Sandbelt Splendour

COMMONWEALTH *****

Host course of the 2010 and 2011 Australian Women's Open, Commonwealth isn't as well-known outside of the country as some of the other courses listed here – but as a strategic test, it's every bit as enjoyable. Add this fact to its constantly sublime conditioning and Commonwealth ranks as a definite must-play. Despite its suburban location, Commonwealth, which was the work of Sam Bennett and the great Harry Colt (who designed the famed East Course at Wentworth, among many other classic tracks), gives the feeling of being in the Australian bush, a sense aided by the club's tree management programme, which is probably the best of any Down Under. With only one par-three on the back nine, the course plays 36 out and 37 in. The opening hole, a short par-four, is the most straightforward on the course, allowing players to ease themselves into their rounds. The first three holes on the back nine are especially penal however, starting with a long par-five that features the longest green on the course, followed by two par-fours that ranks as index one and three respectively. A natural lake between the third and sixth holes provides one of the few water hazards in the sandbelt. Somewhat surprisingly, Commonwealth has hosted only one major men's tournament, the 1967 Australian Open, which was won – not so surprisingly – by the indomitable Peter Thomson, who mastered the wind and shot a brilliant 11-under-par total.

ARCHITECT: Sam Bennet and Harry Colt (1921)
YARDAGE/PAR: 6,977/73
CONTACT: commonwealthgolf.com.au; (61) 3 9570 0444