Discover Hunter Valley Golf: A Locals Guide
- Lucia Haigh
- Oct 25, 2024
- 6 min read

Who doesn’t love a bit of wind down time with the clubs after a hard week? If you're looking for a laid-back way to enjoy the stunning Hunter Valley, hitting the golf course is a perfect choice. With the therapeutic throes of nature including lush hills and plentiful sunshine, the Hunter offers plenty of golf courses to help you bask in nature and leave your worries behind (unless you hit a poor shot, then you can worry). Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the courses in the area offer a great range of challenges mixed with breathtaking views. With our guidance on the top spots for a swing, all you have to do is grab your clubs, and get ready to enjoy some quality time on the green.
1.THE VINTAGE GOLF CLUB
The Vintage Golf Club is a crowd favourite; featuring an 18-hole golf course that been listed alongside the best in Australia, previously being ranked #46 in Australia's Top 100 Golf Courses. The grounds measure 6,242 metres with a par of 71 and is one of the only Greg Norman designed public access golf courses in the Hunter Valley and NSW, making it an exclusive, must-do experience for golfers of all levels.
Open seven days a week, The Vintage Golf Club offers a range of facilities; this includes a practice chipping area, fully serviced driving range, putting green, and Golf Shop, which carries a premium range of golf equipment, clothing, footwear and accessories to elevate your game, alongside optional lessons from onsite coach, Richard Mercer. Known for his “magic” teaching skills, Mercer has coached people from bad to better to best, and on this esteemed course, his expertise in coaching could elevate you from rookie to professional in no time.
People tend to naturally gravitate towards The Vintage for a number of reasons. The stunning backdrop of rolling hills and five-star accommodation prefacing the award-winning course, where the warm and welcoming atmosphere accommodates for any skill level with no judgement, the Vintage stands out as a true gem. It’s a club that embraces all players while maintaining its classic charm and reputation as one of Australia’s leading golf resorts.
With luxe onsite accommodation, including The Vintage Timespace, accessing the golf course can be as easy as a few steps from the front door.
Address: Vintage Drive, Pokolbin
Contact: (02) 4998 2500 Website: https://thevintagehuntervalley.com.au/
HUNTER VALLEY GOLF CLUB
Hunter Valley Golf Club sits in the heart of wine country, and offers a premier golfing experience amidst the prolific beauty of the Hunter. This 18-hole championship course is adored for its manicured greenery, water features that pose a playful challenge, and bunkers that test golfers’ skills. Surrounded by lovely vineyards and lush landscapes, the course provides a tranquil setting with panoramic views. The clubhouse features excellent amenities, including a Pro Shop for all golfing gear, and plentiful dining options, making it a not-to-be-missed destination for both golfers and spectators. Hunter Valley Golf Course blends the region's natural beauty with a world-class golfing experience.
A must-play course, the 71-par course is an ideal weekend (or weekday, if you’re lucky) activity. With holes ranging from 94m to 515m, including Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5, enjoy a round of golf as well as seasonal events and exceptional dining all year round. With discounts, regular events and chances to meet friendly locals, there’s always something in full swing here, and the Hunter Valley Golf Club has an air of calm all the while a buzz of life from the very first tee.Whether you bring your own gear or rent from the onsite Pro Shop, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your round of golf (or two, perhaps?) amidst abundant native wildlife and the stunning backdrop of the Brokenback Range.
Address: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale NSW 2325 Contact: (02) 4991 0977 Website: https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/regional-nsw/hunter-valley/facilities/hunter-valley-golf-club/
BRANXTON GOLF CLUB
Branxton Golf Club offers a relaxed 9-hole course renowned for its laidback atmosphere and scenic beauty. Thriving since 1921, despite the tenure, the course is extremely well-maintained and extends a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. In typical Hunter fashion, it is set amidst lush countryside and vineyards, and provides a peaceful escape with stunning views of the surrounds. Clubs are able to be hired for a small fee, as well as carts for accessibility, otherwise golfers are encouraged to bring their own gear.
The clubhouse offers a welcoming environment with a bar and restaurant as well as comfortable amenities, making it a favourite destination for both locals and visitors seeking a casual yet enjoyable golfing experience. Keep track of the upcoming schedule for competition times and registration, and social golf times.
