From the beaches to the magnificent Great Dividing Range via the world-famous vineyards, the people of NSW’s Hunter Region have plenty to gloat about. And the golfers are spoiled too.
Just 90 minutes’ drive north of Sydney along the M1 Pacific Motorway, the Hunter incorporates the wine country of the Hunter Valley with Newcastle, Australia’s second oldest city, at its hub.
Built on the back of steel, coal and shipping, Newcastle has evolved into a cosmopolitan city with terrific bars and restaurants, while maintaining its reputation as a world-famous surfing destination.
To the west, there is the Hunter Valley – Australia’s oldest wine-growing region – where there are dozens of wineries and restaurants to explore. Keep an eye on the events calendar too, as the Hunter regularly hosts ‘Day on the Green’ concerts featuring local and international musicians. Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and Don Henley are just some of the names that have already rocked the valley this year.
For those that like to swig on a Semillon and sway to the beat by night, but are keen on swinging a club during the day, there is a terrific selection of golf courses from seaside links, to historic suburban layouts and on to impressive resort-style courses. The Hunter has a great mix of layouts to satisfy the most passionate golfer – all within an easy drive of one another.
Heading north from Sydney, it is a leisurely 75-minute drive from the start of the M1 at Wahroonga to the carpark of Belmont Golf Club – a superb links layout that covers wonderful beachside land east of Lake Macquarie and should be a ‘must-play’ for any golfer visiting the area.
For nearly 60 years, the outstanding layout was home to the annually held Lake Macquarie International Amateur tournament, which unfortunately had to be postponed this year after its date clashed with the Australian Amateur. The best amateurs from here and overseas were drawn to Belmont to test their game on one of the best courses in the Hunter region.
In the past 30 years, household names like Aaron Baddeley, Geoff Ogilvy, Brett Rumford and Jason Day have all had a shot at the title, while notables from overseas have included Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, Michael Campbell, Mark O’Meara, Paul Casey and
Luke Donald.
The tournament was highly regarded not just for the players it attracted but for the course on which it was played.
The only true links layout in the Hunter region, Belmont offers some of the best examples of links golf holes in Australia.
Belmont has undergone significant improvements in recent years with more bunkers and water hazards incorporated into the design of the par-72.
Even Belmont’s widely regarded strongest offering has been altered slightly to add beauty to the brute. The 401-metre par-4 15th hole – recognised by Golf Australia Architecture Editor Mike Clayton as one of his favourite holes in Australia – now boasts a new tee that is perched atop of the sand dunes at the back of the beach offering spectacular ocean views. The tee shot here must carry the edge of a sandy wasteland, with its clumps of Bitou bush, to find the relatively generous fairway. For most players, the approach is a long one and needs to avoid two deep bunkers short and left of the large putting surface. It is a great hole that has been made even better by moving the tee.
The next hole – a 500-metre par-5 – has also been altered with fairway bunkers added and the massive green moved to sit right on the back of the beach. There are now nine bunkers between tee and green, with the dogleg left fairway turning between five of the sandy hazards en route to the green. Four more bunkers protect the green, which features rolling slopes and hollows spreading to its surrounds. Even if it takes you five or six shots to reach the green, you won’t feel so bad after the magnificent beach view greets you.
Heading north from Belmont, you’ll find Charlestown Golf Club about 15 minutes’ drive away. Located on undulating land between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle’s CBD, Charlestown is a picturesque course with its holes laid out either side of a ridge, which is home to the clubhouse.
One of Charlestown’s best holes is also its shortest. The 138-metre par-3 2nd hole calls for precise club selection so your tee shot is able to carry the lake that lies between the tee and the fringe of the green. A steep slope at the front of the green may cause a short tee shot here to trickle back down into the water.
Water is not such a major factor at nearby Waratah Golf Club, which is the oldest golf club in the Newcastle area having been established in 1901.
The club moved to its present site alongside Cockle Creek and near the northern tip of Lake Macquarie in 1920. The course was laid out by the club pro Frank O’Brien – a founding member of the Australian PGA – who was keen to preserve as many trees on the site as possible.
