We have searched the nation to find 100 of the greatest green fee offers you will ever find at courses you will want to play again and again. Here are the best from NSW and the ACT.
BERMAGUI CC
Using the sometimes-dramatic terrain to great effect, Bermagui tests your ability to judge a variety of uphill and downhill shots, and side-hill lies on a course that never gets boring.
Recent clearing of some trees and lopping of branches away from playing lines has enhanced a round here.
The opening two holes, the 10th and 18th holes, are not indicative of the best holes to be found at Bermagui. Beyond the 3rd tee is a rolling golfing terrain that provides the foundation for some terrific holes. These holes also offer views back across the seaside town to Horseshoe Bay and Mt Dromedary.
Green fee: $36. www.bermaguicountryclub.com
BLACKHEATH GOLF CLUB
Blackheath is widely regarded as the most picturesque and challenging of the Blue Mountains courses, west of Sydney.
The layout is home to several strong par-4s that present varying challenges, plus several par-3s designed to test your ability with every club in the bag. A pretty stream comes into play on the 1st and 15th holes, while a large dam will grab your attention at the short but devilish par-3 17th.
If you like the feel of crisp mountain air in your lungs during winter, this is the place for you. If you like it to be a little warmer, spring is one of the best times to play Blackheath as the various wattles and other flowering natives burst into colour.
Green fees: $35 (weekdays); $45 (weekends and public holidays).
BYRON BAY GOLF CLUB
Byron Bay GC is the current home of the Legends Australian Tour Championship, which was won by Steve Conran last year.
The layout has been extensively remodelled in the past decade and this saw it rise through the ranks into the nation’s Top-100 Public Access Courses list.
The one hole that is worth the cost of the green fee alone is the 538-metre par-5 4th – a tight driving hole from an elevated tee where trees, sand and water come into play en route to the green.
Green fee: $49. www.byronbaygolfclub.com.au
CARNARVON GOLF CLUB
Most of the courses showcased in this feature can be found in regional Australia.
Price pressures on city courses take their toll, especially on quality public access layouts – but not at Carnarvon, which boasts the cheapest visitor green fee of any course on this list.
With only weekday times available for visitors, you can play this very well-presented course – which has hosted qualifying events for the Australian Open and other national tournaments – for just $20.
Several minor changes to its design in recent years have improved what was already a fine and challenging course, which is always beautifully presented.
Green fee: $20 (weekdays). www.carnarvongolf.com.au
CLUB CATALINA
Natural water hazards, well-placed bunkers and tree-lined fairways offer an enjoyable challenge at this 27-hole layout. Club Catalina is an established course with some of the finest playing surfaces in regional New South Wales, where the scenic views of Batemans Bay and its surroundings add to the round.
Green fee: $40. www.clubcatalina.com.au
COBRAM-BAROOGA GOLF CLUB
Cobram-Barooga GC offers one of the best value golfing experiences along the mighty Murray River.
The 36-hole complex, incorporates an Old and West course, which are always in very good condition. But it is the Old course, originally designed by Vern Morcom, with its more heavily tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain that, for many golfers, is the star attraction. The opening hole – a driveable downhill par-4 – and the signature ‘Bell’ 385-metre par-4 5th hole are arguably its most memorable offerings.
One of the best short par-4s at Cobram-Barooga is the 347-metre par-4 6th on the West course. The hole calls for an accurate tee shot rather than brute force as the narrow fairway doglegs right and over the crest of a hill. A good drive will leave a short-iron approach into a green that is surrounded by bunkers.
Green fees: $35 (weekday); $40 (11am Fri to 11am Sun).
www.cbgc.com.au or www.sporties.com.au
COFFS HARBOUR GOLF CLUB
Coffs Harbour is one of the most challenging and best-maintained layouts in regional NSW.
With a design heritage including Carnegie Clark (1938) and Arthur East (1950), the north coast course has evolved into a 27-hole complex that is highly regarded for its consistently good presentation and challenging holes.
