NSW Far South Coast - Tura Beach, Merimbula, Bega GC

[WBennett]

Just returned from a weekend on the NSW Far South Coast, playing Tura Beach, Pambula-Merimbula and Bega GC.

Merimbula is around 6 hours drive from Sydney, 7 hours from Melbourne and about 3 hours from Canberra.

Tura Beach (https://turabeachcountryclub.com.au/) GC - Par 73 - Thompson Wolveridge design. Tura Beach CC is located 5km north of Merimbula, sand based. Clubhouse sits atop a hill, offering sweeping views over the course to the ocean. The greens are large with some massive internal contours and tiering, the course style is modern and condition was exemplary. The greens ran at 12.5, and were firm on the approach - they took some getting used to from my normal soft, bumpy dartboards. The course drops down the hill on 1 and 2, with 3 and 4 played next to the beach where the sounds of the ocean are an ever present. 5 is a 190m par 3 off the tips, with a 175m carry - a large bail out area left is not obvious from the tee, but would be used by the majority of the older age group membership. 6 is a strange par 5, where a forced layup looks the play, but a blind tiger line with 220m carry is there for the long bombers. 7 and 8 zig zag back up the hill with both playing longer than their yardage, with 9 being a short 3 over a gully to in front of the clubhouse.

10 again rises up the hill, with a semi-blind tee shot and far more room that expected once you arrive at the landing area. 11 is a drive over a gully to a ridge, with a blind second over the hill to a green guarded by a pond short right. Three sensible shots should see anyone having a putt for 4, but a funky green means birdies are difficult. The rest of the course heads up and down, with the 16th being a 430m 5 straight down the hill giving a chance to rescue a score.

Overall, its a difficult walking course, and most players cart - the fit have electric buggies. Is it a great course? No? Is it a memorable course - yes. What does is remind me of? A little bit of Portsea, a little bit of Mollymook Hilltop.

Pambula Merimbula (http://merimbulagolf.com.au/) - 27 hole course. We played 1-18, which was dryest after 100mm of rain the night before. Pambula Merimbula is a far shorter and on paper easier course than Tura. A much easier walk, the course is on rolling sandy terrain. 1 to 9 are parkland style, with relatively short holes, softer but still difficult greens. Most greens slope towards the water of Merimbula Bay, with no flat holes. Each tee shot requires accuracy, but can be easily played by all ages and abilities, catering to the old aged membership and significant summer tourist trade. Highlights are the short 4s - 1 (280m), 5 (about 320) and 8 (about 310) for mine.
Holes 10-18 wind through old forest, with fairways lined with 50m tall gum trees. The land again has a bit of movement, and the course provides risk and reward to those willing to take a chance. Highlights include the short 13th and 14th - 600m of par 4's where 2 4s are excellent scores.

Its 'easier' than the brutal Tura, but great fun never the less. Well worth a round if you are in the neighbourhood.

Bega GC (http://www.begacountryclub.net.au/) - 20 minutes north of Merimbula is Bega GC. Its 15k inland, and feels like a country course rather than a rural course. The course is 70+ years old, and has the typical small greens with significant internal slope, tall and majestic gum trees and relatively short holes. Each hole plays longer than the card though - most drives land on upslopes, and the thick kikuyu kills any roll. The front 9 is up and back to the clubhouse, going up and down the hill, with a creek cutting in front of the 1st and 3rd greens, and the water having to be hit over the 2nd and 4th. The back 9 has the highlights - 10, 13, 14 and 17 are all interesting holes and a good way to finish up.

Not a great track, but an honest one. Heavily over treed though, but the trees are the courses character. Don't go out of your way to play here, but if you are in the area on holidays, its worth a round if you don't want the crowds at Merimbula and Tura. As an aside, Neale Smith (USPGA Tour school champ in 92) grew up playing here...

[AndyP]

I like the sound of Tura Beach, due to the beachside holes.

[WBennett]

I like the sound of Tura Beach, due to the beachside holes.

