Links Lady Bay
An hour south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Links Lady Bay brings a genuine sand based links to the coast above Gulf St Vincent. Designed by Jack Newton, Graeme Grant and John Spencer, its two loops of nine run out in opposite directions from the resort, a public links anyone can book and play.
Photo: The Links Lady Bay Golf Course via Google.
The verdict
Links Lady Bay is the Fleurieu Peninsula's links escape, a true sand based course built in the spirit of St Andrews on the coast at Normanville. The design team of Jack Newton, the former tour player, with Graeme Grant and John Spencer routed two loops of nine that head out in opposite directions from the front of the resort, the classic links arrangement that means the wind is never behind you for long.
It suits a group that wants the run and bounce of links golf with the convenience of a resort base and an open booking sheet. About an hour from Adelaide, with the wineries of McLaren Vale on the way, it pairs naturally with the city's great clubs to round out a South Australian golf trip with something looser, breezier and right on the sea.
Links Lady Bay at a glance
- Opened
- Around 2000
- Designers
- Newton, Grant, Spencer
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,400 m
- Access
- Public resort
Designers, era, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the resort, Golf Australia and leading course databases. Links Lady Bay was designed by Jack Newton, Graeme Grant and John Spencer and opened around 2000, a sand based links par 72 of about 6,400 metres from the back tees. It is a public resort course; green fees change by day and season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The sandy base is the making of Links Lady Bay, giving firm fairways that run and feed the ball the way a links should, and subtle bentgrass greens that reward a sure read. With the two nines heading out in opposite directions, you face the sea breeze from every angle over the round, so club selection and ball flight matter far more than the yardage on the card.
The short holes are the course's calling card. The par 3 12th plays toward the sparkling water of Gulf St Vincent, a hole as photogenic as any in the state, while the 17th is a stern test into the prevailing wind where par feels well earned. Between them the longer holes ask for placement off the tee, with the smart line opening the better angle in.
It is honest, walkable, exposed links golf, generous enough to enjoy on a calm morning and demanding when the wind gets up, exactly the variety that keeps players coming back to the format.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; tee times bookable in advance, no handicap requirement |
| Green fee | Public green fees with golf and stay packages through the resort (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book online or by phone through Lady Bay Resort; weekends and holidays fill early |
| On the day | Carts available; resort, restaurant and bar on site; neat golf dress applies; dress for coastal wind |
| Getting there | Normanville, Fleurieu Peninsula, about an hour south of Adelaide via McLaren Vale |
| Best months | October to April for warm, settled days; the sea breeze features year round |
Green fees and access verified June 2026 from Lady Bay Resort where published; public rates change by day and season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The Lady Bay Resort beside the course is the obvious base, built for stay and play golf with the beach and the township of Normanville moments away. It makes a relaxed coastal hub for a couple of days of links golf on the Fleurieu.
McLaren Vale, around forty minutes back toward the city, adds the wineries and restaurants that make the Fleurieu such a complete short break, and Adelaide itself is about an hour north for the great metropolitan clubs. For a group, Links Lady Bay is the easy, scenic counterpoint to a city golf trip.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Links Lady Bay.
Build a South Australia golf trip
We pair Links Lady Bay with the great Adelaide clubs and the wineries of McLaren Vale, and book the lodging around your group. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Links Lady Bay questions
Who designed Links Lady Bay?
Links Lady Bay was designed by Jack Newton, Graeme Grant and John Spencer and opened around 2000, a St Andrews style sand based links with two loops of nine running out in opposite directions from the resort.
Is Links Lady Bay open to the public?
Yes. Links Lady Bay is a public resort course, with golf and stay packages through the on site Lady Bay Resort. Green fees vary by day and season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
What is the par and length of Links Lady Bay?
Links Lady Bay plays to a par 72 of about 6,400 metres from the back tees, a sand based links layout with firm fairways and bentgrass greens above Gulf St Vincent.
Where is Links Lady Bay?
Links Lady Bay is at Normanville on the Fleurieu Peninsula, about an hour's drive south of Adelaide, on the coast of Gulf St Vincent.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designers, era, par and yardage verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.