Australian Experience - North Ryde Golf Club - Webblog about our travel Down Under in Australia

North Ryde Golf Club

	Twin Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113
	Tel: 61 (2) 9888 5518
	Course Level: Medium
	Opening Hours: Members Comp. Sat, Sun. Bookings essential.
	Green Fee: Midweek $30, Weekends $35
	Website: http://www.northrydegolfclub.com.au
The golf course at North Ryde Golf Club is an eighteen hole course, with a Par of 69, measuring 5,323 metres. The golf course is well-known for its tight fairways and its excellent condition. Whilst length is not a premium on every hole, most holes require an accurate drive for a chance of par, or better. Tree lined course, well drained, watered Kikuyu fairways with Pencross Bent greens, water carry on 3 holes. Slicks and soft spikes required. Strict dress code.

Hole 1 - Par 4, 340 metres

A slight dog-leg to the left, the green is protected by a large gum tree that is the inspiration for the Club's logo. The position of the gum tree requires an accurate tee-shot and an even more accurate approach. The big gum has caused a bad start to many a round, particularly for those brave enough to try and hit over it.

Hole 2 - Par 4, 328 metres

Trees and sand bunkers on both sides of the fairway await any errant tee-shot on this Par 4. Those taking a shorter club to ensure they are in play should be rewarded. An undulating green means that two putts are not assured.

Hole 3 - Par 3, 129 metres

The first of the Par 3's, this is one of the shorter ones, but nonetheless a challenging hole. A two tiered green, well guarded by bunkers and trees, can mean bogey or worse, if you don't hit the green. A tee-shot finishing on the same level as the pin will ensure a chance for birdie, or a relatively easy two putts for par.

Hole 4 - Par 4, 384 metres

Another good driving hole, with trees on either side of the fairway waiting for any errant tee-shot. The dam is located some 250 metres from the tee and may cause some problems for shorter hitters on their second shots. Big hitters may have to hit a fairway wood, or long iron, to make sure their tee shot stays dry, particularly with an assisting breeze.

Hole 5 - Par 4, 371 metres

A very challenging hole. If you are going to miss the fairway on this hole, miss it to the right. At least then you may still have a chance to get on the green in two. A player who finds the trees on the left, will have little chance in making the green in regulation.

Hole 6 - Par 3, 136 metres

The position of the tee can make picking the breeze and therefore, club selection, difficult. It is best to miss this green short. A tee shot over the back of the green will leave you with a difficult chip, or trap shot, particularly if the hole location is towards the back of the green.

Hole 7 - Par 4, 416 metres

The hardest hole on the course. Most players should play this hole as a Par 5. Completing it in 4 strokes is almost like making birdie. A long and straight drive, will still leave all but the best players with a fairway wood, or long iron, for their second shots. A shorter drive, or one missing the fairway, may require you to a lay-up short of the water hazard, for your second shot.

Hole 8 - Par 3, 184 metres

The most challenging Par 3 on the golf course. Not only is a long Par 3 at 184 metres, but the out-of-bounds along the entire left hand side of the hole, makes this an intimidating tee shot. Whilst there is a bail out area to the right of the green, this can leave you with a very difficult chip, particularly if the pin is located on the right side of the green.

Hole 9 - Par 5, 474 metres

An accurate drive is required on this hole, to set up a birdie or par. The fairway slopes towards the right hand trees, which can divert what might have been thought to be a good shot. Avoid the trees on the right as you approach the green, unless you wish to make bogey.

Hole 10 - Par 3, 142 metres

As it's name suggests, this hole is well guarded by bunkers and requires an accurate tee-shot. Take an extra club, particularly if the pin is towards the back of the green. A large undulating green, can make putting for par difficult.

Hole 11 - Par 4, 284 metres

For most players, this hole dictates a tee-shot short of the fairway bunker. If laying up, make sure you take the right club, because if you're tee-shot finds the bunker, it will make par very difficult. Longer hitters may take the driver and hit over the bunker, but the hole becomes narrower, as you get closer to the green. A straight drive may set up birdie, but an errant one, will put bogey into the equation.

Hole 12 - Par 4, 282 metres

The tee-shot on this short Par 4 must be threaded through "the Needle". Trees right along the edge of the tee await any drive that is slightly off line. If you do not clear the chute, par becomes difficult. A smart play is to take a mid iron to find the fairway. You will have a short iron for your second shot and a chance of birdie.

Hole 13 - Par 5, 459 metres

Large gum trees are located on both sides of the fairway, approximately sixty metres from the green. A straight drive and second shot will be well rewarded. Less accurate shots may make your par difficult.

Hole 14 - Par 3, 137 metres

A relatively straight forward Par 3, but a wayward tee shot, in one of the three large bunkers which guard this green, will require a good recovery shot to salvage par.

Hole 15 - Par 4, 292 metres

A blind tee shot, this hole rewards an accurate drive. If you miss the fairway on this hole, you will most likely be chipping out and scrambling to save par.

Hole 16 - Par 4, 324 metres

Two large gum trees, on either side of the tee, have caused grief to many players over the years. If you have managed to thread your drive through the gap, you must negotiate the trees and fairway bunker, which protrude onto the fairway, to greatly reduce the landing area. If you have found the fairway, you are a fairly good chance to find the green, provided you select the right club.

Hole 17 - Par 5, 505 metres

The longest Par 5 on the golf course and your last chance to use the driver! A good drive is handy, but not essential. Only the biggest hitters will reach this hole in two. The second shot is critical. Avoid the trees on the left hand side of the fairway.

Hole 18 - Par 3, 136 metres

This hole has ruined many a good round. The out of bounds along the left hand side of the hole plays on the mind. One last good swing and the right club, should see you on the green, putting for birdie. The green slopes from back to front and, depending on the pin placement, you can be left with an awkward putt.