When it comes to Australia’s best golf course, there is officially a new leader – Cape Wickham on Tasmania‘s King Island.

The seaside venue is now officially perched in the number one spot, ahead of the historic Royal Melbourne West.

The development is huge news in golf circles given Royal Melbourne has only ever been dethroned as the nation’s top venue twice in 40 years.

Located at Black Rock in Melbourne’s south-east, the prestigious 36-hole private club has long been regarded as the nation’s leading course – but not anymore. 

Cape Wickham’s prestigious course – especially the 18th hole – is a favourite with many golfers thanks in part to its spectacular backdrop (pictured)

The development is huge news in golf circles given Royal Melbourne (pictured) has only ever been dethroned from top spot twice in 40 years

Royal Melbourne is also the venue where Aussie cricket greats Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting were once knocked back from playing a round

It is also the venue where Aussie cricket greats Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting were once knocked back from playing 18 holes on the revered course.

The recently released bi-annual Australian Golf Digest (AGD) Top 100 course rankings list has Cape Wickham as the new number one, assuming the coveted position after improving its measurement criteria.

Following an $8million build, Cape Wickham Links was opened to the public in 2015 and quickly attracted scores of admirers.

It has been ranked as high as 24th when it comes to the world’s best courses, with its major selling point the breathtaking views on the northern tip of King Island – especially on the 18th hole.

‘This result will shock plenty, but it should be understood that iconic Royal Melbourne [West] has not lost ground — it’s as good as ever — it’s just that it’s been outpointed on our measurement criteria by the stunning Cape Wickham,’ AGD Top 100 editor Steve Keipert told News Corp.

‘And it’s also worth noting that we rate Royal Melbourne on its two established layouts, East and West.

‘The composite layout is a cherrypicked blend of both courses, so it’s not a real day-to-day golf course. ‘As a result, the composite version doesn’t get reviewed.’

Elsewhere, The Grange in Adelaide – the site of this week’s LIV golf event – finished in 42nd spot, with five Victorian courses making up half the top 10 spots.