191 yards from the back tee, the downhill tee shot plays across a valley to
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Pgs 44-45 Hamilton Island Golf Course
1 Paradise Palms Country Club 2 Hamilton Island Golf Course 3 Qualia Resort
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME
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