Mollymook Golf Club, Hilltop and Beachside, is about three hours drive south of Sydney on the NSW South Coast.
With two courses at different locations, Mollymook is almost a one-of-a-kind for golfers; Two layouts, a great club and a fantastic location.
Mollymook Hilltop, the championship quality 18 hole layout, bears the moniker “The Ultimate Challenge” for a good reason; it consistently ranks in Australia’s Top 100 Golf Courses.
Beachside, the less challenging nine-hole loop, sits behind the popular golf clubhouse at the southern tip of Mollymook Beach, and works its way towards the stunning Collers Beach inlet and back.
Mollymook Hilltop however has the accolades. Designed in 1977 by a local, Bill Andriske, the championship course is laid out over rolling terrain which is almost perfect for golf. The setting is deceiving; you are surrounded by a tall coastal eucalyptus forest but you can still hear the waves rolling in on the nearby beach.
Ultimate Challenge
At 6,212 metres from the championship tees, Hilltop is a test in terms of both accuracy and length. It will demand you play your best.
The front nine weaves its way down and to the east of the club with four par fours to start. Make no mistake, you’ll need to drive the ball well and know how to shape it both ways as they are all doglegs.
The back nine has a couple of dams and Mollymook creek to deal with on several holes. There are a few elevation changes as well. Knowing where to place your drives as much as how far you need to hit them is key.
Standout best
On a course full of strong holes here are some of the standout holes at Mollymook Hilltop:
- The 3rd: Par four which is almost 90 degree dogleg left. Get it to the corner and you can still have 160 metres left uphill to a tricky green.
- The 6th: Par five dogleg left. Out of Bounds along the left of the hole, You have to take driver over the trees on the corner to have a crack at the green in two. With water 120m out and long, and a couple of bunkers protecting the green it is a perilous two shorter.
- The 12th: Pretty as a picture par three. Looks deceive. Downhill with a couple of bunkers on the right, OOB left and long is just dead. Hit the green and it’s still a tough two putt.
- The 14th: Another solid par four. If you are too far left off the tee you are blocked out. The green has a hard slope back right to front left. Be careful – hit that putt too firm and you can roll off this green.
- The 16th: A par four down-then-up. OOB left and bush right. You need to hit your tee shot to just the right spot before a testing second shot to a green perched on top of a hill. Don’t come up short, the front right bunker front is often dead.
Mollymook Hilltop is available to the public seven days a week although bookings are essential. Open competitions are held on thursday, Saturday and Sunday with Ladies in Tuesday.
Beachside bliss
Beachside is a comfortable 2102 metres from the men’s tees. Available for the public to play seven days a week, it is an ideal destination for couples, large or corporate groups from beginners through to accomplished players.
The latest fleet of golf carts, buggies and clubs are available for hire.
The Beachside clubhouse is open for lunch and dinner seven days and nights a week and features majestic ocean views of Mollymook Beach, TAB, Gaming facilities and two bars boasting popular bar items, boutique beers and wines.