Heavily tree-lined fairways, punctuated by clever fairway bunkering or one of the many water hazards scattered throughout, cover a good mix of undulating and easier-walking flat areas.
Green fee: $50. www.coffsharbourgolfclub.com.au
COMMERCIAL CLUB ALBURY
The Commercial Club Albury layout rarely offers the same shot twice as there are vast undulating areas to be found across the course.
The par-4 8th is a prime example. It is a terrific short par-4 where the drive is played to a rollercoaster fairway that also slopes slightly from right down to the left. Ideally, the best position to approach the elevated green is from a flat lie in the ‘valley’. But many a player is caught with an uphill or downhill lie making it a difficult short second shot to a small green.
Green fees: $32 (weekdays); $36 (weekends).
www.commercialclubalbury.com.au
GALLERY: AUSTRALIA'S 20 BEST VALUE FOR MONEY COURSES
COOMEALLA GOLF CLUB
Coomealla is a championship layout that winds through black box and river gum trees and it is just a pitching wedge from the clubhouse to the edge of the Murray River, at Dareton, north of Mildura.
Founded in 1971, Coomealla was the design brainchild of founding member Ross
Putland - who carved out the layout from beautiful natural surrounds and the very best golf course grasses were used, including bentgrass on the greens and couch on the fairways, which are well maintained.
Green fee: $35. www.coomeallaclub.com.au
COROWA GOLF CLUB
A wonderful Murray River course that adjoins the mighty watercourse at the 12th hole, Corowa features 18 narrow holes with towering and sprawling gums, tight playing lines and large bunkers in a shot-maker’s paradise. An extra nine was added in 1980 and utilises more open land on the north side of the clubhouse.
The value: The third nine. Longer, wider and different yet complementary to the original 18, the 1-9 loop adds a great contrast to whichever of the other two twins you pair it with.
Green fee: $35. www.corowagolf.com.au
CUMBERLAND COUNTRY CLUB
As far as parkland golf courses go, Cumberland CC is one of Sydney’s finest.
The club prides itself on its pristine playing surfaces and claims to be the first in Australia to introduce compulsory sand buckets.
The par-72 layout offers a good range of holes, with water, sand and elevation changes between tee and green on most holes all combining to add plenty of variety to your round.
Green fee: $40 (weekdays). www.cumberlandgolf.com.au
DUNTRYLEAGUE GOLF CLUB
Orange, in NSW’s Central West, is home to a handful of pleasant golf courses but the pick of the crop is Duntryleague – a flowing layout flanked by stands of thick pines and all-manner of other floral species.
Playing in two loops away from the stately 141-year-old guesthouse, Duntryleague has changed very little over the years but is perhaps far more heavily tree-lined than it was when Eric Apperly oversaw the completion of construction of the course back in the mid-1930s.
Green fee: $45. www.duntryleague.com.au
EASTLAKE GOLF CLUB
Eastlake GC occupies similar golfing land to its more famous neighbours, Bonnie Doon and The Lakes, which is a true indicator of how enjoyable a round can be here.
At 5,881 metres it’s not the longest layout, but its elevation changes subtly increase its distance. Natural waste areas and water hazards can be found amongst the pristine playing surfaces.
Green fees: $47 (weekends); $37 (Fridays); $25 (Monday–Thursday).
EASTS LEISURE & GC
Formerly known as Maitland Golf Club, Easts Leisure and Golf boasts one of the most under-rated courses in the Hunter region of NSW.
The club was first established in 1899, making it one of the oldest in NSW. Over the past century, the course has evolved into the challenging and enjoyable layout that presents today.
The cheap green fee here makes this layout one of the best value courses in the Hunter.
Green fees: $27 (weekdays); $30 (weekends). www.maitlandgolf.com.au
FORSTER TUNCURRY GOLF CLUB (TUNCURRY COURSE)
The longer and tighter of the twin layouts is a true examination of your entire game. The firm, fast-running fairways weave and roll between swathes of gum trees, banksias and other natural flora that line both sides of almost every hole.
