Northern Beaches Golf Guide - Part 3

Mona Vale Golf Club

Running between Mona Vale Beach and Pittwater Road, MVGC is part-open, part-tree-lines, all wind-affected, and like a combination of its neighbours, linksy Long Reef and tree-lined Warringah. And if you’re ever banged up in Mona Vale Hospital, chances are you’ll have a fine view over the golf course. It begins high on the northern end, feeds into a basin, and runs upwards again. The first ten holes are lined by trees. The latter eight open up links style. 

Judiciousness off the tee for the first ten holes is advised. After that it's sa-wing, batter. With the linksy nature of the latter holes, Mona Vale affords some latitude off the tee, with several fairways operating not as their maker intended. The strength of the prevailing nor-easterly or southerly winds determine club selection. But know this: rare is the afternoon it doesn’t blow. 

Mona Vale is fun to play because there are several avenues to the green. But taking the designated route will determine scoring.

Getting on: Ring up. Turn up. A public course, Mona Vale has tee-times every day of the week for social play, and an Open competition for Golflink handicapped players.

Pro Shop: (02) 9999 4266

Web: www.mvgc.com.au

Bayview Golf Club

Set on rolling hills and amid native forest, Bayview has lakes, creeks and several other picturesque hazards. 

Getting on: Bayview calls itself “Bayview Social Golf Club” and welcomes players every day of the week and in their Open competitions.  

Pro Shop: (02) 9999 3078

Web: www.bayviewgolfclub.com.au 

Avalon

“Royal Av” is “Where everyone’s welcome”. It’s nine holes. Been around since 1926. It’s friendly and fun, and a fine example of whack it, find it, repeat. From 2pm every Sunday they play “Footgolf”, which is golf but with soccer balls and huge holes. 

Getting on: Turn up. Be wearing pants.  

Pro Shop: (02) 9918 2606

Web: www.avalongolfcourse.com.au

Palm Beach

Like playing golf on a very thin island, “Palmie" overlooks The Pittwater and is within a well-stuck 5-iron of Palm Beach and the Tasman Sea. Fairways are lined with Norfolk pines and, of course, palm trees. It’s salty good fun, fifty minutes from the CBD. Follow an early morning round with a swim and a nice meal at any of the well-to-do fish-and-chippers.

Getting on: Turn up. 

Pro Shop: (02) 9974 4079

Web: www.palmbeachgolf.com.au

Balgowlah

A nine hole course, with palm fronds, ferns, wetlands, lizards, kookaburras. Nestled amid housing and in between some large and busy roads. Yet neither motorists or golfers might be aware of the other. 

Long, straight hitters could just about own “Ballee”. Everyone else need but hit the fairways, roll the ball down to the greens. And enjoy the serenity. 

Getting on: Ring up. Turn up. 

Pro Shop: (02) 9949 2057

Web: www.balgowlahgolfclub.com.au

See also:

Part 1 - Manly, Long Reef, Monash, Terrey Hills.

Part 2 - Warringah, Elanora, Wakehurst, Cromer