Perched on a beautiful coastal clifftop about 90 minutes north of Sydney and halfway between Newcastle and Sydney, Shelly Beach Golf Club is one of the closest golf courses to the ocean. Boasting ocean views in the beautiful seaside town of Toowoon Bay on the Central Coast, Shelly Beach Golf Club promises a memorable experience for golfers visiting the area.
Location and basic information
- Address : Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261
- Course structure : 18 holes, par 71, approximately 5,910m
- Course Type : Public Course
- Green Fee : Weekday 18 holes: $60, Weekends and Holidays: $65, Twilight (From 3:00 pm): Weekdays: $40, Weekends: $45
- Reservation : Official website or phone
- Facilities : Driving range, short game area, putting green, clubhouse, bar & restaurant
Course Features – A work of art combining cliffs and waves
Shelly Beach Golf Club's greatest appeal is undoubtedly its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Built on a sandy coastal cliff, its structural features, and the 18 holes, masterfully constructed despite the limited land area, showcase designer Al Howard's exceptional spatial utilization. The course features two return nines, each starting and finishing as a par 5, further adding to its appeal.
- Hole 2 (Par 4, Stroke Index 1)
is considered the most difficult hole on the course. This uphill par 4 requires an accurate tee shot, and the second shot is challenging, targeting the sloping fairway and small green. - Holes 5 & 6 (Par 4)
Located along the coastal cliffs, these two holes boast iconic views of Shelly Beach. Because the wind can significantly affect the course, club selection and shot trajectory control are crucial. - Holes 9 & 10 (Par 3)
are two par 3s located at the transition point between the first and second halves. While short, the wind, terrain, and psychological pressure make them challenging. - Hole 16 (Par 4)
is a short hole, but the pond on the right side of the fairway and the bunker on the left are threateningly placed. Will you choose to play a short, cut-off shot or ignore all obstacles and play aggressively? This will probably be a hole where you can see the tendencies of the players you are playing with. - The 18th hole (Par 5)
is an uphill par 5 with a dogleg to the right, demanding both distance and accuracy. The final green, which leads to the clubhouse, offers a challenging yet impressive finish. Players who finished earlier will be watching the green from the clubhouse, so a great shot will earn you a standing ovation from the gallery, making for a captivating finish to your round.
Variables created by wind and terrain
Shelly Beach is one of the courses directly influenced by the Pacific breeze. Wind direction can vary significantly between morning and afternoon, and depending on the layout of the hole, the wind can shift between headwind, crosswind, and tailwind. Therefore, players must consider the wind and terrain on each hole. Furthermore, the sand-based terrain provides excellent drainage, and the fairways are firm and elastic, resulting in high run rates. The greens are small and fast, with a moderate amount of undulation, requiring delicate putting.
Clubhouse & Restaurant
After a round, enjoying a beer and a light meal at the clubhouse is another pleasure at this golf course. The newly renovated clubhouse offers some of the best views of the ocean and course, comparable to any other golf course. Enjoy brunch or dinner with a stunning ocean view, and it's a popular spot for locals on weekends. A sunset dinner is especially enjoyable, allowing you to forget the fatigue of the round.
Overall Review
Shelly Beach Golf Club is a coastal golf course, a meticulously designed 18-hole course nestled within a compact space. It offers a healing space where the wind and cliffs create a harmonious balance of natural elements. Enjoy a leisurely round of golf right next to the ocean, stroll along the fairways to the sound of the waves, and enjoy a refreshing beer in the clubhouse—all of these elements make this course truly special. If you're looking for a premier coastal golf course within a short drive of Sydney, Shelly Beach Golf Club will exceed your expectations.