Designed by Kel Nagle and Mike Cooper, the Tuncurry layout features some of the best short par-4s and par-3s on the NSW North Coast. The sandy soil here also makes it ideal for growing good quality golfing grasses, so the presentation here is generally very good.
Green fee: $38. www.forstertuncurrygolf.com.au
GERRINGONG GOLF CLUB
Situated between the seaside towns of Gerringong and Gerroa, the course lies across undulating terrain overlooking beautiful Walkers Beach and offers ocean views from every corner of the layout.
This seaside layout is a simple but enjoyable design but the golfing experience here has improved dramatically during the past few years with all the greens converted to A4 bentgrass, the rebuilding of most tees and a sustained program of bunker refurbishment.
Green fee: $32. www.gerringonggolf.com.au
GUNGAHLIN LAKES GOLF CLUB
The Ted Parslow and Jamie Dawson-designed par-72 has been in play now for two decades and has been at its best in recent years.
The layout is routed around six irrigation lakes spread throughout the property (it can be seen on 14 holes but actually comes into play on far less), which makes Gungahlin self-sufficient for water and also enables the course staff to keep its ryegrass fairways and bentgrass greens in superb knick.
Green fees: $29 (weekdays); $39 (weekends).
HAWKS NEST GOLF CLUB
Hawks Nest, on the northern shore of NSW’s Port Stephens, is a hidden golfing gem.
Tall timbers frame most fairways, which feature bumps and rolls over a fine sandy base – a by-product of its location wedged between the port and the ocean.
The sandy base not only makes Hawks Nest the best wet weather course in the region, it has helped shape some wonderful holes over the easy-walking topography.
Green fee: $45. www.hawksnestgolfclub.com.au
LYNWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
Now in its eighth year, this addition to the golf scene in Sydney’s north-western fringe sees 18 holes twisting and snaking between a series of ponds and other shallow water hazards.
Almost tree-less, the Graham Papworth design sits on low-lying land next to Pitt Town Lagoon and is largely flat, save for the greens and tees nearest the clubhouse.
The club became a part of the Castle Hill RSL Group in 2014 and since then there has been an increased investment in the course and some of the facilities, including the driving range that now boasts all-weather hitting bays, a two-tiered grass tee and is floodlit.
The course design was tweaked to accommodate the new practice range but has lost nothing in terms of its challenge and the enjoyment it provides.
Green fee: $40 (weekdays); $50 (weekends). www.lynwoodcc.com.au
MORUYA GOLF CLUB
Moruya GC is one of the most improved courses you will find on the NSW South Coast.
This is a fun course to play. It’s not too long, at 5,734 metres from the tips, and the playing surfaces are always very well-maintained. In fact, Moruya’s fairways are of the quality you might expect from a private city club with a much bigger budget and greens staff.
Moruya also offers a unique close to both nines. The 364-metre par-4 9th shares a huge green with the 351-metre par 18th. The enormous putting surface, easily the largest on the South Coast, is a fitting end to two tough holes. The 18th is the harder of the two holes where a solidly hit approach must avoid a big lake short and right of the green.
Green fee: $40. www.moruyagolfclub.com.au
MOSS VALE GOLF CLUB
Moss Vale showcases the Southern Highlands region’s best natural assets in a fluid layout that winds up and down hills, traverses an omnipresent creek and on fairways flanked by stunning flora.
The elevation changes at Moss Vale afford wonderful views but also enchanting golf holes and shots. The best of both – views and golf – comes on the par-5 4th hole, where an eagle beckons and disaster lurks. Save your best drive for this elevated tee and the green is well in reach for two shots.
Green fee: $40. www.mossvalegolfclub.com.au
MUIRFIELD GOLF CLUB
Muirfield GC is a club rich in history that boasts a scenic course with large bunkers, tall timbers lining most fairways and lakes ready to grab any mis-hits.
The club has had a long held reputation for presenting well-maintained playing surfaces.And despite being only a 25-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD via the M2, you’ll feel like you’re well away from the hustle and bustle at Muirfield.
