New South Wales Golf Club

Playing New South Wales was like a dream come true. In my eyes, it was like Augusta. I never thought I'd get the chance.

I loved almost every minute of it. The blind tee shot on the third is knee-knocking. Walking over the crest of the hill on the fifth might be the best "reveal" in golf, playing down to a green near the rocky shore. The par-3 sixth over the bay might be the signature shot, but there are simply too many great holes to recount.

Tom Doak is working with the club to improve holes such as the 17th, a treacherous par 3 where both my partner and I didn't miss left by much and still ended up 75 yards away down a hill well below the green. The par-5 18th is also wildly over-bunkered and out of character with the rest of the course. Expect the tweaking to continue on one of Alister MacKenzie's masterpieces Down Under.

Played NSW as a guest cutting the price in half. Fantastic course, very challenging with spectacular views. Great layout with all kinds of holes, doglegs, carries over waste areas, seaside holes. You better be used to walking because it is a hilly course. Tremendous Mackenzie designed course with gorgeous bunkering. An absolute must play if you are in the area, despite the price. Has moved up in my rating of top links courses in the world.

We booked here, treating ourselves to one of the highest rated courses in the Sydney area. The location was good and many of the views spectacular (although you also had views of port/industry). The staff was friendly, but not extremely welcoming. I felt we were being tolerated. Having played courses like Torrey Pines and The Links at Spanish Bay in California, Royal Dornach in Scotland, Kapalua in Hawaii or San Lorenzo in the Algarve, Portugal, the views were just not enough to merit the green fees. The course itself was in decent shape and was challenging at times. A nice experience, but not at that price. If money is no object, the play this course.

Has to be the best course in NSW and one of the best in Australia. Genius of MacKenzie hard against the sea. Lot of elevation change, great greens and some tight holes. Close to Sydney. A must do if you’re in the area looking for a game.