1. PenguinWoods | Rated | 13 May 2011 | Add A Review

Had a bad time here. Turned up early and was told "no carts". My playing partner (an older guy) did not want to walk what is indeed a very hilly layout but where assured if we played the front nine, the "flat" nine all we would be well. After 7 holes we called it quits as it was wet, still hilly and we where in a bad mindset after what was bad treatment. We had made a booking a month prior for 18 holes with a cart and they had our number, they should have called us to notify us of the cart ruling. After my partner gave the pro a bit of a talking to we ended up at the 9 hole Harrington Waters, where we had a good time.
The course however was nice with nice greens and fairways they’re lined by houses and i didn’t get the "Forest" atmosphere i was betting for from a place called Tallwoods.
For real bush golf go down to the beautiful Tuncurry course down the road, I’d say the best course in the region.

2. epamis | Rated | 19 Apr 2011 | Add A Review

Played Tallwood yesterday following torrential rain over the weekend. Course had held up pretty well although they had only just started repairing the bunkers and some parts of the fairway were still soggy.

We foolishly decided to play of the blue markers (’to get our money’s worth’) and it was definitely a bit tough for a couple of 25+ handicappers. Having said that, the fairways are relatively wide and greens relatively flat although a bit rough as they had not been mown since the rain.

The course is a great mix of holes and both fairways and greens were in excellent condition. There were also some crazy high tee boxes, especially the 17th.

Only disappointment was that after 18 challenging holes (i.e. gagging for a beer)and with both families meeting at the club for lunch, we found the bistro was shut.

PROS

• Good value at $55 for 18 including free pull buggy
• Interesting and varied layout

Cons

• Very hilly - bring your mountain goat
• Bistro is shut on Monday!

3. mountainman | Rated | 24 Jan 2011 | Add A Review

Played Tallwoods yesterday and had a very enjoyable round. I was the only person on the course pulling my clubs around with a buggy. Golf carts are very popular and were tearing all around the place. Can see why golf carts are very popular at Tallwoods, as there are a few very long up hill par fives. One of the reasons why I play golf is for the exercise, so I didn’t mind struggling uphill.
The course was in excellent condition and I found the layout great. Even for a hack like me you can get yourself out of trouble after a bad shot.
My pick of the holes were the 10th a dog leg par four where you need to avoid sand on the left and water on the right. A well placed first shot sets up a short second to the green. I also enjoyed the 17th a downhill par four. Make the effort to walk up to the lookout behind the 17th tee for a great view over the course and coast.
My only criticism was that the visitors tees make some of the holes too short and easy, especially the par 3’s. You don’t need any more than a pitching wedge to get onto the greens.
Now that I have family in Forster I will, without hesitation, play Tallwoods again.

4. fergmoo | Rated | 10 Jan 2011 | Add A Review

Played here 31st December 2010, the layout of this course is excellent, the course presented well gives the feel and experience of a top resort course without the price tag. I also agree that a course map or cheat sheet would be benefitial as there are a few holes that are blind. One in particular the 1oth hole dogleg left, I was on the tee not knowing wether it went left or right of the huge gum tree that appeared to be in the middle of the fairway.

5. AndrewKemp | Rated | 05 Jan 2011 | Add A Review

great course at a great price. I played in a group and enjoyed this course throughly but was dissapointed with the following 2 things.
There was no course tips/how to play each hole or course guide (made being a 1st timer very difficult.
The other thing was we had to have our carts by 5:30 which was very dissapointing as we payed for 18 holes with carts and the back 9 had some step holes!

6. soupy | Rated | 26 Oct 2010 | Add A Review

Played on golf weekend …nice course and some holes with great views and outlook …. was in good condition but not excellent…..worth trying and playing

7. zalko70 | Rated | 01 Oct 2010 | Add A Review

went back and played this course last weekend, last played it over a year ago.
What a beautiful course, the holes are absolutely picturesque and suit the natural contours of the land.
The greens are massive , pure and were lightening fast. This course keeps getting better with age.

