Twin Waters - Peter Thomson’s thinking golfer’s course
Twin Waters Golf Club
Location: 151 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters QLD 4564 Region: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Ranking: #87 Australia (2024/25) | Top 6 Resort Course in Australia
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Designer | Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge |
| Established | 1991 |
| Style | Parkland / Resort |
| GolfLink ID | 41321 |
History & Background
The Designer: Peter Thomson
Twin Waters was designed by Peter Thomson - not just any golf course architect, but a 5-time British Open champion and one of Australia’s greatest ever golfers. Thomson won The Open in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, and 1965 - the only golfer in the 20th century to win three consecutive Opens.
A “thinking man’s golfer,” Thomson was known for his efficient style and excelled on fast-running courses where judging bounce and roll mattered more than pure power. This philosophy shaped everything about his course designs.
Design Philosophy
Thomson partnered with Mike Wolveridge to form one of golf’s most prolific design firms, creating over 180 courses in 30+ countries. Their signature? Traditional links-style layouts inspired by Thomson’s Open Championship experiences on British courses.
At Twin Waters, you’ll find:
- Pot bunkers everywhere - “Peter Thomson bunkers” became a common term in Australian golf, sometimes said in praise, sometimes in frustration
- Push-up greens with subtle undulations that reward reading over power
- Strategic bunkering designed to make you think, not just punish
- Links philosophy in a Queensland resort setting
The St Andrews Connection
The 8th hole is an homage to the famous Road Hole (17th) at St Andrews Old Course - arguably the most famous par 4 in golf. Instead of the original’s road and stone wall behind the green, Thomson used water up the right side. The deep pot bunker beside the green is as terrifying as the original.
Timeline
- 1991 - Course opens, one of Queensland’s first resort courses
- 1988 - Nearby Hyatt Coolum opens, establishing the Sunshine Coast as a golf destination
- 2017 - Ranked #39 in Golf Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses
- 2018 - Peter Thomson passes away after battling Parkinson’s disease
- Today - Consistently rated in Australia’s Top 6 Resort Courses
Legacy
Thomson retired from course design in 2016 and passed away in 2018. Twin Waters remains one of the clearest examples of his unmistakable style - traditional, strategic, and designed for the thinking golfer over the big hitter.
Course Ratings
| Tees | Distance | Par | Course Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (Championship) | 6,183m | 72 | 72.2 | 126 |
| Blue (Club) | 5,835m | 72 | 69.9 | 125 |
| Red (Ladies) | 5,260m | 72 | 72.0 | 121 |
Scorecard
Front 9 (OUT)
| Hole | Par | Handicap | Black (yds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 11 | 502 | Longest hole, tough opening. Bump & run approach works well |
| 2 | 3 | 9 | 166 | Picturesque short hole |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 398 | |
| 4 | 5 | 7 | 472 | Wind dependent difficulty |
| 5 | 4 | 17 | 324 | Short par 4 |
| 6 | 4 | 15 | 310 | Water left side to green. Scenic but water in play for approach |
| 7 | 3 | 13 | 150 | Picturesque short hole |
| 8 | 4 | 1 | 379 | SIGNATURE HOLE - Modelled on St Andrews Road Hole |
| 9 | 4 | 3 | 388 | |
| OUT | 36 | 3,089 |
Back 9 (IN)
| Hole | Par | Handicap | Black (yds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 18 | 337 | Easiest hole |
| 11 | 3 | 8 | 169 | |
| 12 | 4 | 16 | 325 | |
| 13 | 4 | 10 | 365 | |
| 14 | 5 | 14 | 495 | Birdie opportunity |
| 15 | 4 | 6 | 362 | |
| 16 | 4 | 2 | 377 | Second hardest hole |
| 17 | 3 | 4 | 202 | TOUGHEST PAR 3 - May need driver in wind |
| 18 | 5 | 12 | 462 | Reachable in 2 for birdie, avoid bunkers |
| IN | 36 | 3,094 | ||
| TOTAL | 72 | 6,183 |
Signature Holes
Hole 6 - Water runs left side to green
Hole 8 - Par 4, 379 yards (Stroke Index 1)
The signature hole, modelled on the famous Road Hole at St Andrews Old Course. The green features a protective pot bunker in homage to the original. This is the hardest hole on the course - respect it!
Hole 17 - Par 3, 202 yards (Stroke Index 4)
The most difficult short hole on the course. In certain wind conditions, you may need your strongest club (even driver!). An area short left may give an easier chip and putt. A par here means you’ve hit 3 good shots.
Hole 18 - Par 5, 462 yards (Stroke Index 12)
A finishing hole where aggressive players can reach in two and set up a closing birdie. Avoid the bunkers off the tee and near the green to give yourself a good chance at par or better.
Course Strategy Tips
General
- Forgiving course - not overly penal, most golfers can finish with their original ball
- Flat terrain - easy to walk, no need for cart
- Wide fairways with strategic bunkers and water
Water Hazards
- Water is intimidating but manageable - steer away from right side water
- Hole 6: Water runs up the left side to the green - scenic but stays in play for approach
- Watch for water on left side of doglegs
Bunkers
- Some holes have up to 10 bunkers - stay out of them!
- Fairway bunkers near greens can be blind - beware on par 5s
Greens
- Multi-tiered greens - being on the wrong level makes putting very difficult
- Take note of pin position and aim for the correct tier
- Bump and run approaches work well (especially Hole 1)
Wind
- Wind significantly affects par 5 difficulty
- Hole 17 may require driver in strong wind conditions
Facilities
Practice
- Aquatic driving range (excellent facility)
- Practice putting green
- Chipping area
Dining
- Nineteen Bar and Restaurant - international cuisine
- Bistro menu available
- Great for 19th hole beers
Pro Shop
- Full pro shop on-site
- Club hire available
Other
- Non-metal spikes required
- Walking permitted at all times
- Golf carts available for hire
Contact & Booking
| Phone | (07) 5457 2444 |
| admin@twgolf.com.au | |
| Website | twinwatersgolfclub.com.au |
| Online Booking | Available via website |
Green Fees (2025)
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 18 Holes (Online Social) | $100.00 |
| Cart Hire | ~$40 |
| Club Hire | Available |
Prices may vary - check website for current rates
Our Rounds
Sunday 18 January 2026 - Sunshine Coast Golf Weekend
- Tee Time: 6:00am - 1st Tee | Social
- Players: Simon, Russ, Dec, Jonas
- Booking Ref: #301106
- Cost: $407.12 (4 players, walking)
- Trip: Sunshine Coast Golf Weekend
Sources
- Twin Waters Golf Club Official
- Where2Golf - Twin Waters
- 18Birdies Scorecard
- Top 100 Golf Courses
- Aussie Golf Quest
Last Updated: 2025-12-08