1. baffler | Rated | 21 Feb 2009 | Add A Review

Played the other day here with my father and was a little disappointed. Had played here 4 years ago and had fond memories, but that was then, this is now. Played early in the morning and the greens were soaking wet (which normally would be acceptable but it was curious as to why they were still watering them despite the massive rainfall in the last 10 days….go figure) but what was not acceptable was how furry they were. They hadn’t been cut in days and even when they were cut and dried out throughout the round they were still slow as a wet week. On the plus side, they looked quite healthy, if that’s any consolation. They also are a little….um…boring, meaning mostly flat with only very subtle break in them. 9 times out of 10 you’re best banging it straight at the hole. Around the greens, the bunkers were lacking sand (with clay bottoms) and outside the bunkers, the grass was not all that great to chip from.
The fairways were just ok, nothing special, but also not bad. But the real downer were the tees. These were some of the worst tees I’ve played on, ever, and I’ve played in Oz, Europe and the US. For the price (around $40), that is just ridiculous. The condition was well below poor, and lumpy as a 4WD track. If I was a member here, I would be livid at coughing up my yearly dues and embarassed to invite anyone to play here. This is a real shame because the course could be championship quality, except for those tees.
Another bummer (and harder to fix) are the ridiculously short and tight, blind holes. I found myself hitting 6i then 8i then PW into one of the double dogleg par fives. On a par 4 I hit 6i, 9i. I think I only pulled out the driver 6 times.
Speaking of the driver, for the wayward hitters, leave the driver in the bag (or at home) or bring plenty of balls. You will be penalized seriously if you miss badly. And if you go in after them, you may encounter some of Australia’s nastier wildlife. If you’re lucky enough to hit an adjacent fairway, those trees are so tall you will not be able to fly them, mostly. The only choice is to play up another fairway until you get a shot at the green.
Another annoying factor, the yardages on the card don’t match the maps and yardages on tee. I gave up on them all and went with my gut.
On the plus side, this is a picturesque course with plenty of wildlife to distract you from your lost balls or crappy tees. The clubhouse has also seen major renovation and is as great as it looks. The members can at least be proud of that. Sitting out on the covered terrace overlooking the course was a pleasure.
In the end though, save your money and go to Horizons.

2. james100 | Rated | 23 Oct 2008 | Add A Review

Played this course a few days ago and really enjoyed it. Played with my dad who was on holiday here from the UK so the novelty of seeing kangaroos did the trick. The condition of the fairways and greens aren’t exellent but the course has a good layout and the green fees are pretty good considering we played on a Saturday. The staff in the shop were helpful and the members seemed a decent bunch of blokes with a good atmosphere in the club.

3. RockinRenz | Rated | 02 Sep 2008 | Add A Review

Three blokes from Sydney played this course in August. Played a Sat comp and played holes 19-27 and then 1-9. Wasn’t expecting a great deal from this course but was thoroughly suprised! Layout was challenging with some ripper holes. Lookout for the lengthy and tight 550 metre odd par 5, i think No. 22. 3 competent golfers took a total of 26 on this hole… The front nine, especially holes 2 through 7 are absolute rippers in a fantastic setting. Club house is in the middle of a renovation but will be excellent. The local we played with and the blokes in the bar after the game all were good value, adding to the positive impression. The fairways were a little patchy in some spots and some course renovations happening in places, but overall, well worth a game.

4. DP73295 | Rated | 13 Aug 2008 | Add A Review

I love this course. maybe because when i play it i’m usually on holidays.It’s always in good condition. we had a group of 20 play here once and it was all really well organised. all the holes near water play really well. I would happily recommend this course to players of all abilities.

5. Lawso | Rated | 19 Jun 2008 | Add A Review

For anyone heading to the Port Stephens/Nelson Bay area – the Nelson Bay course is a genuine must play. My friends and I had 3 days in the area and played the more heralded Pacific Dunes & Horizons (both within Oz’s 100 top courses) and whilst they where outstanding – I assure you playing Nelson Bay as an “in between” was a terrific 3 days of golf and be assured – you can hook or slice just as many balls into the surrounding Nat. Park on the dog leg holes at the Bay as you’ll find water at both Horizons and the Dunes. Plus, the cheap schooners and Chinese food at the refurbed golf club atop the hill was a great way to finish the round!

6. vapothirib | Rated | 17 Dec 2007 | Add A Review

Traditional layout of 1 to 18 are my favourite, although as a visitor you always seem to end up playing 19-27. Course it tight in a few areas. Always in good condition.

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7. jassony | Rated | 01 Aug 2006 | Add A Review

The condition of this course after a week of rain was brilliant. Id say the back 9 thru 18 were the best holes. I believe are set out like tournament holes. The 12th Par 5 with two doglegs to the left would definetly be the signature hole. The fairways run true and the greens are fast and undulating. Finding it hard on some occasions to keep my puts below two. The course after a week of showers was mostly dry. The drainage was superb. Another hard thing was trying to dodge the kangaroos. They just add to the courses greatness. Ive played golf in the Port Stephens region and this course is right up there with the best. I'll be up there again soon no doubt.

8. abluedog | Rated | 22 Feb 2006 | Add A Review

What a fantastic course.

Played in the Wednesday competition. Great day; friendly membership.

27 holes, only saw 18, and from what I was told, they need every hole to cater for the hordes of visitors.

A traditional course that meanders through the bush. No two holes are the same and the wind, when it blows, can add an extra shot to many a hole.

Good layout, good facilities, and a good test of golf - also of one's stamina (hills).

Recommended.

9. greavesy | Rated | 07 Dec 2005 | Add A Review

The entire 27 holes at Nelson Bay is just fantastic the fairways are magnificent and the greens are pure.The course makes you think and the Par 5's are very challenging indeed. Overall this course is one of the better course's around Newcastle.

10. joe | Rated | 10 Jan 2003 | Add A Review

The course is actually 27 holes.

The 3rd nine is tight & a little short, but the 1 -18 has a good variety of holes.

Most of the par 3's are down hill, which makes them play shorter than what the card says. The 2nd is a good par 4, bending to the left with O.B. on that side. The 22nd is a long par 5 with some wild, sandy bush on your right.

The members only pay $400 a year, which makes a Sydney sider, like myself, cry.