This spectacular layout is No.2 in a chain of four neighbouring golf courses along south-eastern Sydney’s coastal cliffs. While New South Wales Golf Club’s course takes top billing, St Michael’s offers a succession of holes with postcard backdrops and designs to match. Many holes weave through tracts of native scrub, while others are wide open and command attention in more subtle ways.
Upgrades last decade added more character to the exposed holes late in the front nine, while a more recent renovation involved conversion of the fairway grass to bent and the complete rebuild of all 18 greens by Ben Chambers from Centreline Golf Design. Aside from fortifying the layout, St Michael’s has continued to nurture its entire site. The club has evolved into one of Australia’s most environmentally aware golf courses by implementing specific programs aimed at protecting the flora and fauna. The objective is to reduce its carbon footprint and protect the endangered species of the region.
THE DETAILS:
Ranking for 2024-2025: 46th
Prior rankings: 60th (2022), 61st (2020), 70th (2018), 68th (2016), 75th (2014), 61st (2012), 58th (2010), 48th (2008), 57th (2006), 54th (2004), 63rd (2002), 64th (2000), 50th (1998), 56th (1996), 70th (1994), Fourth Ten (1986)
Where: Jennifer St, Little Bay NSW 2036
Phone: (02) 9326 8000
Web: stmichaelsgolf.com.au
Photo by: Lee Sutherland