“Long Reef Golf Club: Discover Coastal Links Perfection”

The Northern Beaches region of Sydney boasts some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes in New South Wales, and if you’re a lover of both golf and gastronomy, Long Reef Golf Club delivers an experience that’s hard to match. Situated on a dramatic headland between Collaroy and Dee Why, this club offers a combination of pristine links-style golf and exceptional dining. Add to that its proximity to other dining gems in the area, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a day out. Let us take you through a comprehensive guide to everything Long Reef Golf Club has to offer, along with some local food recommendations in this beautiful part of Australia.

The Golf Experience: A Stunning Links Course with Ocean Views

Regarded by the legendary five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson as “the best site of any golf course in Sydney,” Long Reef Golf Club is a public-access venue that promises more than just a game of golf—it’s an encounter with nature’s brilliance. With 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and a par-71 layout for men (par-73 for women), the course challenges and delights players of all skill levels.

The Front Nine: Coastal Challenges and Scenic Warm-Ups

• Hole 1 (Par 5): Start your round with purpose; this opening hole demands precision. A narrow tee shot is flanked by out-of-bounds on the right, and a creek bisects the fairway. Strategy is key.
• Hole 2 (Par 3): With its mid-length challenge and unpredictable sea breeze, this par 3 plays trickier than first impressions suggest.
• Hole 3 (Par 4): A dogleg left provides a choice: play it safe or attempt to reach the green if you’re a big hitter—but beware of thick scrub lurking on the left.
• Hole 4 (Par 4): This is a long and demanding hole, requiring two solid, precise shots to approach the green, which is fortified by surrounding bunkers.
• Hole 5 (Par 4): Features both water and bunkers, challenging players to carefully select their clubs for success.
• Hole 6 (Par 4): A shorter hole but still formidable, with a green protected by water. Accuracy from the tee box is critical.
• Hole 7 (Par 3): One of the course’s signature holes, playing directly over water. Calculated club selection is crucial here.
• Hole 8 (Par 4): Slightly uphill, this hole is defined by its strategic bunkering, where accuracy trumps power.
• Hole 9 (Par 5): Rounding off the front nine, this hole poses an opportunity to score, as long as you can manoeuvre past the fairway traps.

The Back Nine: Hilly Terrain with Elevated Drama

• Hole 10 (Par 3): The back nine starts with a stunning par 3 that marks the climb to higher ground.
• Hole 11 (Par 4): A slight dogleg right; the safer play is to keep to the left, avoiding the imposing high mounding.
• Hole 12 (Par 4): Accuracy is tested again here, with sand strategically surrounding the green complex.
• Hole 13 (Par 3): A lovely short par 3, made challenging by the ever-present coastal winds.
• Hole 14 (Par 4): A downhill experience where the natural slope often guides the ball right. The second shot over fairway bunkers can be daunting.
• Hole 15 (Par 5): This long, sweeping par 5 rewards effort with magnificent views of the coastline—a hole you won’t forget anytime soon.
• Hole 16 (Par 4): Regarded for having one of Sydney’s most breathtaking backdrops, this hole features a downhill tee with the ocean as a striking visual complement.
• Hole 17 (Par 4): Perhaps the club’s signature hole, it edges along the coastline and is both picturesque and demanding, especially in windy conditions.
• Hole 18 (Par 4): The finishing hole is a true test, involving a mid-iron approach to a sloping green surrounded by bunkers—a fitting conclusion for this incredible course.

The Clubhouse: Relaxed Dining with Views to Match

Finish your round or simply stop by to enjoy the relaxed ambiance at the Long Reef Café and Clubhouse. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the sweeping headland and Pacific Ocean, the club offers a dining experience that’s as enjoyable as the views.

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Must-Try Menu Items

• The Long Reef Breakfast: A classic morning spread that includes eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and sourdough—perfect for fuelling your day.
• Corn & Zucchini Fritters: A lighter yet flavour-packed option, served with poached eggs, rocket, and pesto.
• Seafood Platter: A favourite among lunch-goers, this selection showcases the region’s incredible seafood, perfectly complementing the coastal vibe.

Beverages range from expertly crafted coffees to refreshing cold-pressed juices, such as the vibrant “Green with Envy” smoothie.

Exploring Nearby Dining Gems

While the offerings at the club’s café are stellar, Northern Beaches boasts a thriving dining scene to round out your culinary adventure.

• Dee Why Beach Restaurants: A quick drive from Long Reef brings you to Dee Why Beach, where waterfront eateries serve everything from traditional fish and chips to modern Australian dishes.
• Collaroy’s Cafés: The nearby suburb of Collaroy is home to an array of cosy cafés offering exceptional coffee, homemade pastries, and beautiful breakfasts.
• Hidden Gems in Narrabeen: For those seeking a more laid-back vibe, Narrabeen offers hidden gems like beachfront taco joints and authentic wood-fired pizzas with unbeatable sunset views.

Why Long Reef is a Must-Visit for Food and Golf Lovers

Whether you’re embarking on a road trip along Sydney’s Northern Beaches or simply seeking a day of sport and indulgence, Long Reef Golf Club is a destination that captures the essence of coastal Australia. The pairing of its breathtaking links-style course with dining that highlights fresh, local produce ensures a memorable experience worth savouring. Plus, with easy access to other local dining hot spots, it’s the ideal way to combine the thrill of golf with an exploration of some of the area’s best culinary offerings. So, hop into one of your Zipli Cars, bring your appetite, and get ready for a day of teeing off and tucking in!

Food & Local Experiences

Chris Evans

Food & Lifestyle Writer

Savor authentic Australian cuisine and hidden gems.