Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
A Sydney Icon with Timeless Charm
Nestled in Eastlakes, New South Wales, The Lakes Golf Club is a treasure trove of golfing history and a showcase of world-class course design. Established in 1928, this iconic Sydney course has continually evolved, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for both tournaments and everyday play.
The Lakes’ journey began with the vision of designers Eric Apperly and Tom Howard. Over the decades, the course has seen significant redesigns by renowned architects like Bruce Devlin, Robert von Hagge, and most recently, Mike Clayton in 2009. Each phase of development has added layers to the course’s unique character, making it a living testament to golf’s evolving artistry.
For many, The Lakes is synonymous with the Australian Open. My first visit to the course was on November 15, 1980, during the tournament’s second round. The first shot I witnessed? A powerful drive down the opening hole by none other than Seve Ballesteros.
The back nine came alive that day with gale-force winds, challenging even the most skilled players like Ballesteros, who battled his way to a gritty 71. This dramatic setting has since hosted many memorable victories, with legends such as Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus, and Abraham Ancer etching their names into its history.
While its championship legacy is undisputed, The Lakes has undergone transformative changes to elevate its playability and aesthetics. The original course, split by the construction of the airport freeway in 1968, was reimagined by von Hagge and Devlin. They introduced dramatic holes framed by vast lakes, an enduring hallmark of the course.
However, decades of tree planting had obscured The Lakes’ natural, open character. Enter Mike Clayton, who, in 2006, embarked on a mission to restore its original links-like appeal. Completed in 2009, his redesign cleared invasive vegetation, opened up sightlines to Sydney’s skyline, and refined the layout, particularly the previously lackluster front nine.
Clayton’s work is most evident at holes like the 2nd and 7th. The par-4 2nd, shortened from a par-5, now challenges players with strategic shot-making, while the par-3 7th stands as a minimalist masterpiece, showcasing exposed sandy waste and a green with dynamic slopes.
The back nine offers its own thrills. The short par-4 10th and three risk-reward par-5s—the 11th, 14th, and 17th—test precision and courage, with hazards that demand careful navigation. These holes embody the essence of Clayton’s redesign: every decision on the tee has the potential for reward or ruin.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend enthusiast, The Lakes Golf Club delivers an unforgettable experience. The memories of watching legends conquer its fairways inspire anyone fortunate enough to play here, and the course’s balance of challenge and beauty ensures every round is a joy.
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