These trees were added to over the decades and today the tree-lined fairways at Waratah are well-established and provide a picturesque place to play. They also add to the significant challenge of the par-71, despite the fact the layout only measures 5,905 metres from the tips.
Waratah’s challenge, which favours straight-hitting quality ball-strikers, has helped develop some great players over the decades including two-time Australian PGA Champion Colin Johnston, PGA Tour winner Nathan Green and former NSW Open champ Leigh McKechnie, who all started as juniors of the club. Johnston, now 81, still plays once a week at Waratah, which is testament to the playability of the layout for all golfers – the hallmark of a very good members course.
Waratah offers plenty of good scoring opportunities … if you play smart. The first of these holes is the 447-metre par-5 2nd hole. The wide fairway narrows considerably in the driving area, with bunkers right and left to catch anything off line. A series of mounds on the right just past the fairway bunker will also cause havoc with any ball finding its way in there. Finding the fairway from the tee is only half the job at this shortish par-5. The green can be reached in two with a long iron or wood but although it is deep it is also narrow - with bunkers left and right. Those opting to lay up will need to be precise to avoid two bunkers short of the putting surface. It is easy to imagine there are as many birdies as there would be bogies and double bogies here.
A 20-minute drive east towards Newcastle’s inner western suburbs and you will find Merewether Golf Club.
If there is such a thing as a ‘classic’ golf course, Merewether fits the description about as well as anything you are likely to encounter. Tree-lined fairways, gently rolling terrain and thoughtful bunkering are the trademarks of this popular Newcastle layout.
Two of the best illustrations of this come at two very different holes - the No.1 ranked, 397-metre par-4 10th and the shorter, yet still compelling, 309-metre par-4 12th. With its obvious length, the 10th will test players of all levels. A sweeping left-to-right dog-leg, the fairway is also cambered from left to right so not only will drives feed right once finding the short grass, a fade (for right-handers) is almost guaranteed with the slightly uphill approach because the ball is below your feet.
The 12th is a vastly different hole, measuring 100 metres less on the card. With out-of-bounds right and trees left, it is narrow and plays much longer than the yardage because it rises sharply uphill from about the 100-metre mark. The ideal drive is centre right because an overhanging tree near the green can block out approaches from the left. Be sure to have plenty of club for the second shot. Aside from the two holes already mentioned, there is also an excellent array of par-3s at Merewether and with the course maintained in excellent condition with good quality greens, it is well worth including on your itinerary. That same itinerary MUST also include Newcastle Golf Club.
Located only a short walk from the beautiful Stockton Beach, Newcastle has always been in the conversation when discussing the best courses in New South Wales and Australia. Located in Fern Bay, about 25 minutes’ drive north of the CBD via the Stockton Bridge over the Hunter River, the course is now open to members and visitors alike, and presents a stern challenge with many memorable holes that have stood the test of time. Many have remained virtually unchanged from the Eric Apperly design that opened for play in the 1930’s.
The early holes are played around the clubhouse before golfers play away towards the large sand dunes that frame either side of many of the best holes at Newcastle.
When players reach the spectacular and partially blind tee shot of the par-4, 5th hole they are about to embark on a special collection of golf holes.
The trio including the 5th, 6th and 7th holes at Newcastle is one of the most memorable stretches of golf in Australia and will have players hitting a variety of shots on very different holes. The downhill, 368 metre 5th presents a difficult task from the tee, a narrow fairway that winds left is framed by large trees and sand dunes. Less than driver is the smart play to find the fairway and have the best lie possible for what is a challenging second shot. Not an overly difficult green, the problems start if you miss the green, particularly to the left where the ground falls away and a large bunker seems to have a magnetic force. A par 4 here is always a good result.
Although almost identical in length at 367 metres, everything about the par-4 6th seems in contrast to the previous hole. Played straight uphill, the ball will run to the right when it lands from the tee. The second shot is again key with under clubbing a regular mistake into the elevated green. The left is the side to err on as a miscue to the right might have you packing a cut lunch if you are to find and successfully get your ball back in play.