Green fees: $42 (weekdays); $48 (weekends). www.muirfieldgolf.com.au
MURRAY DOWNS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Set in the heart of Kidman Reid’s historic Murray Downs sheep station on the NSW side of the Murray River, the Geoff and Ted Parslow-designed course opened for play in 1989 and has been ranked the No.1 course along the river ever since.
Man-made lakes were included to help with irrigation and drainage, and a mass of native gums has matured to now line all fairways. Throw in some strategic, well-sculpted bunkering – featuring its spectacular ochre red sand – and water hazards on many holes and it is no wonder Murray Downs has many plaudits.
Green fee: $50. www.murraydownsgolf.com.au
MURWILLUMBAH GOLF CLUB
It’s not hard to be distracted by the panoramic views of typically Australian countryside when you play at Murwillumbah. Thousands of hectares of national park cover the Great Dividing Range and Mt Warning to the west, with large tracts of sugarcane fields lying in between you.
And you get all of this just 35 minutes’ drive south of the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta.
The par-71 was a hidden gem for many years but word on the quality of the layout has spread far and wide in recent times. In 2015 it debuted in Golf Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses ranking at No.90. A few months ago when the 2017 edition list was released, it had jumped a further 11 ranking spots to No.79.
Green fee: $36. www.murwillumbahgolfclub.com.au
NELSON BAY GOLF CLUB
Nelson Bay is one of the most popular courses in the Hunter region, simply because it offers a well-presented course year round, the green fee is not steep and, with 27 holes on offer, visitors can always get a game on weekends if they book in advance.
The club extended to 27 holes in the late 1990s, with nine new holes cut through bushland that adjoins the Tomaree National Park.
The designers were careful to incorporate the characteristics of the original 18 into their plans. And why wouldn’t they? These holes offer plenty of variety and some breathtaking experiences, from the opening tee shot at the par-4 1st, which is elevated high above the fairway and offers a brilliant vista, to the approach at the par-4 9th, with a picturesque pond and fountains behind the green. The club has recovered well from a fire that destroyed its clubhouse in September 2015, with work well-advanced on the rebuilding.
Green fees: $45 (18 holes weekdays); $50 (weekends). www.nelsonbaygolf.com
OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB
Set in an area of natural flora with tidal lakes, rivers and the Great Dividing Range as a backdrop, Ocean Shores Country Club on NSW’s far north coast offers spectacular scenery as well as great golf.
Designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge, Ocean Shores opened for play in 1972 and it wasn’t long before it gained the reputation as a stern test. It is a reputation that remains today.
Some of Ocean Shores’ best holes are to be encountered on the inward nine, with one of the highlights opening the back half. The 394-metre par-4 10th plays much shorter than the scorecard says, with the fairway descending gradually before plunging steeply down towards the well-bunkered green beyond the corner of the sharp dogleg right.
Green fee: $42. www.oceanshorescc.com.au
PAMBULA-MERIMBULA GOLF CLUB
Boasting 27-holes on the far south coast of NSW, Pambula-Merimbula is distinctive for its natural bush setting, myriad kangaroos and solid, enjoyable golf course.
The layout, which has improved markedly in recent years, is not long but several sharp doglegs make it important to either shape the driver or lay up from the tee, while the greens vary from diminutive to expansive and everything in between. And for $45, you can play as many holes as you can in a day.
Green fee: $45 (unlimited golf). www.merimbulagolf.com.au
PORT KEMBLA GOLF CLUB
Port Kembla rates as arguably the best-conditioned and toughest golfing challenge in the NSW Illawarra region. Lush, easy walking fairways are bordered by a combination of gums, melaleucas and low-lying trees making this layout a straight-hitters paradise.
The par-72 has its fair share of impressive holes but it leaves its best until last. The closing quartet of holes are very good and add to the value of the green fee.
Green fees: $20 (Monday); $30 (Tuesday to Friday); $40 (weekends).
