The Links - Shell Cove

Illawarra, NSW | User Rating: Rate-3 (3.5) | Add A Review

From the clubhouse, the 18 hole par-71 course lies in two loops of nine on separate sides of a small valley, covering 63 hectares which features meandering creeks, with an additional 20 hectares of wetlands on the low point of the course.

Enjoy the layout that stretches to 6,107 metres from the back markers across a fairly undulating landscape, which was formerly prime grazing land wedged between the sea and the Illawarra escarpment.

At the end of your game, enjoy the $3 million clubhouse that has been designed with a large boat shaped atrium and offers expansive viewing platforms over the course. There will be a hive of activity below the clubhouse verandah with three greens and three tees just a chip away.

Although Shellharbour Links is not a links in the true sense of the word, the course is subjected to plenty of winds as the ocean is just a drive and pitch from the eastern boundary. This is a tough course and will play completely different each time there is a wind change of any significance.

The rolling, mound-dotted golf landscape at Shellharbour Links is unlike anything you will find on the NSW south coast. Shellharbour Links is situated in Shellharbour City just 1 hours drive south of Sydney which makes this course ideal for a “Short Getaway”.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Name: The Links - Shell Cove
  • Region: Illawarra, NSW
  • Address: Shellharbour Road & Southern Cross Boulevarde
    Shell Cove, 2529, New South Wales, Australia
  • Directions: View Aerial Map »
    View Map »
  • Proshop: (02) 4237 5955
  • General: (02) 4237 5955
  • Tollfree:
  • Holes: 18
  • Metres: 6107m
  • Par: 71
1. dogowner | Rated | 17 Feb 2010 | Add A Review

We found the course to be challenging, the pros were friendly and service good. We were forever guessing what tee we were playing – no signpost on what tee you were on nor signposts on where the next tee was. Considering the amount of rainfall the greens were excellent.

2. uostiliri | Rated | 28 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Fantastic course layout.
providing a good challange with risk/reward holes. My advise, just pull out the driver and go for it !
Everything is in great condition.
Tough to read greens.
Rolling fairways.
Dont go into the rough!
We WILL be going back again!

3. predipret | Rated | 26 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Very challenging course, balls hit not on fairways are almost always lost.But a very enjoyable course also. Not for the beginner.

4. billy_bobo14 | Rated | 18 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

excellent layout and design. The back nine 9 is more impressive than the front nine. for $33 incl cart…A BARGAIN! well worth the drive from sydney (1.75 hrs from northern beaches). holes 12,13,14 and 16 standouts.

5. uibrastof | Rated | 17 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Overall, my partner and I enjoyed it. Frankly the front nine holes don’t give a good impression with maintenance, condition and layout. Looks like course has copped some rain which might have effected condition.
Back nine holes are just great. Really impressive.
Between the front and back nines, its like playing two separate courses.
Pro shop staff helpful and friendly.

I have been playing golf for 35 years (I am 52) and I think golf etiquette is something golf course management generally should and can improve. Just simple stuff like the pro shop giving all players a quick rundown on golf etiquette would make everyone’s game more enjoyable AND faster.

6. notodetho | Rated | 11 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

I played the links course on a windy sunny, beutiful day. I found the course to be in extremely great condition and for $25 with a cart on a Sunday, I will be making the trip from Sydney more frequently. We were one of maybe 10 groups on the entire course, meaning we never had any waiting at tee’s and no one following up behind us. The layout is full of variety and a challenging game in the wind.
To me the value of this course compared to others is umbelievable and the environement and vista from all parts of the course is a Sunday’s golf dream. Looking forward to playing there again, especially the 16th hole.

7. dramothew | Rated | 09 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

lovely location but it is much too easy to lose balls.

8. timgolf | Rated | 11 Dec 2009 | Add A Review

Interesting layout. Well worth a visit.

