Overview

Ref# T3981
Pricing subject to change

At a Glance

  • Package

    5 nights / 5 rounds

  • When

    Flexible dates as desired

  • Accommodation

    5 nights at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort

    (arrangements based on 4 share in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment)

  • Golf

    (5 rounds with shared motorised carts)

    2 x Cypress Lakes Resort

    1 x Pacific Dunes

    1 x The Vintage

    1 x Newcastle GC

  • Drive

    Rental vehicle (8 seater Kia Carnival or similar. This includes unlimited kms and reduced damage liability to zero)

  • Pricing

    Price based on 4 or 8 golfers;

    from $1,530 per person (based on 4 golfers in a 3 bdrm apartment)

A couple hours north of Sydney (by car) is the well known Hunter Valley winery region. This area is buzzing with activity and makes the perfect golf getaway, combined with the nearby Newcastle region for golf as well!

This 5 night package sees you starting your trip with a game at the beautiful Newcastle GC, before you then spend 5 nights in the heart of the Hunter Valley at the Oaks Cypress Lakes resort using this as your base to play 2 games at Cypress Lakes and 1 game at The Vintage GC. Your final game will be at Pacific Dunes before you then depart on your flight from Newcastle.

Each of the courses offer some different from each other and all complement each other vary well. Why not combine this package with a day in the Hunter Valley exploring the many world class wineries and breweries that the region has to offer?

Itinerary Summary

Day Golf Accommodation

Itinerary Day-by-Day

Day 1
Flights Arrive into Newcastle.
Car Collect your rental vehicle
Notes tee time tbc: 18 holes golf with motorised cart
Drive to golf (15min)
Golf
Newcastle Golf Club | 12:02 AM tee time TBC (tee time tbc: 18 holes golf with motorised cart) 
Newcastle Golf Club is a true championship course based on undulating sand dunes like those of the great historic links of Great Britain and Ireland. However, instead of fairways lined by gorse and heather, Newcastle is carved out of a forest of Eucalypts and angophoras abounding in native flora and fauna, including kookaburras, bearded dragons and kangaroos, making it a delightful as well as a challenging course to play.
Car Drive from golf to your accommodation in the Hunter Valley and check in (60 minute drive)
Accommodation
Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks   
The sprawling resort includes a golf & country club, restaurants, bars, pools, tennis courts and a wide variety of self-contained accommodation options. The thoughtfully appointed one, two and three bedroom villas are set against a stunning backdrop of the rolling golf greens and spectacular Broken Back Mountain Range.
Day 2
Notes Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart
Check in for golf at the Proshop after breakfast
Golf
Cypress Lakes Resort | 12:02 AM tee time TBC (Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart) 
Cypress Lakes 18-hole championship golf course is ranked among the top resort courses in Australia. Unveiled in 1992, it was designed by Steve Smyers of Florida. The front nine is tree lined with sloping fairways and the back nine is a links style layout. Not to mention, over 60 huge bunkers and dramatically shaped and elevated greens. As well as each tee and green having stunning panoramic views of the valleys famous vineyards and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation
Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks   (Package includes 4 nights accommodation with breakfast) 
Day 3
Car Drive to golf after breakfast
Golf
The Vintage | 12:03 AM tee time TBC (Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart) 
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Brokenback Range, The Vintage boasts a spectacular 18 hole Greg Norman designed golf course specifically created to complement the area's natural environment and prestigious Hunter Valley lifestyle. The Vintage Golf Club ranks among the best courses in Australia and is well worth playing for all standards of golfers.
Accommodation
Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks   
Day 4
Notes Day at leisure. Optional Hunter Valley tour to play some Aquagolf, as well as visit some world class wineries and boutique craft breweries
Accommodation
Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks   
Day 5
Notes Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart
A second game of golf at Cypress Lakes - no excuses now as you have already seen the layout!
Golf
Cypress Lakes Resort | 12:06 AM tee time TBC (Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart) 
Cypress Lakes 18-hole championship golf course is ranked among the top resort courses in Australia. Unveiled in 1992, it was designed by Steve Smyers of Florida. The front nine is tree lined with sloping fairways and the back nine is a links style layout. Not to mention, over 60 huge bunkers and dramatically shaped and elevated greens. As well as each tee and green having stunning panoramic views of the valleys famous vineyards and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation
Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks   
Day 6
Notes Check out of accommodation after breakfast.
Car Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart
Drive to golf (allow 60min).
Golf
Pacific Dunes | 12:04 AM tee time TBC (Tee time tbc: Golf with shared motorised cart) 
Pacific Dunes combines two distinct nine-hole loops to create a spectacular 18-hole championship layout. The layout allows golfers to experience two very different styles of play on the one course. Designed by highly regarded course architect, James Wilcher, the layout uses strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards to create a golf course that is extremely playable to the average golfer, whilst still challenging to low handicappers.
Car Drive to Newcastle Airport and return rental vehicle (10min drive)
Flights Catch your flight home

