10 Reasons why Norfolk Island is the best place for Golf
Included in the 'Australia's 60 best nine-hole golf courses' list by Golf Australia, the local Golf course and club on Norfolk Island has a unique appeal that draws return visitors again and again. We may be a little biased but here’s 10 Reasons why we believe Norfolk Island is the best place for Golf.
1. Friendly Local Club
Barely a visitor returns without commenting on the friendliness and easy manner of the locals. Indeed the Club’s reputation is founded on its open approachability and genuine welcome to members and visiting golfers.
2. World Heritage listed site
Located within historic Kingston, the oldest of eleven World Heritage listed Australian Convict Sites, the 1843 clubhouse and pro shop were built as the home for the Stipendiary Magistrate.
3. Stunning Vistas from The Verandah and Beyond
Sitting on the Club verandah overlooking the course, the left hand view overlooks the historic cemetery and pounding surf of Cemetery Beach. Looking straight ahead glimpses of both Nepean and Phillip Islands appear; while to the right the complex of Government House buildings peeps through surrounding Norfolk Island Pines.
4. Annual Tournaments
In the Norfolk Island Golf calendar there are four annual tournaments; the Hardy’s Wines Pro-Am Classic, the Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament, the Veterans’ Golf Tournament and the new Castaway Pairs Invitational Tournament.
5. Social Golf Available Year Round
Did you know the Norfolk Island Golf Club welcomes visiting golf groups at any time? A relaxed option where you can play as much golf as you like with a group of friends or family, co-ordinated into a 5 or 7 day holiday package including airfares, accommodation and car hire.
6. Local Comps Held Every Week
Visitors are welcome and encouraged to meet the locals and join in the comps held every week. Those who have a handicap can join in the two main comps on Wednesdays (1pm tee off) and Saturdays (8.30am and 1pm tee off). Visitors without a handicap are welcome to play in the Friday chook run (tees off around 3pm).
7. Bring Your Group
There’s no group size too big or too small, but there are some accommodation benefits if you have 10+ travelling together (made up of both golfers and non-golfers). Please ask us for details.
8. The Olive Branch
Taking advantage of the wonderful seasonal produce on island, the Olive Branch Café is perfect to share a lunch or plate of nibbles with a glass of wine or beer overlooking the golf course and ocean from the undercover verandah.
9. Andrew ‘Umi’ Umlauft
Club Professional Andrew ‘Umi’ Umlauft has been a member of the Australian PGA for 17 years and the club professional for 10 years. Umi and his staff are keen to ensure that you’ll enjoy your time whether you are having a holiday hit, playing in a social group, a tournament or getting some advice on your game.
10. Pacific Island Gem
This Island goes beyond any superlative you can think of. Suffice to say there must have been a reason why out of all the Pacific Islands he visited, the only place Captain Cook described as ‘paradise’, was Norfolk Island. Within a breathtakingly beautiful environment experience snorkelling in turquoise waters over coral reef, soaking up history in a World Heritage listed area and exploring a unique local culture. There is as much or as little as you’d like to do on Norfolk.
“What a wonderful little golf course - 9 holes (18 tees).. Winding through historical areas and beach scenes, with the grand Norfolk pines all around - really enjoyed our round and a quiet drink on the veranda of the historical building that serves as the clubhouse.”
- Gordon Ashmore, NSW (Trip Advisor)