The final hole of the stretch is a classic short par-3. Playing 148 metres, slightly downhill to an inverted bowl green, there is no obvious miss as you stand on the tee. The middle of the green is always a great result, as judging the wind on the tee is often difficult with the trees sheltering players from the wind’s direction and making club selection crucial. Writing 4, 4, 3 on the card as you exit the 5th, 6th and 7th is a more than acceptable result, but quality shots will present good birdie opportunities.
Every game at Newcastle is a different experience with the strength and direction of the wind generally having the greatest influence on how the course plays.
Heading west towards the Hunter Valley from Newcastle Golf Club, there is a small detour worth making to fit in a round at Muree Golf Club at Raymond Terrace.
Muree is one of the hidden gems of the Hunter. Perched high above the course, the 1st tee offers a view of what is to come.
Huge Camphor Laurels, Radiata pines, melaleucas and a variety of eucalypts line the fairways in great numbers. The size of some of these trees suggest they date back hundreds of years and are a real feature of the layout.
The trio of holes starting from the par-3 12th will have you wanting to return if nothing else does. The tee at the 170-metre 12th is cut into a hill and a brook cuts diagonally across the front of the tee. A wall of trees stands guard behind the upturned dish green. The par-4 14th – the hardest hole on the course at 419 metres – is a great driving test. Huge trees appear to form guard of honour along each side of the gun barrel-straight fairway. Anything but two straight shots here will be penalised. The putting surface slopes markedly from back to front and is receptive to long approach shots. If you do go through the back, take a look back towards the tee and see how lucky you were to make the trip without losing a ball.
Muree is a great find and anyone who tees it up there will agree it is an enjoyable experience.
WINE DRIVE
There are enough wineries in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales to make a liver specialist cringe, similarly, and often forgotten there is also enough golf courses to make a chiropractor shudder or smile with delight, depending on his motivations.
Australia’s oldest wine region and arguably the birth place to Australian wines, the Hunter Valley is home to Brokenwood, McGuigan, DeBortoli to name just a few of the famous wine makers in the area.
The clay based soil in the area that is so palatable to making good wine is also helpful in building and caring for golf courses. Clay typically holds water and remains cool, imperative for the courses located in an area where summer temperatures regularly hit 40*C.
Under an hour away from Newcastle, ‘The Hunter’, as it is affectionately known, offers so much more than simply wine and golf. Concerts, breweries, chocolate makers, restaurants, bars and the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens offer activities and delights sure to appeal to every member of the family or holiday group. The world-class accommodation found throughout the region makes a trip for any of the features of the region an unforgettable experience.
Located amongst the surrounding mountain ranges, many weaving between the neighbouring vineyards, the vistas and proximity to nature found at many of the courses in the Hunter help to take away the sting of a bad round of golf.
With many of the courses located within a stone’s throw of each other, The Hunter presents itself as the perfect location for an exclusively golf based trip or a combination trip, which encompasses the wide range of experiences on offer throughout the area.
Not as widely acclaimed as its more famous neighbours, but equally as busy with players, Hunter Valley Golf, owned and operated by Crowne Plaza, is as hidden a secret as it can be when located on one of the main roads in town.
Taken over by Crowne Plaza Resorts in 2006, what was known as Portofino Golf Club in its early days, is a shorter but very challenging layout compared to the bigger courses in the region. Tight and challenging from the tee, you are best served at HVGC by packing a GPS or purchasing a course guide as some of the hazards, not easily spotted from the tee, are easily reachable and potentially harmful to a player’s score. Longer players may take less than driver for safety off many of the tees at Hunter Valley, but the chance to open the shoulders and take on the challenge is available to all players and good shots
are rewarded.
Opening in 1992, Cypress Lakes Golf and Country was the first of the golf resorts to open in the Hunter Valley. Designed by American Steve Smyers (his only course in Australia), Cypress Lakes was taken over by The Oaks Group a little over three years ago, as their first foray into resorts.
Inheriting a course that Golf Operations Manager, James Harris, described as “a tired old girl”, Oaks has set out to improve the condition, playability and challenge of the course, while also bringing the resort accommodation and conference areas back to their former glory.
A detailed, planned approach to the agronomy of the course and a large investment of money has seen the course condition transform over recent years. All new irrigation and machinery has the course looking green, even during the tough summer months.
