Tucked away in the northern suburbs of Perth, Lake Karrinyup Country Club is Western Australia’s premier golf destination. With a rich tournament history, world-class conditioning, and a classic Australian parkland layout, it stands tall as one of the finest inland courses in the country.
Designed by Alex Russell, the protégé of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Lake Karrinyup combines elegant strategy with natural beauty. It has hosted numerous professional events, including the Australian Open and the PGA Championship, and remains a benchmark of championship golf in WA.
Course Overview
- Location: Karrinyup, Perth, Western Australia
- Par: 72
- Length: 6,529m from championship tees
- Designer: Alex Russell (1930s); Graham Marsh (modern updates)
- Access: Private club (guest play available with a member or by invitation)
While many courses impress with their coastline or scenery, Lake Karrinyup does so through layout and precision. With tree-lined fairways, rolling elevation, bold bunkering, and water in play on several holes, the course offers a mix of shot-making and thoughtful design. As a result, every hole feels intentional, and the routing allows the course to breathe—there are no crammed corridors or filler stretches.
Layout and Design
The course is laid out around a large natural lake (hence the name) and offers a mix of elevated tee shots, doglegs, and risk-reward par 5s. Although it’s not a links or coastal course, its use of terrain and water is just as engaging.
Standout Holes:
- Hole 1 – Par 4: A welcoming downhill opener with bunkers ready to catch a lazy swing.
- Hole 8 – Par 3: The signature hole plays over water to a sloping green—both scenic and nerve-wracking.
- Hole 10 – Par 5: A strong hole with elevation changes and a demanding second shot for those chasing eagle.
- Hole 18 – Par 4: A true championship finish with the clubhouse in full view and water lurking left.
Importantly, the course plays firm and fast. While the fairways are generous, misjudged approaches and poor decision-making are punished—especially around the subtly contoured greens.
Conditions and Facilities
- Greens: True, consistent, and quick—ideal for championship golf
- Fairways: Meticulously maintained with great roll
- Bunkers: Strategic and well-raked with crisp edges
- Clubhouse: Elegant and understated with excellent dining
- Practice Facilities: World-class range, short game area, and putting green
Overall, Lake Karrinyup is a course that takes conditioning seriously. Presentation is elite, and the greens staff deliver a premium experience day in, day out.
The Experience
From the moment you arrive, playing Lake Karrinyup feels like a privilege. It’s private, polished, and peaceful. The atmosphere is welcoming yet respectful—this is a serious golf club with a strong member culture.
For visitors, tee times are limited, so arranging access well in advance is essential. Additionally, the dress code is traditional, and mobile phone use is restricted to specific areas. Walking is encouraged, and caddies can be arranged if requested in advance.
Unlike many high-end courses, Lake Karrinyup delivers an experience that is both refined and grounded. The service is professional without being overbearing, and the flow of play is typically smooth and well-managed.
Rating
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Scenery | 8.5 |
| Course Design | 9 |
| Playability | 9 |
| Facilities | 9.5 |
| Overall Experience | 9 |
Final Score: 9.0/10
Final Verdict
Lake Karrinyup Country Club is more than just WA’s best—it’s a standard-bearer for Australian inland golf. The design is clever, the conditions elite, and the atmosphere unmistakably high-end.
Perfect for:
- Golfers chasing a championship-level round in WA
- Fans of classic architecture and strategic layouts
- Travelling players looking for a world-class private club experience
Room for improvement:
- Guest access is limited
- Lacks dramatic coastal views (but makes up for it with polish and variety)
- Play can be tough in the afternoon summer breeze
If you’re heading to Perth and love great golf, Lake Karrinyup belongs on your list.