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.
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.
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