Australia has an oversupply of golf courses where comparisons are made between them and Augusta National. Bonville is one; Royal Canberra (pre-redesign, but perhaps also post) is another. However, the course that arguably resembles the mighty Georgia layout most closely is the Hilltop course at Mollymook Golf Club, for its back nine marries magnificent flora with heavy undulations and slick putting surfaces.
The Hilltop back nine is one of the prettiest and most challenging stretches of holes to be found. The elevation changes – some quite severe – link with the forest and garden-like setting to provide tranquility. Tranquil, though, is hardly the word to describe the greens. There are some brutal contours to conquer after navigating the sloping fairways. We often hear the advice, “Stay below the hole”, but on these putting surfaces it is mandatory. The club itself puts it best with this succinct warning: “Once on the putting surface there may still be a good deal of golf left.”
Next up for the Hilltop course is a six-year renovation, at three holes per year beginning in 2024. “The purpose of the plan is to improve the playability and quality of the playing surfaces,” says golf manager Barry West. “The course layout will remain the same with the exception of the ninth hole, which is rerouted away from the proximity of the clubhouse and cart-staging areas.”
THE DETAILS
Mollymook Golf Club (Hilltop course)
Ranking in 2022: 92nd
Prior rankings: 92nd (2020), 83rd (2004), 71st (2000), 75th (1998), 67th (1996), 78th (1994), 99th (1991)
Where: Clifford Close, Mollymook NSW 2539
Phone: (02) 4455 2055
Web: mollymookgolf.com.au
