Queensland. It really is the state that has everything. For those still capable of such nonsense, the Gold Coast provides all the high paced golf and nightlife you can handle.

But for those of us who've passed the "straight from the nightclub to the first tee" stage of life, there is the Sunshine Coast.

More laidback, ideal for families but still with all the beaches, golf and tourist attractions an ageing tourist could ask for, this is the part of the northern state we tend to gravitate towards when we've passed the age of 30.

And one of the highlights of any trip to this part of the world is a round at the Peter Thomson/Mike Wolveridge designed Twin Waters. The course fits the local vibe perfectly: little in the way of heroic water carries, narrow fairways and tricked up greens but plenty to keep the thinking golfer on their toes with the reward of a good score always in sight.

If you're looking to move to the next stage of life where bed time comes before first light then the Sunshine Coast, and Twin Waters, is a destination not to be missed.

Enjoy....we did!

Simon Wilson
Inside Social Golf ring-in number one
Handicap - short game

This would be the third time in 15 years I have played Twin Waters and in that time it has never failed to impress. I personally love courses that seem to have been carved out of the wilderness, instead of had a wilderness created around them.

Twin Waters has this feature as the wildlife is still there which makes for a feast for the senses, both visual and auditory.

In this stage of my life I would call myself a very social golfer...the swing is still there - sometimes - the short game is awful and putting gets better every hole. I only ever play with mates, and there is usually beer involved.

I remember a teaching professional I used to know once said to me: never bet money when the other guy has a one - iron in his bag. This was ringing in my ears when I discovered one of the players in our group was playing with a set of Cleveland wedges.

Preparing for the worst, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that while being a competent golfer, he wasn't about to completely embarrass me. And that kinda reminds me of the way the Twin Waters course plays.

It looks the business...the course is always in great condition, looks professional, but when you actually come to play against it, it isn't as hard as it may have looked. The fairways are reasonably forgiving, there is a bit of water, plenty of sand, but if you are swinging reasonably straight then you won't lose a gazillion balls.

Around the greens there is plenty to give your short game a workout (not hard in my case), and I could have done with a bit more long grass immediately around the green to forgive my tendency to overshoot the green.

About the only criticism I have was to do with the greens. Don’t get me wrong they were consistent, and like everyone else I sure do not need anything to make this game we all love any harder, but I don't think I had a single putt all day that turned. Every one was straight. As golfers, we all love to punish ourselves - otherwise we would all play table tennis - but I like to curve a few putts in 18 holes.

All in all, a beautiful day, a course in great condition, friendly staff, a nice cold beer and an above average steak sandwich to finish.

Oh and the best part? Twin Waters is in one of the best parts of the world - Queensland's Sunshine coast - you wouldn't want to live anywhere else !

Overall rating: 8/10

Jeff Sayers
Inside Social Golf ring-in number two

From the minute I stepped out of the air conditioned comfort of the car that morning, I was thankful for the forecast of gusty south easterly winds. Not a normal thought I agree, when heading out for 18 of your best but the hot, humid conditions (which only a true Queenslander can appreciate) instantly set a bead of sweat on the back of your neck, and that’s where the SE breeze came into play.

Walking through the reception and out onto the terrace the first thing that met the eye was green. Beautiful, extensive green with a back drop of native coastal vegetation. I spy Sam at the practice green chipping a few on. He sent a couple of balls my way and I headed across to the driving area.

Water. That’s what I was looking at. An ingenious idea of floating balls that used that cool SE breeze to make their way to the edge where they were collected.A couple of wasted shots later (straightest ones all day), Simon arrived and we headed for the first, in buggies of course - walking would only distract us.The first impression was of friendliness, as we were called through on the first hole before even departing the buggies.

Confidently we strode to the tee and proved to the kind Germans that this was a decision they may regret.

It was only the first, and I had definitely used up that first good shot on the practice range.

I’ve played Twin Waters a few times before but it is always exciting to come back. The wide open fairways give plenty of lenience to the social golfer, with fairway bunkers which still require some skill to negotiate.

The rough is well manicured though tended to be fairly deep and lush which made the odd, interesting ball find - usually right in front of you but couldn’t see it for looking.

The greens were true with some outstanding putting on show, Simon’s 30 footer or more standing out for the day.

We breezed through the 18, with that feeling that another nine could be on the cards but common sense prevailed and we decided the 19th was the best option. With a cold beer in hand it was time try out the bistro.

As with most of the venues I visit, I feel the ‘Steak Sandwich’ on any menu sets the bar for the rest of the food. I feel if they can do the simple steak sandwich well, the rest is sure to follow and I wasn’t disappointed.

The steak was a good tender cut, great flavour from the sauce and onions and there was beetroot on board. (Again, only a true Queenslander would understand).

A great day of golf, good company, cold beer and tasty food. We really do live in the lucky country, something we should not take for granted.

Overall rating: 8/10

Sam Arthur
Inside Social Golf
Handicap 9

The last time I was at Twin Waters was with the Holden Scramble National Final in 1999 when Greg Norman was showing about 400 people how he hit 5 irons over the gateway bridge at Royal QLD back in his hey day. The crowd was in awe of the great man!

Twin Waters will always be a special place for me because of that day. Back then the course standard was fantastic and I’m pleased to say it still is.

It was a pleasure to invite Jeff and Simon to help me review the course. At times Simon swung it like a tour pro with great ease and ability. Stop surfing and play more golf mate!

Jeff is an experienced course reviewer. He joined me in December 2005 to review a great little 27 hole course at Kabi Golf Course not far from Boreen Point.He was prepared this time with his dictaphone and 30 Dunlop golf balls.

The course playability is ten out of ten. It suits every golfer any day of the week. Wide fairways make it appealing from the tee and while there are plenty of bunkers you shouldn’t have too many problems getting out of them.

Water plays a part on at least half the holes and the prevailing wind can be very tricky, adding as much as three clubs to your approach shots.

Another tricky part of the course is the raised greens, common with Peter Thomson designs. You will see this at Camden Lakeside in Sydney and Moonah Links in Melbourne.

The rough was pretty hard to get out of and we all struggled in this department. It’s very soft and we lost a couple of balls too.

The facilities are awesome with an aqua driving range, practise bunkers, chipping and a huge putting green.

The drinks cart is very well stocked and should stay out all day as it can get quite hot if the coastal breeze isn’t up.

Twin Waters is a great course to play all year round. Novotel Twin Waters Resort is just up the road but if you prefer self contained then you can stay right on course at a number of apartments.

I’ve heard a few people say to me that Twin Waters Golf Club is a private club. You can join the club as a full member but the doors are open to the public everyday so get out and try it. You won’t regret it.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Need to know: Twin Waters Golf Club

Par: 72
Length: Men: 6,183 metres, Women: 5,260 metres
Green Fees: 18 Holes: $75, Juniors $35. Nine Holes: $42, Juniors $22 
Electric Carts: $34.00, Electric Pull Carts $12.50, Pull Carts $7.50
Designer: Peter Thomson/Mike Wolveridge
Address: Ocean Drive Twin Waters
Bookings: (07) 5457 2444
Web: http://www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

How to get there

From South: Follow Sunshine Coast Motorway Mudjimba and Sunshine Coast Airport exit. Turn right at the roundabout onto David Low Way then right onto Ocean Drive. Follow through four roundabouts and Twin Waters Golf Club is on your left

From North: From Bruce Highway take Nambour / Mudjimba exit. Turn left onto Bli Bli Road and follow until you reach a roundabout. Turn left onto David Low Way, follow under Sunshine Motorway then turn right onto Ocean Drive.