Wondering if any iseekers have played on this course recently and what they thought of it. Reviews in the course directory are pretty sparse and a bit outdated.
I’m going up to Port Stephens soon and just wonder if N’castle is worth the visit in addition to Pacific Dunes which ranks very highly with me. I like a challenge but I’m not a particular fan of courses that only single figure golfers can enjoy.

Awesome course thats always in mint condition. Its different to pacific dunes as it isnt a resort course(ie pure white sand in bunkers and cart paths all over the course). Its a very natural course that rewards quality shots for all handicaps. A must play if you are in the area.

Holes 5-7 are maybe the best consective in nsw.

never played it but played in a vardon event with a cheating copper from that course…he hadnt reached the 1st green and was droppings balls and improving lies…...hehe

its chris’s hometrack and i know he rates it highly.

if i were you i would definetely play newcastle golf course. i haven’t heard a bad word about it.

as for pacific dunes. yes it is challenging but its not a single figure course. 4 of us played it in december (10,12,16,20) and we thought it was fantastic.

front nine there is dense shrub off the fairway and back nine is all water. i hit 7 in the water there but still shot 35 pts to win the group. watch out though cause there are several hidden water hazards that aren’t marked clearly on the map.

hey normc i’m a member at newcastle. it’s agreat course words won’t do it justice.if you play it mid week or sunday it’s not set up to hard. saturday stroke rounds always get a ccr of 74 (par 72) and if you really want to play it tough, the last friday of every month is the black tee day. they play 2 par 5’s as par 4’s either way you won’t be disappointed. cheers smooth

yeh il back smooth up there. Top course thats always in top condition and is always quiet. Course is suitable for all levels of golfer (unless your an absolute chopper). Very picturesque and lots of wildlife. Much nicer than dunes.

I have played both courses a few times & love both, even though they are completely different.
Newcastle is so old school & unassuming, but will rip your balls out ( not to mention the mozzies the size of birds & the brown snakes!). If you get a chance to play it do yourself a favour, one of the best in N.S.W.
Pacific Dunes is your typical resort course. Plenty of WOW! factor through water hazzards & strategic bunkering.
I would play both & try to fit in Horizons while your at it!!!

Played Newcastle today, course is in great condition. Normc, let us know what you think and how you go?

My other half bought us a Shoal Bay Resort package incl. 4 rounds at Pacific Dunes and we’re heading up there for a weekend start of May.
We’ll be going back for 2 wks at the end of May to play Pacific Dunes, Nelson Bay, Horizons, Hawk’s Nest and Newcastle GC. Main reason for initial post was to see if Newcastle was worth the drive and money. Fees seem pretty reasonable for such a high rated course, so I was curious. It’s on the agenda now, so will let you know how we go.
Thank you all for your input. I’m finding that while everyone has their own different opinions on ISG, they can mostly be trusted for honesty and I certainly value the different perspectives people have.

I’ve been a member of Newcastle GC for many years & can back up what the other guys said.

They have had a fair bit of rain recently & closed the course yesterday, to be assessed today.

Hope you have a great time.

I’m playing Newcastle GC on Sunday, as an approximately 18 handicapper (who shot 107 at Brookwater 2 weeks ago!) what would be a good score? Is it a tough course? Should I be prepared to have a mentally tough round?! I like to know in advance ;-)

Cheers