Public

The Palms Course

Sanctuary Cove Resort

Sanctuary Cove, Queensland, AU
CAPTAIN DAZZA
ibroness
Scarlett
Average golfer
+3
18 holesPar 705,057 m72/130

About this course

The Palms at Sanctuary Cove Resort is an Arnold Palmer-designed championship course that opened in 1988 as part of the master-planned Sanctuary Cove development on Queensland's Gold Coast. The course was later redesigned by Australian architect Ross Watson, who reconfigured routing and updated playing features to modernize the layout while maintaining its resort character. The Palms serves as one of two courses at the property, complementing the nearby Pines course. The layout occupies relatively flat terrain typical of the coastal Gold Coast region, with water hazards playing a significant role throughout the round. Canals, lakes, and wetland areas come into play on multiple holes, requiring strategic placement off the tee and careful approach work. The course is routed through residential development, with fairways bordered by tropical landscaping including palms and native vegetation that give the course its name. Bunkering and green complexes reflect Watson's redesign work, emphasizing playability for the resort's mix of members and visiting golfers. Sanctuary Cove Resort has hosted professional events on the Australasian Tour, with The Palms serving as a venue for tournament play. The course measures over 6,800 meters from the championship tees, providing a substantial test for accomplished players while offering forward tee options for recreational rounds. The resort setting includes marina access and residential amenities that have made Sanctuary Cove a prominent destination within the Gold Coast's golf corridor.

Quick facts

Location
Sanctuary Cove, Queensland, AU
Access
Public
Year built
1988
Holes
18
Designer
Ross Watson
Par
70
Length
5,057 metres
Difficulty
72/130
Course Vaults score
8.0

Getting there

Most travelers arrive via Brisbane Airport, a comfortable 45-minute drive north along the Pacific Motorway before turning east toward the Gold Coast hinterland and the sheltered waters of the Coomera River. Private aircraft can touch down at Gold Coast Airport to the south, though Brisbane remains the primary gateway for international guests. The final stretch trades suburban sprawl for gated tranquility, winding through manicured parkland and past marina berths until the road opens onto Sanctuary Cove Resort - a self-contained enclave where Queensland's subtropical ease meets the polished calm of a master-planned waterfront retreat.

FAQ

Common questions about The Palms at Sanctuary Cove Resort

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

The Palms at Sanctuary Cove Resort has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 7 logged golfers.

The Palms was designed by Ross Watson.

Yes. The Palms at Sanctuary Cove Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at The Palms is 70.

The Palms plays 5,057 metres from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at The Palms is 130.

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