Glenmore Heritage Valley

Glenmore Heritage Valley, a short 45mins drive from Sydney CBD, 10 minutes south of Penrith, at the foot of Blue Mountains is a little hidden gem. This is a course that provides a real golf challenge with a laid back country feel as it snakes its way along the valley.

Course Architect - Hak Kil Lee

Length - 5,941m / Par 72

Signature Hole - The Par 3 - 9th.

Course Highlight - 'The Corner', holes 10 through 13, a difficult yet picturesque stretch of holes that make or break a round.

The joys of Glenmore Heritage Valley start as you approach the front gates. The trip sees you drive the full length of the 4th and 5th holes. You can see the groups currently on course and just can’t wait to get amongst it as the anticipation builds. This course is suitable for players of all abilities with a great mix of "links style" holes, with the most memorable being the Par 3 - 9th. A carry of 153m over water awaits as you step onto the tee box. Leaving the average golfer a "get out of jail free card" where a wild hook or slice will see you finish on an adjacent fairway leaving you with a chance to recover (which suits Bogey's markers who are a little more erratic off the tee). The Par 5, 6th is easily one of the longest playing holes that Bogey Golfer has attempted to conquer. From the Championship tees it is a long 589m up hill, dogleg right with danger either side of the fairway. To walk away with Par is a victory in of itself. The course is spattered with it's fair share of water and where lakes and dams come into play on a number of holes. Whilst there is a good quality practice green the course really does lack practice facilities and in particular a driving range or chipping green. There are nine additional holes at the back of the course that appear to be rarely used. Perhaps these can be converted into a practice facility that rivals the best of courses and will therefore increase the appeal/experience of playing in the valley. While the course is generally in great shape across the board,  frustration can creep in to a round due to slow playing groups in front, 5+ hour rounds are not out of the ordinary (especially on a Sunday - otherwise known as Social Sunday). There is no course management or marshaling and Glenmore Heritage Valley may do better to space social groups slightly further apart, ensuring free flowing play. If you don’t mind a long round or can afford a day off mid week, take the trip to the foothills and enjoy one of Sydney's best kept secrets. 

Bogey's Rating

Greens - 7/10 – The greens are generally soft which allows Bogey Golfer to stop the ball on a green with ease. The fringes have a tendency to be very soggy but the ball rolls well and the shape make for a challenging day with the flat iron.

Fairways - 7/10 – These are always in good condition with even grass cover. A good lie is certain when you put one down the middle.

Bunkers - 7/10 - Green side bunkers are well placed to protect the green however the fairway bunkers rarely come into play. Most (but not all) bunkers are in good condition and evidence of improvement in this area can be witnessed as you walk the layout.

Customer Service - 7/10 - The staff are friendly and helpful, however you rarely see the drinks cart and GHV would benefit from more drinking fountains. TIP: Stock up on water before tee off.

Value - 8/10 – A social round will cost you $30. This is great value for a 7 flag course given the prices you can (and will) pay around Sydney.

Overall Rating - 7.2/10 flags