Previously, the lay-up area featured a grassy ridge along the preferred right side that used to be just as off-putting as the water. Nowadays that area is more open, making lay-up shots easier. Golfers are also more likely to contemplate an aggressive second shot to a shelf in the fairway next to the pond that is riskier to find but rewards the third shot.

Holes 11 to 15 span a lower-lying plain where the site’s natural water features dominate play, most notably at the water-flanked par-3 12th and the creek-lined par-5 14th. The finish at The Vintage is strong, particularly the par-3 17th where in recent times the unkempt hazard fronting the green has been converted into a more visually appealing and intimidating pond at the 176-metre downhiller. And any par scored at the 18th should garner the respect of your playing partners. The Vintage’s closer resembles the last at Augusta National in some small way, as both holes begin from a tee set in a chute of trees before rising to a fairway that bends right as it climbs towards an elevated green protected by sand on multiple sides. Like the Masters’ famous crescendo hole, the 18th at The Vintage demands two near-perfect shots to set up any chance at a birdie on a green where the slopes are plentiful and not easy to read.

THE COURSE

LOCATION: Vintage Drive, Rothbury. From Sydney, take the M1 freeway north and exit by following the signs to Cessnock. Follow the signs to the vineyards, turning left onto Broke Rd and right onto McDonalds Rd.

CONTACT: (02) 4998 6789.

WEBSITE: www.thevintage.com.au

DESIGNERS: Greg Norman and Bob Harrison (2003).

PLAYING SURFACES: Providence SR 1019 bentgrass (greens), Santa Ana couch (tees and fairways), Monostand couch (rough).

COURSE SUPERINTENDENT: Steve Harris.

PGA PROFESSIONAL: Richard Mercer.

GREEN FEES: $104 weekdays, $129 weekends (including cart use and driving-range access). Specials include a $61 rate after 1pm in winter and after 2pm during daylight saving time, and an unlimited-golf green fee of $125 for an entire day (weekdays only and subject to availability).

THE CLUB

MEMBERSHIPS: Annual fees for a full individual golf member are $3,073. Other categories include family membership, midweek, country/overseas, leisure (available to resident members only) and junior.

ACCOMMODATION: Just a short stroll from the clubhouse is Chateau Elan (pictured) at The Vintage Spa, Golf and Conference Resort, as well as the Grand Mercure Apartments. Chateau Elan’s range of spa suites, spa villas and king rooms borders the 10th fairway and includes 18 spa treatment rooms, a steam sauna, outdoor plunge pool, hair salon and sun deck. Meanwhile, Grand Mercure is the region’s first international apartment hotel. Numerous play-and-stay packages are available at both.

GOLF ACADEMY: The Richard Mercer Golf Academy is fully equipped with video and FlightScope technology alongside the practice fairway at The Vintage. An hour-long individual lesson with Mercer ranges from $130 to $180 or from $75 to $95 for half an hour. Clinics, shared lessons and course management lessons are also available.

CORPORATE GOLF: The Vintage manages all corporate golf events, as well as catering for social groups, with a dedicated golf group co-ordinator.