Notes on Hamilton Island Golf Club’s spectacular course, by Paul Prendergast

Whether you’ve visited once or on countless occasions, the majestic beauty of The Whitsundays never ceases to impress. The striking landforms, rainforests, the emerald hues of the waters that envelope her 74 islands are stunning in their own right – before we even begin to mention the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on her doorstep. Since 2009, visitors to this glorious region of Queensland have also been blessed with a memorable golf destination on Dent Island, just a short ferry ride from the Hamilton Island Marina.  

Course designers Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett made the exposed rocky outcrop with Hamilton Island owner Bob Oatley to identify tee and green locations and where the outline of fairways might already exist in the landscape. Thomson and Perrett were as exhilarated by the environment at their disposal then as golfers continue to be today. Perrett remembers Thomson’s giddy energy as he traversed steep inclines and descents, uneven ground and near waist-deep grasslands despite being in his late seventies at the time. During a delicate construction phase that even included setting up a base camp for some 60 workers on the island, Thomson – who passed away in 2018 – and Perrett worked tirelessly with local authorities to ensure the course’s construction and ongoing operation would integrate seamlessly with its awesome environment and with as little earthmoving as possible. 



Their legacy has been assured, with The Whitsundays now boasting a golf course and destination of world-class stature. The holes wend their way across the island’s footprint, daring you to be bold and take risks if your abilities allow you to play more conservatively to avoid errant shots destined for tall native grasses beyond the playing corridors. Knowing the five-time British Open champion, Thomson would have delighted in the knowledge that wind would be a regular factor when playing Hamilton Island Golf Club, and his design caters for these elements while accentuating as many of the island’s considerable attributes as possible. There are exhilarating tee shots aplenty that plunge to distant fairways, greens situated in natural amphitheaters, on the crest of natural rises or hugging cliff edges, plus several blind shots – a rarity of modern design – with which to contend. 



Also expect a variety of slopes and fairway contours that, when fairways are firm and running, require careful strategy, with some target areas being a little narrower than they might first appear. While there are many holes worthy of detailed recognition, several serve as prime examples of the designers’ ability to render players awestruck when they arrive at the tee.  

At the 4th hole, the first of a memorable set of par-threes at Hamilton Island Golf Club’s course, the green is set across the top of a ridge with an expanse of the Whitsunday Passage as the backdrop. Even without any breeze, it’s a hole that requires precision to avoid the rough and slopes that will penalise you if you’re short or long from the tee.  

The short par-three 16th is playable for those of all standards but the “wow factor” of its location – across the edge of the island with jaw-dropping views of the Hamilton Island Marina, Dent Passage and distant Whitsunday islands beyond – ensure this is a hole that will be seared into the memory.  



Equally, the par-four 18th provides as unique a vista and end to a round as any, played severely downhill with even more panoramic views to indulge the senses. Players should thank Thomson and Perrett for their wisdom in allowing a round at Hamilton to conclude from this glorious tee location. Although the par-four appears a backbreaker when looking at the distance on the card, a 40-metre drop from tee to green results in the hole playing much shorter. Most, like me, will eagerly grab their driver and (hopefully) watch the ball sail forever against the stunning backdrop before eventually coming to rest with a short approach shot remaining. Irrespective of the score or your fortunes with club in hand, the senses and a desire to “grab your camera” are guaranteed to be under constant assault from the sheer beauty of water and island landforms that encircle this memorable course. 

PHOTOGRAPHY: GARY LISBON, PAUL PRENDERGAST.