Mount Broughton

Mount Broughton, one hours drive from Sydney, in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands, is one of Australia's longest and unique courses, designed in a links format with Scottish styling, and rated at 75 ACR when playing off the black markers, its a true test of golf.

Course Architect - Frank Williams
Length - 6619m / Par 72
Signature Hole - The Par 3 - 2nd.
Course Highlights - Long sweeping links style fairways, soft and pristine greens, waist high 'rough'.

The Mount Broughton course challenges the average golfer both in length and accuracy. The key to the course is the thick rough that occupies each side of most fairways, often resulting in a lost ball (Bogey Golfer was lucky enough to witness 5 lost balls on one hole) for any errant tee shot. The weather plays a big part in the overall experience while playing at this course, with both wind, and the winter Highland temperatures being extreme factors for consideration. The often discussed highlight of the course is the 2nd, also known as the signature hole at Mount Broughton. A 207 metre par 3 over water, from a well elevated tee, with knee high rough short, left and right. The hole sets up for a long accurate iron shot (but can differ from 3 wood to 5 iron depending on the wind direction), and gives a great view of the surrounding farm land. The par 5 16th,  bending back towards the club house, along with the elevated 14th before it, which requires the golfer to shape a faded tee shot over cathedral style bunkers are two more of the many discussion points when finally reaching the turreted club house. The greens at Mount Broughton are normally in excellent condition, they roll true, and fast, but lack the excitement and shape provided by other top 100 courses. Bunkers are also developing, with some currently GUR while the course upgrades. The clubhouse is designed in the Scottish Tudor style and seemingly calls you home from the 14th on, has an old world charm. Take time at the end of a difficult but enjoyable round to have a beer on the balcony overlooking the 18th and contemplate what you have just been privileged to play. Peppers Mossvale is located on the same property, so accommodation is a breeze and you may even find Bogey Golfer wandering the practice facilities late into the evening at this glorious layout. Overall, its a beautiful, and an extremely challenging course. Coupled with the lack of crowds, Mount Broughton makes for a worth while day trip south from Sydney. Get there!

Bogey's Ratings

Greens - 8/10 - True, fast, and always in superb condition, predictable in shape however.
Fairways - 7/10 - Have a tenancy to be damp under foot and a bit patchy but overall very good. Made all the more enjoyable if you find yourself safely on them while your markers pick their way through waist high grass.
Bunkers - 7/10 -  Some are GUR, most are now complete, there are some with hard and patchy sand, however all are well placed and nearly always in play.
Customer Service - 8/10 - The staff are friendly and helpful, and with the added bonus of a bag drop, this adds to the overall enjoyment of playing The Mount.
Value - 7/10 - At $70 per round this is probably a little over priced however there are good deals to be had once a month on their open days or you could play with one of the friendly locals in the Saturday comp.

Overall Rating - 7.4/10 flags