The latest improvement to the golf course is the complete overhaul of the bunkering around Cypress Lakes. With James Wilcher overseeing the design aspects of the project, every bunker on the course is currently in the process of being either filled-in, moved into a more strategic position or redesigned to improve aesthetics as well as to help minimise storm and rain damage. Of the completed bunkers, softer edges and low point entries at the back of the bunkers will help to alleviate many of the problems the previous designs caused while also toughening the defences of the course against longer drives and
modern equipment.
From the back tees Cypress Lakes is a back-breaking challenge, reflected in its 150 slope rating from the tips. The regular competition and social tees are much friendlier for the average golfer and new carts, fitted with the Visage GPS system, are a major plus at
Cypress Lakes to help negotiate the blind tee shots found on some holes and assist golfers in taking on the target golf style of play that is required.
Plenty of holes at Cypress Lakes spring to mind when trying to pick a favourite. The picturesque tee shot on the 2nd hole, overlooks vineyards to the right and is aesthetically one of the most pleasing. The par-4 12th is terrific with a long carry to make the fairway that is tiered down to the right. A significant slope to the right punishes shots missed to the wrong side, while sweeping views across the valley can distract players on this long par-4, where par is a great score.
To celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary later this year, an inaugural pro-am is in the works that will surely test the best players in the country, and be a showcase of the magnificent work The Oaks Group has done to revive what was once the resort to play in New
South Wales.
A short drive from Cypress Lakes finds you at Greg Norman and Bob Harrison’s masterpiece that is The Vintage. Surrounded by an expanding housing estate and neighbouring wineries, the property also includes a hotel, spa and restaurant.
Opening in 2003, The Vintage is a classic risk-reward design reflecting Norman’s
go-for-broke style of play. Many of the holes found around the course offer scoring opportunities for those players bold enough to take on the challenge of water carries and
deep bunkers.
Both The Vintage and Cypress Lakes use variations of couch in their fairways and tees and bent grasses for their greens, and the similarities now continue in regards to bunkers. Recently completed work has encompassed every bunker on the golf course at The Vintage. Every bunker has been re-done due to the age of the course and issues relating to rain and drainage. While a small number of bunkers have been removed, the majority have remained the same. New drainage and sand has been added and some minor adjustments assist with water management, while a collar of rough added to the edges helps define the bunkers.
The par-3 8th is the signature hole and encapsulates the feel of the course. Measuring an intimidating 194 metres from the tips, a lake runs along the entire right side of the hole with bunkers to the left of the narrow angled green tightening the margin for error further. As with many tough holes at The Vintage there is another option rather than attempting to hit your Sunday best onto the green. A fairly generous fairway leads up to the hole, a safe shot to the fairway and a chip and putt for par minimises the risk of a larger score. This more defensive approach has even been used by professionals in the numerous NSW Opens held at the course.
The preceding par-5 7th is a less exacting test of golf but an enjoyable and visually appealing hole. A blind tee shot is played over a large hill, with the rest of the hole playing downhill. Vineyards run along the left side of the hole and bunkers to the right of the elevated green narrow the look of the hole that’s fairway is quite generous and is reachable in two for some.
On the back nine, the short 15th is challengeable from the tee for long hitters, with a forced water carry on the direct line to the green. What appears to be a tough lay up from the tee to the right hand side of the fairway is actually played to an open expanse of fairway. The second shot from the right hand side is a far more difficult prospect, as you must challenge the bunkers to get near the pin.
Make no mistakes, The Vintage is a true test of golf requiring a wide range of shots, while remaining playable for all golfers from the variety of tees.
The area’s newest course, Stonebridge, is now the home to the well-established Cessnock Golf Club. Jack Newton oversaw the redesign of the layout in 2012 and has added yet another quality option for golfers in wine country.
I HIT IT IN THE WATER, AGAIN!
As a general rule, a splash is not the sound a golfer wants to hear after hitting a shot. Aqua Golf, located in the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens, doesn’t follow many of the general rules of golf.
A Hunter mainstay that has been a part of the region for longer than many of the golf courses and even some of the famous wineries in the region, the driving range, where players hit balls into water, has been introducing people to golf and giving hard-core golfers enjoyment from hitting balls into the water rather than the usual distress it causes on the course since opening in 1979.
