WITH Links Hope Island set to celebrate its 30th anniversary this month, the ghosts of Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge still whisper around the championship layout, though the links has been tweaked a number of times.
And if you turn back the clock three decades another familiar voice is remembered for his praise of the golf course.
Yes, it seems like yesterday that the late, great Norman von Nida cast an expert eye over the Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge-designed links-style layout and gave it the thumbs up – even in its infancy.
Shortly after opening on March 6, 1993, the legendary and forthright von Nida selected the newly-created Links Hope Island as “the best golf course in Australia”.
It was a big statement by the great man and champion player, but one that was not far off the mark.
Since opening, the course has consistently been ranked one of the top layouts in Australia.
Still, despite the accolades from the likes of von Nida and other leading golf experts, Links Hope Island has never rested on its laurels.
From day one it continued to improve by making subtle tweaks here and there – year-after-year and decade-after-decade – all for the benefit of members and guests.
It didn’t take long for the golf course’s reputation to attract the attention of the world and in 1997, just four years after opening, Links Hope Island was chosen as the venue to host the Johnnie Walker Classic.
Being a major event on the world stage, it attracted a world-class field that included such luminaries as eventual winner Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie et al.
Set at the northern end of the golfing mecca that is the Gold Coast, Links Hope Island continues to make improvements and in 2021 underwent a significant change when the par-four ninth hole was replaced by an interesting, visually-appealing and challenging par-three.
The reasoning behind the change was to accommodate the introduction of an adjacent real estate precinct and to relocate the previous wet driving range but while those changes solved one problem, they created another.
Determined to retain its par of 72, which had been impacted by the above change, management at Links Hope Island considered a number of options before settling on extending their superb par-three third hole into a near driveable par-four while retaining the original hole’s outstanding green complex.
The new hole, set to open in the first half of 2023, will measure 320 metres (blue tees) and certainly will be driveable in certain conditions given that tee blocks of varying lengths will be utilised.
The addition adds another hole of driveable length to that of the 16th hole – 320m (blue tees), 282m (white tees) and 250m (red tees) – and provides even further variety.
To be sure, it will prove popular with players of all levels who choose to play the iconic facility.
The golf course
The 18-hole championship layout is Thomson’s tribute to old-fashioned golf. It embodies all that is good in links-style golf with fast running fairways, ridges, swales, pot bunkers and wonderful green contouring that would not look out of place on a golf course by the Scottish or Irish seaside.
It is certainly manmade, but the mounding and shaping that was carried out when creating this “faux links” was done sympathetically meaning it blends in with the natural landform of a relatively flat piece of real estate.
Although a championship test from the back tees, Links Hope Island is also pure delight for the mid- to high-handicapper – with a series of delightful elevated tee shots and four marvellous par-three holes and some truly links-style land.
Links Hope Island starts in a serene and welcoming way, with a shortish par-four (323m white tees).
All four of the par-five holes are extremely strong.
In particular, the 501-metre (blue tees) par-5 second hole is a stiff test so early in the round. The hole swings left round a lake with a huge fig tree on the bend, at the water’s edge, threatening the tee shot.
The 515-metre (blue tees) par-five 18th hole is a great way to end the round with water again bordering the fairway to the left and a number of fairway bunkers presenting possible problems.
The 18th green is surrounded by bunkers and a hollow-out front. It’s a challenging end yet golfers will not be disappointed.
The signature hole is the 230m (black tees), par-three, 17th where a 190-metre carry over water will intimidate the more faint-hearted on the tee, especially if playing into the prevailing wind.
The green is further protected by three bunkers to the front and some will consider playing to the bailout area short right – shy of another three bunkers back right – where a chip and a putt may result in the desired par score.
For the record, the championship golf course stretches to 6355m (black tees) 6206m (blue), 5723m (white) and 4986m (red).
The clubhouse
The clubhouse at Links Hope Island is a nice surprise, a low-lying modern building that isn’t garish. It’s pleasantly low-key inside, the focus on the exceedingly comfortable dining area and bar.
After 30 years, there is already a palpable sense of tradition at Links Hope Island that is worth of its founders – and of its magnificent and timeless links.
Happy 30th birthday, Links Hope Island!
