The elevation change across the holes of the back nine presents a greater variety of lies and shots, which ultimately makes these holes more interesting. The sequence of holes, starting at the long par-4 13th through to the water-carry par-3 17th, is a real highlight.

For mine, the two holes in this quintet that stand out are the 281-metre dogleg right par-4 14th and the beautifully-shaped short par-5 16th hole. The 14th might seem like a pushover on the scorecard, but this is one short par-4 that deserves plenty of respect. The fairway doglegs hard right around tall gum trees and then descends gradually down towards the smallest green on the course, which offers plenty of differently breaking putts across its surface. Missing the green here makes for a tough up-and-down to save par.

From the smallest green to one of the biggest at Duntryleague, two holes later. From the tee of the 444-metre par-5 16th, you get a view of the wide fairway, which slopes down from right to left, as it turns gradually left, before levelling out beside three cross bunkers cut into the fairway from the left. The accuracy of the second and the third shot approach is the key to a good score on this hole as the green might be large but it is also quite narrow and well protected by the presence of bunkers left and right. Beyond the width of the sand traps are trees, and plenty of them.

I really enjoyed every aspect of this latest visit to Duntryleague. The course was lot of fun to play, while also offering enough challenge where your scorecard could cop a beating if you didn’t show each hole some respect.

THE COURSE

LOCATION: Woodward St, Orange, in NSW Central West, about four hours’ drive west from Sydney CBD via the Blue Mountains.

CONTACT: (02) 6362 3466.

WEBSITE: www.duntryleague.com.au

DESIGNER: Eric Apperly (1935).

PLAYING SURFACES: Couch, mainly South African couch, as well as Wintergrass (fairways), bentgrass (greens), fescue (rough).

PGA PRO: Colin Scarr.

GREEN FEES: $35 (18 holes, seven days).

THE CLUB

MEMBERSHIPS: Duntryleague offers a variety of different membership categories including full playing golf, regional and various age-related memberships.

CORPORATE AND GROUP DAYS: Duntryleague has a large function centre with a capacity for up to 140 guests seated.

ACCOMMODATION: The magnificent Duntryleague mansion (pictured right) boasts self-contained family suites, twin and double rooms and a romantic bridal suite with cedar four-poster bed and all the comfort of modern facilities.

PACKAGES: Orange Golf has several play and stay packages available. Duntryleague’s three-day package starts from $195 per person twin share and includes two nights’ Duntryleague accommodation, three rounds of golf at three Orange golf courses, including Duntryleague, and continental breakfasts. For more details, visit www.golforange.com.au