Sydney, Australia

[Matt_Cohn]

I might be spending some time in Sydney in a few months. I'd like to hear some opinions on golf courses in the area, other than just the New South Wales course, which I know is one of the best anywhere.

I would especially appreciate input from people who live in Sydney, or elsewhere in Australia. Thank You!

[Shane Gurnett]

Matt

After playing NSWGC, the best advice may be to get on a plane and go to Melbourne.

[Chris Kane]

Matt,

The impression I get of Sydney is that there is one great course, three decent ones, and from there it is very lean pickings.

New South Wales is apparantly the cream of the crop, with Royal Sydney, The Australian and The Lakes worth a look.  Ran will also tell you that you should get up to Newcastle.

Of those, I've only played NSW, which is a must-see.  Shane G is right - get on a plane to Melbourne.

[Richard Chamberlain]

Matt

I'd give Terrey Hills a look as well.
Then jump on a plane. However, if your here in winter (say May - Sept) head North up to sunny Queensland. I know there are no "classics" up here but playing winter golf here in 20-24 degrees celcius is absolutely perfect.

I'm sure some of the recent Shark designs (Pelican Waters, Brookwater and The Glades) will not disappoint too much.

And Matt, the beaches are still full of bikini girls in winter too.

[Paul Daley]

Matt:

It is hardly ever mentioned, but St Michael's in Sydney is one of Australia's most under-rated courses, a real gem, that shares much of the same NSW. Bonnie Doon, windswept appeal. In a reasonable wind, it is an ordeal.

Give St. Michaels a try, you won't regret it.

[Ran Morrissett]

Matt, I lived on Bondi Beach for 5 years and liked Sydney golf so much that I joined Newcastle GC in Stockton, two hours north of Sydney  :-/

Royal Sydney at the time had her rough up and a more rugged appearance than I now understand to be the case. This is a great pity because RS loses much of its appeal if maintained in a parkland manner. NSWGC is thus left as the only course of great distinction for Australia's largest city  :-/

While The Australian and The Lakes are 'championship' courses, I wouldn't rush to play them or harbor any high expectations when you do. Otherwise, my votes would go:

1) Terry Hills
2) St. Michaels
3) Elanora
4) Long Reef
5) The Coast (very fun and very cheap)
 
Cheers,

[Matt_Cohn]

Thanks for some very helpful replies so far!!!

If I go through with this, I will be in Sydney, probably at UNSW, from July until November. Mr. Morrissett, I would love to hear more about your experience in the area, golf and otherwise, as Bondi Beach seems to be very close to UNSW.

As far as Melbourne goes, mid-session break would be September 28 to October 7, and I hope I could go to Melbourne for that period.

I'm planning on writing to the professionals or directors of golf at some of the Sydney-area courses. If anyone on GCA knows some of these people personally, that might be a great help!

Thank you again for the responses!

[Anthony O Shea]

Matt,

I live (at least nominally) in Sydney's eastern suburbs. I'm a member at St Michael's and - when I'm not living in Sydney (again, only nominally ) - I have some reciprocal rights at NSW, The Australian and Royal Sydney courtesy of my membership of The National.

It's true that NSW is the only must play course in Sydney, but St Mick's is a good intro to sea-side Sydney golf and a nice warm-up before a game next door. I posted a long opinion of Royal Sydney for Chris Kane's benefit on another thread ('Best closing holes on the Sand Belt' or something like that, apropos of nothing) and although it's not world-class, it's worth a game while you're here. But don't waste your time trying to get a game at RS without an introduction.
 
To round out this complicated membership history, I was for many years also a member at Ran Morrisset's beloved Newcastle, which is definitely worth the two hour drive one weekend if you're going to be here for a few months.

Send me an email (anthony_o'shea@mlc.com.au) when you're down here if you'd like a game at St Mick's on a weekend (it can be tough to get a public time early enough to play 18 holes after daylight saving finishes), or if you want some contact names at The Australian, The Lakes and/or NSW.

Regards,

Anthony.

[Matt_Cohn]

Like a great par-5, I suddenly find myself with another choice!!!

Melbourne might be a possibility. The issues are...
1) Is winter weather in Melbourne a problem vs. Sydney?
2) Are the best courses too far from campus near downtown?
3) What courses can I get on - either in Melbourne or Sydney?

I've gotten some great replies from people that have really helped, so thanks again for those!!! I'll keep everyone updated. Golf in Melbourne - Golf in Sydney - College Golf...I couldn't ask for 3 better options!

[brad_miller]

Ran, did you also rate bikini's for WWD??

[Mike Clayton]

Matt
The weather is colder in Melbourne but not a concern because there is no question where you would go for golf
The courses are all within 10 miles of the city
Many clubs have Temporary Overseas Membership so that would be worth enquiring about.