RICHMOND GOLF CLUB
Lying at the foot of the stunning Blue Mountains, Richmond GC offers players of all levels an enjoyable challenge on what is believed to be Australia’s oldest golf course still on its original site - having been established in 1897.
The tree-lined layout has improved markedly in recent years, so much so it was selected to host the Australian PGA Seniors Championship in 2014 and 2015. Winners of both events – Rodger Davis and Kiwi Simon Owen – were both glowing in their praise of the layout and its well-manicured fairways and greens.
Green fees: $25 (weekdays); $35 (weekends). www.richmondgolfclub.com.au
RICH RIVER GC RESORT
Rich River Golf Club Resort is one of the Murray River’s major golf resorts, which usually means one thing … great value golf.
The two courses – the East and West layouts – differ greatly from each other so there is plenty of variety on offer.
The Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge designed East course is more open with pot bunkers and mounding dominating the landscape. The West course has mature
tree-lined fairways, smaller greens and more expansive bunkering than its younger neighbour.
Green fee: $50. www.richriver.com.au
SHELLY BEACH GOLF CLUB
Featuring a sequence of holes on a stunning piece of land, Shelly Beach is as scenic as it is testing.
Shelly Beach’s most eye-catching holes fall midway through the first nine, most notably at the oceanside 6th. The back nine may be less spectacular but lacks nothing in terms of difficulty. The final three holes return to within view of the Pacific Ocean and are not likely to yield pars without a fight.
Green fee: $40. www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au
SOUTH WEST ROCKS COUNTRY CLUB
This layout is a real surprise. During the past 15 years the course has evolved from a nine-hole layout, to 15 holes and then 18 holes, with the design and construction of the course being carried out by the club’s green staff over the years.
Most of the fairways are lined with dozens of pines and a few species of gum trees - there is also a selection of wide open holes that feature palm trees.
A mix of kikuyu and couch cover the fairways, which are beautifully presented. But it is the quality of the bentgrass putting surfaces you will remember long after your round.
Green fee: $30. www.rockscountryclub.com.au
TALLWOODS GC & RESORT
This Michael Hurdzan designed course boasts very good couch fairways and bentgrass greens, as well as picturesque views from several elevated tees.
True to its name, Tallwoods is lined by mature trees that are home to an abundance of birdlife and native fauna. The tall timbers also serve to isolate several holes as they wind across sometimes dramatic topography.
Green fee: $50. www.tallwoodsgolf.com.au
THE RIDGE
The Ridge, located in the heart of Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, was the newest course developed in the city’s metropolitan area for two decades when it opened its full 18 holes nearly five years ago.
Designed by James Wilcher, the public layout is proving popular because of the interesting and fun design, combined with good playing surfaces you would be more likely to find at a private club.
The back nine here is outstanding and there are no more memorable holes than the long par-5 10th where the final approach must avoid water and sand to reach the huge angled green.
Green fees: $36 (weekdays); $45 (weekends). www.theridgegolf.com.au
THURGOONA CC RESORT
Thurgoona is one of the most improved courses along the entire length of the Murray River.
The layout, located about 10 minutes’ drive north of the Albury CBD, was designed by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge before they created more famous courses in Twin Waters, Hope Island and Camden Lakeside. Immediately you have to recognise, from design alone, Thurgoona is from a good stable.
Water is a feature of several holes but it is no more confronting than when you stand on the 16th tee. The 173-metre par-3 is Thurgoona’s signature hole and presents an intimidating scene with a lake lying between tee and green as well as wrapping around the right to the back of the putting surface.
Green fees: $32 (weekdays); $36 (weekends). www.thurgoonaresort.com.au
TOCUMWAL GOLF CLUB
Tocumwal has a spread of 36-holes – the Presidents and Captains courses – with both offering different experiences but are equally great value for your golfing dollar.
The clever routing of both layouts, with each nine starting and finishing near the clubhouse, means there are six course combinations to keep you entertained.
