Putting here makes rivals ‘green’ with envy
SYDNEY’S Northern Beaches are renowned for stunning beaches, a buzzing café culture and a glorious natural setting.
Yet nestled deep within, bordered by the expansive Garigal National Park and the serene waters of Narrabeen Lake, is the hidden gem of Cromer Golf Club.
Just 40-minutes by car from Sydney’s CBD, when you arrive, you’re advised to drive slowly down Cromer’s meandering driveway to preserve the overly-confident water dragons, inquisitive wallabies, and understandably prickly echidnas.
Take in your first glimpses of the course between the trees as you pass the elevated fifth tee to your right, pull up at reception and take a few breaths to enjoy the calm.
Cromer’s clubhouse is sheltered beneath the rockface stretching up and beyond towards the endless acres of bushland to the north and west.
Once inside, enjoy stunning elevated views across the course with greenery in all directions.
You’ll never believe you’re so close to bustling businesses with the crashing surf just a few kilometres east.
Offering a unique experience, Cromer is a private members’ club.
The par-70, 18-hole layout has tree-lined fairways, strategically bunkered and well-manicured greens (among the best greens in Sydney) and watercourses, providing golfers of all levels a wonderful golfing experience.
The course stretches to 5990 metres from the tips and 5302 metres from the red plates for championship events.
With multiple tee options daily to suit all players, Cromer has you covered.
You do need to drive well to avoid strategically-placed fairway bunkers, then play accurate approach shots to well-protected greens.
Once on the green, pure bent grass putting surfaces run true and provide a great opportunity to hole putts.
Should you find yourself out of position off the tee or approaching the green, you’re advised to take risk out of the equation and put your ball back into play to avoid potentially racking up a big number.
Members and their visitors do not only have access to a pristine course designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, you are also welcomed into a friendly community supported by a team passionate about looking after you and the environment you play in.
In fact, the Cromer club has transformed from what could have been left as “sour swampland” at its inception in 1926, into a sanctuary for wildlife, even occasionally providing Taronga Zoo with habitat for its birds. Driven by the personal interest of long-standing staff and members alike, Cromer has an eco-conscious team … just ask course superintendent Leon Hennessey about the bees!
General manager, Melissa Ellis, joined Cromer in 2022 from her role as CEO of the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens, and is continuing the legacy arising from the ongoing passion of current members and staff to nurture the unbelievable eco-climate that shelters players as they enjoy their rounds of golf.
Situated among a lagoon, creeks, marsh, flat open land and forest, keep your eyes and ears open to the spectacular birdlife and add your sightings to the club’s well-kept records.
The club offers a range of amenities that are perfect for families and golf enthusiasts alike.
From the course to a state-of-the-art clubhouse with a full-service cafe and bar, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy a day on the course or relax and unwind after a long week.
Cromer even offers car washing to members.
While you’re playing a round, why not have your car washed by Ecowash, who are on site three days a week.
Not only can you improve your game with Cromer’s recently-built short-game area, the club has partnered with Precision Golf, who are soon to launch the world’s largest indoor TrackMan facility located close by in the Cromer business park district, offering a special access deal to the club’s members.
Corporate golf days are held on Tuesdays and are ideal for team relationship and business building.
Club professional, Nicholas Robb, is State coach for the NSW men’s amateur team and has a wealth of expertise which can add a special touch to your event.
After your game, a well-appointed clubhouse provides the perfect place to relax and unwind with a drink and a meal, or for a post-golf business meeting or event.
The club’s Junior Academy continues to be one of the most successful programs north of the Harbour Bridge for cadets to have a pathway into golf and membership.
From the program’s beginnings, the club has watched several club champions progress through the academy.
More importantly, the club benefits with younger generational members forming strong links to the club from an early age.
The women’s Cygnet Golf Program has also proved an outstanding success for introducing women to the game and to Cromer.
Cromer will also host the two-day Pro-Am New South Wales PGA Senior Championship in November.
These events are part of a club culture which see events of this ilk well supported by members.
Cromer also offers twilight golf followed by dinner, live music, picnics, barbecues and boasts the facilities and beautiful setting to host private functions such as birthdays, family gatherings or unforgettable weddings. With an outstanding chef and a reputation for consistent delivery of excellent food, the Melaleuca Room with expansive course and creek views is an ideal wedding or function venue.
As Melissa Ellis says: “Our service to the members is what sets us apart.
“We are heavily member-service orientated, it’s all about the members at Cromer and offering them the best experience we can.