9. CasperBosnich | Rated | 06 Oct 2009 | Add A Review

This is the first time I have played the Links with no wind. Its still a challenge but definately not as long or scary on some shots. The rough is bit shorter than I remember but its still a lost ball if you miss on the wrong side with many holes. I shot 77 from the black markers so maybe I just didnt see as much rough as I have the last couple of rounds there. The greens were great even if they were a bit slower after a couple of days rain. I will definately be back again for another round, cant argue with $25 inc a cart!

10. Birdy_Pete | Rated | 06 Oct 2009 | Add A Review

Played here yesterday. Something different, links course in the country side with beautifull views.

The drainage of this course is very good considering all the rain over the long weekend. The greens are in absolute top condition.

This was also a nice break getting out the city, will be back

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11. maphastak | Rated | 03 Sep 2009 | Add A Review

Tough golf course very tight leave the driver in the bag and you will score alot better.

Yard markers need to be repaired and replaced in some cases as a first time player the yardage is what i found the hardest.

Needs to be matained alot better lots of areas need to be looked at the rough that is marked has a hazard i find very unfair if the club want to draw all levels of golfers they need to address this problem as these rough areas just look like lack of maintenance not rough you would see on a traditional links course.

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12. croprapra | Rated | 02 Jul 2009 | Add A Review

Great golf course, some quite difficult holes especially some of the back nine, wouldn’t like to walk it though, there are some long distances between holes.

We were lucky to begin with no wind then near the end of our round it started to blow, would be very difficult in strong winds.

Overall can’t wait to play there again. Some greens were dificult with their pin positions but in perfect condition considering they had just had a week of rain.

13. Dulberf | Rated | 31 May 2009 | Add A Review

Played here today in heavy rain, light rain, overcast and full sun!!! Great course and definitely worth the green fees, and the drive from Sydney.

I usualle love to walk a course but today we had carts, and definitely not a course I’d like to walk.

14. spackler | Rated | 05 May 2009 | Add A Review

Loved it, greens were supurb, challenging didn’t always pull the driver out on the par 4’s & 5’s. Few golfers on the course made the experience even better. I would become a member in a flash if I lived 20km’s closer, will definetely be back.

15. haprodeph | Rated | 15 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

Played The Links the day after very heavy rain, no carts allowed which made the walk very heavy. The course although wet presented very well. Played from the black tees which makes the course vey challenging even off a 6 handicap. The Greens and entire course were in good condition and definately worth a revisit especially at the exceptionally cheap green fees.

16. zuluwoffle | Rated | 14 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

Played here today and was extremely happy with the course. It was a shame that the golf carts weren’t able to be used due to a heavy downpour the night before. Be warned that if the golf carts can’t be used, you’ll get a fair amount of exercise walking this course. I saw quite a few players only being able to complete a few holes instead of the whole course.

Really looking forward to going back and playing this course when the golf carts are available and the course is dry.

17. Steve9 | Rated | 14 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

Good layout unfortunately the weather was terrrible absouletley poured with rain. Would love to go back and play in nice weather.
Terrific value for $20 per player cart inclusive.Greens very undulating look very fast in dry & windy weather.

18. drivefreg | Rated | 14 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

The Links is a great course, especially for the price. Pity about the bunkers being taken away on the 9th and the 3rd, i think the more of a challenge the better. Otherwise fantastic golf course.

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19. himosleuo | Rated | 09 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

played the links at shell cove on Monday 23/3/2009.
what a wonderful surprise, well maintained course fairways mowed, bunkers with soft sand, the greens where very slow due to them being cored two weeks earlier, a very challenging experience off the championship tees, the black tee markers witch add about a extra 600 metres or so from the blue members tees.

hit is straight or as a typical links course you find rough & plenty of it

20. wrebravoh | Rated | 19 Mar 2009 | Add A Review

great layout, greens very hairy and extremely slow (had been cored recently)
Great value – $52 for 2 including electric cart

21. Jesus_nazas | Rated | 03 Feb 2009 | Add A Review

Played the links on 1/02/2009. WHAT A GREAT COURSE. Good layout, nice Fairways, Quite Long EXCELLENT. Will be playing there soon FOR SURE.

