The Vintage Golf Course
Review of the Vintage Golf Course in Hunter Valley NSW, Australia
A bit of history…
I've wanted to play the Vintage ever since I played there around 12 years ago whilst living in the Hunter Valley. I didn't play much at the time, I think I bought my clubs off a colleague for $20 - but I do remember being in awe whilst playing the course. The memory has never left me, and the feeling of walking down the first fairway on an early morning, surrounded by bushland.
So this morning we woke early, did yoga alongside the lake where we were staying, and headed off to the Vintage after breakfast. Not too hot or windy, it started out around 25 degrees and got into the mid 30s by the time we finished at 2:30. It’s a Greg Norman designed course, established in 2009, par 71.
Golf buggies only today.
As we started out…
Course Review
The Stats
Condition 13.5/20
Very good condition, great greens, bunkers need a bit of work and the ladies tees were a bit out of shape with heaps of sand. First nine better than second, there were a few marks second nine fairways..
Biodiversity 15/20
Lots of birds and some kangaroos. Beautiful bushland and trees surrounding the first few holes, and native flowers throughout.
Vistas 14/20
The course design creates some beautiful internal vistas, and each hole offers different vantage points of interest. Water made for some gorgeous vistas on the eighth hole. The seventh hole had lovely external views onto neighbouring vineyards and you could also see the Brokenback mountains in the distance. Quite a few (too many) houses to distract from the natural environment, in our opinion.
Lovely Indigenous summer flowers.
Organisation 15/20
The clubhouse looks great and is quite big - sounds like there are a few things going on! Spas, weddings, and a private members bar. The restaurant was undergoing renovations so food only sold in takeaway containers - we decided to go across the road to Nineteen - a very groovy country-music playing venue, with excellent food and ample space (looks like it would get busy on weekends!)
Design 16/20
We loved the design, and the diversity of challenges on each hole. Walking up to the tee, you're presented with a new scenario, and you really need to think about what club you'll hit - needless to say, it was not always a driver. Luckily my irons were going straight. There was also a fair amount of difficult water on the second nine - be careful! We found it really balanced and scored accordingly.
Highlights & Hazards
One surprise: lots of surprises - won't give them away. And carts only today, probably a good thing.
One birdie: royal spoonbill!
Biggest challenge: Tight par fours and lots of water. I hit three balls in water on 12th, and Michael 3 balls on the 13th…
Favourite hole: 8th - for the water! And 7th, quite hard but nice views of winery and hills.
Suggestions & Strategy
Some advice: check distances on drive. Don't try and cut corners on dog legs (sounds obvious but best to play it safe).
Psyc strategy you worked on? I focussed on generating positive affect - walking between shots, really paying attention to the beauty of the place I was, the trees, the birds, the blue sky and the vistas.
Review Scorecard
Overall review
Our review of the course on this specific day.
