This week CityNews has compiled a list of people and places that can help to advance individual golfing skills, or, just offer an enjoyable place to play.

Whether it’s a one-off hit or a regular competition, there are plenty of golfing options across Canberra and surrounding regions.

Golf has been played in Australia since 1839 and, according to Golf Australia, there were an estimated 1,204,000 golf participants Australia-wide in the 2020-21 period.

Green pastures and social opportunities

Gungahlin Lakes is the gem of North Canberra, says marketing manager Tori Heron. 

“Carved by challenging waterways and obstacles, and surrounded in a flourishing natural environment of plants and wildlife, our venue provides not only a state-of-the-art 18-hole game, but a peaceful location to do so,” she says. 

With an abundance of competitions, programs, lessons and twilight hours during daylight savings, Tori says the Gungahlin Lakes golf course accommodates all levels of experience, interest and constraints, such as time, age and ability. 

According to Tori, the best part about the Gungahlin Lakes is the view. 

“The course really is the centrepiece of Gungahlin Lakes, with the floor-to-ceiling view seen all the way along the clubhouse, the image before you really sells itself,” she says.

The facility also offers corporate golf days and with exciting renovations on the way for these events, Tori says they are a great way to enhance community activities. 

The facility prides itself on its activities, says Tori, with exclusive access to competitions, events and benefits, cart hire, lessons from the pros as well as junior programs and competitions.

“We have some remaining corporate golf day spots left for 2024,” she says, and urges the community to “get in quick”.

Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, 110 Gundaroo Drive, Nicholls. Call 6242 6283or visit ainsliegroup.com.au

An oasis away from home

Located five minutes from the beach, but surrounded by bush, general manager Josh Tyler says The Oaks Ranch is conveniently located without losing the sense of rural charm.

“It’s such a tranquil environment,” he says.

Stretched over 300 acres, The Oaks Ranch features a nine-hole golf course, with small greens and a selection of challenging runs that are suitable for all levels of experience. 

He says the land is the course’s most defining feature, describing it as an “oasis”.

The venue also features a boutique hotel and a magnesium pool.

They are currently gearing up to host Australian singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd in December, which Josh says is an event not to be missed, and have special New Year’s Eve events. 

Attendees are encouraged to take full advantage of the facilities, he says, and explore all the venue has to offer, with the option to book weddings, private functions and corporate retreats. 

“It’s a stunning property,” he says, and is perfect for a summer holiday getaway. 

But, Josh says, the summer period gets busy so early bookings are best.

The Oaks Ranch, 340 Old Mossy Point Road, Mossy Point NSW. Call 4471 7403 or visit oaksranch.com.au

Tournaments for all kinds of golfers

Steeped in history, and nestled on the picturesque grounds of a championship 18-hole golf course adorned with stylish gardens sits Duntryleague, one of the Orange region’s premier golfing venues, says office manager Renée Tom.

The West Orange Motors Duntryleague Classic event will take place in January, and Renée says it is an ideal opportunity to play one of the great golf courses and visit the surrounding cool climate wine region of Orange.

“Entry to the competition includes three rounds of golf on Duntryleague’s 18-hole championship course, registration and cocktail party on Saturday evening, gala presentation dinner on Tuesday evening, green fees and competition fees,” she says.

Duntryleague will also host the Hahn Open Amateur Tournament on November 2-3, where Renée says participants can enjoy two rounds of golf on Duntryleague’s championship course, along with a presentation dinner on November 2.

The guest speaker will be Kerry O’Keeffe, and Renée says this is sure to make the presentation evening very entertaining.

“Orange is the perfect destination for your golfing getaway, with a historical mansion offering entrants a unique experience, stay-play packages overlooking the golf course, and a rich food and wine culture,” she says.

“Duntryleague also stocks a full range of golf equipment from all leading brands and provides tuition from four PGA teaching professions to extensive club-fitting technology for the complete player package.”

Duntryleague Golf Club, Woodward Street, Orange. Call 6362 3466 or visit duntryleague.com.au

Take a day trip to historic golf course

The Goulburn Golf Club is the perfect opportunity for a fun, family day-trip out of Canberra, says club manager Joanne Mills, with a fully maintained golf course and clubhouse that includes the pro shop, members change rooms and lockers, a licensed bar, TAB facilities, bistro, gaming room, and carts for hire.

Established in 1989, Joanne says the club has a long, rich history of golf in the region, even producing some notable golfers in the past. 

She says the club has recently gone through a bit of a regeneration too, with new clubhouse renovations. 

“We’ve just installed a lift outside the clubhouse to allow for disability access in the club,” she says. 

“This will allow our patrons to enjoy our views over the golf course from a first-floor perspective.” 

Joanne says golf is a great activity to try because “anybody can play”.

“You can have young kids, up to people in their 80s and 90s who can come and play golf,” she says.

The club has also employed some new catering, so Joanne says it’s also a great option for lunch or dinner for those exploring Goulburn.

Goulburn Golf Club, Blackshaw Road, Goulburn. Call 4821 2454 or visit goulburngolfclub.com.au

Golfing in rain, hail or shine

Status Golf is the only indoor golf centre in Canberra that doesn’t require players to have a membership to play, says director Dennis Hung. 

“With 160+ international courses to choose from, including world famous Pebble Beach, St Andrews, TPC Sawgrass, Augusta National and a welcoming environment, golfers of all abilities can connect, improve their skills, and share their passion for the game,” he says. 

Status Golf utilises state-of-the-art auto tee-up systems, launch monitors and high-speed cameras to provide players with valuable swing, shot and impact analysis to refine their game, Dennis says. 

Status Golf hosts a monthly Nearest The Pin and Longest Drive Competition, which Dennis says is sponsored by Capital Brewing Co. 

According to Dennis, the simulators used are comparable to what professionals use to teach with, which creates a realistic experience for golfers to hone their skills from the comfort of inside. 

“Playing on an actual golf course can be intimidating,” he says. 

“We are focused on entertainment and having fun. Everyone is welcome, golfer or not.” 

It is a fully licensed venue that is suitable for practice or play, catering to all levels of ability, Dennis says. 

Status Golf, basement, 11 Akuna Street, Civic. Call 0452 284 653 or visit statusgolf.com.au

Hidden gem of a course suits all abilities

Yass Golf Club caters to all abilities, says golf shop manager Adrian Lynch, and welcomes visitors who are interested in social play and competitions.

Unlike city clubs, Adrian says Yass Golf Club has more availability, and can offer a country experience. 

He says they also provide access to club facilities for lunch both during, and after rounds, or, for a casual drink at the “19th hole”.

“We also cater to private functions for all occasions,” he says. 

The Yass Open weekend of golf starts at the end of November, says Adrian, featuring the Yass Open 2-Person Ambrose event on November 30, and the Robertsons of Yass Landscapes and Haulage – Yass Open event on December 1.

Adrian says he simply loves the game of golf, and the community that is the Yass Golf Club, and, in a secret twist, he says visitors are, on average, able to play a round of 18 faster than their Canberra counterparts by one hour.

“With such a hidden gem of a course, and a history of 120 years of operation, all the board and staff want to see future generations here playing at Yass,” he says.

Electric cart or push buggies are all available as well, along with hire clubs, Adrian says, making it a great option for social group bookings or catered corporate days.

Yass Golf Club, 2 Worth Street, Yass. Call 6226 1894 or visit yassgolfclub.com.au