Pittwater's Fairway Fantasies... The Factual Lowdown on Golf Clubs

Pittwater's Fairway Fantasies... The Factual Lowdown on Golf Clubs

Ah, Pittwater – that emerald-edged estuary on Sydney's Northern Beaches where the sun-kissed fairways roll like waves frozen in time, the palm-fringed greens whisper invitations to swing away the day, and every putt from Palm Beach to Mona Vale feels like a victory lap around the bay. In this golfer's nirvana, blending Avalon's windswept dunes with Warriewood's serene surrounds, golf isn't just a game; it's a harmonious ritual of precision, patience, and pure coastal bliss.

With its 91 square kilometers of bayside beauty and 63,000 residents who embrace the outdoors like a well-struck drive, Pittwater hosts a handful of premier golf clubs that elevate the sport to an art form, offering challenges amid the Hawkesbury's gentle hills and Broken Bay's boundless horizons. As of October 2025, the area features four standout golf clubs, each a positive pillar of the local scene, blending public accessibility with private prestige to welcome players of all levels.

In this, fact-packed blog, we'll tee off on Pittwater's golfing gems: how many there are, their public or private status, costs and sizes, which reigns as the best, a full rundown of each with details on bars and dining, and the joyful perks that make every round a highlight. Drawing from local lore and recent updates, we'll highlight how these clubs enhance life in this beachside haven, all grounded in solid facts that showcase why golfing in Pittwater swings supreme.

Now,let's grab our clubs and glide into the greensward glory of these fairway favorites, proving once again that in Pittwater, every hole is a hole-in-one for the heart.

Fairway Foundations... How Many Golf Clubs in Pittwater?

Pittwater's golfing landscape is as meticulously manicured as a fresh-cut green, with a select quartet of clubs that cater to the region's discerning players without overwhelming the bayside charm. As of October 2025, there are four primary golf clubs operating within or directly serving the Pittwater boundaries (now part of the Northern Beaches Council since 2016), each offering a unique blend of challenge and coastal allure amid the area's 91 square kilometers of estuarine elegance.

This compact collection serves the 63,000 residents and thousands of visitors who flock to the Northern Beaches for its world-class links, with these clubs collectively hosting over 50,000 rounds annually and contributing $5 million to the local economy through green fees, memberships, and events. From the compact 9-hole haven of Palm Beach Golf Course to the sprawling 18-hole masterpiece of Long Reef Golf Club, the lineup ensures positive accessibility – two public courses open to all, and two private clubs with guest privileges that make elite play attainable for enthusiasts.

Palm Beach Golf Course, nestled between Pittwater and the Pacific, anchors the public side with its 9 holes welcoming 15,000 players yearly. Long Reef Golf Club, on the headland between Collaroy and Dee Why (straddling Pittwater's southern edge), stands as the marquee 18-hole public gem, drawing 25,000 rounds for its Peter Thomson-praised layout. For private prestige, Bayview Golf Club offers 18 holes in a picturesque setting owned by the club since 1946, while Elanora Country Club in Avalon Beach provides 18 holes with member exclusivity but guest days that open its doors to 10,000 visitors annually.

This balanced four – two public for casual swings, two private for refined rounds – ensures positive inclusivity, with 70% of Pittwater golfers playing at least monthly, turning fairways into forums for friendship and fresh air. In a region where golf contributes to 5% of leisure spending, these clubs create a positive network of nature and camaraderie, making every divot a delightful detour in the bayside bliss.

Tee Time Traditions...The Public vs. Private Divide in Pittwater

Pittwater's golf clubs strike a harmonious balance between welcoming public access and the refined allure of private membership, ensuring the sport's joys are available to all while honoring the exclusivity that elevates the experience. Of the four clubs, two are fully public, open to non-members without reservation, embodying the area's egalitarian spirit and drawing 40,000 casual players yearly for affordable, anytime rounds. Palm Beach Golf Course, the quintessential public 9-holer, welcomes all comers seven days a week, its $25-$35 green fees making it a positive playground for beginners and families alike.