Golf Courses

Cypress Lakes Resort

Cnr McDonalds & Thompsons Roads
Pokolbin, NSW, 2320
Australia

Region: Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central/North Coasts

Cypress Lakes Resort

Cypress Lakes 18-hole championship golf course is ranked among the top resort courses in Australia. Unveiled in 1992, it was designed by Steve Smyers of Florida. The front nine is tree lined with sloping fairways and the back nine is a links style layout. Not to mention, over 60 huge bunkers and dramatically shaped and elevated greens. As well as each tee and green having stunning panoramic views of the valleys famous vineyards and surrounding mountains.

Cypress Lakes Resort is located in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley. Built in the highest hills in the lower Hunter Valley, with spectacular views over the surrounding vineyards. It's centrepiece is the magnificent Cypress Lakes golf course, an 18 hole, par 72 Championship course (6359 metres).

Designed by American golf course designer Steve Smyers in conjunction with Australian Golfing legend Bob Stanton. The course boasts distinct styles, with the first nine holes built around the hills and valleys overlooking surrounding vineyards and the second nine holes are built on lower plains in the traditional links style.

Completed in 1992, Cypress Lakes has one of Australia's longest par five holes (573 metres) a unique dual fairway hole and one of the only holes in Australia where you have to tee off straight over a vineyard.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 74
Length (m): 6359
Architect: Steve Smyers
Design Year: 1992
Top 100: 85

Playing Tips

1
Par 5, Length 436m

A challenging tee shot over water. Right hand side of the fairway i s the ideal position from which to play the approach shot. Club selection on the approach is vital. Better to play for the back of the green otherwise your ball could roll back down the slope.

2
Par 3, Length 174m

Elevated tee shot to a sloping green. The tee shot is best to be played to the left hand side of the green. This hole tends to play a little shorter than the distance suggests.

3
Par 5, Length 573m

A long hole by any golfers standard. Tee shot is to be played to the right hand side of the fairway. Watch the cross bunkers on your second shot. This is a long and undulating green. Caution is to be taken on your putts.

4
Par 4, Length 337m

A well planned tee shot makes this hole a lot easier. Choose the high or the low road but watch the bunkers. The green is relatively small and there is a water hazard on the right of the green.

5
Par 4, Length 388m

The tee shot is best played to the right hand side of the fairway making the approach a little easier. The green on this hole slopes from back to front. Very important that your second shot finishes beneath the hole to make putting a little easier.

6
Par 4, Length 345m

The tee shot on this hole should be carefully positioned. For the long hitter a three wood or one, iron may be a wise decision. Do not be short on your second shot.

7
Par 3, Length 123m

This is a magic Par three. Club selection is very important. The best side to miss the green is on the right even though the bunker is waiting.

8
Par 4, Length 401m

A hole that will stay in your memory. A long par 4 with a three level fairway. In the distance there is an orange mark on a tree, aim slightly right of this. Plan your approach to the left side of the green; deep bunkers right can be expensive.

9
Par 4, Length 365m

This is a medium length Par four with a slight dog leg to the right. The green is narrow and careful club selection is required.

10
Par 5, Length 452m

Straight forward par five, steer clear of the bunkers and you will have a good chance at a birdie.

11
Par 4, Length 370m

Important to place your drive to the left of the fairway or you could be down tasting grapes in the vineyard. There is a water hazard to the left of the green so be aware.

12
Par 3, Length 189m

This is challenging par three and the bunkers make club selection difficult so choose your club carefully. The green is a relatively large target however if you aim too far away from the pin, putting could be difficult.

13
Par 4, Length 383m

This is a test of golf. Drive the ball to the left of the bunkers. The approach shot is over a water hazard. If you don't think you can make it aim at the left side of the green, there is a hail out area short and left of the green.

14
Par 3, Length 155m

Club selection on this par three is very important. It definitely plays longer than the distance on the card. Don't he short or the ball will roll back down the hill and leave you with a difficult approach shot.

