The Links Shell Cove

Originally branded as Shellharbour Links when it opened in 2004, this Scott Murray-designed course became The Links Shell Cove four years later. Architect Richard Chamberlain and contractor Darby Muller have since carried out a substantial bunker renovation.

The opening eight holes are laid out in a valley that heads towards the natural wetland area beside Killalea Lagoon then the remaining holes are set around a hill that helps to guard these fairways from the strong winter westerly winds. Stretching to almost 5,500 metres from the back tees, the course plays to a par of 70 (34 out then 36 in) with back-to-back par threes at #2 and #3 then again at #5 and #6.

Highlight holes include the first two par threes on the card at the 157-metre 2nd and 169-metre 3rd which play around the same triangular-shaped pond; both the short par fours at the left doglegging 7th and sand-protected 15th; and the back-to-back par fives at #17 and #18, where bagging a birdie is a reasonable prospect at the second of these two closing holes.