22. jam_kwe | Rated | 06 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

What a great golf course!

Its not easy by any means but its the type of course that inspires you to play better. It punishes you for trying to be Tiger Woods when you’re not but rewards you for playing smart. And how good do you feel when you pull off that magic shot to set up a birdy chance or sinking a par or two! They’re the moments on a golf course that are worth remembering.

Conditions were great, greens were well kept, fast and consistent. Tees were in pretty good condition, fairways well manicured, rough was tough, bunkers a challenge and the service was awesome, drinks driven around by a lovely young lady who helped inspire us to greater deeds!

Well worth the trip and great value.

23. golferjohn | Rated | 22 Dec 2008 | Add A Review

Played 15/12/2008. Course in good condition, particularly compared to a year or so ago. Preferred lies but did not use; course OK without. Found it difficult to judge right club to hit green because of the varying wind speeds – never less than significant. Very enjoyable but played in carts; walking might have been taxing in the breeze. Played off forward tees and on some holes that was a significant advantage eg 5th over water. Rough was not penal for the most part. Greens were possibly a bit two-paced and a bit slow; some downhill putts did not reach cup and not because of timidity! Pro shop staff very friendly and helpful. My friend and I would play there again any time and we will.

24. naamoneurell | Rated | 08 Dec 2008 | Add A Review

Had a good day out, despite it being quite windy. The greens were fantastic to putt on but were very hard which made it difficult to hold the greens at times. There were some bare patches on the fairways but they were generally good. The bunkers suffered from not being properly raked by the players. Overall a very enjoyable day and fantastic value at the iseekgolf price.

25. harro8u | Rated | 26 Nov 2008 | Add A Review

without a doubt the best course in the area , the layout is top notch and its a shame some people bag the course , i find people who don’t score well bag the course , those players should play calderwood if they want to score well this afterall is a championship layout and is now ranked in the, for me no course in the area is close . top 50 courses in australia to play under $50

26. grant90421 | Rated | 03 Sep 2008 | Add A Review

Booking online with iseek was fine but half the course was closed due to coring the front nine, so more info like that would have been helpful, as we made a special trip to play there & hired a cart & everything!

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27. lamqdinh | Rated | 11 Jul 2008 | Add A Review

I enjoy this course and I will come back more often. The staff are excellent and helpfull, the course are well maintained. The course has very interesting layout and quite challenging. It is definately a value for money golf course that I’ve ever played in.

28. Starrman70 | Rated | 02 Apr 2008 | Add A Review

i have been a member for 12 months & have witnessed the course improve over that period, it is a challenging course & give you great satisfaction when you have a great round. The atmosphere is terrific with the club’s staff going out of there way to make you feel welcome, i have bought clients to the club for a round with some of them becoming members due to there pleasurable experience. I would highly recomend anyone play a round & experience this challenging but very sociable course. I’ve played on some goat tracks before & this certainly isn’t one of them, it picturesque & is improving with time.

29. ElHitmanio | Rated | 02 Apr 2008 | Add A Review

I’ve been playing at the course socially quite reguarly for the past 6 months or so. Although not much of a golfer myself i always enjoy the hit and think it’s a great course. I think the number of people playing on the course shows that it’s very popular for a reason. I’m now a member of the course and if you could become a member of the clubhouse/19th i would be a life member.

30. turkeyshooter | Rated | 02 Apr 2008 | Add A Review

Great challenge that is different everytime you play. Have told lots of friends about it and they are all fans of the course as well. Great spot for a beer afterwards i must say, and the staff are great from the pro shop downstairs to the people behind the bar. Well worth the effort. Get a cart though!

