1. q-tip | Rated | 31 Mar 2006 | Add A Review

I played here 31/3/06 and played off back plates, and it only measured 3607m Par 59 with 14 Par 3s ranging from 115-230m, three Par 4s ranging 245-345m and the 487m Par 5 16th hole. The greens were surprisingly quick, with tiers and dips and true for this short, less than average council-owned course. Bunkers protect the greens of 5 holes (3-7) on the front nine, and 7 holes (11-15 & 17-18) on the back nine. Bunkers are not well placed as many protect the rightside green. However, the 154m 15th green has two hidden rightside bunkers from the T.

The course has two sides: the boring, hilly front nine with mostly par 3s (except the 250m 2nd) that have you hitting the same club from the tee! The views from the tees at 4-8 are worth the most respect on the front nine. The back nine is where this course gets my attention. Holes 10-13 have you hitting the same club for these par 3s, and just when you think you can close your eyes and hit the ball on the green, there is the par 4 14th! The dogleg left par 5 16th, as mentioned, is also my pick on the course. Drivable in 2, if your drive is over 250m, but have water on the left to contend with. The 172m 17th is the most heavily bunkered green on the course, with 3 bunkers forming a U-shape around the green. One hole where accuracy is needed off the T. The 335m 18th is a good finisher, with a very tricky green to read in 2.

Good value with green fees $11.20 WD and $16.70 WE. The front nine needs a facelift to match the more greener, more challenging back nine, but overall a pleasant short game course, where accuracy is not generally needed.

2. sydneysider | Rated | 08 Feb 2005 | Add A Review

Russell vale is an ideal weekend early morning course with some of the best views of any course in NSW. Great use of reclaimed land and Water has shaped a varied, basically par 3 course, with a few longer holes thrown in the mix to give a bit of a challenge. I especially liked the only Par 5 a dog leg to the left over water to the pin.

The good thing is it's cheap and is quick. so if the family beckons for Sunday Lunch, an early start will see you back to fire up the barbie in plenty of time. Good deal on Bank holidays cap off an excellent Public facility.

6/10

3. markmac | Rated | 21 Aug 2004 | Add A Review

Whilst this council owned course is kept in quite good condition with relatively fast and smooth greens, it can get quite boring.

It's a long haul up the hill on the front nine, and it's hard to differentiate between holes, as they all seem to play at similar lengths (apart from the short par 4 second hole).

Fortunately there is a nice seat at the top of the course where you can take in the magnificent view and catch your breath.

The small but friendly Russell Vale Golf Club is only open to the members, and only on the days that the council allocates for club play, which doesn't include Sundays.

You just have to be aware that it's a par 3 type course that has been tweaked in a couple of places, so don't expect too much.