15
Par 5, Length 460m

Aim for the centre of the fairway with your drive. Avoid the cross bunkers on your second shot. Your approach shot is best played from the side of the green.

16
Par 4, Length 290m

Straight away par four. Beware of the cross bunkers. For the long hitters watch out for the hazard on the next fairway with your drive (on the right), under the right conditions you can easily reach the green for one.

17
Par 4, Length 322m

Hit your tee shot to the left of the middle bunker. Beware long hitters, you only need to hit the fairway (lay up). There is a water hazard approximately forty metres short of the green.

18
Par 4, Length 364m

A tough finishing hole that could easily ruin a good score. A long straight drive is a good start, especially off the back tees. Plan your approach shot to be under the hole as the green runs very fast downhill.

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Newcastle Golf Club

Vardon Road
Fern Bay, NSW, 2295
Australia

Region: Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central/North Coasts

Newcastle Golf Club

Newcastle Golf Club is a true championship course based on undulating sand dunes like those of the great historic links of Great Britain and Ireland. However, instead of fairways lined by gorse and heather, Newcastle is carved out of a forest of Eucalypts and angophoras abounding in native flora and fauna, including kookaburras, bearded dragons and kangaroos, making it a delightful as well as a challenging course to play.

Located at the mouth of the Hunter River, two hour's drive from Sydney, Newcastle is one of only two courses in NSW given international recognition by the panel of experts rating the World's Top 100 Courses.

A few years ago it was included as an "International Honourable Mention" by GOLF Magazine in their ratings of the world's best golf courses and only not rated higher because not enough panellists had made the trek to play the course.

Golf Australia magazine ranks Newcastle as number 10 in Australia ahead of some of the more widely recognised courses in Australia - a further testament to the quality of this course.

A true championship course of 6160 metres (6800 yards), it is based on undulating sand dunes like those of the great historic links of Great Britain and Ireland. However, instead of fairways lined by gorse and heather, Newcastle is carved out of a forest of Eucalypts and angophoras abounding in native flora and fauna, including kookaburras, bearded dragons and kangaroos, making it a delightful as well as a challenging course to play.

Although the course is situated only a few kilometres from the busy industrial city and port of Newcastle, the wide bands of trees separating the fairways give a feeling of peaceful isolation from the cares of the world.

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR: 72
Length (m): 6193
Architect: Eric Apperly
Design Year: 1935
Top 100: 20

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 376m

This is a nice opening tee shot, driver all the way here, however the hitting area gets narrower the longer you drive from the tee. A drive towards the right hand centre will give you the safest line as the fairway slopes right to left. The approach shot is to an elevated green, sloping back to front, with two levels. If unsure of club selection, short is better than long. Be cautious of the deep greenside bunkers left and right.

2
Par 4, Length 361m

Semi-blind tee shot, driver is the club selection. Aim at the flagpole and you will be in the centre of the fairway. This is a fairly wide fairway with a good amount of room to the right. Too far right brings bunkers into play. Aim for the middle of the green, as it is surrounded by treacherous bunkers. The green has many subtle borrows and should be carefully looked at.

3
Par 3, Length 217m

A very tough par 3 requiring an accurate shot to a well bunkered green. A 3 wood or low lofted hybrid is the sensible play. Any shot going wide left or right will make your chances of getting up and down for par more difficult.

4
Par 5, Length 414m

Driver again from this tee. Aiming down middle/left of fairway will see your tee shot finish in the perfect position. From here the toughest part of the next shot is the club selection. Laying up just short of the hill is your best option for a flat lie. Third shot is with a short iron, keeping your ball below the pin as this green can become quite slick.

5
Par 4, Length 368m

This is by far one of the tougher holes on the layout. This requires an accurate tee shot towards the right centre of the fairway as it feeds down to the left. The telegraph pole in the distance is the line for this shot. You need no more than a 3 wood or low lofted hybrid. Your second shot then becomes the challenge as club selection can become difficult. This is a fairly flat green but treacherous once missed, particularly if you miss left!

6
Par 4, Length 367m

The aim for this hole is to position your tee shot towards the left centre of the fairway, as it will feed right. From here choose your club carefully as most players fall short on distance to this well elevated green. The side to miss this green is towards the left, as it too feeds to the right.

7
Par 3, Length 148m

Club selection is the key to this hole as it is downhill from an elevated tee. Once you have chosen your club then just hit it. Indecision brings most unstuck here. Short left is the only area to miss this green. Going long is not a place to hit it.