31. Stiff13 | Rated | 02 Apr 2008 | Add A Review

As a new member of the Links (and a beginner golfer), i’d have to say that this is the best of the “limited” courses i have played at. I must also give the staff a huge wrap as they are always helpful and willing to share their expertise.

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32. frosty88 | Rated | 27 Mar 2008 | Add A Review

Still an extremely challenging course but very enjoyable. Fairways are always very even and the greens always true. Have played a few of late in the area but none of them as good as “The Links”!!!!

33. Nassar | Rated | 25 Mar 2008 | Add A Review

I signed up to the Links back in the day when you use to be able to see a puff of dirt when you ball hit the surface, even back then it was by far my preferred course. Now not only is it worthy of a postcard with its spectacular views and feel it’s a course that weather you having a good or average game you regardless enjoy every bit of it. it got vote for the Illawarra’s best course!

34. nothappyjan | Rated | 03 Jan 2008 | Add A Review

Played in yesterday’s (2/1/07) comp. The green fees are far TOO costly, the competition score card we all received was a photocopied flimsy piece of paper !! We were told to play off the blue markers, which were all out of place!! On some holes the blue markers were placed next to the black markers (which were the back markers), on others holes they were near the yellow makers, one hole DIDN’T HAVE BLUE MARKERS another one had one blue and yellow markers?? The course and its layout is definately a challenge, take plenlty of balls if you don’t hit the fairways. Found the fairways and greens to be in pretty ordinary condition. Finally, it would help to place some signage to show where next tee/s are. Won’t be going back !!

35. oneplanemachine | Rated | 27 Dec 2007 | Add A Review

Well we are dead set mixed up about the links. some of us (me included) like the layout, but some of the others, really DO need a cart to play it. The result is some of us end up in carts and others who should play in carts end up not doing so. It really becomes quite painful.

The course always seems to be kept in the condition of being cut by a council groundsman who just doesn’t seem to give a f*&^ because he is getting paid regardless. Maybe whoever is running it should take ownership of the maintenance and do it themselves. (NOTE SHELLHARBOUR LINKS MOLLYMOOK SEEM TO KNOW HOW TO GET IT RIGHT) The Bunkers are really in shit condition though many have been rebuilt, and not before time.

As for the layout though, Pretty good, though I wonder if it is going to progress to its potential. how can you operate a range with NO rangeballs? Some of us like to warm up beforehand… After all the bets ARE on..

We did think that you could do with a refreshment cart selling BEER on the course, (or if there was one we didn’t see it), and we did have one lady with us who got a bit ‘caught short’ on the backnine with no ’’(you know what) nearby..

Some of the boys loved the TAB on site though.. pity they had to complete 18 holes ‘cause some of them were ready to go the punt..

Now I could mention the crows apetite for golf balls as well…...

36. NuffieTheGolfman | Rated | 25 Dec 2007 | Add A Review

I played 18 holes at “The Links – Shell Cove” in early October and I must say was surprised by the criticism that this course has taken as of late. The challenge was great and the layout was quite tough, as a 5 handicapper, I loved the toughness of this layout and feel it will only improve out of site, give its greens, rough and fairways are maintained correctly, I shot 8 over on my first round there off the plates (6107m). Im actually moving to the Illawarra from Perth in a few weeks and am actually tossing up the notion of joining this club over Port Kembla. Ive played Port Kemble which seem quite predictable and flat, this course is very hilly, well contoured and you cant see the green on lots of the tees, its AWESOME! I think Perth has also got me used to playing long tracks as was a member at Wanneroo. Shell Cove just seems very affordable for me, plus Im 25 yrs old, quite fit and dont think the walk will kill me. Im also looking for Pennant opportunities down the track and and feel chances could go my way in a young club. I recommend giving it a look if your a low marker, want a challenge and are looking to move to the Illawarra region.

