Five courses you should play when you’re in Brisbane

If you’re one of the thousands flocking to Brisbane for this month’s BMW Australian PGA Championship, bring your clubs.

While the tournament, held at the prestigious Royal Queensland Golf Club from November 21-24, promises thrilling golf from some of the world’s best players, including local favourite and 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith, there are plenty more thrills to be found away from the showpiece spectacle.

Brisbane and its surroundings are home to some outstanding golf courses that you can play before or after watching the pros strut their stuff. From championship layouts to member favourites, these five clubs will make your stay even more memorable.

1. Gailes Golf Club

Gailes Golf Club is one of Brisbane’s oldest and most storied clubs, with a history dating back to 1924. Located just a short drive south-west of the city centre, this course offers a classic layout that stands the test of time. Known for its challenging design, it has hosted numerous significant tournaments over the years, including the 1955 Australian Open won by South African legend Bobby Locke.

Gailes is famous for its tight fairways, well-placed bunkers, and fast greens. But it will have you thinking about much more than that. As Aussie pro Matthew Guyatt told Australian Golf Digest recently: “Gailes has got very challenging par 3s, it’s got ups and downs with elevation, it’s got side-slopes both left to right and right to left – ball above your feet, ball below your feet. It just forces you to play all the shot shapes.” 

Indeed, playing at Gailes feels like stepping back into a bygone era of golf course design. The fairways are lined with native trees, and there’s minimal water to contend with, yet it remains a tough test of golf. If you enjoy a traditional Australian golf experience, this is a course you can’t miss while in Brisbane. For more information, visit gailesgolf.com.au

2. Nudgee Golf Club

After an extensive multi-million-dollar redevelopment, Nudgee Golf Club has transformed into one of Brisbane’s finest golf venues and a worthy home of the Queensland PGA Championship. Located to the north of the city and close to Brisbane Airport, Nudgee offers two distinct 18-hole layouts and is an excellent choice for players looking for competitive golf in all its forms, with weekly club fixtures, honourboard events and plenty of social golf on offer. In fact, visitors belonging to other clubs with Golf Australia handicaps may play in all 30 Nudgee Golf Club competitions. They say variety is the spice of life and Nudgee has it all with its Kurrai and Bulka courses. To the west, the Kurrai layout – a world-class, championship course that is both engaging and challenging. Be amazed by the The Kurrai (said: Curr-ii), meaning sunset in the Turrbal language. To the east, the Bulka is a modern, links-style course 

With excellent practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse, Nudgee is the perfect spot for a round during your Brisbane golf holiday. For more information, visit nudgeegolf.com.au

3. Brookwater Golf & Country Club

If you’re willing to venture slightly out of Brisbane, Brookwater Golf & Country Club is a must-play for any serious golfer. Located about 30 minutes west of the city, this Greg Norman-designed gem is regarded as one of Queensland’s top courses. Set in the heart of native bushland, Brookwater features dramatic elevation changes, rugged bunkering, and fairways that snake through some breathtaking Aussie landscape.

“Brookwater is an incredible course to be a member of,” local resident and tennis legend Ash Barty tells Australian Golf Digest. “It’s a course that’s very challenging, but it it’s a lot of fun and it’s a course that’s obviously close to home for me and in a great community.”

Brookwater’s rugged bunkers and native vegetation that frame the fairways create a sense of isolation, giving the course a secluded and tranquil feel despite being so close to Brisbane. Practise your swing at the state-of-the-art driving range and indulge in a delicious meal at the renowned Brookwater restaurant. For more, visit brookwatergolf.com.au

4. Indooroopilly Golf Club

Set in a tranquil parkland location bordering the Brisbane River, Indooroopilly offers tee-time opportunities for players of all ages and abilities in a relaxed and friendly environment, all just 10 minutes from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD.

A 36-hole facility with four distinct nines – Red, Blue, Gold, and Green – the club provides plenty of variety, making it a fantastic option for golfers looking to play multiple rounds during their trip.

Indooroopilly is known for its immaculate conditioning and superb greens. The courses here cater to all types of golfers, with a mix of long, open holes and more technical, treelined challenges. The river comes into play on several holes, particularly on the Gold and Green courses, adding a scenic backdrop to your round. For those looking to play a relaxed, yet still challenging round, Indooroopilly is an excellent choice. The club also offers great practice facilities, and with its proximity to the city, it’s easy to fit in a quick round before or after heading to Royal Queensland to watch the pros. For more, visit indooroopillygolf.com.au

5. Brisbane Golf Club

Located close to the city’s south, Brisbane Golf Club is another historic venue that has earned its place among Queensland’s premier golf courses. Established in 1896, it’s one of the oldest clubs in the state and has hosted numerous national and international tournaments over the years, including the Queensland Open.

This par-72 course is renowned for its stunning green complexes, which feature the rare Champion Bermuda grass, ensuring quick and smooth putting surfaces year-round. The layout is relatively flat but challenging, with plenty of mature trees and strategically placed bunkers. It’s not the longest course at 6,065 metres, but it demands smart play and precise iron shots.

Brisbane Golf Club provides a mix of tradition and modernity. The heritage of the club is reflected in its charming clubhouse, while the course has been kept in excellent condition with contemporary upgrades. If you’re a history buff and a golfer, this is a must-play course that will complement your PGA Championship experience. Members of Brisbane’s reciprocal clubs are welcome and opportunities to play do exist for interstate visitors. For more, visit brisbanegolfclub.com.au