Course Update 

August 5 2025

Dear Members,

Weather Update

Unfortunately, the rain over the weekend has continued to flood our course, further delaying our recovery works. We received approximately 140mm over the weekend. Whilst we didn't think it was possible, the water levels rose a further 150mm than they were at the start of July.  

The weather forecast is bleak and with rain forecast for the coming week. We are unsure of what impact this will have on the course, but we do know this will delay any plans to bring the course back to its normal 27 holes.

Course Update and Conditions

Due to the conditions, the course was closed on Monday and Tuesday. While some areas remain too wet to access safely, we are planning to reopen the course for walking play only from Wednesday. Please note, carts are to be off for the remainder of the week, but we will review conditions daily.

There has been a significant impact with water inundation on the course, with nearly half of the 16th green and one-third of the 3rd green currently under water. Many areas of fairways and roughs are also under water. The area on the 22nd and 16th is approx 800mm deep, it is expected this area will take months to recover.  Several large trees have also come down over the weekend, and the clean-up required is substantial and will continue for several months.

Moving Water

We are continuing to pump and move surface water across our property to the lowest point into our dams on the 13th and 14th holes. This is an extremely slow process as there is less than 1m of fall across the course to the exit point. The water travels from the 23rd hole through the 26th, 7th, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 13th holes and eventually to the 14th dams where it exits the property. 

Alternative Playing Options for Members

We’ve made arrangements with several local golf clubs to give our members access to their courses at a special discounted rate. This is a temporary option to help during this period of limited availability and wet course conditions.

We’re very grateful to these clubs for their generosity and support. It’s a great reminder of how the golfing community looks after one another during challenging times.

Horizons Golf Resort 

Temporary interim preferential rate for Nelson Bay GC members.

Unrestricted access Sunday – Friday

Saturday competition days between 9am and 10am, limited availability. After 10am, competition times are available, however this could be mixed in with social golfers. Expect a one-tee start on most days.  

Green fee $30. Comp fee $13. Cart fee $50/cart.

Booking procedure: Please contact the Horizons pro shop on 4981 0474 with your NBGC golflink number.

Pacific Dunes Golf Club 

Special offer to NBGC members:

$55pp (normally $70) - includes competition fee and subject to availability.  

NBGC members are able to book 1 week prior.

Booking procedure: Please contact Pacific Dunes Pro Shop with your NBGC Golflink number on 4916 0500

Golf Events and Tee Sheet Update

Members are encouraged to utilise the information provided on the daily tee sheet (shown in the image below) to help guide their golf plans. This will give you the most up-to-date picture of the slots available for each date.

The following dates leading up to the end of August are worth noting, with limited availability expected due to tour operators, accommodation partners, visiting groups, and member bookings.

We are no longer taking additional group bookings. Existing groups have been moved, where possible, to the back end of the morning or afternoon fields to help maintain a reasonable pace of play during competition times.

Saturday 16 August – Stableford

Limited competition slots are available

Morning: 52 players Afternoon: 68 players

Sunday 17 August – Stableford 

Available competition times

Morning: 44 spots Afternoon: 64 spots

Includes 18-hole Stableford – L&Z Chalmers Mixed Team Rd 5

Saturday 30 August – Stroke Medal 

Available competition times

Morning: 96 slots Afternoon: 112 slots

Includes qualifier for Stroke Matchplay Champs (top 4 in each grade).

A & B grade – black markers | C grade – blue markers

GA of 19.6 and above is C grade

Sunday 31 August – Stableford 

Available competition times

Morning: 96 spots Afternoon: 16 spots

Please note: Wedding on-site from 3pm on the 19th hole area

Greens Renovation Schedule

Monday 18 August - Coring 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 24 + 25

Tuesday 19 August - Coring 10, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 + 27

Wednesday 20 August - Coring 6, 11, 12 + 23

Rescheduling of Events 

Both our Mens and Ladies Match Committees are busy reviewing the remaining fixtures for the year. It is likely many of our planned events could be rescheduled and/or cancelled. We will do our best to manage our flagship events but noting we are operating under very unique and challenges circumstances, there will be amendments to our golfing calendars. 

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work through these challenging conditions. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to better playing conditions ahead.

David Lulham

General Manager