Green fee: $45. www.tocumwalgolf.com.au
TURA BEACH COUNTRY CLUB
Elevation changes and a stunning, oceanside setting are hallmarks of this early Peter Thomson-Mike Wolveridge design on the far south coast of NSW.
Regarded by many as the pick of the region’s courses, Tura Beach uses its sloping, fragmented piece of land to full effect and delivers 18 holes that yield a serious test for any golfer.
The early holes move onto the flatter terrain closest to the Pacific while the back nine rolls across the more undulating parts of the property, including crossing a road to play holes 15 to 17.
Green fee: $40. www.turabeachcountryclub.com.au
WAGGA WAGGA COUNTRY CLUB
Lying on the banks of Lake Albert, Wagga Wagga CC is one of the most visually stunning courses in the Riverina.
The more memorable hole is left until last. The 180-metre par-3 18th is a scenic hole that runs by the edge of the pretty lake. It is a difficult end to the round and is capable of cruelling your hard fought score at the last throw. Often played into the breeze, a long and straight long iron or fairway wood is needed to avoid bunkers that squeeze into the front edge of the putting surface, while any tee shot drifting left will hit a steep slope down to the water’s edge.
Green fee: $36. www.wwcc.com.au
WAKEHURST GOLF CLUB
Having opened in 1971, Wakehurst has blossomed into an excellent layout in a setting few courses in large cities can match.
Many fairways are essentially flat but are designed along a series of terraces that cascade with the sloping land. The front nine drops to the lowest point on the course at the par-5 4th hole, which brings the course close to Manly Dam, before climbing back towards the clubhouse on the highest point of the property.
Green fees: $43 (weekdays); $49 (weekends). www.wakehurstgolf.com.au
WOLLONGONG GOLF CLUB
This Ross Watson redesigned layout runs along a beautiful stretch of beach and is also walking distance from the Wollongong CBD.
Its natural wetlands combine with links terrain to create a wonderful golfing experience.
The club hosted the NSW PGA Championship from 2009-2011, which is testament to the quality of the course.
Green fees: $42; $27 (Mondays). www.wollongonggolfclub.com.au
YAMBA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Any golfer who has ventured off the beaten track to Yamba will testify what a hidden gem this layout is.
The course lies close to the centre of town, with two loops of nine holes stretching out from the clubhouse and several holes lying within earshot of the breaking waves on nearby Pippi Beach.
Yamba is an easy-walking journey but there are few flat lies to be experienced with most of the fairways featuring a natural ripple above the sand base below. A lot of work has been carried out in the past decade or so with more than half the greens re-built to create large, undulating putting surfaces surrounded by quality bunkering. The changes have been superb.
Green fee: $36. www.yambagolf.com.au
YARRAWONGA MULWALA GC RESORT
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort hosts hundreds of visiting golfers every week.
They come for the great facilities and the quality of its courses. Yarrawonga has 45 holes – the Murray course, the Lake course and the short nine-hole Executive course.
Both the Lakes and Murray courses are cemented in Golf Australia’s Top-100 Public Access Courses, but it is the Murray course that you will want to play more than once. The Murray layout (pictured right) is one of the best courses you will find along the river of the same name and continues to get better.
Several greens have been modernised in recent times, while bunkers have been redone and the overall presentation of the layout has dramatically improved, now that the club has greater access to water.
Green fee: $50. www.yarragolf.com.au
YOWANI COUNTRY CLUB
Yowani’s member-owned golf course was designed by James Herd Scott nearly 60 years ago and features tight tree-lined fairways, and two scenic lakes that come into play on five holes.
It has been a ‘must play’ course when visiting Canberra for many years.
At 6,330 metres, Yowani is a course of championship length that will challenge any level of golfer. But it is the quality of its shortest holes that will impress. The 187-metre par-3 12th is arguably the best of them. The green was completely rebuilt a few years ago and now features bunkers front left and right and a two-tiered green. A shot long left here also presents a really difficult recovery shot.
Green fees: $42 (Monday to Thursday); $47 (Fridays and weekends).
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