A terrific union of tropical climes and Sandbelt feel has distinguished Pelican Waters in the 25 years since the golf course first opened. The resort-style surroundings scream Queensland, yet the bunkering style has you wondering if you’re really in Melbourne.
It’s a blend that remains intact even after the creation of four new holes in recent years to make way for the addition of the adjoining Palm Lake Resort. Greg Norman’s design firm was called back in to augment a layout that has always carried his moniker, as the course began as a Norman/Bob Harrison project. The former first, second, eighth and ninth holes were lost, replaced with four newcomers that now play as the 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th holes after a reversal of the two nines. There’s also far more variety in the par 3s, creating five feature moments in every round. The new-look Pelican Waters turns two years old this winter and serves as a reminder of its lofty position within Sunshine Coast golf.
The renovation also saw many of the bunkers fortified with Capillary lining, a popular modern process that adds a porous layer of concrete well below the sand to improve drainage and minimise the impact of heavy downpours.
Pelican Waters Golf Club
Ranking for 2024-2025: 65th
Prior rankings: Omitted (2022), 78th (2020), 61st (2018), 59th (2016), 58th (2014), 53rd (2012), 54th (2010), 50th (2008), 42nd (2006), 36th (2004), 86th (2002)
Where: Mahogany Drive, Pelican Waters QLD 4551
Phone: (07) 5437 5000