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Spring is in the air and it’s a great time to gather a few gal pals and head off on a golfing getaway. Once you venture a little north out of the emerald city you get a welcome sense of regional relaxation. The four golf courses we discovered here are unique and guaranteed to create many fabulous golfing memories. From fairways hugging stunning coastal stretches to lush peaceful bush settings, there is something for everyone on the Central Coast. Plus, these clubs are only an hour or so’s drive from Sydney. Pack your bag, hit the road, and let’s go.
1080 Peats Ridge Rd, Peats Ridge
Ph: 02 43731522
You can see why owner Norman Seckold decided to create this par 72 course amidst the most spectacular bushland setting. Not only is this championship course a treat to play on, but the clubroom and facilities are also modern and stylish. The fancy ladies’ locker room is one to admire and it is equipped with a steamer to smarten the outfit up if you want to get changed for lunch.
The front 9 are probably a little more challenging and the good news is there are no bunkers on the back 9 of this relatively narrow course. The new carts have all the modern tech touches, GPS, and electronic score cards plus they will share tips on any wet sections to avoid.
Green fees for 18 holes start at $40 mid-week plus $40 for a cart.
It’s worth enquiring about their Wednesday special if you plan a mid-week visit.
If you are playing on a Fri/Sat/Sun, make sure you allocate time for lunch at the Sitting Duck Bistro. This stylish space and the tempting menu make for the perfect place to relax and enjoy your post-round wrap. You will see that it is also a popular event venue as well, just in case you have a big celebration to plan!
A stay at Noonaweena Eco Resort will refresh and reenergize especially if you book in a day spa treatment.
1 Magenta Dr, Magenta
Ph. 02 4336 0100
https://www.magentagolf.com.au/
This very popular championship course has the Pacific Ocean on one side, Tuggerah Lakes on the other and Wyrrabalong National Park to the North. Every hole offers a wonderful landscape with stunning ocean and bushland views. This inclusive and progressive club is owned by its members who all have equal voting and playing rights and are very welcoming to visitors.
The 5th tee box is the pick of the course and has the most amazing views over Tuggerah Lake and the ocean.
Green fees for 18 holes start at $120 (for hotel guests) and $175 for visitors.
Magenta Shores’ design and the sand-based course is playable under weather conditions when many Central Coast and Sydney courses are closed.
There is also a driving range (not undercover) you can warm up on and a well-stocked pro shop that may tempt you to add to your golfing kit and wardrobe.
Ideal for a mini break by the seaside. In addition to the fabulous golf course, there is a day spa, tennis court, gym, and outdoor pools to enjoy. Barrett’s Restaurant and Shallows Bar both have spectacular views of the course and offer a delicious menu.
There are various room options to choose from at this 5-star luxury resort. We think the 3-bedroom villas are perfect for a girl’s golf trip and it’s just a 4-minute walk to the pro shop.
Shelly Beach Rd, Shelly Beach
Ph: 02 43321103
www.shellybeachgolfclub.com.au
This quintessential Australian coastal golf course hugs the coastline and boasts glistening ocean views with a relaxed coastal vibe to match.
Situated against the breathtaking backdrop of sheer coastal cliffs, and featuring tree-lined fairways and manicured greens, the Shelly Beach golf course is as good for the soul as it is for the swing.
The greens are known as fast and firm and if you can it’s best to play here in the morning before the blowy sea breeze kicks in.
The 6th hole is the one you may distract you the most as it stretches alongside the magnificent beach.
Green fees for 18 holes start at $55 for a mid-week round.
The club house has recently been refurbished and offers up indoor and alfresco drinks and dining all with amazing views of the sea. Aqua Dining restaurant is a favorite with members and locals and is open 7 days a week. For a light lunch, the roast vegetable stack comes highly recommended.
If you want to stick to the luxe Central Coast beach holiday theme, then Kim’s at Toowoon Bay is an option.
For something less pricey and with a little more character, book in to the recently renovated Quarters at Foresters Beach.
40 Kooindah Blvd, Wyong
Ph: 02 43510700
Kooindah Waters provides a haven to local wildlife and is an idyllic spot for golfers and nature lovers. As the name suggests there is lots of water! The course is shared with an abundance of bird life including ducks and swans.
The most challenging hole of this par 72 course is considered to be the 17th a par 3. Although this hole is short in distance the island green virtually surrounded by water will put fear into most mortals. Commitment and steady nerves are prime ingredients for success here and don’t forget to factor in the prevailing wind.
Green fees for 18 holes start at $69 for a weekday round.
If you are keen for some live golf entertainment the 9th hole can be viewed from the clubhouse balcony. There is a big patch of water to avoid and many players unfortunately but amusingly don’t!
Mercure Kooindah Waters Resort has 83 rooms consisting of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments that overlook the championship course. Contemporary dining is available in Karinya’s restaurant, and the wine bar is open 7 days a week.
To cool off after a round there is an indoor or outdoor pool and if any energy remains you could enjoy the tennis courts, gym, and sauna.
To make the most of your Central Coast NSW adventure check out this site for other local tips and trickshttps://www.lovecentralcoast.com/
Words by Tracey Leitch
