Your Guide to The Hunter Valley’s Golf Courses
Image Credit: Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club
The Hunter Valley may be synonymous with world-class wines, but this popular New South Wales wine region is also home to incredible golf courses that complete the ultimate escape. From fairways designed by a world-famous golf professional to a driving range with a challenging twist, there’s something for all golfers here, whether you boast a handicap of three or have never swung a club before.
Throw in the Hunter Valley’s spectacular vineyards and surrounding scenery, cellar door tastings, destination restaurants and outstanding local produce, and your next gourmet golfing getaway awaits. Here’s our local guide to the best golf courses to visit on your next trip to wine country.
The Vintage Golf Club, Pokolbin
Image Credit: The Vintage Golf Club
The Vintage Golf Club is ranked number 31 in the 2023 Golf Course Guide Top 100, and this 18-hole course was designed by former golf professional and Australian legend Greg Norman. Spanning more than 6200 metres with a par of 71, The Shark designed this course to be “challenging, engaging and welcoming in equal parts”. Expect a handful of water hazards, the risk of losing your ball in a neighbouring vineyard (beware the seventh hole), rugged bunkers and lush green fairways. You can also base yourself here at Chateau Elan, which offers luxury accommodation.
Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, Pokolbin
Image Credit: Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club
Players at the popular Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club enjoy sweeping views of surrounding vineyards and the Brokenback mountain range from every tee. With a total of 60 bunkers, this 18-hole course stretches almost 6500 metres, with a par of 72, and has long drawn golfers from near and far. Ranked number 60 in the 2023 Golf Course Guide Top 100, you can also choose to stay on the stunning property at one of the villas at the Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, which includes both a casual bistro and a high-end restaurant.
Hunter Valley Golf Club, Lovedale
Image Credit: Rydges Huntey Valley
Set on the grounds of Rydges Hunter Valley, offering a range of rooms and villas, Hunter Valley Golf Club enjoys impressive views of the region’s scenery, surrounded by lakes, wildlife and the Brokenback Mountain Range. Over its 18 holes, several water hazards present some challenges, as do its various undulating greens. Hunter Valley Golf also claims to have the most competitive pricing of all courses in the region, with daily competitions on offer, and the Lovedale Bar and Grill here has a great local wine list.
Hunter Valley Aqua Golf, Pokolbin
Forget regular driving ranges – at Hunter Valley Aqua Golf, you hit floating golf balls into a lake. Better yet, if you hit your ball into a floating net, you win a prize, including vouchers for wine tastings, hot-air balloons, helicopter rides and more. This is a great way to try golf for the first time – lessons are available – practice your swing or get competitive about making it into the nets. Kids of all ages just love it! You can also play mini golf here, with the 18-hole putt-putt course winding through Hunter Valley Gardens Village. A popular option for families looking for some afternoon fun.
Golf courses within easy reach of the Hunter Valley
If you have the time to venture further afield for a hit, there are other highlight golf courses close to wine country well worth a hit.
One option is Maitland Golf Club, which is more than 100 years old, and a 40-minute drive from the heart of the Hunter. Eight feature water hazards pose challenges throughout this course, with its surrounding native bushland and wetlands making this a beautiful day out.
For a nine-hole course, head to Singleton Golf Club, which is a 25-minute drive from Pokolbin. Here, the lush greens promise to challenge even the most seasoned golfer, while the clubhouse’s welcoming bar, restaurant and playground adds to its appeal.
A little further, but still under an hour’s drive, is Newcastle Golf Club. This championship course is at the mouth of the Hunter River and, despite being close to the centre of Newcastle, its surrounding eucalypts, water and wildlife create a relaxed atmosphere.
The Ultimate 19th Hole – Book in for a Tasting
Between all the teeing off, be sure to book in for wine tasting at Scarborough Wine Co. It makes for the perfect 19th hole and our intimate tasting experience is one of the most popular in the Hunter Valley.
Our Gillards Road Tasting Room is the ideal place to unwind after all the golfing action, while soaking up our setting, and learning about the range of Hunter Valley wines on offer.
We offer two different tasting formats – one hour long experience of up to six wines of your choice in 100ml bottles; the other offering 20ml pours of up to six wines from our collection. Both formats include a cheese plate.
BOOK IN and come and see us on your next trip.
Need some other suggestions on things to do whilst you are in the Hunter Valley? Here are some other local tips to make the most of your time.
Top Places to Eat in the Hunter Valley
Top Places to Stay in Hunter Valley