Pelican Waters Golf Club
Location: 40 Mahogany Drive, Pelican Waters QLD 4551 Region: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Ranking: #25 Public Access (2024) | #60 Top 100 Australia
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 71 |
| Designer | Greg Norman (with Bob Harrison) |
| Established | 2001 (Redesigned 2023) |
| Style | Championship / Resort |
| Length | 6,000m (Championship) |
History & Background
The Designer: Greg Norman
Pelican Waters is the first ever Greg Norman-designed course on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Norman, the legendary “Great White Shark,” won two Open Championships (1986, 1993) and spent 331 weeks as world number one. His course design philosophy emphasises memorable, strategic layouts where every hole leaves an impression.
“To finish playing a course like Pelican Waters and remember each shot of the 18 holes is what great design is about.” - Greg Norman
The Transformation Story
The story of Pelican Waters is one of vision and reinvention:
- 1982 - Roy Henzell Jnr inherits his father’s dream and pushes ahead with development plans
- 2000-2001 - Greg Norman Golf Design (with Bob Harrison) transforms swampland into a golfing gem
- 2018 - Queensland-based Palm Lake Group purchases the course
- 2021 - Hosts the Isuzu Queensland Open
- 2022-2023 - Course closes for 18 months for complete Norman-led reconfiguration
- August 2023 - Reopens with new layout; Greg Norman’s mother Toini hits the ceremonial first shot
The 2023 Redesign
The $70 million reconfiguration wasn’t just a renovation - it was a reimagining:
- Front and back nines were switched
- New 17th hole created
- Greens on 10, 11, and 16 completely reconstructed
- Par reduced from 72 to 71
- Layout now 6,000m championship course
A Family Legacy
One of the most remarkable aspects of Pelican Waters is the Norman family connection. Greg’s mother Toini Norman has been a proud member for decades, holding three club champion titles and achieving four holes-in-one on the original course. At age 90+, she hit the first tee shot at the 2023 reopening.
Design Philosophy
Unlike the flat canvas you might expect, Norman and Harrison discovered an unusual site with:
- Clay-based northern section - traditional parkland feel
- Sandy heathland southern section - links-like characteristics
The result is a course that offers visual variety and requires different shot-making throughout the round:
- Wide fairways with strategic bunkering
- Water features on multiple holes
- Risk/reward decisions throughout
- Premium on accuracy over power
Course Ratings
| Tees | Distance | Par | Course Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (Championship) | 6,000m | 71 | TBC | TBC |
| Blue (Club) | TBC | 71 | TBC | TBC |
| White | TBC | 71 | TBC | TBC |
| Red (Ladies) | TBC | 71 | TBC | TBC |
Note: Course ratings being updated following 2023 reconfiguration
Course Strategy Tips
General
- Strategic course - rewards thinking over brute force
- Water in play on multiple holes - club selection critical
- Wide fairways but bunker placement punishes wayward drives
- Course suits accurate iron players
Post-Redesign Notes
- New routing means local knowledge from pre-2023 is outdated
- Completely new greens on 10, 11, 16 - expect true surfaces
- New 17th hole is a highlight
Conditions
- Course temporarily closed: 9-13 February 2026 (maintenance)
- Fairway works: 14-27 February 2026
- Full reopening: 28 February 2026
Facilities
Practice
- Impressive driving range
- Practice putting green
- Chipping area
Dining
- Clubhouse restaurant
- 19th hole bar
Pro Shop
- Well-equipped golf shop
- Club hire available
Contact & Booking
| Phone | (07) 5437 5000 |
| reception@pelicangolf.com.au | |
| Address | 40 Mahogany Drive, Pelican Waters QLD 4551 |
| Website | pelicanwatersgolfclub.com.au |
| Online Booking | pelicanwaters.miclub.com.au |
| Maps | Google Maps | Apple Maps |
Operations
- Seven-day public access from December 1, 2025
- Cart hire available
- Motorised and walking rounds
Green Fees (2025/26)
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 18 Holes | Contact club |
| 9 Holes | Available |
| Cart Hire | Available |
| Club Hire | Available |
Contact club for current rates - pricing updated following reopening
Our Rounds
Friday 16 January 2026 - Sunshine Coast Golf Weekend
- Tee Time: 2:18pm
- Format: 9 holes with carts
- Players: Simon, Russ, Dec, Jonas
- Status: Booked
- Trip: Sunshine Coast Golf Weekend
Sources
- Pelican Waters Golf Club Official
- Greg Norman Golf Course Design
- Golf Australia Magazine Review
- Planet Golf
- Sunshine Coast News - 2023 Reopening
Last Updated: 2026-01-12