
The Pines Course
Sanctuary Cove Resort

About this course
The Pines at Sanctuary Cove Resort opened in 1988 as one of two championship courses at this integrated resort community on Queensland's Gold Coast. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the layout during a period when Palmer's firm was actively expanding its portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region. The course takes its name from the mature stands of native pines that frame many holes and contribute to the property's distinctive character within the broader subtropical landscape. The routing moves through gently undulating terrain with strategic bunkering and water hazards that come into play on approximately half the holes. Palmer and Seay incorporated the natural vegetation and created defined corridors that require accuracy from the tee while offering multiple angles of approach to the greens. The design reflects Palmer's playing philosophy, rewarding aggressive play but providing recovery options for those who choose more conservative lines. Sanctuary Cove was developed as Australia's first integrated resort community, and The Pines serves as one of the resort's primary golf amenities alongside The Palms course. The layout has hosted professional events on the Australasian Tour and remains a fixture in Queensland golf. The course is maintained to resort standards and accommodates both member play and resort guests throughout the year. The club facilities include dining and practice areas that serve the broader Sanctuary Cove membership and visitor base, reflecting the resort's positioning as a leisure destination north of the Gold Coast's urban center.
Quick facts
- Location
- Sanctuary Cove, Queensland, AU
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1988
- Designer(s)
- Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 5,959 metres
- Difficulty
- 74/132
Getting there
The journey to Sanctuary Cove Resort begins at Brisbane Airport, a comfortable forty-minute drive north along the Pacific Motorway into the heart of Queensland's Gold Coast hinterland. The route traces the coastline before turning inland toward Hope Island, where manicured boulevards and waterfront estates signal arrival into one of Australia's first master-planned resort communities. Private aviation guests touch down at Gold Coast Airport to the south, though the northern approach from Brisbane offers a more direct passage through the region's subtropical landscape, culminating at the gated entry to Sanctuary Cove's meticulously maintained grounds.

FAQ
Common questions about The Pines at Sanctuary Cove Resort
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Pines was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.
Yes. The Pines at Sanctuary Cove Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Pines is 72.
The Pines plays 5,959 metres from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Pines is 132.
The Pines is a 18-hole course.


