The Sands Torquay Golf Club

About the club

The designer of this course, Stuart Appleby, remains a force to be reckoned with on the US Tour, in addition to being the only player to take part in each of the first ten World Golf Championships. The Sands Torquay, situated on Great Ocean Road, was Appleby's very first layout, and it is sure to attract future work when he finally quits competitive play. Although the setting lacks the dunes that are central to nearly every great links course, there is still a very "linksy" feel to this oceanside location, and is sufficiently capacious to host any championship. Stuart's time in the US is evident in certain American influences, but one sees his Australian roots and world travels in his studied approach to golf in windy conditions. Carefully positioned bunkers compensate for the absence of the contours that are associated with links courses, and make for a thinking man's game.