Shelly Beach Golf Club on the New South Wales Central Coast is a leisurely 60-minute drive from Sydney or Newcastle.
Described as one of the most scenic golf courses on the eastern seaboard, the par 71, 6009 metre layout rolls over gently undulating land next to its namesake, Shelly Beach.
Beginning with a generous par five which requires a drive to a wide downhill fairway. At just over 500 metres, it is reachable in two for the bigger hitters.
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Most of the front nine winds its way north of the club and is reasonably wide open. The 6th hole is easily the pick of the loop, not only for the photo opportunity, but with out of bounds running the length of the hole and a well placed fairway bunker to the left, you’ve got to think your way to a par.
The back nine meanders back and forth to the south of the club, with large established pines lining most of the fairways.
The closing holes, 16, 17 and 18, loop back towards the north, hugging the eastern edge of the course.
The 16th in particular, although not the longest par four at Shelly Beach, can be one of its trickiest. With water to the right and a bunker to the left, the smart play is a layup from the tee. The second shot to a high green facing away from you is tough. A bunker short will catch the mis hit and going long simply out of the question. When the pin is at the back, accuracy is imperative.
The fairways are always in consistently good condition at Shelly Beach, so too are the greens. Smooth and quick, especially downhill. Practice facilities, including nets and a chipping green, are also available for a pre round warm up.
Post round you are more than welcome to relax in the well appointed clubhouse. With full gaming facilities on offer, the club also has multiple bars, a beer garden, and a first class restaurant – Aqua Dining.