PGA professional Kieran McMahon and his wife, Kristine, took over the business in 2005 and are driven to grow the game of golf. Introducing new golfers, kids and families to golf via the enjoyment of hitting golf balls into the water and the thrill of winning a prize if they manage to find one of the many nets floating on the range. Prizes range from iTunes cards to hot air balloon rides and even games of golf.
With a long history in the area McMahon considers himself “the pro in the know” and is an invaluable source of information on the local area and both golf and non-golf activities.
With corporate groups and four regular high school groups coming to Aqua
Golf, McMahon hopes to turn some non-golfers in these groups into golfers after experiencing the joy of one singularly well-struck golf shot from one of the 30 bays.
Equally enjoyable for golfers looking for a break from the seriousness of an 18-hole round of golf, Aqua Golf is the perfect, fun activity to break up a golf trip or introduce the rest of your family to your passion, or even enjoy a game on the 18-hole mini golf.
An atmosphere of fun is key to the enjoyment at Aqua Golf and while introducing young kids, even toddlers, to golf a parent can also introduce their kids to music of the past as McMahon’s steady playlist of exclusively 80’s and 90’s rock plays out across Aqua Golf.
To make a booking or for more details visit, www.golftothemax.com.au
WHERE TO PLAY
BELMONT GOLF CLUB
Green fees: $45 (weekend public visitor 18 holes), $40 (weekdays).
WARATAH GOLF CLUB
Green fees: $35 (18 holes). Twilight rates available.
MEREWETHER GOLF CLUB (pictured below)
Green fees: $35 (18 holes). Twilight rates available.
NEWCASTLE GOLF CLUB
Green fees: $95 (18 holes), $88 (online booking).
MUREE GOLF CLUB
Green fees: $28 (18 holes).
HUNTER VALLEY GOLF
Green fees: $65 (18 holes weekend), $55 (weekdays); $45 (weekday hotel guest rate), $55 (weekend).
www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au
CYPRESS LAKES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Green fees: $85 (18 holes, Mon-Thurs, inc. cart), $98 (Friday), $118 (weekend); $60 (18 holes, Mon-Thurs, inc. cart resort guest), $80 (Friday), $98 (weekend)
THE VINTAGE
Green fees: $104 (18 holes, weekday, inc. cart & driving range), $129 (weekend).
WHERE TO STAY
MERCURE RESORT HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens offers a varied selection of 4½ star accommodation located in the heart of the Hunter Valley and only minutes away to three of the top golf courses. Each room is beautifully appointed and opens out to a private balcony or courtyard, taking in the wonderful Hunter Valley views and magnificent gardens surrounding the property.
Guests can avail themselves of tennis courts, resort-style swimming pool, sauna, spa and the Lodge library. www.mercurehuntervalley.com.au
CHATEAU ELAN HUNTER VALLEY
Château Élan at The Vintage has four luxury room options. The main hotel complex accommodates a limited number of Spa Suites, designed for singles or couples who require absolute comfort, privileged spa access and total privacy.
Adjacent to the main hotel complex and cascading down the hillside, is a series of private villas. These villas enjoy an elevated position overlooking the 10th hole.
All rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking Vintage fairways and the views of the Hunter Valley. Five Spa Suites have a screened sanctuary courtyard for guests who want absolute seclusion. www.chateauelan.com.au
CYPRESS LAKES RESORT
Nestled in the Hunter Valley’s picturesque hinterland surroundings, Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks Hotels & Resorts promises a tranquil and indulgent escape. Ideal for a leisurely holiday with family and friends, golfing break, memorable wedding, bachelorette and bucks party, or unique conferencing experience.
Coupling luxury, self-contained villa accommodation in one, two and three bedroom configurations with thoughtful in-room appointments and elegant furnishings, each apartment features a modern kitchen, fireplace, spacious living and dining areas and private balcony overlooking the resort’s bushland and golf course. www.cypresslakes.com.au
Related Articles
World Exclusive: Trump’s Indonesian Tee-off
Review: Bonville Golf Resort
