Perth golf courses: The WA tracks ranked among the nations best inside Australia’s top 100 public courses

A favourite getaway for international cricket players and a surprise standout of the Perth golf circuit have been cemented as the best in Australia, ranked in the country’s top 100 public golf courses. Compiled by golfing magazine Inside Golf, the criteria looked at course design, conditions, ambience, playability and overall experience — which created a diverse list and saw some notable exclusions left off. It should come as no surprise that Joondalup Golf Course has taken the crown for best in WA, sitting at eighth on the list for the Quarry/Dune 18. While the Quarry/Lake course sees Joondalup ranked again at 25, the only Western course to take two spots on the list. Featuring steep walls and challenging bunkers, its track is so good that even the English Cricket Team made sure to get out and have a whack while they were over for The Ashes. In the regions two courses went back-to-back on the list with it being no surprise that The Cut (20) in the Peel region and Kalgoorlie Golf Course (21) dominate as the best of regional WA. The Mandurah course sits inside the top 20 and boasts a picturesque links track on the coast while providing challenging conditions with wind often playing a factor. While the Goldfields gem was just behind in the rankings, it plays host the WA PGA Championship and homes the world-famous 3rd hole dubbed ‘Midas Touch’ and the 17th, a long par 3, named ‘No place for a Lady’. Links Kennedy Bay (30) underwent redevelopment and has just recently reopened their full 18 holes, with the course priding itself on being the “only true links golf experience in WA” and has gotten itself inside the top 30. A surprising but deserving inclusion is Whaleback Golf Course (88) in Canning, a popular track that receives high foot traffic but its spot is a reflection of the city’s commitment to the course. “Since the City took over operations of Whaleback, in December 2023, we have invested over $10 million into upgrading the golf course, driving range and food and beverage facilities to ensure it is a modern, welcoming golfing and lifestyle facility for everyone to enjoy,” City of Canning mayor Patrick Hall said. “Being recognised as one of the top 100 public golf venues in Australia is a massive feather in our cap and evidence that we are on the right track. “It is clear that our golfers value the wonderful offering that currently exists, as well the vision of what it will look like once the renovations are complete.” It comes in ahead of Wembley and Araluen, some of the cities nicer courses with the latter also being a hot choice for visiting cricket teams to tee-off at. Despite the strong representation that WA had on the list there was still plenty of beloved omissions that would leave locals at the courses feeling hard done by. Collier Park Golf Course in Como boasts 27 holes with the Island, Pine and Lake nine-hole course and is one of the more popular courses for keen golfers in Perth’s south, alongside Hammersley Golf Course, The Vines (Lakes) and Kwinana Golf Course. Albany Golf Club was also overlooked from the regions and is often tipped among the nations nicer courses. Full List of WA Courses 8 - Joondalup Resort (Quarry/Dune) 20 - The Cut Golf Course 21 - Kalgoorlie Golf Course 24 - Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club 25 - Joondalup Resort (Quarry/Lake) 30 - Links Kennedy Bay Golf Course 49 - Sun City Country Club 54 - The Vines Golf Resort (Championship Course) 69 - Secret Harbour Golf Links 82 - Bunbury Golf Club 88 - Whaleback Golf Course 92 - Wembley Golf Course 97 - Araluen Golf Club