St. Andrews Beach was originally intended to be a club for private members, but it fell on hard financial times. Since then, it has been revived and is now a daily-fee attraction. The layout was designed by Tom Doak & Mike Clayton and opened in 2006. It’s similar to classic Sandbelt golf courses in the north, in terms of turf conditions, but its irresistible design and vibe set it apart.
St. Andrews Beach is comparable to several American courses that are popular with younger players who seek adventure. Think of Sweetens Cove, Tennessee, or Tobacco Road, North Carolina. St. Andrews Beach’s simple clubhouse is a temporary metal structure (although there are plans for a new one), and bathrooms are located in the back of a trailer. There is zero pretentiousness, just golf. There is no range as players warm up in a net near the parking lot. The highest green fee in US dollars is around $70.
Gary Lisbon, a golf photographer, writer and tour director from Australia, who is well-known internationally, accompanied us on this trip as a “sherpa”. His drone followed us all around the bumps, humps, and sometimes even tumbling slopes at St. Andrews Beach. Kangaroos watched us from adjacent fairways. Several larger specimens even sauntering on the sixth green while we played our approach shots. No need for an Ecotour, there were ‘roos everywhere.
St. Andrews Beach was a relaxed place, with golf, laughter, and large animals who didn’t care about the first, second, and even third attempt to escape from deep bunkers. These traps may not be as well-maintained as those at nearby private clubs but they are perfectly suited to the terrain and make the course memorable. The course is ranked No. The course ranks No. 19 in Australia and New Zealand.
Click here to read Jason’s complete article about their experience!
