Royal Canberra Golf Club

Royal Canberra Golf Club: Although a new city in relative terms, Australia's capital does contain one of the established crown jewels of Australian golf. Laid out in the wonderfully undulating, natural environment of Westbourne Woods, Royal Canberra's original 18-holes are collectively known as the Westbourne course. In the mid-1980s, this superb woodland layout was joined by the more open and at times linksy Brindabella-nine.

Most of the Westbourne course expansively winds its way through quiet, natural woodland. Kangaroos laze in family groups, and avenues of mature pine, birch, cedar and tall eucalyptus line the undulating fairways. No housing or busy roads intrude on the course, parts of which overlook the western end of Lake Burley Griffin, the city's large artificial lake.

Many elevated tees provide clear views onto the beautifully crafted, stylishly bunkered holes. At the right-to-left doglegging par-5 15th, a mirror, mounted on a 15 meter pole, provides a sighter for a rare blind drive. The much straighter par-5 18th is one of the layout's best holes, played from an elevated tee and eventually taking you up to an elevated green in front of the large, luxurious, Mediterranean clubhouse.

All here is excellently maintained and presented, not least the sometimes seriously sloping greens. The middle five holes of the Brindabella-nine provide a contrasting and less tree-lined golfing experience. On more open but still undulating terrain, a links-style golfing challenge awaits, as well as pleasant views onto the Brindabella mountain range.