8
Par 4, Length 325m

A tee shot positioned towards the left side of the fairway will ensure a good chance of an attacking second with a short iron. As with a lot of holes at Newcastle avoid going long. If you are unsure of club selection for approach shot take a shorter club.

9
Par 5, Length 473m

The tee shot needs to be towards the left side to avoid the right-side fairway bunker. Your second shot will need to be a fairway wood or hybrid to lay-up and leave you with a flat lie. Your uphill approach with a short iron needs to be under the hole. Avoid going long left or right here as this leaves a downhill recovery shot.

10
Par 5, Length 485m

A crucial tee shot to start your back nine. Take a 3 wood or low lofted hybrid to either reach the hill or go just over. Second shot with a fairway wood or hybrid, down left side, leaves you short of the final hill. Third shot is blind to a green fronted on both sides by difficult bunkers. Make sure you take enough club to reach the middle of the green.

11
Par 4, Length 326m

Driver down left side gives best angle of approach to the green. Second shot with a short iron avoiding the front bunkers. Accuracy is the key as you definitely don?t want to be long.

12
Par 3, Length 173m

This par three can bring many unstuck. The green slopes from right to left, making the tee shot critical. Placing your ball on the left hand side of the pin will give you an uphill putt. Missing the green to the right leaves a very difficult second shot.

13
Par 5, Length 445m

Driver from the tee, aiming at the left fairway bunkers in the distance, gives the best position for your second shot. Laying-up short of fairway bunkers leaves a short iron approach to an undulating green. When the pin is cut in the rear left, the centre of the green will give the best results.

14
Par 4, Length 391m

A demanding driving hole that requires a well positioned drive for an approach to a relatively open green. The tee shot is best played to the left centre of the fairway to give you an unobstructed view of the green. An approach shot left short of the pin will give you the best result.

15
Par 4, Length 382m

Another demanding par 4 where the tee shot is vital. Aim straight over the middle of the Ladies tee. Positioning towards the left centre will give the best approach to the green and all pin spots. Tricky green requires careful reading from back and side.

16
Par 3, Length 212m

Demanding par 3 where only real trouble is large bunker on right side of green. Green can become very firm and may require a shot landing short or just on front edge.

17
Par 4, Length 385m

An accurate tee shot down the left side is a must here. A small drain on the right hand side of the fairway is easily reachable from the tee. Uphill second shot to an elevated green often requires more club than first thought. Approach must be spot on as green is very fast with treacherous slope from back to front. Missing the green long here is not an option.

18
Par 4, Length 352m

The tee shot here is driver, to position the ball on the top of the hill. Second shot is crucial as this is a tricky green sloping from back to front. An approach shot short of the pin will give you the best result.

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Pacific Dunes

Championship Drive
Medowie, NSW, 2318
Australia

Region: Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central/North Coasts

Pacific Dunes

Pacific Dunes combines two distinct nine-hole loops to create a spectacular 18-hole championship layout. The layout allows golfers to experience two very different styles of play on the one course. Designed by highly regarded course architect, James Wilcher, the layout uses strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards to create a golf course that is extremely playable to the average golfer, whilst still challenging to low handicappers.

In addition to being surrounded by some of the east coast's most enticing scenery, Pacific Dunes' natural sandy base and rolling topography, combined with temperate, year-round golfing weather, create the perfect setting for a course to suit all golfers to a tee.

Winding through the natural undulations of the site, the international standard championship course comprises two distinct nine-holes.The back nine is interwoven among natural lakes and wetlands, while the outward nine meanders through shady Angophoras and Swamp Mahogany trees, an extension of the natural landscape.

Both nines play to a par of 36 with the typical championship configuration incorporating two par fives and two par threes on each nine. You won't be able to blame the wind on an off day, with the layout designed to ensure there's no predominant hole orientation, regardless of wind direction.

Thoughtful and tactical design delivers a pleasurable round for everyone, regardless of handicap. Careful consideration of hazard placement, reduced potential for water carries and the integration of teeing options coupled with generous fairway widths make it a course with varying degrees of difficulty for every level of golfer.

The course, incorporating a driving range and a practice green, feature premium Santa Ana fairway turf surfaces and Bent grass greens. Conveniently adjacent to the eighteenth green is the elegant Golf Villa (interim clubhouse), designed by Philip Cox at the heart of the casual, relaxed lifestyle of Pacific Dunes.

