Golf has been one of the most popular sports in Australia for close to 140 years, ever since the first course opened back in 1882. A great way to get some fresh air and exercise, as well as testing your game on rolling fairways, zippy greens and various hazards, golf can be very frustrating. But then when you hit that great tee shot which gets you on the green in one; or sink a 40 foot putt to secure a birdie, there really is no greater feeling on earth. Golf is also a very social game too, and half the fun of playing a round is to enjoy a beer and a meal afterwards. With that in mind here are 9 awesome golf courses in Sydney to put on your bucketlist.
Royal Sydney Golf Club
Located in Rose Bay, the Royal Sydney Golf Club is one of the most famous golf clubs in the whole of Australia. Founded in 1893, this beautiful course can be challenging to even the most seasoned professional, once boasting an average of one bunker every twenty yards, the sand traps are not as predominant now as they used to be, but they still present a significant obstacle. A multiple host of the Australian Open, many of the games greats have played this proudly traditional course, which uniquely features no water hazards.
Address: Kent Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
Northbridge Golf Club
There is only one golf course in Sydney that showcases harbour views and that is the magnificent Northbridge Golf Club. Located within a heritage listed park, its eighteen holes are weaved around massive red gum trees that give the landscape a spectacular aesthetic. There are a lot of par threes on this course, which will suit those who don’t have the best of long games. But if your short game is good and you are adept at selecting the right clubs then you should very much enjoy a round here.
Address: Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge, NSW 2063
Bondi Golf & Diggers Club
If you love a golf course with sensational views then the Bondi Golf & Diggers Club is a great place for you to play. Its only a 9 hole course, most of which are par threes, and the terrain is quite hilly, but the views you get of Bondi Beach from up upon the cliffs is simply breathtaking.
Address: 5 Military Rd, North Bondi NSW 2026
The Australian Golf Club
Established all the way back in 1882, The Australian Golf Club is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and distinguished courses in, not just Sydney, but the nation as a whole. A course rich in history, it isn’t just the oldest in Australia, it also was the host of the inaugural Australian Open back in 1904. Infact it has hosted that major event 19 times. During the 1970s Jack Nicklaus oversaw a redesign of the course to bring it up to world class level. An addition redevelopment in 2013 upgraded it further to the point where it can now be considered one of the best courses in the world. If you are lucky enough to play there expect to be challenged.
Address: 53 Bannerman Cres, Rosebery NSW 2018
Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course
Designed by Greg Norman, the Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course only opened in 2012, so it’s one of the newer courses in Sydney. Located around the Eastern Creek in Colebee, this challenging course accentuates the rolling landscape, with strategically placed bunkers and water features that are somewhat foreboding – which means players of all abilities could find it tough going.
Address: Stonecutters Dr, Colebee NSW 2761
Moore Park Golf
The Moore Park Golf course has to be one of the most accessible and striking public golf courses in the city. Tucked away in the Centennial Parklands, it is situated just minutes from the CBD and offers impressive views of the Sydney Skyline. An 18-hole championship course, it also features one of the largest driving ranges in the Southern Hemisphere too, with 60 bays split over three levels. For those who are serious about getting their handicap down they also have a team of onsite pros who will coach you at the adjacent Sydney Golf Academy.
Address: Cnr Anzac Pde & Cleveland St, Moore Park, NSW 2021
The Coast Golf Club
Offering one of the most beguiling views of any golf course in Sydney, The Coast Golf Club is nestled atop the cliffs which lie at the mouth of Botany Bay. A relatively inexpensive course by Sydney standards, this 18 holer can be tricky at times, especially around the back nine where the ocean breeze can sometimes cause havoc. Be especially mindful of it at the 15th where its very easy to overhit your ball into the ocean.
Address: 1 Coast Hospital Rd, Little Bay NSW 2036
New South Wales Golf Club
You’ll often see the New South Wales Golf Club in La Perouse listed among the fifty best golf courses in the world for very good reason. For a start it is ruggedly beautiful; lying around the northern headland of Botany Bay, it offers spectacular ocean views. It is also one of the most fun, challenging and spectacular courses to play on too. With many of the world’s greatest players having waxed lyrical about it, over its 90 year existence. Recently redesigned under the guidance of Greg Norman, this 18 hole, links style masterpiece now boasts two holes that run right beside the Tasman Sea and Botany Bay.
Address: 1528 Anzac Parade, La Perouse NSW 2036
Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club
With over 7000 yards of fairways, greens and rough, the Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club is one of the longest courses in Sydney. Flanked by the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park along its north side, this stunning course is spacious and serene. The host of the Women’s Australian Open in 2003, this 18 hole championship golf course, is highly exclusive – reserved solely for their 750 members, as well as their guests.
Address: 116 Booralie Rd, Terrey Hills NSW 2084