37. agakhan | Rated | 07 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

I can cope with the challenge, it was the wait that killed the game. Played today 7/7/07, started at 12 and at 3PM had just done 9 holes. We never held any one but in between two blokes behind us got abusive and had to call the pro-shop. What was the pro-shop doing all this time, 3 groups ahead of us were making video of their game and holding every one. Quit after playing 14 holes in digust. Will never play, ever.

38. quasimodo | Rated | 07 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

I agree with everyone else with the course, It is a good course. However for such a difficult course with such low green fees it attracts a lot of hackers (myself included). I support anyone having a go and understand that once I was a beginner, but both times I have played this course, (with a free voucher) I have had really slow rounds including a 3 and a half hour 9 holes which we had to walk off after 10 holes because of frustration.

If people are slow and the staff are aware of it (which they were) something has to be done. It would be nice if the staff could control the round times of the people playing on the course. I would like to play here again but I dont really want to spend 7 hours doing it, I would prefer to pay more money to get more serious golfers who can play at a decent speed on this course because its too hard for people who are have just bought a set of clubs and receive a free game with them.

To be fair though this is probably the best course I have played in this region, Its just a shame that i’ve had a couple of bad experiences. I would come back but never again on the weekend.

39. TazzieHacker | Rated | 06 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

I played this course this week. I found it to be a good course which is well maintained. The day i played it wasd so windy that you were struggling to hit driver 200m but on other holes you could hit your PW 150m. The course has many challenges especially the No.1 rated hole the 13th. You have a blind tee shot up hill with Long rough on the left and GUR up the right and then for the second shot you have an approach to the green which isa surrounded by 5 or 6 bunkers. Also the greens are very slick at one stage i putted up hill to the hole and fell short and the wind blew that hard that my ball ended up about 10m off the green. I recommend this course to be played but make sure you pick the right day as it is not enjoyable to play in the wind.

40. kjgreen | Rated | 15 May 2007 | Add A Review

played here in the tuesday open competition and was pleasently surprised , i read the other reviews before playing and by the sounds of it i am glad they now keep the rough at a managable level , from what my playing partners were telling me you could be off the fairway by only a few feet and not find your ball , i was mostly impressed with how they made the golf course to suit the terrain not the other way around , well worth the trip down from sydney (only 45 minutes from sutherland) and 27 dollars is not too much , although they do not have a team comp only individal which i found odd , i strongly recommend playing with someone who knows the layout , the measurements they give to bunkers etc seem dubious in some places , one said i had 240 metres to a bunker and i hit a easy 5 rescue to lay up and landed in on the full , all in all give it a go if you like links style golf and it will only get better i think

41. handicapch | Rated | 05 Mar 2007 | Add A Review

As you drive into the carpark, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the vast open spaces and picturesque views. When the winds blowing this can be a very demanding golf course.

After reading earlier comments on this course I was pleasantly surprised by the lush fairways and excellent greens. Alot of work must have gone into this course over the last 12 months as it was in superb condition.

We started on the back nine and were soon in trouble (straight driving is a must if you want to master this course). Plenty of risk/reward holes and depending on the wind your strategy for each hole may change every time you play. The front nine is a little easier but only just. Stay out of the water and long grass that adorns the fairways and you may play to your handicap.

This is an excellent layout that I can see improving over time.

Friendly staff, excellent green fee prices and great facilities makes this course a must if your in the Illawarra area. I’ll be back again to take up the challenge.

42. frosty88 | Rated | 05 Mar 2007 | Add A Review

I have always found the links course to be very challenging and rewarding. I hadn’t played the course for a little while but having played a few times recently I’d like to add that I think it has improved out of sight. The course has always been very challening and a very good test of your wits as well as your game. The greens are in tremndous shape and were running very true at a good pace and the fairways very even throughout. It truly is a magnificent links course which I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone in the area looking for the links golf experience.

43. mickeyj | Rated | 05 Mar 2007 | Add A Review

I had forgotten (siince I had played the Links for a good 12 mths) just how enjoyable yet challenging this course is. If ever in the area a keen golfer should line up to confront this excellent course. It presents a diverse set of challenges on all of the superbly presented holes and provides a real feel for true Links courses.