Listening to the waves crash for a few holes is something an inlander like myself is unused to. Its great - you smell the ocean as you are playing.

[AndyP]

I'm a sucker for a bit of good aesthetics. I enjoyed being at Narooma, even though it was a 3hr drive from Canberra, it pissed down rain for half of the round, and I drove back soaked.

[WBennett]

The next installment is this weekend. Bermagui, Narooma, Moruya.

Its been 5 plus years since I played the full 18 at Narooma, 25 years+ since Moruya, and Bermagui will be a new track.

[jimandr]

Bermagui will test your fitness unless you wimp out and get a cart.

There is one long uphill hole, and another very steep hill to climb on a different hole.

The course itself is nothing special (particularly compared to Narooma, which is special). My most vivid memory of my one visit (apart from the hills) is of a really vicious pair of plovers on the 10th tee. I don't think it is plover season yet, so you should be OK on that front.

As for Moruya, it is even less special, except for the fantastic double green on 9 and 18.

[Grumpy8]

Have played Narooma , thought it was pretty good

[dannycallaz]

Bermi 100% recips as well I think Benno.

Narooma is a cracking track just keep on the fairway.

Moruya is a challenging course with more doglegs than you can poke a stick at. Don’t hook it out of bounds on 1!

[WBennett]

Bermi 100% recips as well I think Benno.

Narooma is a cracking track just keep on the fairway.

Moruya is a challenging course with more doglegs than you can poke a stick at. Don’t hook it out of bounds on 1!

Thanks Danny, good to see you back. We have 100% at Bermi, 50% at Narooma. And I haven't missed a fairway left in 6 months. I reckon this weekend is the time to snap hook OOB at both Narooma and Moruya!

Talking to a few blokes over the last couple of weekends, Bermi is challenging - fast greens with lots of movement, and ground without much run so holes play longer than they look on the card.

Weather looks perfect

[Grumpy8]

Thanks Danny, good to see you back. We have 100% at Bermi, 50% at Narooma. And I haven't missed a fairway left in 6 months. I reckon this weekend is the time to snap hook OOB at both Narooma and Moruya!Talking to a few blokes over the last couple of weekends, Bermi is challenging - fast greens with lots of movement, and ground without much run so holes play longer than they look on the card.Weather looks perfectBetter take some golf balls that float if you hit hooks at Narooma, 2nd and 3 rd in particular

[meh]

I've played all 3 courses quite a bit. Tura is much much more interesting than pambula merimbula. I'd play Bega over it every time.

[WBennett]

Bermagui will test your fitness unless you wimp out and get a cart.

There is one long uphill hole, and another very steep hill to climb on a different hole.

The course itself is nothing special (particularly compared to Narooma, which is special). My most vivid memory of my one visit (apart from the hills) is of a really vicious pair of plovers on the 10th tee. I don't think it is plover season yet, so you should be OK on that front.

As for Moruya, it is even less special, except for the fantastic double green on 9 and 18.

Thanks for your positive assessment Jim. I'm glad you weren't invited, but you do sound like the life of the party.

This weekend is about remembering a best mate and former Ozgolf poster and player Blue Scooter, not about ticking off Top 100 tracks.

[dannycallaz]

Thanks for your positive assessment Jim. I'm glad you weren't invited, but you do sound like the life of the party.This weekend is about remembering a best mate and former Ozgolf poster and player Blue Scooter, not about ticking off Top 100 tracks. Lolz

[WBennett]

Bermagui Golf Club

Played there yesterday in perfect conditions. Sunny, 20sish, next to no wind.

Course was in immaculate conditon, with kikuyu tees and fairways and fast bent greens as good as any surface I have putted on.

The course starts on the tidal flats, then moves into some quite hilly and rolling land. Many of the tee shots were to blind landing areas at the top of hills, leaving mid to short irons in to clearly visible targets. One thing we noticed was very few of the par 4s had the green visible from the tee.

The difficult land is used well, making for a few heroic shots. There is water to be carried or avoided on a number of holes, but none of us lost a ball for the day. Greens had a ton of movement, where a 10m putt was almost a certain 3 putt if you were above the hole. I know, I 3 jagged 4 holes in a row by being out of position/above the hole.