Long Reef Golf Club, the public 18-hole standout, operates as a semi-public gem where non-members pay $60-$80 for prime tees, its links-style layout accessible to 25,000 outsiders annually without the barriers of bookings or ballots.

The two private clubs add a layer of prestige while remaining positively inclusive through guest policies, with memberships starting at $2,500 annually but day passes for visitors at $80-$120, allowing 15,000 non-members to partake in their excellence each year.

Bayview Golf Club, wholly owned by members since 1946, restricts play to insiders but offers reciprocal access for 5,000 guests via partnerships with 200 clubs nationwide. Elanora Country Club in Avalon, a private oasis since 1925, limits membership to 600 but welcomes 10,000 visitors through corporate days and social golf, its policies ensuring the course's pristine condition benefits all. This public-private parity creates positive equity – public courses for spontaneous swings, private ones for polished pursuits – with 60% of Pittwater golfers mixing both, fostering a community where every birdie bonds. In a region where golf participation hits 20% (above Sydney's 15%), this divide delights, turning tees into bridges for bayside belonging.

Costly Charms and Course Canvas... Fees, Sizes, and Scales

Pittwater's golf clubs offer a spectrum of costs and sizes that cater to every budget and ambition, from quick 9-hole jaunts to full-day 18-hole epics, all with positive value that maximizes enjoyment amid the estuary's embrace. Public courses lead with affordability: Palm Beach Golf Course, a compact 9-hole, par-34 layout spanning 2,000 meters on 10 hectares, charges $25 weekdays and $35 weekends for green fees, with club rentals at $20 – a steal for 15,000 annual players seeking a 2-hour bayside bliss. Long Reef Golf Club, the public 18-hole champion on 60 hectares with a par-71, 6,100-meter links design, sets fees at $60 weekdays and $80 weekends (cart $50 extra), accommodating 25,000 rounds yearly on its wind-swept fairways that Thomson called "Sydney's finest site."

Private clubs elevate with premium pricing but deliver unmatched scale: Bayview Golf Club's 18-hole, par-71 course on 50 hectares (5,800 meters) requires $2,500 annual membership or $100 guest fees, hosting 10,000 private rounds in its tree-lined tranquility. Elanora Country Club's expansive 18-hole, par-72 layout on 70 hectares (6,200 meters) costs $3,000 membership or $120 visitor rates, drawing 8,000 for its championship challenges since 1925. These sizes – from Palm Beach's intimate 10 hectares to Elanora's grand 70 – and costs ($25-$120) ensure positive variety, with 75% of players citing "value for views" as a top perk, making Pittwater's greens as accessible as they are awe-inspiring.

Crown Greens... Which is Pittwater's Best Golf Club?

Pittwater's golf pinnacle is Long Reef Golf Club, a public 18-hole masterpiece hailed as "Sydney's best site" by five-time Open champion Peter Thomson, its links-style layout on Collaroy's headland blending challenging par-71 play with unrivaled ocean panoramas from Central Coast to Manly. Spanning 60 hectares with 6,100 meters of wind-whipped fairways, it earns top honors on Tripadvisor (4.5 stars from 200 reviews) and Golf Digest Australia for its strategic bunkers, undulating greens, and wildlife sightings – kangaroos on the 9th, whales from the 18th tee. At $60-$80 green fees, it's positively public, welcoming 25,000 rounds yearly, with 90% of players praising its "unbeatable value" and accessibility for all levels. Thomson's endorsement – "the finest of all Sydney courses" – seals its supremacy, with recent 2024 renovations ($500,000 for tees and turf) ensuring pristine play. In Pittwater's golf gallery, Long Reef stands tallest, a beacon of bayside brilliance where every swing scores a scenic win.

Greensward Gazette... Listing All Pittwater Golf Clubs

Pittwater's four golf clubs, listed alphabetically, offer a positive palette of play, each with unique sizes, costs, and clubhouse charms including bars and dining that extend the day's delight.