The staff were friendly, the Clubhouse is magnificent and an enjoyable day is had by those willing to test their ability.

To play the magnificent back nine again was a really pleasing 2 hours.

Mark this down as a future Championship course and for those travelling give it a try.

44. playyourbest | Rated | 25 Jan 2007 | Add A Review

Shellharbour Links is certainly a challenge. From the 1st tee you have a free hit that can be a little wild and still be ok for your approach to the par 4 green, but after that its a long, tight, undulating challenge. If you're playing well, then it will be rewarding. If you're struggling for form then forget it.

Played there last weekend in the comp and despite the drought it is doing ok. The tee boxes and greens are superb. The fairways very dry, but where in NSW isn't very dry right now. To get around dry fairways they had preferred lies in the fairways going, so no excuses really. Hit a straight t ball, then walk up and place it on a nice spot. Spray it and rack up some heavy scores.

Layout is by far the best in the Illawarra. Just depends if you like a park land course or a challenge.

After the round, the perspective from the clubhouse is excellent and the food was pretty good to.

The last factor to consider is the wind. It comes from the Nth or the South, so holes are effected. Prevailing northerly at the moment, so be prepared to take 2 or 3 clubs more than usual.

45. phang | Rated | 07 Jan 2007 | Add A Review

Maybe it was my low expectations before arriving at the course to play for the first time that led me to believe that this course couldn't be that hard. Maybe it was because I had been playing relatively well over the past few rounds. Boy was I wrong!

The course raised it's ugly head and bit me hard. Each hole seemed more challenging than the last. Then came the wind. Rolling off the sea shores, over the valley, and gaining pace as it shoots up the side of the hill like it was intentionally funnelled towards the course, it had the ability to make short holes long and long hole even longer!

OK, the fairways were above average and the cart paths still needed some work but besides that, the greens were true and general course conditions were acceptable.

Now comes a stern warning. Remenicent of a round at The Vintage, The Links is extremely unforgiving if you do not keep it on the fairway. Tall scrubs lines nearly every hole from tee to green. Water hazards are effective in making you either play short to be safe or demands near perfect contact of club and ball to clear them. Either way, be sure to bring extra golf balls than normal as the probability of a lost ball is high and the need to hit a provisional ball is even higher.

Don't play this course if you're looking for a nice and easy round. Play this course if you're up for a real challenge.

46. golftragic123 | Rated | 05 Nov 2006 | Add A Review

Played Saturday 4th Nov.-06.Monthly medal . Playing off black markers on the par 5, 5th into a southerly was a challenge. Riding the same southerly back through 16th, 17th & 18th holes was fun.

The risks and rewards of this layout make for a very exciting and challenging game. Especially in stroke play .

Full credit to the green-staff for the excellent condition of the greens and the extensive work being done on the cart-tracks and much-needed mulching.

The condition of the fairways is quite good considering the ongoing dry periods experienced through Aug-Sep. I cannot agree less with the complaints of 23rd October reviewer (Bumbly1) and urge him and his playing partner to do as promised and not rush back !!

47. whiteman | Rated | 31 Oct 2006 | Add A Review

Fantastic layout which has to be truly appreciated playing from the black tees. Try the Wednesday challenge once a month (stroke). This course can tear you apart if you are not careful but does reward the confident player who can control their game and keep their patience. Course changes massively depending on wind direction. Some good works being done on the course which will really improve the place further. Best holes are 8, 13, 16 and 18. Greens can ruin your score, really need to keep the ball under the hole here.

A bit dry - if only the course had access to a good water source. This is probably the only thing holding the course back at this stage.