We played off the blacks, which had a course rating of 73 and a slope of 133.

I will definately be back, it was a really challenging and interesting course.

We tee off at Narooma in a hour, a perennial top 100 track with some of the best views in the country

[WBennett]

Narooma GC.

Top 100 in Aus for a reason. Would probably be higher if it wasnt so far away from Sydney or Melbourne.

9 holes across cliff tops, 9 holes in an old forest around a couple of tidal lakes.

Its full of spectacular vistas, heroic carries for the brave, and some really interesting shots.

Holes 1 to 7 and 17 and 18 are the original 9. No rough, very fee trees and tiny greens. Highlights are 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the front.

8 to 16 is away from the clubhouse, with the climb up 10 being rewarded with a great fun drive on 11...

Well worth the round if you are in the neighbourhood. Highly recommendedhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/1f14f6b17de109de3408c0fff22b5a35.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/31aca1eeaf57dd9122b9a80c6377fbc6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/88f0c3ea4edf6fb25f7a6e334f9be8f2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/fae1bd54960aa98b906ae0bdca0b6900.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/86428ced976c0d4d4c2da5f62b50e0ca.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/0c7bc837dd549b8ffe160a46c18c7335.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/9f72edaa69bdae2a9cf0ce01db932dd1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/71654d4c1c9ab69b39ecc49ff21abfed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/3852b7d0426e96db55ea0c656dbaf327.jpg

[WBennett]

Moruya Golf Course.

Lots of blind creeks, 90 degree doglegs, uninteresting greens and a course thats not worth going out of your way to play.

But its honest, the greena were immaculate, its presented well and able to be played by all ages and skill levels.

Best holes. 7 and 16 are both strong, with the double doglog 8th being the best 5 on the course.

The highlight is the enormous double green for 9 and 18. Its would have to be 65m by 65m, with a giant ridge running down the middle of it. See video...http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5b0bbb2a9a630/VID_20180527_115059_400.mp4

[PerryGroves]

Benno, resurrected this one, figuring we might not be able to get interstate shortly. I'm keen to do a south coast trip. I've never been past Mollymook and so disappointingly have never played Narooma which I intend to rectify.

Couple of questions for you or anyone with some knowledge of the area.

Assuming we do 3 games, Narooma on the way back to Sydney, stay in Merimbula and play Tura Beach and Pambula-Merimbula? If we stayed an extra day, would you repeat on the two courses mentioned or venture elsewhere. Any advice on where to eat/drink in town, presume if we stay within walking distance of the RSL that would be reasonably central.

[jimandr]

Pambula-Merimbula has 27 holes, so there is enough variation to keep your interest for another day, particularly if you combined it with Tathra, which is one of the better 9 hole tracks you'll find anywhere. If your party likes kangaroos, all those courses will impress them. Maybe P-M had more kangaroos than any course I've ever seen.

The RSL in Merimbula is pretty good. Originally sustained by Vic visitors back in the pre-pokie days, so it is a bit more substantial than your usual country town RSL. So is P-M golf club for that matter.

[AndyP]

Catalina at Batemans Bay?

[WBennett]

Pambula-Merimbula has 27 holes, so there is enough variation to keep your interest for another day, particularly if you combined it with Tathra, which is one of the better 9 hole tracks you'll find anywhere. If your party likes kangaroos, all those courses will impress them. Maybe P-M had more kangaroos than any course I've ever seen.The RSL in Merimbula is pretty good. Originally sustained by Vic visitors back in the pre-pokie days, so it is a bit more substantial than your usual country town RSL. So is P-M golf club for that matter. Everything Jim said is right.It's a big hike from the north shore to Merimbula!Bermagui is also a bit of a hidden gem, some of the purest, fastest greens I have played on.So if you are down there 4 days, Tura is mean, Merimbula is a retirees track which won't beat you up, Bermi will gets your game and Narooma is just magic.If you didn't want to extend down to Merimbula, Catalina is another retirees resort course but I haven't played there in a decade, and Hilltop at Mollymook is great.I haven't played Eden but heard it's great, and if I never play Bega, Moruya and Nowra again I wouldn't be sad.

