With rampant Japanese investment in golf developments all the rage in the late 80’s, Twin Waters became one of the original championship courses to grace this stunning region. Preceded by the nearby Hyatt Coolum Resort (now the Palmer Coolum Resort), Twin Waters was instrumental in wooing proper golfers in the quest for meaningful golf in this slice of coastal heaven. Hyatt Coolum was always the tougher course, but when it comes to presentation and grooming of the playing surfaces, Twin Waters sets the benchmark on the Sunshine Coast day in day out.
The course is a clear example of the unmistakable style of design partners Michael Wolveridge and Peter Thomson. With inspiration garnered from the renowned UK links courses, the Twin Waters design seamlessly embraces our dramatic coastal landscape.
Running approach play is encouraged through the course layout, and for most golfers this should be the modus operandi given the putting surfaces are usually firm and fast and not that receptive to a less than perfectly struck iron. Surrounded by a beautiful native landscape, there is a distinctly Aussie slant on the game of golf – highlighted by a local audience of (hopefully not-too-critical!) kangaroos.
Links golf characteristics abound at Twin Waters, with strategically placed pot bunkering coupled with clutches of substantial rough leading the way to generous, true putting surfaces. The feature holes on the front 9 are the 165-metre 2nd, which requires some serious iron play prowess early in the round. With a lake looming large to the right, and a bail out left, you are left with an awkward up and down prospect, to say the least. Ahead to No 8, a 379-metre par 4 over water initially, and to the right with typically punishing fairway bunkers catching those shaping too much left-to-right. A raised large green with a deceptively fast putting surface collaborates to give you understanding of why this hole is stroke index No 1. On the backside, No 16 mirrors the challenge of No 8 and is ranked the most difficult hole on the back 9. At 377 metres from the tips, the player needs to decide how much of the dogleg on the right can be cleared to afford a much shorter approach to a tiered, complex putting assignment. The course finishes with a short but straight par 5 that most certainly is a birdie prospect, provided the tee shot finds the short stuff. Easier said than done, with pot bunkers and tussocks left and right to negotiate.
Without a doubt, one of the top 2 courses on the Sunshine Coast and a must play proposition.