By 
GCR Score: 4.5 / 5
Verdict: Highly recommended for committed Sydney members who value strong parkland golf, community, and polished facilities.
Best For: Hills District golfers, regular competitors, families, business golf, and players seeking a traditional private-club home
Think Twice If: You need unrestricted public tee times, a flat walk, or a low-cost membership without an entrance charge
Last Reviewed: 29 July 2026
Pennant Hills Golf Club combines demanding hillside golf with a member culture that feels established rather than ceremonial.
The course has excellent strategic variety and polished facilities. Private access and substantial joining costs are the unavoidable trade-offs.
This Pennant Hills Golf Club review examines current fees, access, design, course works, and the membership value equation.
At a Glance
Image: Pennant Hills Golf Club
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Corner Copeland and Burns Road South, Beecroft NSW 2119 |
| Course Type | Private, hilly Sydney parkland |
| Holes | 18 holes; men par 71, women par 73 |
| Course Length | 5,923m blue; 5,329m red |
| Scratch / Slope | Blue 72 / 133; red 75 / 138 |
| Green Fees | No public rate card; visitor fee applies when access is approved |
| Visitor Access | Member guests, reciprocal players, corporate golf, and international enquiries |
| Membership | 2026-27 Full Playing A$7,000 including A$500 trading credit |
| Dress Code | Traditional private-club golf attire |
| Buggy Hire | Available through the Pro Shop; confirm current fee |
| Founded | 1923; full 18 holes opened 22 March 1924 |
| Phone | +61 2 8860 5800 |
| Official Website | Pennant Hills Golf Club |
All prices are Australian dollars. Confirm GST, access windows, cart rules, and membership availability directly before booking or joining.
Course Overview
The official course tour presents a 5,923m, par-71 championship layout. Blue tees carry a 72 scratch rating and 133 slope.
The club formed in 1923 on land where organised golf began during 1906. Its full 18-hole course opened on 22 March 1924.
Australian Golf Digest emphasises sloping terrain and subtle green movement. Those features define the experience more accurately than raw length.
Our key takeaway: Pennant Hills delivers serious member golf, but visitors cannot treat it like a public Sydney booking.
Course Design and Standout Holes
Trees, bunkers, gullies, and uneven lies defend a course measuring under 6,000m. Positioning carries more value than uncontrolled distance.
The opening par 5 immediately asks golfers to manage trees and out-of-bounds. Its approach is guarded by bunkers on both sides.
The 152m fourteenth combines deep bunkers, trees, and a pond. Wind and daily tee position can change its correct club.
Green Fees and Visitor Access
Pennant Hills is private, so approved access matters more than a green-fee number.
| Option | Published Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public green fee | Not published | No normal independent local booking |
| Member guest | Visitor fee of the day | Competition fee also applies when relevant |
| International visitor | Enquire with Pro Shop | Tee times considered by request |
| Reciprocal member | Confirm with both clubs | Letter of introduction required |
| Corporate golf | Package pricing | Available through the club |
The visitor page welcomes international enquiries. Local independent public bookings are not offered as a standard pathway.
Members may introduce playing guests, subject to club rules and restricted times. A non-member cannot use repeated invitations as public access.
Call the Pro Shop on +61 2 8860 5860 for playing enquiries. Ask about course works, the daily fee, and temporary routing.
Course Conditions
Pennant Hills has been progressing a staged repair and maintenance programme during 2026. Rebuilt greens and pathways can affect temporary routing.
That investment supports the long-term case, but a guest should verify which holes are operating. The standard scorecard may not describe every visit.
Course care rules may restrict carts after wet weather. Temporary local rules appear through club notices and Pro Shop advice.
Membership and Annual Subscriptions
The 2026-27 schedule is transparent, but annual subscriptions are only one part of joining.
| Category | Published Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Playing | A$7,000 | A$6,500 subscription plus A$500 trading credit |
| Age 31-40 | A$4,795 | Includes A$500 trading credit |
| Age 26-30 | A$3,350 | Includes A$250 trading credit |
| Age 21-25 | A$2,340 | Includes A$250 trading credit |
| 6 Day 1 | A$6,010 | Excludes Wednesday competition and Saturday |
| Limited | A$5,100 | Social play with competition limits |
| Flexible | A$2,500 | Age limit applies; A$35 per 18 holes |
The 2026-27 subscription table lists each annual charge and mandatory trading credit. Golf NSW affiliation can be separate.
New members also face a non-refundable Heritage Fee. It is A$10,000 over age 40, or A$8,000 with a member introduction.
The Heritage Fee falls to A$3,000 for ages 31-40. It is A$1,500 for ages 26-30 and A$1,000 for ages 21-25.
Women can receive 50% off the Heritage Fee under current conditions. Family and programme discounts also exist, with combination rules.
Membership needs nomination, but the membership team can assist applicants without an existing proposer. Request the complete first-year total in writing.
Recommended Gear
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
The No. 1 ball in golf, played on tour Check Price on Amazon →
FootJoy StaSof Golf Glove
Tour-favorite leather glove, worn by Adam Scott Check Price on Amazon →
Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder
Amazon best-seller with slope-adjusted accuracy Check Price on Amazon →
Garmin Approach S50 GPS Watch
Premium course-mapping GPS for serious rounds Check Price on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, GreatClubReview earns from qualifying purchases.
