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Our favourite golf clubs across Canberra and the South Coast
From dramatic cliff tops and stunning beaches to luscious bushland and eucalypt forests, the ACT and NSW South Coast are blessed with some of the best and most scenic golf courses in the country. Whether you’re a beginner or an accomplished golfer, add some of these memorable locations to your wish list and enjoy a round or two.
Photography by Christoph Keil
NAROOMA GOLF CLUB
The Narooma Golf Club is consistently rated the best course on the NSW South Coast and regularly included in Australia’s top 50 list. This 18-hole course is located on a breathtaking coastline and is famous for its unique 3rd hole where players hit the ball over the ocean to a clifftop green. In contrast, the back nine holes are set among a thick forest landscape and large lake. The clubhouse has a good brasserie, bar and entertainment facilities, plus there’s quality accommodation within walking distance.
MURRUMBIDGEE GOLF COURSE
Murrumbidgee Country Club is locatedin Kambah and is the only golf course inTuggeranong. Nestled under the BrindabellaRanges, this 18-hole championship courseis open to the public and boasts some ofthe most scenic mountain and bushlandviews. There’s a full-length driving rangeand pro shop onsite offering lessons with aPGA professional. After a round, golfers canrelax at the friendly clubhouse and have arefreshing drink or bite to eat.
CAPITAL GOLF COURSE
This 18-hole golf course in Narrabundah was established in the 1970s and is known for its picturesque course with wide, pine tree-lined fairways and some of the best bentgrass greens in the region. Across the road, you’ll find the Canberra International Golf Centre with a world-class 64-bay, twostorey undercover driving range, plus 18- hole mini golf course, 18-hole pitch and putt course, and Pete’s Golf Connection, one of Australia’s largest golf stores.
ROYAL CANBERRA GOLF CLUB
Royal Canberra Golf Club in Yarralumla is one of Australia’s premium inland golf courses and is often included in Australia’s top 50 lists. Established in 1926, this 27-hole, resort-style championship course is framed by established trees within the Westbourne Woods arboretum. Royal Canberra hosts a number of professional and amateur tournaments and offers first-class facilities, including a driving range, chipping green, putting green, short iron range and pro shop, as well as a family-friendly clubhouse and restaurant. The course is for members only but has limited availability for visitors on Mondays and Thursdays.
Photography by Courtney Cook
MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB
Established in 1977, the Mollymook Golf Club features two stunning courses – 9 holes by the southern tip of Mollymook Beach and an award-winning 18-hole hilltop championship course, both open to the public seven days a week. The beachside course offers panoramic views over the ocean and Collers Beach Inlet, plus there’s an onsite cafe, bistro, kiosk and bottle shop. Just a few minutes away, the hilltop course is affectionately known as “The Ultimate Challenge” and in 2020, was ranked third in Golf Australia’s favourite golf courses as voted by the public.
TURA BEACH COUNTRY CLUB
Tura Beach Country Club, just north of Merimbula, was established in 1982 and has one of the most enjoyable championship golf courses on the coast. The first nine holes are relatively flat as they lead toward Tura Beach, while the back nine holes weave over undulating terrain and through a mature eucalyptus forest. The country club is also home to two of the best bowling greens in the region, as well as first-class tennis facilities and a great bistro with million-dollar views.
FEDERAL GOLF CLUB
Federal Golf Club is one of Canberra’s best public courses, often featuring in Golf Digest’s top 100 and currently ranks 48th in Golf Australia’s best public access courses. This picturesque 18-hole championship course was first established in 1933 by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, but then reopened on Red Hill Nature Reserve in 1949. It is now surrounded by rolling native bushland, Santa Ana couch grass fairways, quality bentgrass greens and boasts beautiful views of the Brindabella Ranges. Federal also has a pro shop, relaxing clubhouse with restaurant and bar, and an academy offering lessons for the young and young at heart.
YOWANI COUNTRY CLUB
Yowani Country Club was established in 1954 and is often included in the list of Australia’s finest inland courses. The 18-hole golf course has gently undulating, tree-lined fairways with well-maintained greens and two lakes, which are key features on the 16th and 17th holes. For golfers who love a challenge, there’s an almost 90-degree dogleg par four on the 2nd hole. There are also three couch grass greens for bowls, plus a restaurant, pro shop and 24 self-contained motel units.
Photography by Steven Shircliff
CLUB CATALINA
Club Catalina is located on Beach Road just minutes from the centre of Batemans Bay. This 27-hole championship golf course has well-kept kikuyu fairways and bentgrass greens and is open to members and visitors seven days a week. There’s a wellstocked pro shop and an air-conditioned clubhouse that overlooks the golf course with restaurant, bar and coffee shop serving quality fare.
GUNGAHLIN LAKES
Gungahlin Lakes was established in 1996 and remains Canberra’s newest golf course. The 18-hole course is surrounded by picturesque lakes and ponds, plus there’s a 280-metre driving range, fully equipped pro shop and state-of-the-art Turbo Golf indoor golf simulator. In 2017, it was named by Golf Australia as one of the best courses to play for under $50 in the ACT and NSW.
MORUYA GOLF CLUB
Moruya Golf Club is an 18-hole course surrounded by gorgeous parkland in the heart of the Eurobodalla Coast. In 2020, this championship course was ranked by Golf Digest as one of the most fun to play in Australia, with sharp doglegs, strategically placed bunkers and plenty of water to challenge even the most experienced golfer. Onsite, there’s a fully equipped pro shop and a friendly clubhouse with a bar, cafe, restaurant, lounge and kids playroom.
GOLD CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
Established in 1996, this 18-hole public golf course is located in the prestigious Nicholls Estate and provides a true country club experience. You’ll not only find a championship golf course with couch grass fairways and pure bentgrass greens, but first-class facilities including a driving range, swimming pool, tennis courts, gym and bistro. Take note of the signature 7th and 14th holes that have breathtaking views of the Brindabella Ranges.
Photography by Luis Villasmil
NOWRA GOLF AND RECREATION CLUB
Nowra Golf and Recreation Club openedin 1954 and offers a beautiful 18-hole golfcourse located on the northern banks ofthe Shoalhaven River. Some of the tees arelocated high above the fairways offeringpretty river views, while other tees havebeen uniquely cut into the escarpment. Thepro shop is well stocked and the clubhousehas a quality bistro with a relaxing verandahto enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
PAMBULA MERIMBULA GOLF CLUB
Established in 1966, Pambula Merimbula GolfClub is located on the beautiful SapphireCoast and is one of the more popular golfingdestinations in regional NSW. This 27-hole championship course is an easy walkthrough tranquil natural bushland, whichmany native animals including kangaroosand birds call home. The modern clubhouseoffers refreshments and pleasant views overthe course and Merimbula Lake.
