Teeing Off in Style: Discovering Sydney’s Premier Golf Experiences

Welcome to Sydney’s golf scene, where the allure of lush fairways and challenging greens merges seamlessly with the comfort of luxurious short-term rental homes. This guide explores the best golf courses in Sydney, where each swing and putt is not just a game, but a journey through beautifully landscaped terrains and breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking to conquer new courses or a leisure traveler with a taste for the sport, Sydney’s golf scene promises an unforgettable experience. 

From the historic links at The Royal Sydney Golf Club to the picturesque fairways of The Australian Golf Club, we explore the distinct features that make each course a must-visit for golfers of all levels. Join us as we tee off into Sydney’s world-class golfing landscape!

Best Golf Courses in Sydney

Sydney is home to a range of premier golf clubs, all with their own unique characteristics and challenges, catering to golfers of all skill levels and preferences. Here is a list of our top picks for you to take a swing at on your next Sydney getaway.

1. Royal Sydney Golf Club 
2. The Australian Golf Club 
3. Moore Park Golf 
4. New South Wales Golf Club
5. The Lakes Golf Club
6. St Michael’s Golf Club 
7. Northbridge Golf Club 
8. Bondi Golf & Diggers Club 
9. Long Reef Golf Club 
10. Wakehurst Golf Club
11. Pymble Golf Club

1. Royal Sydney Golf Club 

Location: Kent Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029, Australia
Private Access 

The Royal Sydney Golf Club, steeped in rich history, is one of Australia’s most prestigious golf clubs. Founded in 1893, it has evolved into a world-class sporting venue. Known for hosting the Australian Open multiple times, the club has welcomed many golfing legends, adding to its illustrious legacy. 

Its championship 18-hole course, revered for its traditional design and meticulous upkeep, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The Royal Sydney Golf Club is not just a testament to the sport’s history in Australia but also a beacon of golfing excellence, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. 

2. The Australian Golf Club 

Location: 53 Bannerman Cres, Rosebery NSW 2018, Australia
Private Access 

The Australian Golf Club in Sydney is a landmark in the world of golf, renowned for its historical and sporting prestige. Founded in 1882, it holds the distinction of being the oldest golf club in Australia. The club features an 18-hole championship course, known for its challenging and meticulously designed layout. The difficulty level is such that it tests the skills of even the most seasoned golfers.

The course’s history is enriched with numerous redesigns, the most recent by Jack Nicklaus, ensuring that it remains a contemporary and competitive arena for golf. This combination of rich history and challenging play makes The Australian Golf Club a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

3. Moore Park Golf 

Location: Cleveland St, Moore Park NSW 2021, Australia
Public Access

Moore Park Golf, located near Sydney’s CBD, is a popular golfing destination known for its accessibility and stunning urban backdrop. The facility boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, offering a blend of challenge and playability suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Notably, Moore Park Golf is celebrated for being one of the closest golf courses to a major city centre in the world, making it a unique urban golfing experience. Its rich history dates back to its establishment in the early 20th century, and over the years, it has evolved into a well-loved and frequented spot for both local and visiting golfers.

4. New South Wales Golf Club

Location: Kamay Botany Bay National Park, 101 Henry Head Lane, La Perouse NSW 2036, Australia
Private Access

The New South Wales Golf Club is a distinguished links-style course located approximately 20 minutes drive from Sydney’s CBD in the suburb of La Perouse. This 18-hole course, par 72, spans 6245 meters and is situated on the northern headland of historic Botany Bay, surrounded by the rugged cliffs of Henry Head and Cape Banks. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie in December 1926, whose course designs span four continents.

The course’s challenging layout, featuring couch fairways with bent greens set amongst the hills and valleys leading to the Pacific Ocean coastline, is considered one of the toughest in the country. Regularly rated among the top 50 golf courses worldwide, the New South Wales Golf Club has the distinction of hosting prestigious events like the Australian Open, a testament to its quality and challenge.

5. The Lakes Golf Club 

Location: Vernon Ave & King St, Eastlakes NSW 2018, Australia
Private Access

The Lakes Golf Club, nestled in the suburb of Eastlakes, Sydney, is a premier golfing destination just a 10-minute drive from Sydney’s central business district. Founded in 1928, this prestigious private golf course is celebrated as one of the most challenging championship courses in Australia. Its unique design incorporates natural water hazards, with dominant features at the opening hole and the three back-nine par fives. 

The course, distinguished by its rolling dunes characteristic of Sydney’s landscape, is cleverly split by the airport-to-city freeway, adding to its intriguing layout. Furthermore, the constant presence of seaside winds challenges golfers to make strategic plays, enhancing the overall golfing experience. The Lakes Golf Club is not only a test of skill but also a journey through some of the most interesting and varied terrains Australian golf has to offer.