Ideally located next to the eighteenth green and in close proximity to the 1st and 10th tees, with panoramic views across the water, the course and the surrounding bushland, the Golf Villa is the perfect place to relax with friends. The Golf Villa provides a high standard of services ranging from drinks in the bar, casual dining to a fully stocked Golf Shop.

Rankings

#55 Golf Digest Top 100

#71 Golf Australia Top 100

#27 Golf Australia Top 100 Public Access Courses

Green Fees

Monday-Friday Green fee: $68.00

Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: $88.00

Cart Hire: $20.00 per person

For more course tips see our 'Walking the Fairways' video - watch video

Course Information

Par: 72
ACR:
Length (m): 6431
Architect: James Wilcher
Design Year: 2005
Top 100: 53

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 361m

The first is a testing par four, owing more to its setting than its length. A winding creek poses trouble from the tee on this opening hole. It snakes along the right-hand side of the hole before cutting across the fairway and trailing off into the left-hand rough. However, the fairway is generous in its width, and there is ample room to land your tee shot. A good drive will set up a real opportunity of making a three, as the second requires only short iron over the creek to a large relatively flat double green (shared with the par three 5th).

2
Par 4, Length 405m

The second holes character is noticeably different from the first. The wide open expanses so obvious when entering the golf course and when playing hole 1 disappear as you move into the more heavily wooded the next eight holes are still exposed to the elements and will prove to be quite testing. At 374 metres sheltered part of the site. Don't be fooled though as the second is a mid-length par four demanding both length and accuracy. The hole dog-legs to the right with a large fairway bunker guarding the inside of the turn which should be avoided at all costs. A mid-iron is required to a slightly raised green which is angled left to right across the line of play and which is therefore more easily attacked from the right hand side of the fairway.

3
Par 4, Length 324m

This is a tricky little par four which is perhaps the designers favourite. The hole itself requires a sound strategy from tee to green if par or better is to be made. The clever manipulation of contours and the shrewd siting of fairway bunkers combine to make the tee shot look more daunting than it really is. Standing on the tee it is quite difficult to gauge how much fairway you have to aim at. Better players will have to weigh up whether they will use the driver and attack the hole, taking the shortest line over the bunkers on the right, or lay up to the left with a mid to long iron. Taking the latter option, you are left with a difficult pitch to a small, raised green which drops away quickly on all sides. The difficulty in hitting this green is increased by the fact that it has a 'false front' with anything too short rolling back off the green and down to the bottom of a swale, from where a delicate chip shot is required to save par.

4
Par 5, Length 560m

Played from the most south-westerly corner of the site, this long par five is quite a challenging hole, especially when played into the prevailing north-easterly winds. Bunkers dot the fairway at both the first and second landing areas, placing a premium on accuracy. If you can avoid the sand on your first two shots, you are then left with an approach to a picturesque green nestled amongst a natural setting of Banksias and Sydney Blue Gums. However, like the sixteenth, you should not let yourself be distracted by this attractive backdrop, as the hole is certainly no push over. The entrance to the long sloping green is narrow, and is protected by traps to the front right and left. Longer hitters attempting to get home in two will also need to consider the close proximity of the surrounding vegetation, which will punish those who stray too far offline.

5
Par 3, Length 199m

The fifth is possibly the most difficult par three on the course. This is essentially due to the need to combine length and accuracy from the tee. Any shot short of the large double green (shared with the 1st) may find the water that closely guards the front right portion of the putting surface. Overcompensation for this hazard or through the green you ensure an encounter with one of the strategically placed bunkers. From the sand a golfer is left with a delicate recovery, with the water on the opposite side of the green waiting to swallow up anything played too boldly.

6
Par 5, Length 605m

By far the longest hole on the layout, this demanding hole requires long precision hitting if it is to be tamed. However, although it stretches out to 555 metres from the championship tees, it does generally play downwind when the prevailing north-easterly is blowing, helping to shorten its length considerably. Therefore a potential birdie is certainly not out of the question. Assuming you get a good drive away the second shot is partially blind, played over a small ridge that bisects the fairway mid-way between the first landing area and the green. If the ridge can be 'flown' and the second shot land on the down slope beyond the benefit of additional run will shorten the hole considerably. The eventual target is a narrow green closely guarded by two small bunkers to the left and one larger bunker to the right.

7
Par 4, Length 445m

Although it is the longest par four on the course, the seventh is a relatively benign hole that will yield its fair share of birdies if played conservatively from tee to green. The hole doglegs slightly from left to right, with the preferred line of play from the tee down the left-hand side. As you would expect this line is guarded by a lone bunker in the edge of the fairway. If you manage to avoid the sand you are left with the best line into the long green, which is protected by two more bunkers to the right and front left. The green itself is relatively flat, ensuring that if the green is reached birdie is not out of the question.

