ABOUT
Michael Coate
Since 1980, Michael Coate has been involved in the design and construction of golf courses across Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China. Achieving a reputation for the design of fine golf courses based on traditional design values and respect for the requirements and budget of the client.
Whilst working with five times British Open Champion, the late Peter Thomson, Michael was exposed to and regularly played Melbourne’s great sand belt courses, including Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Victoria, and Metropolitan. These courses, designed or influenced by renowned designer Alister MacKenzie, shaped Michael’s passion and golf course design ethos. Providing considerable influence on the character and style of Michael’s own designs.
Michael’s designs, such as The Links Kennedy Bay and Araluen Golf Resort in Western Australia, are highly regarded internationally, with Kennedy Bay celebrated as one of Australia’s finest links courses, ranked No. 10 in Australia’s Top 100 Courses by Australian Golf Digest.
Today, Michael leads innovative redevelopment and local government planning projects. And, with a dedicated network of expert collaborators, he envisions and pursues new local and global opportunities in golf course design projects. His authentic vision continues to drive his work.
Design Philosophy
Natural, Site-Specific Design
At Michael Coate Golf Design, we seek to work with the natural characteristics of each site to create golf courses of natural beauty, totally in harmony with their environment. Our strategic design philosophy crafts courses along classically traditional lines, enjoyed by golfers at every level of their ability. We are not bound to a particular style, using links-style pot bunkers or intricate inland bunkers to reflect each client’s vision.
Expertise in Sustainable Innovation
We strive to preserve the environment by regenerating degraded sites with indigenous vegetation and drought-resistant turf grasses, minimising water usage. Collaborating with skilled environmental consultants, we protect local fauna and bird life, ensuring our courses blend naturally with their surroundings. Our minimalist approach, honed over decades, reduces construction costs while enhancing the site’s inherent charm.
Hands-On Expertise for Lasting, Client-Centric Designs
Our design philosophy, refined through Michael’s 40 years of experience, drives every project, from original courses to recent redevelopment and local government planning initiatives. With a hands-on approach, we deliver innovative, high-quality designs that respect client budgets and site-specific needs, creating lasting courses that reflect our commitment to excellence and traditional values.