“Community beyond our own well-established golfing family is extremely important, too, and Cromer offers well-priced community membership for local residents who wish to use the club and enjoy the beautiful outlook from the veranda terrace.
“Many members, who retire from golf, play Bridge at the club or just come down to the clubhouse to enjoy the camaraderie.
“So why wait? Take us for test drive (Ts and Cs apply),” says Ellis. “Come and experience some of the best that golf on the Northern Beaches has to offer.
“Contact the club to book a round of golf, learn more about Cromer’s membership options and start enjoying all the benefits of membership.”
QR code to book your ‘test drive’ round of golf and learn more about the benefits of membership.
CROMER GC FACT FILE
Contact: Cromer Golf Club,
Cromer Road, Cromer, NSW 2099
Phone: (02) 9982 3088
Website: www.cromergolfclub.com.au
Membership: admin@cromergolfclub.com.au
Green fees: $75 member’s guest fee 18 holes and $40 for nine holes.
Restrictions: Member and member guest access. International and Interstate access available upon request.
Golf carts: 24 golf carts–all with GPS.
Hire equipment: Available
Practice facilities: New full short-game practice facility with hitting bays, irons only range and putting green. Access to spare hole 12a green for chipping when not in use.
The one shot you need: A relatively straight driver. Ideally a gentle fade or gentle draw will set up a clear shot into the green. The fairways will accept either shape.
Signature hole: Par 4 14th, 314m from the championship tees.
A short par-4 dogleg left encapsulates the strategy required to play Cromer successfully. Potentially a long driver can drive the green with a high tee shot across the dogleg (one hole in one has been recorded on this hole), however trouble awaits with overhanging trees lining the left side, a fairway bunker requiring a 240m carry, as well as a pond short right and green-side left.
The smart lay-up tee shot, short of the fairway bunker with long iron or fairway wood, will leave a short iron approach and most likely a good look at the birdie putt.
Toughest holes and why: From the championship tees, the 12th hole measures 423m. An elevated tee shot, set above the tree canopy, with a lone bunker position to the right side and requiring a 230m carry. Out of bounds hugs the entire left side of this, the narrowest driving hole on the course.
Best chance for a birdie: For the higher handicapper, the par-three 4th hole is the best chance on the course. Requiring a single tee shot across a small pond, once on the relatively flat green, a great birdie chance awaits.
For the lower marker, the par five, third hole will be the best chance at a birdie.
A solid drive will find its way part or all the way down the hill, leaving an iron shot into the green. Once on the green with very little slope, a birdie, or better, awaits.
Ammunition quota: 2-5 balls.
Don’t leave home without … Your sand wedge, as the greens are well protected by newly-renovated bunkers.
Don’t miss: A relaxing post-round cold beverage on the terrace overlooking the course.
Clubhouse facilities: Modern clubhouse with all the facilities one expects from a private golf club for members, corporate events and social functions.
Memberships: Playing categories can be viewed on the club’s website
www.cromergolf.com.au
Pro shop offers: The Pro shop offers a full club fitting service to tailor sets perfectly for members and guests. With the use of Trackman radar technology, members are able to experience the highest-level fitting and coaching services.
Trackman and video analysis is used in private coaching sessions, fittings and team coaching sessions.
Bag and buggy storage for approximately 70 sets.
The Pro shop stocks numerous brands such as Titleist, Footjoy, TaylorMade, Ping, Cobra, Puma, EV New York, Adidas in both equipment and apparel, as well as a large range of club logged merchandise.
Club professional: Head Professional, Nick Robb has been the resident PGA professional for 14 years. He has a strong coaching and club background and is on-hand to provide members with the highest quality fitting, coaching and golf shop services. You will see Nick on the course with the members regularly, helping them with their games or just simply enjoying a few holes.
Nick has a strong resume as he was previously the NSW Men’s State coach, Club Professional of the year in 2016 and recently won the PGA Legends Tour School.
Nick has been integral in developing the Junior Golf Academy and the Women’s Cygnet (new golfers) programs from which the club continues to grow.
The best thing about Cromer: The best thing about Cromer is the tranquil late afternoon walks along the beautifully manicured fairways and immaculate greens. As the sun sets, the light highlights the bright white sand of the bunkers and the welcoming green of the fairways.
The “Cromer Breeze”:
Cromer is known for its swirling winds. Tee up on the 3rd down-wind, play the 4th into the wind and then don’t be surprised when you turn around that the 5th is straight back into the breeze again. The “Cromer Breeze!”