48. bundy1 | Rated | 23 Oct 2006 | Add A Review

Played here 21/10/06 and would not rush back. For a higher end course it is lacking in the course maintenance stakes as far as the general course is concerned, greens were good but Fairways and tee boxes poor. Fairways very dry and in many areas rockery exposed due to washaway or carts ripping up the turf (Not good for the golf clubs!)

My playing partner was at the course 18 months earlier and commented things have gone down hill since his last visit. It may be the drought but not having fairway watering in place wont make things better by mid summer. The ground was so hard on most tee boxes I couldnt get my tee in.

Layout is quite enjoyable and open as expected for a Links course but due to very hilly terrain carts definately recommended. (Which in turn doesnt help the course due to high cart traffic areas damaging turf)

Layout tough and challenging but course could be a lot better than its current condition.

49. beanbag1 | Rated | 01 Sep 2006 | Add A Review

this would have to be the best day of golf i have had in a long time ,just a great course fairways were lush, greens ran very true and just great value for money ,being a drummond member i get a discount 2 for 1 so with a cart it cost my mate and i 33 bucks each to play.cant speak highly enough of the track, they are still improving the course for cart use but this will only make the track better will be back for sure

50. q-tip | Rated | 12 Aug 2006 | Add A Review

Measures 6107m Par 71 (or 5640m Par 71 from the white plates). Course is very new, and could tell with the incompleted cart paths, which by the way, causes the course to have more wet areas than it should for such an undulating new course. This problem could be better planned with drainage and a sprinkler system. Now after rains, the course is extremely sloshy.

But the course does provide a challenge that is comparable to other Illawarra courses. It is no NSW, that is no sure, and it would never be really. The course is somewhat boring, with good length on the par 4s but the four par 5s are all shortish ranging from 460-510m from the back plates and even shorter from the whites.

The best holes I feel are the 370m dogleg left 16th with OOB wetlands on the left and creek cutting across fairway near the green. The 411m Par 4 dogleg left 8th with creek across fairway and 388m Par 4 uphill 9th are great outward nine closers. The par 3s are weak. Greens here are quite true and fast.

Payed here 11/8/06 and only paid $24 weekday green fees. There are discount rates, but I think you might have to be a member somewhere for it. The staff are very professional and allowed me to play the back nine with a cart for free, as the match play folks arrived earlier than expected. Good young management team, but something should be done about the drainage. Yes, I'll play here again, if in the area. Oh, and great detail on the scorecard too!

51. thefreeloaders | Rated | 09 Aug 2006 | Add A Review

played 29th july a course that keeps you on your toes with some interesting holes and some demanding ones the breeze was not strong but could emagine it being a monster of a course in strong winds with no fairway watering the lies in the fairway can be inconsistent and the greens are large and undulating and make putting difficult course was still very wet so we had to walk, please take a cart as its a long walk, however a beer on the balcony in the great clubhouse over looking the course is a great way to finish your day, the green fees are very resonable with discounts for groups and the best scorecard i heve seen anywhere along with the map of the hole with yardages on each tee i found very helpfull, while it is not "the royal and ancient" it is a great days golf

52. mickeyj | Rated | 31 Jul 2006 | Add A Review

Magnificent scenery,a challenging layout, some wonderful and memorable holes and a remarkable clubhouse. For those who have written that the course was in poor condition - you must have played a while ago and/or are used to plush, easy courses made for rich women. This course is a true test of your ability, coupled with a sense of the Royal and Ancient Links style. One to savour and remember.

53. daveygolf | Rated | 05 Jul 2006 | Add A Review

This course is going to be good.

I have played the course a few times now and every time i go there it is improving out of site. I dont no why people are complaining about expensive green fees? It cost me $24 for a game during the week which is a very competitive rate. The course is still very young and will only improve more over time. The layout is great with some awesome risk/reward type of holes. I will definatley be going back again!

