Sanctuary Cove – The Palms Course

Course Data
LocationGold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Yardage6379 yard　Par 71
Course Rating70.0
Playing Date8 Jan. 2006
DesingnerFred Bolton
Opened1988
CaddyNo
Golf CartYes (Can run on the fairways)
Rating
Overall Rating
3.30
Course Layout
3
Difficulty Level
3
Greens Condition
3
Fairways Condition
4
Landscaping & Views
4

 

There are 36 holes, this Palms Course and The Pines Course which spread on a flat terrain. The Pines is longer and more challenging and The Palms is easier. However, water comes into play at 12 holes out of 18 holes at The Palms and its 5 and 6 holes are well designed and demanding. It is a beautiful resort course suitable for beginners and mid-level players.


A view of 5th hole

A view
A view

 

7th　Par 4　376 yards
A straight “ signature hole”. Water on the left and bunkers on the right come into play on the tee shot. A good tee shot will leave you with a mid to short iron to the green. The second shot is demanding as the narrow and deep green is surrounded by water except for a small green entrance, so a precise second shot is required on this hole.
 

7th green seen from behind

7th　Par 4　376 yards (2)

7th　Par 4　376 yards (1)
 
8th　 Par 4　399 yards

8th　Par 4　399 yards (2)

8th　Par 4　399 yards (1)
An almost straight hole. If you hit the tee shot too much to the left, trees hanging over in front will limit your second shot and make it difficult to aim the green. The front of the green is guarded by water and it is needless to say a full water carry on the second shot is a must.

 

 

13th　 Par 4　209 yards

13th　Par 4　209 yards

A relatively long par 3 over water. When you are short of the green even a little, water will catch your shot. The hole will be much longer when you are playing against wind.

 
16th　 Par 4　292 yards

16th　Par 4　292 yards (2)

16th　Par 4　292 yards (1)
A very short par 4 with a lot of trouble. A long hitter can drive to the area close to the green. If he slice it, the ball will be in the lake on the right and if you hook it, it will be in trees on the left due to very narrow landing area. You need to make a decision to go for the green or to it lay up safely. When you are successful on the tee shot, a par isn’t difficult.
　
18th　Par 4　492 yards
A straight hole with green swung to the left at last. When you hit the tee shot to the left, several tall palm trees will impede your second shot. A large lake squeezes the left half of the fairway from 160 yards off the green to the just front of the green, so the landing area of the second shot is very tight. The front of the green faces the water.
 

18th　Par 4　492 yards (3)

18th　Par 4　492 yards (2)

18th　Par 4　492 yards (1)
 
19th　 hole

It takes 50 minutes from Brisbane Airport and 35 minutes from Surfers Paradise by car. Yardage sticks are in meters. Everyone can play from the back tees. A GPS golf cart is very convenient to show distance and your exact position with respect to greens, bunkers and water hazards.


Hotel

Hotel
Restaurant

The adjoining Arnold Palmer designed Pines Course is chosen as the 39th best course in Australia by Golf Digest in 2004. The Palms Course is open to public while you need to be accompanied by a member or to stay at the adjacent Hyatt Regency Hotel to play at the Pine Course.