Ellerston,
nr Scone, New South Wales
Office
The Course:
18 holes. Open links-style. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb (and long green-to-tee walks).
Surroundings:
Rolling bushland.
Designer:
Greg Norman Golf Course Design (lead designer Bob Harrison).
-31.807177
151.299355
220 km NW of Newcastle.
Ellerston
Ellerston Golf Course: hidden away in the secluded high country of the Upper Hunter, the ultra exclusive Ellerston golf course remains the very private "playground" of one of Australia’s wealthiest families, the Packers.
Founder Kerry Packer's instructions to Australian golfing superstar and course designer Greg Norman were unequivocal. "Build me the toughest and most spectacular golf course in Australia". One imagines budgetary considerations took a back seat, as Norman set about designing a world-class course.
In every respect, from the superb and challenging design, faultless day-to-day conditioning, and sheer golfing exhilaration, Ellerston is (they say) a world-beater. But who's to know, except an elite few who have played there.
The majority of holes are laid out along a dramatic and fast-running stream (Pages Creek). Others meander into and through the spectacular and undulating terrain of the upland country. Beyond the course, the pristine rolling hills of the Upper Hunter play their very scenic part in this fabulous but very private project.
Private course, reserved exclusively for the owners and their invited guests.
Good
Ellerston was conceived by the late Kerry Packer (1937-2005) as an exclusive and world-class golf (and polo) facility for his family and invited guests. Kerry Packer, son of Australian media proprietor Sir Frank Packer, became one of Australia's most powerful media tycoons and, in his time, the richest man in Australia.
Beyond his media interests, Packer was best known for founding World Series Cricket, which helped transform and modernise the game, but at the time was considered an affront to the cricketing establishment and its controlling bodies.
World's former 83rd best course (GOLF Magazine, 2021/22; not in latest edition of this ranking).
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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