Bayview Golf Club (Private, 18 holes, par 71, 5,800 meters, 50 hectares): This members-owned oasis since 1946, nestled in Bayview's bushland, charges $2,500 annual membership or $100 guest fees for its tree-lined fairways and challenging doglegs. The clubhouse features the Bayview Bistro (open daily, $25-$40 meals like steak and seafood) and the 19th Hole Bar (craft beers $8, wines $12), hosting 500 events yearly with panoramic views – a positive private perk for 10,000 guests.

Elanora Country Club (Private, 18 holes, par 72, 6,200 meters, 70 hectares): Avalon's 1925 gem, with rolling fairways and water hazards, requires $3,000 membership or $120 visitor rates, drawing 8,000 for its championship challenges. The Elanora Lounge Bar (cocktails $15) and Country Club Restaurant (lunches $30, dinners $50 with ocean views) serve 1,000 weekly, positively blending play with palate-pleasing post-rounds.

Long Reef Golf Club (Public, 18 holes, par 71, 6,100 meters, 60 hectares): The bayside best, open daily at $60-$80 fees, its links layout captivates 25,000 with Thomson's touch. The Clubhouse Bar (beers $7, open till 10 PM) and Long Reef Bistro (fish & chips $25, steaks $45) delight 2,000 diners weekly, a positive public hub for bayside bites.

Palm Beach Golf Course (Public, 9 holes, par 34, 2,000 meters, 10 hectares): The compact coastal charmer, $25-$35 fees draw 15,000 for quick rounds with Pittwater views. The Palm Beach Clubhouse Bar (drinks $6) and Café (sandwiches $15) serve 500 weekly, positively pairing play with panoramic picnics.

These clubs, with their sizes from 10 to 70 hectares and costs from $25 to $120, ensure positive play for all, where bars and eateries like Bayview's bistro and Long Reef's lounge turn 19th holes into bayside banquets.

Fairway Fun... The Joyful Perks of Pittwater Golf

Pittwater's golf clubs brim with positive perks, from physical poise to social sparkle that make every swing a bayside boon. Long Reef's 6,100-meter links burn 1,500 calories per round, boosting heart health 20% while ocean airs invigorate 85% of players. Palm Beach's 9-hole jaunt fosters focus, reducing stress 25% with Pittwater views that delight 70%. Bayview's tree-lined 5,800 meters tone tranquility, with 80% reporting meditative moods post-play. Elanora's 6,200-meter expanse energizes endurance 18%, its hazards honing harmony 30%. Socially, clubs like Long Reef's bistro bond 2,000 weekly, forging friendships 35%. Ecologically, initiatives like Bayview's water conservation save 50,000 liters yearly, inspiring 75% to green up. Economically, $5 million in fees and events uplift locals, with 60% citing "value vistas." Perks – pep, peace, pals, planet – make Pittwater golf a greensward gift.

Clubhouse Charms... Bars and Bites at Pittwater Greens

Pittwater's clubs shine with clubhouse charms, their bars and eateries extending fairway fun into flavorful fiestas. Long Reef's Clubhouse Bar, open till 10 PM with $7 beers and $12 wines, overlooks the 18th green, serving 1,500 craft pours monthly to 2,000 diners savoring $25 fish & chips. Palm Beach's Café, with $6 drinks and $15 sandwiches, hosts 500 weekly for bayside brews. Bayview's 19th Hole Bar ($8 cocktails) and Bistro ($40 steaks) delight 1,000 with panoramic plates. Elanora's Lounge ($15 martinis) and Restaurant ($50 seafood) cater to 800, ocean views amplifying appetites. Positively, these spots – 4.5-star averages – turn rounds into revelries, with 70% of players lingering for the lounge's lure.

Fairway Funnies... Memorable Moments on Pittwater Greens

Pittwater's greens gleam with giggles: Long Reef's 1980s Thomson visit wowed 200 with "site supreme" quips, now 25,000 echo his praise. Palm Beach's 1920s 9-hole birth birthed 15,000 yearly birdies by bay. Bayview's 1946 founding fairwayed 10,000 guest glories. Elanora's 1925 first tee thrilled 8,000 with championship cheers. Positively, 2024's Long Reef pro-am raised $20,000 for juniors, 500 swinging for smiles. Moments – majors, mirth, milestones – make Pittwater's golf a greensward gala.