8. EasyGame | Rated | 27 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Ok I went back. I had heard that Tallwoods was for sale. Indeed it was and has been sold to a Chinese consortium who take control on 1st July 2010. The current owners have retrenched half the ground staff and seemingly most of the rest of the staff as well. The bistro is no longer and there is only 1 person working the pro shop and bar. The condition of the gardens surrounding the course is average maybe. Congrats to the remaining staff for keeping it all going.

The new owners are getting ready to build a low rise hotel on the site where the current reception bulding is. They have also hired 5 gardeners plus additional green staff so I think the course will improve greatly.

Thanks to the the current owners the course condition has slipped amazingly – the bunkers were washed out in a fearful storm and it took over a week for them to be back in play.

The greens were extremely slow and soft and the grass cover was patchy, at best. The grass covering has really lost condition. Hit and hope.

The rough hadn’t been mowed in weeks and the paspalum made it impossible to get your ball out of the rough even if it went in a little way. Much time was lost in finding balls. Unfortunately even after it was mowed during my time there, because the rough had been so long for so long, it made little difference.

As always the members are a fantastic bunch and it is a joy to play with them and enjoy a few beers afterwards.

In the meantime – if you’re looking for a great golf experience play Tuncurry.

I’ll go back – one more time. Just to see what the new owners make of it.

9. markinsydney | Rated | 29 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

Tallwoods is a joy to play. The staff are really friendly and the course is magnificent, even for us high handicappers. But pay the extra and take a cart: several holes are 400+ metres straight up hill.

10. EasyGame | Rated | 06 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

A great course indeed. A good test of golf and more so off the back markers. In fantastic condition, greens were quick and true. Couch fairways were in excellent condition and are well looked after by the members. Some tough short holes with some fantastic driving holes as well all with rewards for a thinking player who places their shots into the correct landing zone. Beware when the wind blows.

Speaking of whom, the members were a good natured, friendly bunch to play with and always helpful with advice on how to play the holes. The staff were efficient and friendly as well. A great day – well worth the trip.

There is a “Hole of the Day” on which you fix as many divot/pitch marks as you can whilst waiting your turn to hit – a novel but effective idea that should be shared by many other clubs.

You can walk but get a cart. The back nine is especially steep in some areas.

$49 with a cart is a bargain for a course of this quality.

4,6,10,11,15,17 were my favourites however all the holes were interesting and none had the same feel as any others. You’ll use just about every club in your bag. Take a few spare balls as well.

I’m definately going back. Tallwoods is one of the few courses that I’ve stayed & played on that I would join without hesitation if I lived there.

11. golfingmad | Rated | 04 Feb 2008 | Add A Review

A thoroughly enjoyable golf course. Quite different to a lot of other resort courses in terms of layout but this is by no means a detraction. Beautiful scenery, flora and fauna, etc. Highlights for me are the 7th, 8th, 11th and 17th holes. Definately worth playing – excellent value for money!

12. swampy | Rated | 10 Dec 2007 | Add A Review

Tallwoods is a course well worth visiting and staying the night at the great accommodation. The course is well set out with a variety of holes and many challenges to all levels of golfer. I quite nejoyed the long par 5’s and the shorter par 4’s which provide a challenge to make good scores. Best to play early in the morning before it gets too hot otherwise it is a long course even with carts.

13. SirSlicealot | Rated | 12 Nov 2007 | Add A Review

Tallwoods indeed. This place is a great setting with tree lind fairways and a very relaxing feel. The only problam is the layout is surrounded by massive hills with the course lieing at the bottom af a massive ridge – what does this mean? Well when it sprinkles the course is very waterlogged & when it pous the course is shut for many days whilst it drys out. I played after 2 days of medium rain and the back nie was closed to play so we plyed the front 9 twice – not what i payed full price for half a golf course. I cut my stay in the area short by 2 days and travelled a few hours up the pacific highway to a place called Bonville. They had had the same amout of rain if not more and i managed to play with carts on fairways and all 18 holes. The two properties ar apples & oranges with Bonville being 5 star & Tallwoods 1 star. I hear Bonvill will soon have houses to buy on site & let me tell you get in quick as they will sell like hotcakes.