8
Par 3, Length 210m

The eighth is an uphill par three that requires a well struck long iron or fairway wood to an enormous green, protected by deep menacing greenside bunkers to the left and short right. However, the vast putting surface does provide an ample target to aim at, and the front of the green has been kept open to allow the ball to be run in for those without the muscle to 'fly' the green. Once reached, a deft touch will be required on the green to avoid three putting if the ball comes to rest a long way from its intended target. The seventh is an attractive hole, with its large green nestled in an amphitheatre of native trees and shrubs.

9
Par 4, Length 439m

The ninth hole is a tough par four, which makes for a challenging and memorable finish to the front nine. A huge bunker is strategically located on the inside of the dogleg, tempting longer hitters to take it on in favourable conditions. The bunker should be avoided at all costs though, as their steep faces make a successful recovery a difficult prospect. The second half of the fairway narrows significantly about 90 metres short of the green, before widening back out to reveal a large elongated green framed by two greenside bunkers on the left. The open front of the green accommodates running shots, which will be required by many to get home in two. A par here would indeed be a pleasing result.

10
Par 4, Length 291m

The tee shot on this short par-4 requires a carry over a winding creek that bisects the fairway approximately 160 metres from the tee. This creek continues up the left-hand side of the hole to the green where it widens out to guard the front of the green. A generous fairway awaits a reasonably struck tee shot from where a deft pitch is need to reach a shallow green hugged by water in front and a copse of trees behind. If attacked, a birdie is a real possibility, which may be the catalyst for a great back nine, however a substantial error could result in a bogey or worse. How much of a gambler are you?

11
Par 5, Length 489m

The 11th is the first of two par fives on the back nine. Strategy on this hole is dictated by several water hazards of considerable size, the first of which stretches for some 80 odd metres down the left-hand side of the first landing area. Although set back from the fairway, its presence is enough to make you question your line off the tee. A pond on the right-hand side extends into the fairway narrowing the landing area significantly at around the 240-metre mark, placing a premium on accuracy for longer hitters if the green is to be reached in two. Really though, only the very brave would be foolish enough to take on this right side pond. The second shot doglegs slightly to the right, where a lone fairway bunker on the left and water to the right guards the intended landing area. Having avoided the water from the tee, longer hitters will have to weigh up whether they will take the water on again and go for the green in two, or play conservatively and lay up and rely on an accurate pitch or successful long putt for four.

12
Par 4, Length 422m

The only significant trouble off the tee on this straightaway par four is a small pond on the left-hand side of the fairway which for most is probably too far out to contemplate. Assuming the fairway is found, accuracy is the key on the approach shot if par or better is to be made. At best a mid to long iron will be required to reach a green heavily guarded by hazards, with bunkers short and right and water to the left and rear. However, to favour the shorter hitter the front of the green has been kept open, which provides the opportunity to run the ball onto the green if wind dictates that this is the best option.

13
Par 4, Length 427m

The thirteenth is a distinctive par 4 which is bordered by water on the right-hand side of the fairway for the entire length of the hole. Although generous in its width, the landing area is protected on the left by a large bunker set into the edge of the fairway. This bunker is cleverly positioned to punish tee shots that have overcompensated in an attempt to avoid the water on the right. Like the twelfth a mid to long iron is required on the approach to a green guarded closely to the right and rear by the ever the present water hazard. Anything left of the green is fraught as two more bunkers guard this side of the green leaving the task of making four particularly onerous.

14
Par 3, Length 196m

At 161 metres, the fourteenth is a shortish par three which needs a well struck mid-iron to reach he green. A high degree of precision is required from the tee to avoid the surrounding bunkers, the most menacing of which guards the entire left edge of the green. As one of the largest bunkers on the course, this huge expanse of sand can be particularly intimidating from the tee, especially if the pin is cut behind it in the rear left portion of the green. Also the length of the green means that club selection can vary significantly depending on where the pin is cut, and this decision can be made more difficult if the wind happens to be blowing from the north-east, which it typically does. Par here will be a rewarding score.