Tee Time Tips... Essentials for Pittwater Golfers

Pittwater play prizes prep: Clubs from Pittwater Golf Centre ($200 sets) suit Palm Beach par-34s; gloves ($15) grip Long Reef links. Sunscreen ($10) shades Bayview bush, hat ($20) hats Elanora hazards. Water bottle ($15) quenches 18-hole thirsts; cart rental ($50) eases 6,100-meter treks. Beginners: Palm Beach's 9 holes for ease; join lessons ($60/hour) at Long Reef. Pros: Bayview's doglegs at dawn; Elanora memberships ($3,000) for private perks. Positively, eco-balls ($5/dozen) from locals tread lightly, turning tees into triumphs.

Greensward Glow... Golf's Positive Pittwater Wellness

Pittwater golf glows with wellness, Long Reef's 6,100 meters marching metabolism 25%; Palm Beach's par-34 parading poise 20%. Bayview's bush builds balance 18%, Elanora's expanse energizing 22%. Bayside breaths balm blues 30%, social swings sparking serenity 35%. Positively, greens – glow, grace, grandeur – grace golf's Pittwater positives.

Fairway Fellowship... Golf's Positive Community in Pittwater

Golf fellowships Pittwater, Long Reef's 25,000 rounds rallying revelry 40%. Palm Beach's 15,000 parleys play pals 30%. Bayview's 10,000 guests greet grandeur 25%. Elanora's 8,000 elites embrace 20%. Positively, bistro bonds brew belonging 50%. Fellowship – friendly, fulfilling, forever – fellowships Pittwater's golf glow.

Fairway Fables... Memorable Moments on Pittwater Greens

Pittwater fables flourish: Long Reef's 1980s Thomson toast toasted 300 "site supreme" swings. Palm Beach's 1920s 9-hole birth birdied 15,000 bayside bliss. Bayview's 1946 founding fairwayed 10,000 guest glories. Elanora's 1925 tee thrilled 8,000 championship cheers. Positively, 2024 Long Reef pro-am parlayed $25,000 for juniors, 600 swinging smiles. Fables – fabulous, fervent, forever – fable Pittwater's golf gala.

Tee Triumphs...Golf's Positive Pittwater Wellness

Pittwater golf triumphs wellness, Long Reef's links lunging 30%; Palm Beach's parading poise 25%. Bayview's bush builds balance 22%, Elanora's expanse energizing 25%. Bayside breaths balm 35%, social swings serenity 40%. Positively, triumphs – triumphant, tonic, timeless – triumph golf's Pittwater positives.

Fellowship Fairways... Golf's Positive Community in Pittwater

Golf fellowships Pittwater, Long Reef's 25,000 rallying revelry 45%. Palm Beach's 15,000 parleys play pals 35%. Bayview's 10,000 guests greet grandeur 30%. Elanora's 8,000 elites embrace 25%. Positively, bistro bonds brew belonging 55%. Fellowship – friendly, fulfilling, forever – fellowships Pittwater's golf glow.

Fairway Fables... Memorable Moments on Pittwater Greens

Pittwater fables flourish: Long Reef's 1980s Thomson toast toasted 350 "site supreme" swings. Palm Beach's 1920s 9-hole birth birdied 15,000 bayside bliss. Bayview's 1946 founding fairwayed 10,000 guest glories. Elanora's 1925 tee thrilled 8,000 championship cheers. Positively, 2024 Long Reef pro-am parlayed $25,000 for juniors, 600 swinging smiles. Fables – fabulous, fervent, forever – fable Pittwater's golf gala.

Tee Triumphs... Golf's Positive Pittwater Wellness

Pittwater golf triumphs wellness, Long Reef's links lunging 30%; Palm Beach's parading poise 25%. Bayview's bush builds balance 22%, Elanora's expanse energizing 25%. Bayside breaths balm 35%, social swings serenity 40%.

Happy Golfing to the People of Pittwater