GA Handicap at This Club
Playing membership supports a GA Handicap and GolfLink record. The Golf Australia handicap guide explains the national system.
The blue slope of 133 reflects meaningful difficulty for average players. Daily handicaps can move when tees or temporary holes change.
Guests entering an eligible competition need a current official handicap. Confirm the day’s card, local rules, and competition charge before starting.
Pennant and Competition Golf
Pennant Hills operates a full private-club competition calendar for men, women, mixed events, juniors, and representative teams.
Its value improves for golfers who use regular competitions and social programmes. Occasional players may struggle to justify the first-year cost.
Reciprocal Rights
The reciprocal programme includes clubs across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Australian examples include Royal Canberra, Federal, Portsea, 13th Beach, and Royal Hobart. A formal introduction letter is required.
Facilities
The renovated clubhouse and member services strengthen the premium membership case.
- Renovated clubhouse with course views
- Member dining, bar, terrace, and cafe
- Pro Shop and club fitting
- Lessons and beginner pathways
- Motorised buggy bookings
- Corporate golf and function spaces
The clubhouse was comprehensively renovated in 2019. Hospitality ranges from casual food to member events and larger functions.
Best Time to Visit
March through May and September through November offer comfortable walking temperatures. The hilly site makes mild weather particularly useful.
Course reconstruction matters more than season during 2026. Confirm temporary greens, cart rules, and routing before accepting a guest invitation.
How to Get There
The club sits beside the M2 at Beecroft, near the Pennant Hills Road exit. Hills District and North Shore members have practical access.
Dress Code
The dress code requires tailored golf trousers or shorts, belts, and collared golf shirts. Men must tuck shirts in.
White socks are required with shorts. Hoodies, T-shirts, singlets, denim, cargo styles, and drawstring clothing are not permitted.
Golf footwear is expected, hats face forward, and caps come off inside. Hosts are responsible for their guests’ compliance.
Nearby Alternatives
- Avondale Golf Club: another high-quality private North Shore option with strict access.
- Oatlands Golf Club: a compact private alternative closer to Parramatta.
- Gordon Golf Club: a cheaper public-access choice for a casual North Shore round.
Explore more NSW golf club reviews and compare visitor access before choosing a tee time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public play Pennant Hills Golf Club?
Not through a normal local public tee sheet. Pennant Hills is private and primarily admits member guests, reciprocal players, approved corporate groups, and international visitors by enquiry. Contact the Pro Shop before travelling because access, daily fees, competitions, and temporary course routing can change.
How much is Pennant Hills Golf Club membership?
Full Playing membership costs A$7,000 for 2026-27, comprising a A$6,500 subscription and A$500 trading credit. Age-based and restricted categories cost less. New applicants may also owe a Heritage Fee and Golf NSW affiliation, so request the complete first-year amount.
What is the Pennant Hills Golf Club Heritage Fee?
The Heritage Fee is a non-refundable entrance contribution. It is A$10,000 for applicants over 40, or A$8,000 when introduced by a member. Lower age bands pay A$3,000, A$1,500, A$1,000, or nil. Current female and family discounts have conditions.
Is Pennant Hills Golf Club a difficult course?
Yes, despite its moderate 5,923m blue length. A 133 slope, hilly lies, mature trees, gullies, bunkers, and small sloping greens create difficulty. The physical walk also matters. Controlled placement and approaches below the hole usually score better than aggressive power.
Does Pennant Hills Golf Club have reciprocal clubs?
Yes. The network includes Australian and overseas clubs, with examples such as Royal Canberra, Federal, Portsea, 13th Beach, and Royal Hobart. Members need an introduction letter. Confirm tee access, visitor fees, and category restrictions directly with each host club beforehand.
Who is Pennant Hills Golf Club best for?
Pennant Hills best suits committed Sydney golfers who will use competitions, hospitality, coaching, and reciprocal access regularly. Its course and facilities are strong enough for a long-term club home. Infrequent players, public golfers, and budget-focused applicants may find the access limits and Heritage Fee unsuitable.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Strategic, attractive parkland course with a 133 blue slope
- Transparent 2026-27 subscription schedule
- Renovated clubhouse and strong hospitality
- Broad reciprocal network
- Established competition and development programmes
What Could Be Better
- No normal public tee-sheet access
- Heritage Fee can make the first year expensive
- Hilly walk will not suit every golfer
- 2026 course works can create temporary routing
Final Verdict
Pennant Hills Golf Club earns 4.5 out of 5. The course, facilities, and member programme create a convincing private-club package.
Access friction and substantial first-year costs prevent a higher score. Current works also require more pre-round checking than usual.
Join for frequent competitive golf and a long-term community. Seek a public alternative if flexibility matters more than belonging.
See our review methodology for scoring details.
See how it stacks up against the state’s best in our Best Golf Clubs in NSW roundup.
See how it stacks up against Australia’s best in our Best Golf Clubs in Australia roundup.
Author Note
I assess golf clubs through current access, design, cost, and the small details visitors usually discover too late. Learn more about our editorial approach.
Last reviewed: 29 July 2026. Rates and access can change; confirm directly before travelling.