[PerryGroves]

Cheers lads.

AndyP: I have been past Mollymook because I've played at Catalina but have absolutely no idea why I would have been in Batemans Bay. My only recollection was that the members do most of the work and it was flat.
Jim: the tip on kangaroos won't impress one of the boys, if its not feral cats, wombats, foxes, its kangaroos ruining things on the farm
WB: the Bermagui might work, leave Merimbula, play Bermagui and overnight in Narooma.

[Buzz]

Inspiring thread, despite living in Canberra I haven't played any South Coast courses since 1997! That was Catalina, Moruya and Narooma. Closest I have been was playing at Braidwood a few years back.

Where do you guys stay when you head down that way?

[WBennett]

WB: the Bermagui might work, leave Merimbula, play Bermagui and overnight in Narooma. It's not sandbelt, nor top 100, but it's better than your average country track.

[Harry Putter]

I agree, it is an impressive course from a scenic perspective. However, for a keen club golfer, or a lowho, it is blind shot riddled. I don't enjoy approaching a pin I cannot see, even when the scenery is good.
Narooma GC.Top 100 in Aus for a reason. Would probably be higher if it wasnt so far away from Sydney or Melbourne.9 holes across cliff tops, 9 holes in an old forest around a couple of tidal lakes.Its full of spectacular vistas, heroic carries for the brave, and some really interesting shots.Holes 1 to 7 and 17 and 18 are the original 9. No rough, very fee trees and tiny greens. Highlights are 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the front.8 to 16 is away from the clubhouse, with the climb up 10 being rewarded with a great fun drive on 11...Well worth the round if you are in the neighbourhood. Highly recommendedhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/1f14f6b17de109de3408c0fff22b5a35.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/31aca1eeaf57dd9122b9a80c6377fbc6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/88f0c3ea4edf6fb25f7a6e334f9be8f2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/fae1bd54960aa98b906ae0bdca0b6900.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/86428ced976c0d4d4c2da5f62b50e0ca.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/0c7bc837dd549b8ffe160a46c18c7335.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/9f72edaa69bdae2a9cf0ce01db932dd1.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/71654d4c1c9ab69b39ecc49ff21abfed.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180528/3852b7d0426e96db55ea0c656dbaf327.jpg

[WBennett]

I agree, it is an impressive course from a scenic perspective. However, for a keen club golfer, or a lowho, it is blind shot riddled. I don't enjoy approaching a pin I cannot see, even when the scenery is good. Blind shot riddled?2 has a skyline green.4 is a blind drive. 5 has a semi blind 2nd.7 may be bring for your second if you don't hit a good tee shot.But it's only blind the first time you play it.

[PerryGroves]

Finally getting around to this, first trip post Covid after an ill fated venture down to Melbourne where Dan locked it down on the first day and we bolted for Albury.

Heading down to Narooma on Sunday, going to play there on Monday and Tuesday. Unlike playing at my own course, really looking forward to this. Might even splash a few Gladys vouchers around town.

[petethepilot]

Narooma is great fun Mick. Mollymook hilltop course is very good as well.
Don’t get too wet.

[ParkRoyal]

The holes in the 'forest' at Narooma really surprised me and match whats on the cliffs. Working out how to play around the greens from the Kike to the small greens was tough.


Was sad to see Mandeni Resort close, many fond memories playing through the trees and the giant putting green.

[WBennett]

Might be a little moist that way Mick. Narooma clifftop holes drain well, but the back 9 can be a bog.

Bermagui is 100% worth a hit and its only half an hour south. Its a heap better than Moruya GC.

[WBennett]

The Golf Club is ok for a beer, but the best meals and pub tab is down at the Sports Club at the bottom of the hill.

Narooma Sports Club still do courtesy buses around everywhere too.

