Featured by: Louisa Papa Mercado
Ask any tourist about what you can do in Sydney, and you will likely get tons of answers. Indeed, it is not easy to decide what to do when visiting Sydney, as there are so many possibilities and choices. Walking by the beach and harbour, watching a show at the Opera House, visiting botanical gardens–these are just some of the sights and attractions that you can witness in the city. If you are planning a holiday in this beautiful city, you should also consider doing something more casual yet equally fun–that is, visiting a golf course!
To make the most out of your vacation, you want to make sure you pick the right place to enjoy your time. That said, there are several golf clubs in Sydney, making it hard to choose where to go. As such, you can consider the following factors to guide you in your decision.
Budget
All plans usually start with a budget. Though you want to make the most out of your time, you still want to make sure you do not overspend, or this may become a problem after your trip! Before you start looking for golf clubs in Sydney, it will be ideal to already have a budget in mind. This way, you can easily narrow down your options based on the accommodation rates and such.
Facilities
Every golf club will have different amenities, so you want to look through these when deciding. One of the most important considerations will likely be the distance between the resort and golf course. Naturally, you want to find a resort that is close to the golf course or courses you want to visit, in case you plan to go from one course to another. Additionally, see what recreational activities a gold club offers, if applicable. Spas, clubhouses, restaurants, and bars are usually popular among guests.
Packages
If you are working with a travel agent to plan a golf holiday, you may be given some tour packages for convenience. Make sure you go through these packages carefully to see which will give you the most value for your money. Ideally, you want affordable rates with good accommodation and connectivity.
Similarly, golf courses usually offer membership or event packages if you are interested in hosting one with your family or friends. Indeed, golf clubs are highly popular among residents of Sydney due to the social and recreational benefits that they offer. They likewise contribute to the city’s economy, contributing about $1 billion.
Layout
If you are an avid golfer, then you will likely be familiar with the conditions that will make for a good golf game. Regardless of what your skill level may be, you generally want to find a course that is not too simple but not too complex–enough to challenge you and your friends or family. At the same time, you should look out for possible hazards, such as bunkers, narrow fairways, or water hazards, as these can disrupt the smoothness of your game.
In choosing a course, try to imagine yourself playing in it. Ask questions like: Are all the holes long and straight? Is the layout mostly flat or is it rocky with many hills? Is the overall condition of the course satisfactory? These should guide you in deciding whether a course is right for you.
Reviews
Read some reviews about the golf club or course to know if it has a good reputation in the industry. Take note, however, that bad reviews can be subjective, so take the time to read why some people may have considered the course to be bad. Say, for example, that a client noted the course to be too simple since it lacked variety in holes. If you want a challenging course, this may not be your best option. However, if you are still new to golf, you can consider this to help you get familiar with a typical course layout.
