GOLD COAST
The Pines Sanctuary Cove
As the only Arnold Palmer signature course in Australia, The Pines holds a special significance. With an Australian Golf Union rating of  76 and having been the site of two SKINS tournaments, the quality of the course speaks for itself. If it's good enough to attract players of the calibre of Adam Scott, John Daly, Laura Davies, Tom Watson and Peter Senior, it's good enough for anyone. Add to this the rare native birds and kangaroos in the area and we're talking about a pretty special course. Beautiful, self-contained villas and homes at Sanctuary Cove, with views of the course, the marina or the harbour are all available for holiday rental. Tel +61 7 5530 8400 or visit http://www.sanctuarycove.com/.

The Palms Sanctuary Cove
Winding its way around ancient groves of cabbage palms and considered one of the best all-weather courses in Queensland, is The Palms. Reach out into space from your Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) cart and take a bird's-eye view of the hole you are playing before teeing off! Beautiful, self-contained villas and homes at Sanctuary Cove, with views of the course, the marina or the harbour are all available for holiday rental.  Tel +61 7 5577 6151 or visit http://www.sanctuarycove.com/.

Kooralbyn Kooralbyn Resort
Set in the rolling-green hills of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Kooralbyn takes full advantage of this and is renowned as one of the most natural courses in Australia. Pristine country-side, combined with some challenging holes make for a fantastic-golfing experience. Kooralbyn is truly an inspired legacy to be left by Scottish golf architect, Desmond Muirhead. All rooms at the resort offer guests beautiful views of the idyllic rural setting from wide Australian balconies. Tel +61 7 5544 6222 or visit http://www.kooralbynresort.com.au/.


Hope Island Golf Club Hope Island Resort
Hope Island was designed by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson and the team at Thomson Wolveridge and Perrett in the tradition of the great courses of Britain and Ireland. The course has been given a rating of 74 by the Australian Golf Union and is designed for the golfer with heaps of challenges and a laid-back feel. Return in the evening to beautifully appointed fairway apartments or golf course villas. Tel +61 7 5530 9000 or visit http://www.hir.com.au/.

Lakelands Merrimac
After a 25 year search, Jack Nicklaus was finally happy when he saw the Merrimac site of what was to become Lakelands. This is the first Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in Australia, so it is bound to be something special. The site only 10 minutes drive to Surfers Paradise shows the Nicklaus touch throughout from the fairway to the clubhouse. Although not offering accommodation at the club, there are stay and play packages available in conjunction with the iconic Conrad Jupiters Casino. Tel +61 7 5579 8700 or visit http://www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au/.

Royal Pines Resort Ashmore
Once you have arrived at Royal Pines Resort, you really don't have to leave. The resort boasts 330 luxury rooms, four restaurants, a health club, spa, caf, boutique shops, seven tennis courts and of course a 27-hole composite golf course. The rolling course with lakes and bunkers a-plenty boasts views of the magnificent hinterland rising to the west and the Gold Coast's magnificent sky-scraping skyline to the east. From the perfectly-manicured fairways to the GPS-equipped golf carts, this is truly an outstanding course. Tel +61 7 5597 1111 or visit http://www.royalpines.com.au/.

Palm Meadows Golf Club Carrara
What was 350 hectares of scrub and bush on the Nerang River became Palm Meadows, the Gold Coast's first championship course. Created by the hand of leading Australian golfer and golf-course architect Graham Marsh this course will test you. The first hole gives a challenge straight away, with water running the length on one side and a bamboo thicket on the other. Then there is the 18th which is the course's signature hole, measuring 523 metres from the championship tees. In 2002 the hole was rated by the American Golf Digest as one of the top 500 golf holes in the world, as nominated by Curtis Strange. Located in the heart oGold Coast, the course is within easy striking distance of some of the most spectacular accommodation in Australia. Tel +61 7 5594 2450 or visit http://www.palmmeadows.com.au/.

The Glades Golf Club Robina
Two golfing greats can't be wrong. Greg Norman-designed and bought by a consortium led by Ian Baker-Finch those behind The Glades certainly have impressive credentials. Added to this is the fact the course was the highest ranked Australian resort course on debut in "Golf Australia" magazine's Top 25 Resort Courses review, 2001. A stunning feature of the course is the 9.1 hectares of wetlands meandering throughout. As a result, the variety of birdlife flocking to the area is truly spectacular. Another world-class course located in the heart of the Gold Coast and all that it has to offer. Tel +61 7 5569 1900 or visit http://www.theglades.com.au/.

BRISBANE
North Lakes Resort Golf Club North Lakes
The Graham Marsh designed course is rated as one of the top 25 Public Access Courses in Australia by Golf Australia. North Lakes Resort Golf Club is a par 72 championship-resort style course. The course is also the first in Australia to use Tif Eagle grass on all greens - providing a remarkable putting surface. Only 35 minutes from the centre of Brisbane City, North Lakes is very close to the full range of accommodation providers there. Tel +61 7 3480 9200 or visit http://www.northlakesgolfclub.com.au/.

