Sanctuary Cove Resort

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.