By 
Penrith Golf Club sits beneath the Blue Mountains, only six kilometres from Penrith CBD. Its broad couch fairways, water hazards, and bent-poa greens create an honest western Sydney test. Here is our full Penrith Golf Club review.
I like clubs that make visitor access simple. Penrith welcomes social golfers seven days, publishes useful prices, and charges only A$35 midweek. That combination is increasingly uncommon around Sydney.
The layout is not a fashionable coastal showpiece. However, it offers 6,247 metres, daily competitions, mountain views, and several excellent risk-reward holes. Membership is also sensibly priced, with no joining fee during 2026.
This review explains the current fees, booking rules, membership value, course ratings, and best holes. It also covers several strict dress rules that visitors can easily miss.
I would choose Penrith for a low-cost weekday round before paying Sydney’s premium public rates. For me, the value case is unusually clear.
GCR Score: 4.1 / 5
Verdict: Recommended for affordable, full-length public golf in western Sydney
Best For: Value seekers, improving golfers, and Penrith locals
Think Twice If: You want a prestige clubhouse or a short resort-style round
Last Reviewed: 2 July 2026
At a Glance
Image: Penrith Golf Club
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 1939 The Northern Road, Penrith NSW 2750 |
| Course Type | Inland parkland |
| Holes | 18, par 72 |
| Course Length | 6,247m championship layout |
| Observed Rating | Scratch 72.3, slope 120 |
| Green Fees | A$35 weekday, A$45 weekend |
| Visitor Access | Open seven days; advance booking essential |
| Membership | