Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort
Location: Links Drive, Noosa Heads QLD 4567 Region: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Ranking: Top 100 Public Access Australia
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Designer | Graham Papworth |
| Established | 1999 |
| Style | Resort / Parkland |
| Length | 6,180m (6,758 yards from blacks) |
History & Background
The Designer: Graham Papworth
Graham Papworth is a past President of the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects and one of Queensland’s most respected designers. Noosa Springs was one of the first courses to bear his architectural stamp after he left the Ross Watson/Graham Marsh partnership in 1993.
Papworth spent nine years honing his craft on projects including The Vines and Secret Harbour in Western Australia. His design philosophy centres on working with the land:
“When the playing strategy of the hole suits the natural landfall, we create holes that are aesthetically pleasing and offer maximum enjoyment and reward to the player who takes on and achieves his level of challenge.” - Graham Papworth
The Birth of Noosa Springs
In 1992, when Weyba Ranch fell into receivership, Noosa architect and developer Alan Starkey bought the 103-hectare property. His vision: a first-class residential development around an impressive golf course.
The property became known as Noosa Springs because of the natural fresh-water springs that existed on site. Starkey prepared initial plans, then handed them to Graham Papworth for the final design.
Timeline
- 1992 - Alan Starkey purchases Weyba Ranch property
- 1999 (9th May) - Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Resort officially opens
- 2024 - Celebrates 25 years of operation
- Today - Ranked among Top 100 Public Access courses in Australia
Design Philosophy
Papworth gave special attention to preserving and enhancing the natural environment. The course features:
- Undulating fairways set amongst lush bushland
- Pockets of rainforest and bloodwood forests
- Spring-fed lakes covering nearly 10 hectares
- Lake Weyba providing a stunning southern boundary
- Noosa National Park bordering the course
“This idyllic resort course offers beautiful surrounds, while Graham Papworth’s design walks that fine line of challenging better players and not alienating high handicappers.” - Top-100 judge Gavin Hill
Playing Characteristics
- Not particularly long - rewards accuracy over power
- Water in play on many holes - sensible course management required
- Heavily bunkered (20+ bunkers) with strategic placement
- Tree-lined fairways require straight driving
- Mostly flat terrain - easy to walk
Course Ratings
| Tees | Distance | Par | Course Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 6,758 yds (6,180m) | 72 | 72 | 128 |
| Blue | 6,471 yds | 72 | 71 | 126 |
| White | 6,096 yds | 72 | 69 | 120 |
| Yellow | 5,795 yds | 72 | 73 | 127 |
| Red | 5,475 yds | 72 | 71 | 126 |
Scorecard
Front 9 (OUT)
| Hole | Par | Handicap | Black (yds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 9 | 399 | Gentle opener |
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 371 | |
| 3 | 5 | 11 | 526 | Birdie opportunity |
| 4 | 3 | 17 | 154 | Short par 3 |
| 5 | 4 | 7 | 360 | |
| 6 | 4 | 13 | 389 | |
| 7 | 4 | 1 | 454 | HARDEST HOLE |
| 8 | 3 | 15 | 192 | |
| 9 | 5 | 3 | 533 | Strong finish to front 9 |
| OUT | 36 | 3,378 |
Back 9 (IN)
| Hole | Par | Handicap | Black (yds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 8 | 371 | |
| 11 | 4 | 12 | 346 | |
| 12 | 4 | 4 | 411 | |
| 13 | 5 | 16 | 496 | Reachable for long hitters |
| 14 | 3 | 14 | 170 | |
| 15 | 4 | 6 | 387 | |
| 16 | 4 | 2 | 433 | Second hardest |
| 17 | 3 | 10 | 182 | |
| 18 | 5 | 18 | 584 | Finishing par 5 |
| IN | 36 | 3,380 | ||
| TOTAL | 72 | 6,758 |
Signature Holes
Hole 7 - Par 4, 454 yards (Stroke Index 1)
The hardest hole on the course. A long par 4 requiring two quality shots to find the green. Water and bunkers protect the approach - play for position, not heroics.
Hole 18 - Par 5, 584 yards (Stroke Index 18)
The longest hole and a great finishing par 5. Despite the stroke index, the length makes birdie hard-earned. A chance to finish with a flourish or protect your score.
Course Strategy Tips
General
- Course management is key - not overly long but punishes poor decisions
- Accuracy off the tee more important than distance
- 20+ bunkers strategically placed - avoid at all costs
- Flat terrain means you’ll see most hazards coming
Water Hazards
- Spring-fed lakes feature on multiple holes
- Water is intimidating but avoidable with sensible club selection
- Lake Weyba comes into view but rarely into play
Greens
- Well-maintained putting surfaces
- Subtle breaks rather than severe undulation
- Approach shot accuracy rewarded
Pace of Play
- Resort course - can get busy on weekends
- 10:22am tee time gives civilised start
- Drinks cart operates from 10am
Facilities
Practice
- Driving range (mats) - $8 buckets
- Open 6:00am - 5:30pm
- Practice putting green
Dining
- Relish Restaurant - resort dining
- Bar and casual meals
- 19th hole facilities
Resort Amenities
- World-class spa with thermal suite
- One and two-bedroom self-contained apartments
- Fitness centre
- Tennis facilities
- Conference and wedding venues
Pro Shop
- Full pro shop
- Club hire available
- Golf lessons offered
Contact & Booking
| Phone | (07) 5440 3333 |
| info@noosasprings.com.au | |
| Address | Links Drive, Noosa Heads QLD 4567 |
| Website | noosasprings.com.au |
| Online Booking | Via website |
| Maps | Google Maps | Apple Maps |
Location
- 3km from Hastings Street and Noosa beaches
- 30 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport
- Between Noosa National Park and Lake Weyba
Green Fees (2025/26)
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 18 Holes (Online) | Save $15 off walk-up |
| Sunshine Coast Locals (Tuesdays) | $110 inc. cart |
| Cart Hire | Included in most packages |
| Range Bucket | $8 |
Locals rate requires current QLD driver’s licence proof of Sunshine Coast/Gympie/Noosa address
Our Rounds
Saturday 17 January 2026 - Sunshine Coast Golf Weekend
- Tee Time: 10:22am - 1st Tee
- Format: 18 holes with carts
- Players: Simon, Russ, Dec, Jonas
- Status: Booked
- Trip: Sunshine Coast Golf Weekend
Sources
- Noosa Springs Golf and Spa Official
- Golf Australia Magazine - Top 100 Spotlight
- Top 100 Golf Courses
- Planet Golf
- IN Noosa Magazine - 25 Years
- 18Birdies Scorecard
Last Updated: 2026-01-12