LINKS HOPE ISLAND FACT FILE
Contact: Links Hope Island, Springfield Drive, Hope Island, Gold Coast, QLD 4212, Phone: (07) 5530 9000, golfevents@linkshopeisland.com.au, www.linkshopeisland.com.au
Green fees: $150 Friday to Sunday including shared golf cart and $140 Monday to Thursday including shared cart.
Restrictions: Play is restricted to members only Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and all-day Saturday from the first tee.
Hire equipment: Rental clubs $60 for 18 holes. Range balls $15 large, $10 small.
Practice facilities: 300m practice facility, short game area for chipping pitching and bunker play (four bunkers) and two practice putting greens.
The one shot you need: Aside from being able to avoid the 126-challenging pot-style bunkers throughout your round, the bump-and-run is essential around the greens.
Toughest hole and why: 427m par-4 fourth hole. It’s a long hole and a difficult tee shot with water down the right-hand side, a pot bunker in the middle of the fairway and a bunker in the left rough hiding a small pond beyond it.
Best chance for a birdie: 502m (blue tees) par-5 eighth hole or the 320m par-4 16th.
Ammunition quota: A couple of sleeves are likely to be required if the driver doesn’t behave.
Don’t leave home without it: Your imagination.
Don’t miss: The view from the steps outside the golf shop looking toward the 18th green all the way to the 17th tee – even better when the sun is setting and the kangaroos are out and about.
Clubhouse facilities: Includes a fully-stocked bar, two alfresco dining terraces, SOL Café, Fountain Court dining, conference and event spaces that include two meeting rooms, a private dining area and a Grand Ballroom. Links Hope Island clubhouse is also home to Yoga Now and Champions Day Spa.
Memberships: Seven-day membership available $1500 joining fee, $4700 annual dues. There is currently a waiting list for midweek membership (Monday to Thursday exc. public holidays). Next Generation and Junior membership also available.
Golf shop offers: offers a complete range of the latest trends in golf fashion. Brands include Footjoy, J Linderberg, Donald Ross, San Soliel, Corsica, Greg Norman, Peter Millar, Birdee Sport, IBKUL, Jamie Sadock, Daily Sports, Green Lamb, Arnold Palmer, Bermuda Sands, Cutter and Buck and more.
Club professionals: Links Hope Island employs PGA and WPGA members, David Hogben (Club Manager), Paul Rolles (Golf Executive), Priscilla Duffield (Membership and Events), Crystal O’Sullivan (Corporate and Group Golf), David Ennels (Golf Shop), Peter and Libby Zidar (Golf Shop). Coaching staff: David Thomas, Evan Sinclair, Janine Barney, Peter and Libby Zidar.
Links Golf & Wellbeing
ARE you looking to explore a heightened golfing experience?
Visit Links Golf & Wellbeing on your next journey to the stunning Gold Coast.
A short drive from the excitement of Surfers Paradise and under an hour away from the bustling Brisbane CBD, Links Golf & Wellbeing is the centrepiece of Hope Island Resort.
Our premium golf course and clubhouse provide a leisurely and recreational atmosphere for you to relax and enjoy.
Your day begins with a greeting from our friendly concierge staff, who will load your clubs onto one of our premium golf carts. Once you’re in the golf shop, you can check in and get ready to hit the links. Before you do, take the time to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views of the golf course from the terrace of Sol at Links Cafe. The aroma of the coffee will make you relax and take a break from the hectic pace of the day.
At Links, our golf professionals in the golf shop are here to help you with any questions you may have. From personalised instruction to club fitting and repair, the experienced Links golf team can assist in every way.
Enjoy a day of golfing fun with friends at Links Golf & Wellbeing – It’s more than just golf, It’s a lifestyle for a lifetime.
Chief writer David Newbery has been living, breathing and writing and editing golf for more than 30 years. His extensive knowledge of the game comes from covering golf around the world. Hired by Inside Golf in 2009, David previously worked as the editor of The Golfer for 25 years and before that worked for numerous daily newspapers in Australia and overseas. The Brisbane-based journalist describes his golf game as “a work in progress”, but has had the privilege of playing golf with some of the game’s best players including nine-time major winner Gary Player. David enjoys travelling, reading, music, photography and spending time with family and friends – on and off the golf course. 
