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Fantastic layout and a real test of golf!
"I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that beauty means a great deal on a golf course; even the man who emphatically states that he does not care a hang for beauty is subconsciously influenced by his surroundings. A beautiful hole appeals not only to the short but also to the long handicap player, and there are few first rate holes which are not at the same time, either in the grandeur of their undulations and hazards, or the character of their surrounds, things of beauty in themselves." – Dr Alister MacKenzie (course architect)
This is a golf course that I like very much. It’s a links style course set amongst the hills and valleys that lead to the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline. The very natural layout is fantastic and each hole has a unique character. The variation of the holes is appealing and it’s just fun to play the course.
Is it an easy golf course? No, it’s not, but it’s an enjoyable course to play for all golfers. There are undulating fairways, small greens, natural doglegs and challenging par 3’s. It’s crucial to put the ball in play off tee if not, you’ll be penalized. You’ll most likely have a wind to factor in, so ball control and keep it low are essential. It will test your shot making skills.
On top of this you’ll have natural beauty to rest your eyes on - exceptional.
The holes that are extra special for me are:
Hole 6 – 185 meters par 3
A Breathtaking Hole with views of the ocean. You need to walk cross a small bridge to a tee set on top of cliffs. You need to carry the ocean to the green. Avoid the gradient left of the green as well as the bunkers left and right. A good 3-iron to 8 meters left of pin, missed the birdie put for a par.
Hole 13 – 375 meters par 4
A dogleg left and aim for the corner from the tee. A precise second shot to a narrow, elevated green with pot bunkers left and right. A great drive cutting the left corner, messed up the short second shot and ended up in the left front bunker, up & down for a par.
Hole 15 – 372 meters par 4
A famous difficult hole, which is ranked as the hardest hole on the course. An uphill tee shot through a narrow chute needs to go about 220m to reach the top of the hill and so offer a view of the green. The tee shot is extremely difficult into a wind, but once you reach the corner there is little trouble near the green. Drive did reach the top of the hill, bad 5-iron 30 meters to the right of green, pitch and two put for a bogey 5.
Hole 16 – 403 meters par 4
A demanding dogleg left. Despite its narrowness, aim for the corner 240 meters away from the tee, otherwise your approach has to carry the trees at the bend and find a small, hidden green in a valley. Drive to the right hand side of fairway with a 215 meters approach shot left, 3 wood 5 meters short of green, pitch and one put for a par.
I played some solid golf this day and I’m very pleased with how I played the golf course. Good position off tee and hit the approach irons very well. Also had two very good bunker shots that saved the score. 38 on the front nine, 38 on the back nine for a total of 76 (gross).
Some of the holes were played on temporary greens due to the work that was going on to improve the greens. The new grass on the greens are impressive and will be hard to master when they have dried more and been cut down.
Despite the work, the condition of the golf course is superb and I need to get back and play it again when all work is finished (which it may already have).
This is a golf course that’s ranked among the very best in the world and I certainly understand why. You need to play it and you’ll get an outstanding experience you’ll never forget.
New South Wales Golf Club
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