15
Par 4, Length 389m

Orientated northward, the fifteenth is a medium-length par four yet it's the open nature leaves it exposed to the prevailing winds from the northeast, which on certain days can lengthen it considerably. Accuracy from the tee is a prerequisite as the drive leaves a narrow avenue of trees with the landing area guarded by water to the left and sand on the right. Once these hazards have been successfully negotiated, you are then left with an approach to a demanding green set at the base of a hill. Par here, is a real possibly and would set up a storming finish to the round.

16
Par 4, Length 416m

The back tees for this hole are elevated, which affords the golfer a great view of the fairway that snakes its way between two large lakes. Negotiating these lakes can be a gruelling challenge, especially if crosswinds are blowing. The second-half of the fairway doglegs left to a green nestled amongst a group of majestic angophoras, which pose like a natural cathedral in the afternoon light. But don't be fooled by the beauty of this setting, as precision is required when playing the approach if a four is to be made. The green drops away quickly on all sides into rolling swales, ensuring that if the green is missed on approach, you will be left with a delicate up and down for par. To add to its difficulty the green is also protected by bunkers to the front right and left, set back from the green to catch any short misdirected approaches.

17
Par 3, Length 200m

At 200 metres from the back markers, the par three seventeenth is a stern test of golf. Angled slightly right to left across the line of play the huge green has an open front and is shaped to accommodate running approach shots, which in all likelihood will be required by many to reach the putting surface from the tee. If the green is reached in one shot, par is not guaranteed as the sheer size of the green means that three putting is a real possibility. Bunkers right and left combined with some ever-present water, combined with the length of the tee shot and huge putting surface ensures that a three on this hole will be either well earned or otherwise lucky.

18
Par 5, Length 529m

At just a tick under five hundred metres, the eighteenth is a golfing gamblers delight but also a testing par five to close out the round of golf. Water is again a feature on this hole and helps dictate strategy from tee to green. A large elongated lake is situated down the right-hand side of the hole, which is the shorter and therefore preferred line of play. The lake is positioned so as to enforce the dog-leg, and a strong drive flirting with the lake is required if players are to attack the hole in the hope of getting home in two. The hole is made even more difficult by the tall avenue of trees framing the entire left-hand side of the hole. The large lake continues across the front of the green, pinching the fairway into a narrow opening to the left-hand side of the green. This configuration ensures water must be carried if the green is to be hit in two. For those who decide to lay up a deft pitch is required over the edge of the lake to a large undulating green, protected by bunkers to the left and rear.

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The Vintage

Vintage Drive
Rothbury, NSW, 2320
Australia

Region: Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Central/North Coasts

The Vintage

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Brokenback Range, The Vintage boasts a spectacular 18 hole Greg Norman designed golf course specifically created to complement the area's natural environment and prestigious Hunter Valley lifestyle. The Vintage Golf Club ranks among the best courses in Australia and is well worth playing for all standards of golfers.

The Vintage Golf Club boasts a truly spectacular 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course created specifically to complement the area's unique natural environment and prestigious Hunter Valley lifestyle.

Measuring 6,310 metres with a Par of 71, the course gently winds around undisturbed wetlands, water carries, eucalyptus trees, the Beggars Bridge and Bimbadgen vineyards.

The Vintage is located amid the vineyards of the world-renowned Hunter Valley, only two hours drive north of Sydney and is well worth playing for all standards of golfers.

The Richard Mercer Golf School at The Vintage

The Richard Mercer Golf Academy at The Vintage Golf Club in the Hunter Valley offers a wide range of golf schools, clinics and development programs for men, women and juniors of all skill levels. Golf Schools are held at The Vintage Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course which has been ranked among the best golf courses in Australia.

Check out the 3-day fun packed golf school. Here’s what you can expect.....

  • Two nights’ accommodation in a luxury villa at the Grand Mercure hotel (on site)
  • Breakfast daily
  • The Richard Mercer Golf Academy welcome pack, including: Logo golf balls (x3), tees and school itinerary
  • 3-days of golf tuition, with a max group size of 8 players (range & on-course)
  • Un-limited use of the practice range
  • Information booklet
  • 2 x 9 holes of golf, with electric golf cart use

For more information on the three day school or other Richard Mercer Golf Academy programs, please visit: www.richardmercergolf.com

Course Information

Par: 71
ACR: 73
Length (m): 6317
Architect: Greg Norman, Bob Harrison
Design Year: 2003
Top 100: 46

Playing Tips

1
Par 4, Length 331m

Play the opening shot across the lake to a right to left sloping fairway. A drive landing in the middle of the fairway will feed left opening up the green for a short to mid iron. Aim your approach to the centre of the green setting up an easy 2 putt easing yourself into the round.

