Perched dramatically atop the rugged cliffs of the Little Bay peninsula, St. Michael's is one of Australia's finest links courses—a natural amphitheater of golf set against the crashing Pacific Ocean. Designed in 1938 by Glancey and Moran, the course showcases visionary restraint, weaving 18 holes through native Australian bush and undulating terrain without disturbing the raw beauty of the landscape. From holes 1-5, the course feels parkland-tight and technical; but emerge at the 6th and you're transported into links heaven—open fairways, dramatic clifftop views, and relentless coastal winds that turn even modest shots into genuine tests. The greens are lightning-quick, strategically bunkered, and deceptively contoured; many holes demand blind or semi-blind tee shots that reward course knowledge and faith in your swing.
This is a course that plays differently every time—a stiff southerly can turn a par-5 birdie opportunity into a par-5 desperate scramble, while calm morning rounds feel almost too generous. The setting is nothing short of magical: wattles and gum trees frame fairways, the Pacific sparks below, and on clear days you might spot whales breaching offshore. The clubhouse sits perched with 360-degree views, and the bistro serves proper pub food with a flair that won't disappoint. St. Michael's recently underwent green complex redesigns (2023-24) that have sharpened the course's bite while maintaining its identity as one of the nation's most environmentally responsible courses.
For group play, St. Michael's strikes the perfect balance—challenging enough to engage serious golfers yet scenic and varied enough that everyone finds moments of joy. Walking is encouraged and rewarded by the coastal beauty at every turn.
Championship links course on coastal cliffs featuring narrow fairways, fast greens, blind shots, and spectacular Pacific Ocean views.