Brookwater Golf Club Brookwater
Another Greg Norman designed course this time in Brisbane's west. Set in beautiful undulating surrounds and with Norman's bunkering, use of natural waterways and consideration of existing flora Brookwater is truly spectacular. The club is also home to Golf Queensland's Golf Academy. Once again, close to all that central Brisbane has to offer, those wishing to play Brookwater will find no shortage of accommodation options open to them. Tel +61 7 3814 5500 or http://www.brookwatergolf.com/.

Indooroopilly Golf Club Indooroopilly
Located in the middle of Brisbane only 10 minutes from the central business district is Indooroopilly Golf Club. Having been in the business for 75 years, the course enjoys an enviable position right on a bend of the Brisbane River. Indooroopilly consists of 36 holes featuring six different combinations giving it variety. The undulating nature, layout and variety of combinations make this a challenging course. Because of its location the best of Brisbane accommodation is a short journey away. Tel +61 7 3721 2121 or visit http://www.indooroopillygolf.com.au/.

The Royal Queensland Golf Club Eagle Farm
This club is Queensland golfing history. Established in 1920 the land Royal Queensland now stands on used to be a series of islets and mangroves. Sand dredged from the Brisbane River which runs next to the course was used along with a strategic tree-planting program to set the foundations for the course. Originally designed by then-national open champion Carnegie Clark for the opening in 1921, the course was then visited by legendary Scottish golf architect Sir Alistair Mackenzie in 1926 and his services were retained at that point. The course is at present 240 acres with deceptive minor undulations making it a challenge to play. Set in the Brisbane suburb of Eagle Farm there are many accommodation options for those staying in town. Tel +61 7 3268 1127 or visit http://www.rqgolf.com.au/.

SUNSHINE COAST
Hyatt Regency Coolum Coolum
Home to the Australian PGA Championship the course is rated one of the best resort courses in Australia. The course covers more than a third of the resort, the landscape ranges from holes right next to the ocean to woodland holes framed by clusters of melaleuca and native flora. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior this is truly a unique golfing experience. Accommodation is in private, low-set villas set in beautiful surrounds. Miles away from the everyday, yet close to all the facilities needed at the same time. Tel +61 7 5446 1234 or visit http://www.coolum.hyatt.com/.

Novotel Twin Waters Resort Twin Waters
Another world-class facility from five-times British Open champion Peter Thomson and world-renowned golf course designer Mike Wolveridge. The British tradition of golf-course design shines through on this course which is suitable for both professionals and avid enthusiasts alike. Pot bunkers are scattered throughout the course a challenge for anyone willing to rise to it. Fully self-contained villas or beautiful resort rooms and suites the choice is up to the individual. All accommodation is close to the beach. Tel +61 7 5448 8000 or visit http://www.twinwatersresort.com.au/.

Noosa Springs Noosa
One would expect nothing less than spectacular scenery from a golf course set in Noosa, and Noosa Springs certainly delivers. This is the only championship golf course in Noosa and is fringed by Lake Weyba and Noosa National Park. Noosa Springs takes you through pockets of rainforest, past fresh and saltwater lakes and spectacular native flora and birdlife. Central Noosa is no stranger to visitors from around the world. As such, Noosa Springs is surrounded by the best accommodation options Noosa has to offer! Tel +61 7 5440 3333 or visit http://www.noosasprings.com.au/.

Club Pelican Golden Beach
The first Greg Norman designed course on the Sunshine Coast delivers a challenge. Club Pelican takes full advantage of the natural surrounds with beautiful bushland and scenic creek land abounding. Norman has designed Club Pelican to be among the premier courses in the world. South of Caloundra and the rest of the Sunshine Coast Club Pelican is close to some of the most beautiful coastline in the country and some of the best accommodation around. Tel +61 7 5437 5000 or visit http://www.clubpelican.com.au/.

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Rydges Capricorn Resort Yeppoon
Rydges boasts two courses over 36 holes this resort delivers to all golf enthusiasts regardless of their level of ability or skill. The championship course will provide a challenge to all who step onto it. It winds its way through melaleuca bush and holds plenty of water hazards for those not keeping their mind on the game. The Thompson-Wolveridge designed resort course is more forgiving with wide-open fairways. Then there is the resort itself, set on 20km of spectacular, secluded coast line - the 281 rooms, suites and apartments all have private balconies and terraces. From here there is easy access to World Heritage rainforest, wetlands and of course The Great Barrier Reef. Tel +61 7 4925 2525 or visit http://www.capricornresort.com.au/.