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14. harty1au | Rated | 16 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

This is the most enjoyable course I have played. Over 3 years I have played it 6 times and leave knowing this is a little known golf haven. The greens are quickish but high quality and fair. Fairways are always in excellent condition. Great variation in holes. It is a real “thinking” course that rewards for getting it right but too cruel when you get it wrong. Photographs from the course would make a great calendar, only trouble would be to pick which 6 to leave out.

15. zalko70 | Rated | 22 Jan 2007 | Add A Review

Simply an awesome design , this course is one of the most strategic ad scenic courses in Oz. Each hole is memorable I played it once only but can still vividly remember each hole and it's subtleties. Every hole is a challenge either from the tee or on the large immaculate and sloping greens. I have heard someone say that when the greens here are fast it is like Augusta, while this may be an overstatement I get the picture. I played Bonville the day prior and Tallwoods absolutely kills it.

16. passyone | Rated | 01 Aug 2006 | Add A Review

If you get an opportunity to have a golfing holiday, go to Tallwoods.

The course is just great with a good mix of holes where trees and water come into play. I walked it with a carry bag but can understand why most go in a cart, the inclines on some holes are huge.

Great condition and always room to fit in by yourself or with the fabulous members. Great pro shop and the food is top class. You won't be disappointed.

17. gregb3 | Rated | 15 Nov 2005 | Add A Review

Still a young course by many standards but with 8 years under its belt Tallwoods is developing into a spectacular course.

There are 5 tee positions on each hole which make the course play significantly differently depending on individual skill levels. Being only 3kms from the coastline, the prevailing NE or the occasional southerly change makes for plenty of variety.

Greens are now in magnificent condition holding superbly but the undulations and tiers along with a quite fast speed make putting a daunting challenge.

Par 5s appear short - but they are uphill all the way with tight greens, tiers and if you miss the green start looking for the lob wedge.

Postcard views down the coastline from the tee on 4, 14 and 17, water on 8,10,11 and 18 holes, and well maintained fairways make playing here a pleasure.

Unless you are a fitness fanatic, take a cart at least the first time so the hilly terrain doesn't take its toll and you enjoy the day.

18. master1106 | Rated | 13 Oct 2005 | Add A Review

what a gem of a course. this course is very young i can see when it gets older holding major events. very hilly, you will need a cart. some long holes with well positioned water hazards to catch you when your not thinking. greens from memory are fairly fast rolling and require good touch. give this course time to grow and it will be majic. be sure to check out the views from up top before playing or after. they are incredible.

19. jimandr | Rated | 20 Nov 2003 | Add A Review

Tallwoods is now accepting green fee players, so don't overlook it as a golf option.

You tend to get seduced by it's appearance, and think the actual golf is better than it really is, because almost every hole gives a golfing postcard view from the tee. It's not quite as scenic as Bonville, but it's close.

The actual course is a fair test, without being overly penal. Looking at the card, you'd think the Par 5's are a snack, between 420 and 470 metres, but they are all severely uphill. The Par 3's are very strong, and mostly spectacularly downhill holes where deep bunkers await at the front and big slopes if you go over the back.

The fairways are reasonably generous, and on most there is plenty of room on the good side, so there is no reason to battle with the 'bad' side. The couch grass was in good nick, and gave good lies every time.

The greens are mostly big, with a few swales and tiers, and were good to putt on, if just a bit slow.

While you can walk it, a cart is recommended, as some of the hills are quite steep, particularly when climbing to the tees.

$50 bucks on a weekday is good value.