Carved into the cliffs of La Perouse and overlooking Botany Bay, New South Wales Golf Club is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal courses. Designed in the spirit of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, it blends natural dunes, ocean winds, and traditional links strategy into a layout that is as breathtaking as it is demanding.
Just 20 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, it offers golfers a world-class experience with views that rival Pebble Beach and challenges that demand your full attention.
Course Overview
- Location: La Perouse, New South Wales
- Par: 72
- Length: 6,245m from championship tees
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie (routing) / Eric Apperly
- Access: Private club (limited guest play and interstate visitor access)
NSW Golf Club is a true links-style course in the purest sense—undulating fairways, minimal trees, sandy soil, and plenty of coastal exposure. It’s a throwback to old-world golf but delivered with unmistakable Australian flair.
Layout and Design
The routing flows naturally with the landscape, often hugging the cliffs or cutting through native bushland. Wind is a constant factor, and the shot values change dramatically depending on conditions. Precision, imagination, and adaptability are rewarded here.
Standout Holes:
- Hole 5 – Par 5: A sweeping hole along the coast that tempts longer hitters with a risky second shot over a ravine.
- Hole 6 – Par 3: One of the most photographed holes in Australia—an exposed tee shot over the ocean.
- Hole 13 – Par 4: Elevated tee to a rolling fairway, demanding distance control and a smart approach.
- Hole 18 – Par 4: A tough uphill closer with the clubhouse in full view and the wind likely in your face.
The bunkering is strategic and natural-looking, and the greens are quick but fair, often sloping off into collection areas that punish poor misses.
Conditions and Facilities
- Greens: Smooth, fast, and sloped in just the right places
- Fairways: Excellent year-round conditioning with natural run
- Bunkers: Deep and sandy with rugged edges—true to links form
- Practice Facilities: Good short game area and range available
- Clubhouse: Classic, charming, and perched with ocean views
It’s worth noting that weather plays a big role in the experience—calm mornings can be serene, but in the wind, this course becomes a different beast.
The Experience
Playing NSW Golf Club feels like a journey through another era of golf. There’s a reverence to the place—the isolation, the scenery, the way the course doesn’t just challenge you but invites you to think.
- Access for visitors is possible with advance booking and proper etiquette
- Pace of play is generally good, with marshals ensuring smooth rounds
- The walk is challenging but manageable, especially with a caddie or push cart
You’ll want to arrive early, soak in the views, and take your time. This isn’t just a round—it’s an experience.
Rating
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Scenery | 10 |
| Course Design | 9.5 |
| Playability | 8.5 |
| Facilities | 8.5 |
| Overall Experience | 9.5 |
Final Score: 9.2/10
Final Verdict
New South Wales Golf Club is one of the finest expressions of coastal golf in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s strategic, raw, scenic, and rewarding—all without ever feeling over-designed or artificial.
Perfect for:
- Golfers chasing bucket-list coastal courses
- Architecture lovers drawn to MacKenzie-style design
- Travellers seeking an unforgettable round near Sydney
Room for improvement:
- Can be punishing in heavy winds
- Guest access is limited (book well in advance)
- No carts on course (walk only)
A true Australian classic that blends world-class design with natural beauty—New South Wales Golf Club deserves a place on any golfer’s dream list.