Address: 25 Cessnock Road, Branxton Contact: 02 4938 1421 Website: https://www.branxtongolfclub.com.au/cms/
TOMS GOLF RANGE
Tom's Golf Range in Rutherford is a super casual driving range facility for those looking to refine their hits. The spacious driving ranges have multiple bays, providing the perfect place for practice and skill improvement. With well-kept grass and visible targets for accuracy and distance plus a friendly atmosphere, it’s ideal for those looking to improve their game or have a bit of fun. Tom’s also offers equipment hire as well as a pro shop, making it a convenient stop for golf enthusiasts of all skillsets in the Hunter Valley.
Address: 32 Cavalry Ave, Rutherford NSW 2320 Contact: 0432 530 802 Website: https://www.facebook.com/Tomsgolfrange/
KURRI KURRI GOLF CLUB
Positioned amongst peaceful bushland, Kurri Kurri Golf Club provides a scenic setting that elevates each experience on the 18-hole course. Known for its relaxed and friendly feel, the “all welcome” atmosphere extends to all skill levels, offering a challenge for those who seek it and fun for those who are ready for a less serious session. A great club for both casual players and seasoned golfers, it even features ladies only golf, Friday afternoon social times with cheap drinks and meat raffles, and a bistro for evening meals. With lessons available from local professionals Leigh Newman and Brayden Peterson, upskill from the comfort of the course, with the added option for a custom club fitting for those looking to get a bit more serious. A very laid back and community focused club without any pretentiousness, it has an inherent community-oriented vibe as well as beautiful surroundings that make it a local winner.
Address: Clift Street, Heddon Greta, NSW, 2321 Contact: (02) 4937 1224 Website: https://www.kurrigolfclub.com.au/
PATERSON GOLF COURSE
Paterson is a spectacular Par 64, nine-hole golf course open to the public. Operating since 1971, its development has added great value to the Dungog community with visitors frequenting the area for a game, and a welcoming community of locals ready to play and invite visitors. The Saturday competition welcomes both men and women, and memberships are available for those wanting to compete regularly. Otherwise, social golf is optional daily. The course's beauty and maintenance are largely thanks to the dedicated local members who volunteer their time, resulting in manicured course with a sense of community. With value for money being one of the standout features, head to Paterson Golf Course for a day of golfing or a few holes between winery visits.
Address: 80 Webbers Creek Road Paterson, NSW 2421 Contact: patersongolfclub@bigpond.com.au 02 4938 5828 Website: www.patersongolfclub.com
SINGLETON GOLF CLUB
A charming 18-hole course offering 18- or 9-hole games, Singleton Golf Club invites golfers of all levels who wish to engage in a game, the course promising enjoyment challenges for golfers of all abilities. The club warmly welcomes both locals and visitors and is reputed for its friendly atmosphere and strong golfing community. With a clubhouse featuring a bar, dining facilities, and a pro shop, it really is the complete golfing experience, whether you have your own gear and years of experience or have never played a game. Visit Singleton Golf Club for a relaxed round amidst the trees, or take part in a competition, which are run at an abundance of times both midweek and weekends to account for shift workers and miners so poignant to the area, emphasising the community focus and accommodating nature of the club.
Address: 51 Boundary St SINGLETON NSW Australia 2330 Contact: 02 6572 1633 Website: https://www.singletongolfclub.com/
HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS AQUA GOLF + PUTT PUTT
This one’s a bit of fun, a driving range with a twist; situated in the stunning Hunter Valley Gardens, the Aqua Golf & Putt Putt is a must do experience when visiting the vibrant Valley. Challenge the accuracy of your swing and try to land your ball in the floating targets, and maybe even win a prize if you perform well. While you’re there, enjoy a fun game of putt putt on the18-hole course. This is a very family friendly activity, and can be followed up with a relaxing stroll through renowned Hunter Valley Gardens. Because, why not?
Address: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 – Hunter Valley Gardens Contact: (02) 4998 4096 Website: https://www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/location/aqua-golf-putt-putt/
Conclusion:
While there’s plenty of fantastic courses ranging in pars and holes, The Vintage still remains top of the list. With its premium reputation, upscale amenities, optional coaching and proximity (just steps from the front door of the luxury homestead), convenience and quality are unmatched. Reserve your stay at The Vintage Timespace now to treat yourself with much-deserved time to unwind and the chance to upskill yourself in the world of golf (perhaps with a few lessons).
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