[ParkRoyal]

Pub at Bermi is pretty good too, nice spot out on the deck (if its not pissing down).

[PerryGroves]

Might be a little moist that way Mick. Narooma clifftop holes drain well, but the back 9 can be a bog.

Anything's gotta be better than watching it rain from my loungeroom, with all races abandoned, could be the worst day ever, haha.

Hoping a bit of sun and wind from tomorrow does the business.

[WBennett]

Scratch Bermie GC. The bottom 4 holes are under a foot of water.

[petethepilot]

Just play the clifftop 9 holes a few times. Watch out for Paul Hogan whilst your there!

[WBennett]

Just returned from a trip down the south coast.

First stop was the little 9 holer at Braidwood. Up and down a hill, tighter than a nuns, but considering it was minus 3 when I teed off, in really good condition. Smallish but quality greens, I might head back for their open to get beaten up.

Oaks Ranch, Tomakin. Saw it in the golf magazine and thought i would give it a go. 2100m, greens the size of dinner tables. Great to take your uncle who plays once every 5 years, but not a venue for a serious golfer. HOWEVER.... they are about to spend up big to build a high quality 9 holer designed by GNGCD along the Tomakin River. That could be very promising.

Tathra GC. I think there are 12 different holes, but its hard to tell. Immaculate rolling fairways and greens, a real hidden gem. Your first lap is slightly different to your second lap, but both would be fun. Some great views over the river as well.

Tura Beach. The Beast off the Blacks. Slope 144, it was a heavy 10 with preferred lies everywhere. A new tee on the 5th brings a 170m water carry and a bunch of challenges! I enjoy playing there every time, shame there are about 3 or 4 holes which are just a bit meh going up and down the hills.

Eden. Selling land, so have built the worst par 3 I have ever seen. 175m to a raised green, around 2 100ft high gums. The greens were cored the week before so were rubbish, but I would go back and check it out again when they are spot on. Some insane green complexes, but again, a number of holes severely impacted by the months of rain.

Pambula Merimbula. Inoffensive, but completely forgettable. Some nice holes winding through the forest, but there is hardly a moment when you think wow. Suits the older membership with very few water carries or heroics required. The clubhouse has gone belly up, curious if the course can survive in its current format.

[WBennett]

So, the south of the Clyde Rankings

Narooma GC - Deservedly in the top 100.
Bermagui GC - some of the best greens and toughest approaches around
Tura Beach - Feels forced in places, but was worthy of once being top 100
Pambula Merimbula - inoffensive, scenic through the forest, always in very good condition.
Eden - up and down the mountain, but some very cool holes and routing, and some extreme greens to add to the interest.
Tathra - a very good less than 18 hole course
Catalina - inoffensive retirees/resort course
Moruya - can't stand it. Blind creeks, stupid lay ups. Might be an acquired taste.
Oaks Ranch - if everything else is booked out, or you want to introduce your 8 year old or wife to golf.

Not ranked - Tuross Heads, the 9 hole par 3 joint at Tomakin

I am sure Jerry Springer will have different opinions I would be happy to hear.

[Ferrins]

Played Tathra just prior to the shark munching of longtime local swimmer. Course was a bit of fun. Interested to find out where exactly that new 9 hole track is going.

[WBennett]

New 9 holer - at the Oaks ranch lowlands

https://www.google.com/maps/@-35.8205152,150.1743938,2101m/data=!3m1!1e3

[ParkRoyal]

Just returned from a trip down the south coast.

Pambula Merimbula. Inoffensive, but completely forgettable. Some nice holes winding through the forest, but there is hardly a moment when you think wow. Suits the older membership with very few water carries or heroics required. The clubhouse has gone belly up, curious if the course can survive in its current format.

The clubhouse used to be heaving (albeit 10-15 years ago) But with Merimbula itself having more and better options, including the RSL which was surprisingly good when I was last there its not surprising. Although the Pub in town was pretty ordinary. The course could certainly do with an update to make it a bit more interesting, don't remember many greens that made you think.