Byron & Beyond - Golf Guide

Well, let’s cut to the chase, Byron Bay isn’t widely known as a ‘go to’ golf zone. But then again neither is our feature golf club review of Lord Howe Island, which goes to show we don’t follow typical rules about what constitutes a desirable golf destination. Nope, we’ll leave those decisions up to you. We’re all about playability and accessibility which is why this shire gets our vote.

In saying that, asides from the Byron / Ballina regional courses we have covered, you should know that the entire northern rivers region has plenty to offer the keen golfer. Think south (approx. 1.5 hours from Byron) to the seaside Yamba Golf Club and due west to the hinterland gem that is Murwillumbah golf course. But I digress, let’s focus on the postcodes at hand and tempt you to take a golf holiday here. 

Teven Golf Club

This superb Craig Parry designed 9 hole course is located just west of Lennox Head and approx. 30 minutes from central Byron. It’s the first Sir Grange Zoysia grass course in Australia and an absolute delight to play on. Magnificently maintained this boutique course is a fun challenge for golfers of all abilities. The greens and fairways are evidently meticulously cared for in this hinterland golf haven. Teven has a relaxed, unhurried vibe that appeals to people who enjoy premium golf facilities amid a casual atmosphere. Perch yourself at the clubhouse post round for an ice cold beverage and admire the spectacular scenery as you watch the other players form on the course. Tip: the nearby Eltham Hotel (a beautifully restored classic Australian pub) is perfect for a long lunch and/or an overnight stay.

Note: Teven is a walking course, there are no carts for hire but pull buggy’s are available.

Ballina Golf Club

An easy walking, tree-lined 18 hole course nestled next to North Creek in East Ballina, with cooling ocean breezes that positively enhance your experience. Ballina Golf Club is a leading local destination for golf enthusiasts who enjoy a golf course of champion standard. The club hosts plenty of golf, social and community events and boasts a newly refurbished clubhouse and restaurant.

 Ballina Golf Club has a strong contingent of female players who play competition golf five days a week. The main women’s events on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays regularly attract upwards of 50 entrants. Visitors are always welcome!

Ocean Shores Golf & Country Club

Not sure how the locals will feel about us outing Ocean Shores as one the premier courses in northern NSW but it’s too late now. Designed in the late 1960s by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge, the Championship layout is carved through native flora, tidal lakes, and rivers with the Koonyum mountain ranges as a backdrop.

The 18-hole layout comprises six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s, with the same par never being played consecutively. This distribution adds to the unique nature of the course. A standout feature of the course is the large greens that are protected by extensive bunkering. The combination of tifdwarf and tifeagle greens make for some of the purest and quickest putting surfaces you’ll play on. Ocean Shores has a strong female membership base and often hosts women’s tournaments (pandemic restrictions permitting). We love that they have a dedicated ladies golf blog on their website too which keeps members up to date with all the local women’s golf news.  

Byron Bay Golf Club

The Byron Bay Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole championship course. Set out on 120 acres of coastal habitat, the course is beautifully landscaped with ocean views from several holes. Not surprisingly, considering the growth of women’s golf in recent times, the club has seen an impressive 20% increase in female memberships in the last year. There’s approx. 100 female playing members all up - many of whom are in engaged with the game and the community aspect of the club.

The front 9 is tightly framed by paperbark trees on several holes and there’s plenty of water hazards along the way, hence strike accuracy is key. Note: none of the water hazards are overtly huge so there’s no need to be concerned it you’re not the longest hitter. The elevated 1^st tee gives a primo view of the fairway below and the surrounding beauty of the course. Meanwhile over at the back 9 you’ll find the holes a lot flatter in comparison to the hilly layout of the front.

All playing surfaces here are top quality and the club gets bonus points for the tasty evening menu options from Bowerbird Dining & Catering. Byron Bay is highly regarded as a foodie hub so its apt that the club meals here are scrumptious.

Main image:  Murwillumbah golf course