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
Club Med Lindeman Island
You are literally surrounded by the Whitsunday Islands as you play the nine-hole golf course that skims the cliff tops with views to die for. Accommodation is set amphitheatre-style around the main bay, meaning every room shares in the stunning views across the Whitsunday Passage. The resort is set in more than 690 hectares of World Heritage National Parkland. Tel +61 2 9265 0500 or http://www.clubmed.com.au/.

Laguna Whitsundays Midge Point
This design masterpiece has sprung from the imaginations of former US Open and USPGA champion David Graham and partner Garry Panks. The layout travels through native bushland, lush rainforest and has the Great Barrier Reef meeting with the edge of the course in various places. Stay in one of the 70 fully serviced, luxury villas. They all have views onto the beautifully manicured fairways. Tel +61 7 4947 7777 or visit http://www.lagunawhitsundays.info/.

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
Paradise Palms - Cairns
Welcome to Paradise! This course has continually ranked among the best in Australia since it was opened in 1990. Tee off onto sweeping fairways fringed by tropical rainforest and the Coral Sea. Not only are the surroundings spectacular but the course is challenging with 91 bunkers and six lakes. Just 20 minutes from Cairns and all it has to offer those golfing at Paradise Palms are spoilt for accommodation options. Tel +61 7 4059 9999 or visit http://www.paradisepalms.com.au/.

The Links Port Douglas
This 'links' style course has a central rainforest wetland, rich undulating fairways and spectacular mountain views. Acclaimed golf-course architects Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett were awarded the contract to design The Links, because of their particular understanding of traditional links architecture. As it is situated in the heart of the Port Douglas Peninsula, The Links is close to a barrage of top-quality accommodation, restaurants and touring. Tel +61 2 9332 4055 or visit http://www.thelinks.com.au/.

Mirage Country Club Port Douglas
Rated as one of the world's best resort courses the Mirage Country Club is bordered by the Coral Sea and boasts a panoramic mountain backdrop. This is another beautiful course from renowned architect Peter Thomson that will challenge and delight those privileged enough to play on it. The Sheraton Mirage boasts five-star luxury accommodation between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest with award-winning restaurants and over two hectares of saltwater swimming lagoons! Tel +61 7 4099 5488 or visit http://www.miragecountryclub.com.au/.

Palm Cove Country Club Palm Cove
Nine holes of spectacular undulating golf course in a spectacular tropical setting. The grandeur of the Pacific Ocean is just a stones-throw away from the country club course with mountains rising straight up from the coast line as the backdrop. Then, when you have finished on the course for the day, you can retire to Palm Cove Resort. Set in 100 acres of tropical-beach coastline, the luxurious rooms all have their own private terrace opening out onto one of the resort pools or the course itself. The resort is on the doorstep to the Great Barrier Reef with many tours leaving from the resort's jetty. Tel +61 7 4059 1234 or visit http://www.novotel-pcr.com.au/.

GOLF WITH A DIFFERENCE
Yowah Golf Course
There aren't many golf courses like the nine-hole course at Yowah. For a start, there's no grass, the fairways are sand and the greens aren't green! The club house offers protection from the sun, although it is not exactly luxury it's a tin shed. The Yowah Golf Course provides a venue for the people of this remote opal mining town and the surrounding cattle stations as well as those stopping to take in the vastness of the Australian outback. This is a course for those who want to experience golf as not many have. Accommodation is at the Artesian Waters Caravan Park, the local free council caravan park and other operators in the area. Tel +61 7 4655 4976.

Bedourie Golf Course
The town of Bedourie is part of the colossal Diamantina Shire. The shire covers 95,000 square kilometres or twice the area of Denmark. It is a strange circumstance then that finds one of the smallest golf courses in Australia in this town. The course itself is made up of sand and spinifex grass meaning every shot needs to be teed up. There are a number of water hazards on the course as well despite the area being incredibly dry. Nearby accommodation is found at the Simpson Desert Oasis. Tel +61 7 4746 1202 or visit http://www.diamantina.qld.gov.au/.

Queensland-wide

Each course is situated near a variety of accommodation options for more information visit Tourism Queensland's website http://www.queenslandholidays.com/.

For even more information on some of Queensland's great destinations contact the following:

Gold Coast Tourism Bureau Tel +61 7 5592 2699 or visit http://www.verygc.com/.
Brisbane Marketing Tel +61 7 3006 6200 or visit http://www.brisbanemarketing.com.au/.
Tourism Sunshine Coast Tel +61 7 5452 2500 or visit http://www.sunshinecoast.org/.
Tourism Whitsundays Tel +61 7 4946 6673  or visit http://www.whitsundaytourism.com/
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Tel +61 7 4031 7676 or visit http://www.tnq.org.au/.
Outback Queensland Tourism Tel +61 7 3236 4996 or visit http://www.outbackqld.com.au/.