Luxury travel to Hamilton Island now combines premium accommodation with world-class golf. Officially opened in August 2009, the Hamilton Island Golf Club boasts a unique setting on its own island in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The stunning par 71 course encompasses superior greens with panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands from all 18 holes.
Designed by British Open winner Peter Thomson AO CBE (of Thomson-Perrett), the course ranks among the most challenging many golfers will play. Two loops of 9 holes converge on a central clubhouse where visitors can expect 5-star treatment, from refresher towels on arrival to the extensive services of a Pro shop, restaurant and bar.
Hamilton Island Golf Club - Features and Facilities
- Par 71, 18-hole course, measuring 6,130 metres
- Two-seater electric buggies (included in green fees)
- Caddie services (subject to availability)
- Pro shop, stocked with leading brands of golfing equipment including balls, clothing and accessories
- Men's and ladies rental clubs (General or Premium class, currently Callaway brand)
- Men's and ladies shoe hire
- Divot tools
- Aquatic driving range
- Chipping and putting greens
- Expert tuition with a resident Golf Professional
- Lockers and personal amenities including toilets and showers
- Lunches, drinks and snacks, served at the Clubhouse restaurant or on-course. Clubhouse facilities are also available to non-golfing visitors.
Golf Course Location, Access and Tee Times
The Hamilton Island Golf Club is situated on neighbouring Dent Island (hence it is sometimes referred to as the Dent Island Golf Course). Daily access is via a purpose-built ferry departing Hamilton Island Marina (beside the Manta Ray Café) on the hour, every hour. Return trips depart Dent Island on the half hour, every hour. The cost of ferry transfers is included in green fees. Transfer time is approximately 5 minutes.
The Golf Club is equipped with a heli-pad. Helicopter transfers can be arranged (for an extra charge) from local Whitsunday airports or direct from 'qualia', Hamilton Island's premier luxury resort. The first tee-off is at 7am. Golfers should allow 5 hours to play 18 holes and 2.5 hours for just 9 holes. Standard dress codes apply.
Luxury Golf Packages and Special Events
Golfing holiday packages link the Hamilton Island Golf Club with some of Australia's most exclusive accommodation. Most notable are the 5-star adults-only 'Beach Club' and 'qualia', a 60-pavillion luxurious resort embodying the essence of pleasurable self-indulgence.'Golf in Paradise' packages offer value-for-money 'stay and play' style deals, while 'Golf and Spa' vacations typically combine a round of golf with spa treatments such as massage.
The Hamilton Island Golf Club will offer significant off-water entertainment during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week held annually in August. The 2009 event saw the inaugural Crown Lager Dent Island Day where Race Week participants battled each other on the greens.
Whitsunday Golf Getaways - Travel Facts and Further Information
Hamilton Island has its own commercial airport, serviced daily by direct flights from the Australian state capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. The island operates as a self-contained holiday destination comprising a range of accommodation, dining, shopping and nightlife. For more information on golf club green fees, charges for equipment hire, lessons, golf package holidays and a hole-by-hole review of the course, visit the official Hamilton Island Golf Club website.
Sharon Smallwood - Sharon Smallwood is a freelance photo-journalist specialising in boating, lifestyle and travel. Sharon's entertaining, well informed and ...
