Snapshots of more Top 100-ranked courses, plus insights into their upcoming prospects based on the first half of our two-year ranking cycle.
Ocean Dunes, TAS
Current ranking: 13
Latest news/panellist summation: “The course was dry, but the playing surfaces were still excellent to play from – the greens in particular.” – April 2024
Prediction for 2026:A similar ranking to last time.
Joondalup, WA
Current ranking: 21
Latest news/panellist summation: One of the most consistently high score-getters, the Quarry/Dune combination of nines in particular continues to resonate with our panellists.
Prediction for 2026: A small rise is on the cards.
Woodlands, VIC
Current ranking: 24
Latest news/panellist summation: Minor tweaks yielding noticeable improvements remains the theme at Woodlands, along with dedicated management of the course’s peripheral vegetation.
Prediction for 2026: Possibly a small rise.
Royal Canberra, ACT
Current ranking: 29
Latest news/panellist summation: The Westbourne course’s conversion to Santa Ana couch looks to be a winner, but with the work completed only three months ago, more time will be needed to fully assess the outcome.
Prediction for 2026:Too early to call.
Glenelg, SA
Current ranking: 32
Latest news/panellist summation: Another course undergoing a gradual renovation, with the latest refinements being the reworked eighth and ninth holes. That leaves just the first, sixth and seventh, which should be completed by the end of this year or early 2026.
Prediction for 2026:If there’s not much change next time, look out in 2028.
Moonah Links (Open), VIC
Current ranking: 48
Latest news/panellist summation: Like its sister layout, the mighty Open course looks to have found its ‘sweet spot’ on our list.
Prediction for 2026: A similar ranking.
Port Fairy, VIC
Current ranking: 50
Latest news/panellist summation: Early scores include a couple in the 70s (out of 80) as the legend of this pilgrimage course on Victoria’s south-western coastline continues to grow.
Prediction for 2026: With this rising appreciation should come a higher ranking.
The Vintage, NSW
Current ranking: 53
Latest news/panellist summation: One of the more historically consistent courses on our ranking is showing no signs of changing tack.
Prediction for 2026: A similar ranking.
Curlewis, VIC
Current ranking: 62
Latest news/panellist summation: Some low early scores are weighing down its current average, which might cost Curlewis in what is a crowded part of the list.
Prediction for 2026:
Projecting to drop slightly.
Pacific Dunes, NSW
Current ranking: 66
Latest news/panellist summation: Few non-metropolitan courses have drawn more total evaluations so far than Pacific Dunes, although those scores are flat compared to last time.
Prediction for 2026:
Projecting to drop slightly.
Rosebud (North), VIC
Current ranking: 67
Latest news/panellist summation: A recent concept plan devised by OCM Golf for the 14th, 15th and 16th holes is a continuation of the firm’s ongoing refinements mapped out for the layout.
Prediction for 2026: Another rise is on the cards.
Killara, NSW
Current ranking: 73
Latest news/panellist summation: A 10-place rise last time will be difficult to repeat, even as appreciation for the revitalised layout grows. Has the renovated Killara course hit its ceiling?
Prediction for 2026: A similar ranking.
Black Bull, VIC
Current ranking: 75
Latest news/panellist summation: Another regional course pulling strong visitation by our panel – this time with some higher scores to match.
Prediction for 2026: A small rise is on the cards.
Mollymook(Hilltop), NSW
Current ranking: 82
Latest news/panellist summation: Gradual renovation works, which are being drawn out over several years, could mean some short-term pain for this popular coastal destination.
Prediction for 2026: Projecting to drop slightly.
Noosa Springs, QLD
Current ranking: 100
Latest news/panellist summation: It’s drawing consistent scores from our panel so far, but will it be enough? ‘Tail-end Charlie’ courses don’t have a strong history of staying on our list the next time, but Noosa Springs might buck the trend.
Prediction for 2026: Will either just make it or just miss.
