A history of Hope Island Links
Links Hope Island is true to golfing tradition with the “Spirit of the Links” while embracing the changing times of modern golf.
Since opening in March 1993, the golf course at Hope Island has consistently ranked amongst Australia’s leading resort courses. Host to the 1997 Johnnie Walker Classic (won by Ernie Els) soon after its opening, the course enjoys and national and international reputation. Designed by five times British Open Champion and one of the true greats of Australian golf, Peter Thomson, and his design partner, Mike Wolveridge, the layout is rated by Australian golfing legend, Peter Senior, as “one of the best championship links courses you’ll play”. The iconic course forms the centrepiece of the Hope Island Resort located on the north side of the Gold Coast.
The Golf Course was constructed under the direction of architects Thomson, Wolveridge and Associates over the three years spanning 1991 to 1993. The Golf Course was a complex construction project due to the need to raise the Golf Course between 2 and 6 metres above the existing ground level. Construction materials were sourced from the Hope Island Resort site and the lake beside the 18th fairway, together with 1 metre of sand overlaying the whole Golf Course which was sourced from the nearby Coomera River for final shaping.
The layout, set in a 360ha residential resort community, carries a par of 72 and measures some 6,400 metres off the championship tees after the recent rearrangement of hole 9 and the Links driving range. Careful, strategic thinking must be employed around the natural and man-made hazards which include numerous pot style bunkers. Other facilities include a concierge bag drop, and new Club Car electric carts to further enhance your golfing experience.
While an intangible asset in one sense, a primary point of difference with Links Golf & Wellbeing is the atmosphere of friendship and sportsmanship that prevails. Relatively young as a club by some standards, its comparative youth has encouraged a progressive attitude resulting in the absence of outmoded attitudes and a warm camaraderie between members, guests and staff.
“The Links at Hope Island came about from meticulous planning with long-range considerations of the landscape and environment. What exists now is the product of many disciplines. I believe nature is generally pleased with the result! You can imagine yourself in Scotland or Eire, except that it is a whole lot warmer and more comfortable. The Links is there for serious play. It’s everyone’s course.”
PETER THOMSON