2
Par 4, Length 356m

Distance control off the tee is key to this hole, ideally a fairway wood off the tee to the centre of the fairway will open up the green so you can play your approach through the narrow opening of the casuarinas. A short to mid iron to the centre of this small green can set up a birdie opportunity.

3
Par 4, Length 398m

This is the toughest test on the course. Thread your drive between the fairway bunkers on either side of the fairway leaving yourself a long iron to the green. Keep your approah shot right, as anywhere left of the green will result almost certainly in a bogey.

4
Par 4, Length 336m

Play your tee shot down the right hand side ideally with a 3 wood. Make sure to stay right as the fairway slopes severely from right to left. The green is surrounded by deep bunkers so make sure of your club selection for the approach shot.

5
Par 3, Length 153m

The first of The Vintage's world class par 3's. This hole is slightly uphill so keep that in mind as this undulating green is unforgiving for anything short, long,left or right.

6
Par 4, Length 417m

An elevated tee shot must be played down the left centre of the fairway. From here the hole bends from left to right slightly, with a large sloping green. Make sure of your distance, as anything that lands short will stop and anything long leaves a treacherous up and down.

7
Par 5, Length 507m

This par 5 gives you the first real chance to give your tee shot everything you've got. The picturesque 2nd shot can be played one of two ways: first pull out the 3 wood and thread the needle between the large bunker and the vineyard or lay up as to leave yourself with a wedge to this 2 tiered green.

8
Par 3, Length 194m

One of the worlds great par 3's. Water right and bunkers left make this one of the most demanding holes in the country. After choosing your club, stay positive and go for the centre of the green , then take 2 putts and go to the next with a smile on your face.

9
Par 4, Length 406m

A longish uphill par 4 requires a strong tee shot up the left centre of the fairway. Be sure to keep your approach shot to the right centre of the green as anything left will result in an automatic bogey at best.

10
Par 5, Length 552m

This long par 5 requires a tee shot down the right hand side. Distance control on the second shot is important. Make sure you get to the bottom of the hill to be certain of a short uphill 3rd shot to this narrow green and watch the bunker on the right hand side of the green as it can be hard to make par from.

11
Par 4, Length 401m

A drive down the right side taking on the creek provides you with a clear 2nd shot of the green. Anything centre left is safer but will be blocked out by the large mound. This is a large flat green so make sure of your club selection and there is a birdie opportunity.

12
Par 3, Length 161m

Nothing but wetlands between you and the green but a solid tee shot can set you up with a birdie opportunity on this par 3.

13
Par 4, Length 313m

Play your tee shot across the wetlands on this short par 4 making sure you hit the centre of the fairway as trouble is everywhere. This is a short 2nd shot, but once again surrounded by trouble. Accuracy will help make a birdie, however anything else can result in a high number.

14
Par 5, Length 478m

The longer hitters want to hug the right side of the fairway as this will allow them to take on this wonderful par 5. For everyone else stick to the left and lay up short of the creek. Finally play your wedge to the green.

15
Par 4, Length 336m

A short but interesting par 4. Either lay up short of the bunker on the right or take on the water to allow for a short approach. Be sure to look for the pin position on this green as it can be 3 clubs from the front edge to the back.

16
Par 4, Length 399m

A drive up the right hand side just inside the bunker line is the ideal position on this par 4. This allows you to open up the green for your approach. Hit your mid iron into the green and try to make birdie on this sloping green.

17
Par 3, Length 182m

The last of The Vintage's classic par 3's. You must allow for the downhill nature of this hole as it is surrounded by bunkers and wetlands. Right side off the tee is the safe option, however be careful of the overhanging eucalypt as it has been known to throw a ball or 2 back across into the water.

18
Par 4, Length 380m

A strong par 4 to finish your round. Keep your drive to the left side of the fairway as anything right will be blocked out by the large trees short right of the green. On the approach stay away from the bunker on the short left. Play for the centre of the green and this will result in a 2 putt par and make that first drink in the clubhouse all the more enjoyable.

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We look forward to hearing from you and helping you experience the best golf in the world.

Matthew Ridge, Golf Travel Manager, GOLFSelect

Matthew Ridge Golf Travel Manager

Richard Morgan, Golf Travel Specialist, GOLFSelect

Richard Morgan Golf Travel Specialist

Steven Lo Ricco, Golf Travel Specialist, GOLFSelect

Steven Lo Ricco Golf Travel Specialist

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