We hit the greens of one of Australia’s top golf courses with Paul Sanders to chat all things fairways, five-star experiences, and the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580, a head-turning ride that has stayed true to its heritage while charging into the eclectic era.
It’s not every day you find the all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 parked, legally we might add, on a prestigious golf course.
But here we are; a clear blue sky, the first all-electric G-Class, and Paul Sanders, CEO of Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club. Some scenes speak for themselves.
After 46 years, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has entered a new chapter—electrified. The G 580 with EQ technology is a reimagination of an icon. It retains everything that has long made the G-Wagon a legend: its boxy good looks, go-anywhere attitude and unapologetic presence. But now, it has something new, 579 horsepower of silent, electric force.
With an estimated driving range of up to 473 km and fast DC charging from 10-80 percent in just 32 minutes, the G 580 delivers practicality as well as power. Advanced torque vectoring allows for innovations never seen in a G-Class before, including ‘G-STEERING’ for tighter turning on challenging terrain and ‘G-TURN’, a feature that enables the vehicle to rotate 360 degrees on the spot, none of which, we’ll attempt to do on the golf greens.
The G-Class is also Paul’s favourite car.
“The driving experience is impeccable,” he says. “It’s quiet, smooth and incredibly comfortable.”
There’s a natural alignment between Mercedes-Benz and Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club: both brands are built on a foundation of quality, performance, and attention to detail.
This isn’t the first time a Mercedes-Benz has found its way near the fairways. During the MercedesTrophy Golf Day, over 100 guests enjoyed a day of golf while the Mercedes-AMG G 63, SL 63 and GT 63 stole the spotlight between swings.
“Having the vehicles featured on the golf course during the event wasn’t just visually impressive, it felt like a perfect fit,” says Paul.
“There’s a natural alignment between Mercedes-Benz and Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club: both brands are built on a foundation of quality, performance, and attention to detail. I think it’s clear we’re both committed to delivering exceptional experiences, whether that’s behind the wheel or out on the course.”
“Beyond the 36 holes and elite practice facilities, our club is a place where members, their guests, and visitors feel genuinely at home,” says Paul.
“We’re proud of the community that’s grown around the club and its strong commitment to our future, investing in the quality of our courses and amenities, and also in the overall member experience.”
The Pines is also the only golf course in Australia designed by the late American professional golfer Arnold Palmer.
“The Pines is renowned for its narrow shoots and enormous pine trees that line all the holes. It’s long, challenging and extremely picturesque and continues to stand the test of time as an iconic, one-of-a-kind course.”
Despite being known for its difficulty, Paul cites hole 10 as a personal favourite.
“It has such a daunting tee shot and is one of the hardest par-4s in Queensland, if not, Australia,” he says. “The landing zone is so tight the further down the fairway you try to hit your tee shot, with water along the entire right side of a very long hole.
“Equally remarkable is hole 18, finishing your round with shots curving around water on your left from tee to green on a long par-4. You cannot hide on The Pines; it’s a great test with new challenges in every round.”
Beyond The Pines golf course, the club also boasts a rich history.
“We are fortunate to have three major champions from varying decades as members,” says Paul. Namely, our first President Arnold Palmer, as well as Ian Baker Finch and of course, Adam Scott.”
While working in a stunning setting is a perk of the job, it’s the camaraderie between colleagues Paul values.
“We are a very supportive team, and this translates to our service standards and relationships with our members,” says Paul.
Paul admits that a number of members can vouch for one of his more unforgettable, and slightly humbling moments from a Saturday Monthly Medal on The Pines.
“I hadn’t been playing much golf and hit the worst tee shot of my life on hole 1,” he says.
“The ball hit a tee marker in front of me and rebounded behind me out of bounds. There must have been 10 to 15 members there to witness it and I’ve never lived that down.”
Your next round could feel like home. Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club is a private, member-only club offering an unmatched golfing and lifestyle experience in one of Australia’s most iconic resort communities. Let us help you take the first step to experiencing a championship lifestyle. Click here to request membership information.
Looking ahead, plans are in motion to help shape the next chapter of the club’s future.
“Management is currently working diligently behind the scenes to appoint a new custodian architect for The Pines golf course who will masterplan its future,” says Paul.
“This strategic move marks a significant step for the club in securing a long-term architectural partner. One that will not only serve the course well into the future but also collaborate closely with the clubhouse architects to ensure a seamless upgrade and integration of The Pines golf course, short game area, and driving range facilities.
“We share a strong focus on innovation and service,” says Paul. “Just as Mercedes-Benz continues to lead in automotive excellence, we’re always looking for ways to elevate the member experience, both on and off the course.”