6. St Michael’s Golf Club 

Location: Jennifer St, Little Bay NSW 2036, Australia
Private Access (Limited Public Access)

St Michael’s Golf Club, situated just 20 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, is a remarkable golfing venue along the shores of Little Bay. This club features a par 72 course, renowned for its testing layout which has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Australian PGA and the NSW Open. The club’s history is as rich as its gameplay; it was initially conceived by Ted O’Keeffe, who was inspired to create a social golf club in the 1930s. The course was physically established by clearing dense scrubland in 1937, and the first nine holes were opened for play in 1938, with the full 18-hole course completed a year later. 

The club also has a deep-rooted tradition of celebrating Founders Day, where members attend mass in memory of deceased members, a practice that began in 1934. This blend of historical significance, challenging gameplay, and its proximity to Sydney make St Michael’s Golf Club a noteworthy destination for golf enthusiasts.

7. Northbridge Golf Club

Location: 296C Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge NSW 2063, Australia
Public Access

Northbridge Golf Club, located a mere 10 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, is a picturesque and challenging 18-hole public golf course. Established in 1935 and designed by architect James Wilcher, this parkland-style course is known for its par 64 layout, spanning 4322 meters. It is set against the stunning backdrop of Middle Harbour and seamlessly integrates into the heritage-listed Northbridge Park. 

The course’s terrain is characterized by gently sloping and undulating fairways, offering a scenic yet challenging experience for golfers of all abilities. The course’s unique setting, from the ridgetop of Sailors Bay Road down to the foreshores of Long Bay and Wreck Bay, provides golfers with a diverse and engaging golfing environment. 

8. Bondi Golf & Diggers Club 

Location: 5 Military Rd, North Bondi NSW 2026, Australia
Public Access

Bondi Golf & Diggers Club, established in 1935, is a unique golfing gem located on the sandhills of North Bondi. This 9-hole golf course, with a par of 28 and a length of 1469 yards, is not only a challenge for players of all skill levels but also offers one-of-a-kind views over Bondi Beach and Sydney’s picturesque coastline. The course’s gently undulating terrain and couch grass fairways contribute to its appealing playability and aesthetic charm. 

Beyond golf, the club is a vibrant community hub, hosting a variety of events such as Wednesday Night Trivia and monthly live music events, catering to a diverse range of interests and providing a lively social scene. Renowned for its amazing views and engaging play, Bondi Golf & Diggers Club is a standout golfing experience.

9. Long Reef Golf Club 

Location: Anzac Ave, Collaroy NSW 2097, Australia
Public Access

Long Reef Golf Club, located approximately 7 km from Manly, is a premier links-style golf course known for its exceptional beachfront position. Founded in 1921, the club has established itself as one of Sydney’s finest golfing layouts. Peter Thomson, a renowned British and Australian Open winner and course designer, has praised Long Reef as having “the best site of any golf course in Sydney.” 

This course is a favourite for qualifying rounds in both Australian and State Professional and Amateur events, largely due to its immaculate Kikuyu fairways and fast Poa Annua greens. Known for its superb drainage, Long Reef Golf Course stands out as one of Sydney’s best wet-weather courses, often remaining playable when other nearby courses are not.

10. Wakehurst Golf Club

Location: Upper Clontarf St, Seaforth NSW 2092, Australia
Public Access

Wakehurst Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque Northern Beaches of Sydney, is a hidden gem located around 10 kilometres from the bustling coastal suburb of Manly. This beautifully maintained golf course offers a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging play. Spread over hilly terrain, its 18-hole course presents a test for golfers of all skill levels. Notably, Wakehurst is renowned for its spectacular views of the Northern Beaches and the impressive Garigal National Park, providing a scenic backdrop for every shot. 

The course is characterized by its lush fairways and well-manicured greens, making each round a visually stunning experience. Wakehurst Golf Club is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, hosting numerous tournaments and social events throughout the year that cater to both members and visitors. This combination of natural beauty, challenging play, and a vibrant community makes Wakehurst Golf Club a cherished destination for golf enthusiasts.

11. Pymble Golf Club

Location: Cowan Rd, St. Ives NSW 2075, Australia
Private Access

Pymble Golf Club, an esteemed golfing venue, is situated in the lush, green north shore residential district in Sydney. This prestigious club is around 30 minutes northwest of Sydney CBD and about 30 minutes from Manly. Known for its serene and picturesque setting, the course beautifully blends the natural bushland with its meticulously landscaped grounds. Its 18-hole championship course is famed for its strategic design, characterized by undulating fairways and well-placed bunkers, which offers golfers a varied and challenging golfing experience. 

Pymble Golf Club is also known for its rich history and commitment to the preservation of the area’s natural beauty. The club offers much more than daunting bunkers and pristine greens, they have competitions daily as well as family events and function rooms for occasions. Pymble offers a top-tier golfing experience with a warm, community-focused atmosphere, making it a must-try for visiting golfers.

From Greens to Dreams: Sydney’s Golfing Gems

Sydney offers much more than just stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks. Each course we’ve explored is a testament to Sydney’s deep love for golf, blending challenging play with breathtaking scenery. From the historic fairways of The Australian Golf Club to the seaside challenges at Long Reef, Sydney’s golf courses are not just sports grounds; they are experiences that capture the heart of the city. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Sydney’s golfing landscape promises a memorable adventure, one swing at a time. 

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