Dotted around the coastal cities and national parks of New South Wales are a wide number of golf courses that positively ooze character and charm.
(Photo: Long Reef Golf Club)
The southeastern Australian state is widely considered one of the nation’s finest golfing destinations, thanks in large part to the area’s magnificent natural scenery. Many of the courses in NSW are clustered around the capital of Sydney, but there are plenty of others that will challenge, captivate and entertain golfers in equal measure. Here are 10 of the most charming the state has to offer.
Long Reef Golf Club
Enjoying a prime position in the Northern Beaches, under a 40-minute drive out of Sydney’s Central Business District, the course at Long Reef combines sensational scenery with great playing conditions and a challenging links-style layout. Every tee and green has ocean views, and on a number of tees players can watch spectacular watersports activities as well as taking in the sight of whales and dolphins. The immaculate Kikuyu fairways and fast Poa annua greens are well-respected by golfers of all standards. A stylish Club House provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere after your game and a cafe overlooking Fisherman’s Beach is the perfect place to relax over lunch and drinks.
Anzac Avenue, Collaroy
Bonville Golf Resort
(Photo: Bonville Golf Resort)
Nestled among the tree-lined Coffs Harbour coastline, around halfway between Sydney & Brisbane, Bonville’s course is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful golf setting. Carved through rainforests, the holes are played in virtual isolation from each other, with huge trees framing every fairway. The course is laid out over gently undulating terrain with creeks and ponds adding to the visual splendour. Golfers can stop by the charming federation style clubhouse for a lavish snack and wine after their game.
North Bonville Road, Bonville
Avondale Golf Club
Tucked away in a hidden enclave on Sydney’s North Shore, Avondale Golf Club is home to a majestic 18-hole course that was crafted in 1926 by Australian designer Eric Apperly. Lush greens and couch fairways wind through native Australian bush and an abundance of wildlife is harboured around the course. A picturesque, heritage-listed white gabled Clubhouse makes for the perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying wonderful views of the course. While the club is private, guests can come and enjoy the facilities in the company of members.
Avon Road, Pymble
The Coast Golf Club
(Photo: The Coast Golf Club)
With ocean vistas from every hole, The Coast is widely regarded to be home to one of the region’s most spectacular courses. Situated along the rugged Southern Sydney coastline, the par 70 links-style course is open to the elements, presenting a challenge for all skill levels. The club also boasts a popular restaurant offering stunning views across the course, Little Bay and along the coastal sea-cliffs. After a game, golfers can relax in the Heritage listed Club House. Lounge and dining areas. Public play is permitted on the course 7 days per week outside of member’s competition times.
1 Coast Hospital Road, Little Bay
Bondi Golf & Diggers Club
Founded in 1935 on the sandhills of North Bondi, Bondi’s golf course affords amazing views over Bondi Beach, Sydney and the area’s beautiful coastline. The 9-hole course provides golfers of all abilities with a truly enjoyable golfing experience in the most picturesque of settings. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep the course challenging yet welcoming, and staff and always on hand to offer tips and tricks. There’s also a Clubhouse where you can enjoy more great views, plus delicious food and drink.
5 Military Road, Sydney
New South Wales Golf Club
Surrounded by Botany Bay National Park on the northern headland of Botany, set amongst the hills and valleys that hug the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline, NSW Golf Club is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the world – as well as one of the most spectacular. The club itself is private, but access is given to guests during weekdays, and weekends if invited by a member. The challenging links-style course consists of 18 holes, two of which are beside the Tasman Sea and Botany Bay. A rugged terrain combined with super-fast greens demand the best from a golfer both physically and mentally. There’s also a fully refurbished clubhouse combining a combination of traditional architecture and five star comfort.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park, 101 Henry Head Lane, La Perouse
St Michael’s Golf Course
(Photo: St Michael’s Golf Course)
Located on a tight parcel of land atop the cliffs of the Little Bay peninsula, a 20 min drive from Sydney’s Central Business District. St. Michael’s boasts championship greens with amazing views. Perched directly next door to The Coast Golf Club (see above), the links-style course combines many of the features of its illustrious neighbour, including quality conditioning, a testing layout and awe-inspiring ocean views. A smattering of tree and scrub lined holes add to the scenery.
Jennifer Street, Little Bay
Forster Tuncurry Golf Club
A hidden gem on the Mid North Coast, Tuncurry Golf Course is set amid sublime natural beauty. Boasting a Kel Nagle/Mike Cooper-designed championship layout that tests golfers of all skill levels, it is demanding from the tee, with rolling couch fairways and relatively flat putting surfaces rewarding players that drive the ball well. Well-groomed fairways and greens make for a pleasant game, while the course also has a great ability to handle rain in extended wet periods, with the sand base keeping the course in perfect playing conditions when surrounding clubs would need to close. Other club amenities include a a second renowned course – the Forster – plus a well-stocked pro shop, a restaurant, and a bar.
Strand Street, Forster
Magenta Shores Golf Course
(Photo: Magenta Shores Golf Course)
Situated within a 5-star resort setting on the Central Coast about half way between Sydney and Newcastle, the course at Magenta Shores has the Pacific ocean on one side, Tuggerah Lakes on the other and Wyrrabalong National Park to the North. Every hole offers the golfer a wonderful landscape with stunning ocean and bushland views. The sand based design means the course is playable under all weather conditions, The club is private but visitors are welcome when invited as a guest of a member.
1 Magenta Drive, Magenta
Liverpool Golf Club
Perched on the banks of the Chipping Norton Lake in Western Sydney, on the peninsula formed by the Georges River and Prospect Creek, this picturesque 72 Championship golf course enjoys a secluded, tranquil setting . Home to luscious greens, it is long recognised as offering one of the region’s most well-crafted layouts, and at just over 6300 metres provides an excellent test both for professional and amateur golfers. Water comes into play on 14 holes, so shot selection is critical, and with many risk and reward opportunities, strategy plays a big part in scoring well. Well-maintained facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping greens, practice nets, and a modern locker room.
Hollywood Drive, Lansvale