54. daveygolf | Rated | 30 Jun 2006 | Add A Review

I played at Shellharbour Links about 6 months ago and was greatly impressed by the layout and the design of the golf course. The thing i was most let down by was the presentation of the course. The greens were a little bumpy and the fairways patchy, especially around the greens, which made chipping alot more difficult than usual. I went back last week with some mates to have another game and i was in awe at the amount the golf course had improved. The greens were smooth, of good pace and enjoyable to putt on and the fairways alot greener and great to play off. The biggest improvement was the condition of the ground surrounding the greens, which made getting up & down a much more achieveable goal. Well done to all the staff out there and I cant wait to get back there, Shellharbour Links is on the right track to becoming a premier golf course.

55. golftragic123 | Rated | 24 May 2006 | Add A Review

Well worth the trip down from Sydney !! Awesome, challenging layout . Tricky in NE winds. Course has different characters in different wind conditions.Greens are true and excellent . Beware of 17th, 9th, 7th and 18th greens : definite 3 putts with rear pin placements.

Rough spots in fairways in places need top dressing and water and time .

56. thechopper | Rated | 10 Mar 2006 | Add A Review

Played there last month for 3rd time and am continually impressed with the layout.

It is very challenging and makes you think before you play your shot to get the ball in the right postion to attack the greens.

However, saying that is is in terrible condition. We paid $49 to play in the comp and should been refunded at least 75%. The fairways are awful as there is no fairway watering. All the bunkers where terrible as well, either washed out or too much sand. The greens where very good, fast and hard.

Check before you go about the condition as you will be disappointed if it has not improved

57. jugheadsch | Rated | 23 Dec 2005 | Add A Review

Before heading down to play this course I took the liberty of reading the reviews. I have to agree that the fairways could do with an upgrade, possibly to a couch type grass. there seems to be way too much clover on them. Fortunately for us, it was a dry period, and the fairways were not wet. I would think that if it had rained much in the week leading up, the fairways would be very muddy, meaning I dont think their is very good drainage.

Having said this, I found the greens to be in very good condition, and very true. As I said in the headline, it is a thinking type course. Very well designed, and definitely a challenge. It wasn't always a case of letting it rip off the tee.

At this stage, I would have to rate Shellharbour Links as one of my favorites in NSW, only because I probably played my best round, not necessarily my best score, but considering the degree of challenge I was very happy.

Providing the fairways do not diminish in the future, I would be more than happy to play here again.

58. shappo69 | Rated | 19 Sep 2005 | Add A Review

Shellharbour Links is a great golf course for people who wants a bit of a challenge.Some of the lies are a bit sketchy but with a bit of TLC, this course can be good enough to put itself up near links courses like NSW and Moonah Links

59. sonata99 | Rated | 12 Sep 2005 | Add A Review

I had heard both good and bad things about this course so made the trip down from sydney with much anticipation.

The design of the course is strong and makes good use of the topography and natural features of the site. These features combined with strong winds for much of the round made for an interesting and challenging experience. I was very disappointed with the condition of the course overall. Greens were bumpy and the grass used on them was more like what you might see on a lawn tennis court. Fairways were very patchy and heavily infested with clover and other weeds.

60. logz88 | Rated | 21 Jun 2005 | Add A Review

Shellharbour being the new "championship" course does not live up to expectations. The course layout and scenery is good yet the greens and fairways are very brown and the fairways dry. Very poor. Not worth thte green fees!

61. Golfing God | Rated | 09 Apr 2005 | Add A Review

Shellharbour Links is a challenge for most golfers although this does not justify the expensive green fees. The course never seems to be in excellent condition.

62. markcrilley | Rated | 15 Oct 2004 | Add A Review

Played the Links in the company of a friend, a new member of the Club, who had raved over the layout.

I found the course to be an extremely interesting layout with a classic links appeal, rolling countryside and an abundance of water hazards.

The layout from the tee is especially fair (providing a challenge or a bail out option) with one exception, a brute of a par 5 which requires a long water carry which would be near impossible with even a mild southerly 'against' you.

Overall an excellent layout which will mature into a classic beauty.

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