Top Five 'Stay-and-Play' NSW Golf Courses for a Holiday Hole-in-One

Chateau Elan

As the world's best professional golfers prepare for Australia's most prestigious golf championship, the Emirates Australian Open, fans feeling inspired by the pros should take advantage of the pleasant NSW climate and variety of high-class golf resorts and book a relaxing golf getaway ahead of the tournament.

From 26-29 November 2015, the Australian Open will be held in Sydney at one of Australia's most famous golf courses, The Australian Golf Club, offering golf lovers the chance to get up close and personal with the world's best players. Dual major winner, defending champion and world No. 2 Jordan Spieth and former Australian Open champion Adam Scott will be among the top names teeing off to win the title this year.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said: “NSW is a golfer's paradise, with hundreds of top-quality courses around the State. I'd encourage all golfers to get out and explore regional NSW's golf courses, as there is something for all ages and abilities.”

From luxurious golf and spa retreats to peaceful bushland courses, golf lovers will find some of the country's best fairways and most relaxing retreats in regional NSW. Ahead of the Australian Open, try one of these top five stay-and-play NSW golf courses for a holiday hole-in-one.

1. Bonville Golf Resort, Coffs Harbour

Voted as one of the most beautiful golf courses in Australia, Bonville Golf Resort's Par 72 championship course challenges and stimulates golfers of every standard. Rising and dipping through the beautiful landscape on the Coffs Harbour Coast, the course is a private haven for golfers and wildlife alike, with the area providing a natural sanctuary for a wide range of native Australian animals. After a day of golf or wildlife spotting, guests can take a refreshing dip in the billabong-style swimming pool or make their way to the breathtaking beaches of Sawtell, less than 5 minutes away. Combined with luxury accommodation and a fine-dining restaurant, the property is the ideal destination for a relaxing trip away with friends.

2. Chateau Elan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley

Nestled among vineyards and an easy two-hour drive from Sydney, Chateau Elan is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine country and provides a desirable combination of fine wine, great golf, pampering spa treatments and luxury accommodation. One of Australia's finest golf and spa resorts, Chateau Elan offers a selection of luxury Spa Suites and private villas overlooking the fairways of The Vintage championship golf course, the only Greg Norman-designed course accessible to the public in New South Wales.

3. Fairmont Resort, Blue Mountains

The Fairmont Resort, located on the edge of the Jamison Valley in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, offers 223 award-winning rooms and suites and adjoins the groomed fairways of the Leura Golf Club. The oldest course in the Blue Mountains, Leura Golf Club offers players a spectacular cliff-top setting in which to play 18 holes. Following a round of golf, guests can enjoy a meal at one of the five on-site dining locations, relax with a luxurious spa treatment or explore the extensive 9.5 hectares of tranquil grounds and gardens.

4. Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral

A stunning rural property on the outskirts of Bowral, Peppers Craigieburn is a luxury estate with a nine-hole vintage golf course. Retaining the style and elegance of the original homestead, built in 1887, Peppers Craigieburn is a relaxed country retreat set in an area renowned for its national parks, antique shopping and cool-climate wines. The property is home to the private Craigieburn Hickory Golf Course that is more than 100 years old and still features the original course layout.

5. Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, Snowy Mountains 

Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa

Nestled in the Thredbo Valley on the border of the Kosciuszko National Park, Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa is set within 60 hectares of natural bushland and surrounded by the spectacular Snowy Mountains. The resort offers a range of self-contained apartments and chalets, two dining establishments, a day spa and a 9-hole par 3 golf course located deep within the peaceful bush surroundings and home to wild brumbies and kangaroos. Just 15 minutes from Thredbo and Perisher resorts, Lake Crackenback Resort is the perfect base to explore all facets of the Snowy Mountains and take advantage of the plethora of activities available.

For more information on Sydney and New South Wales, visit www.sydney.com or www.visitnsw.com.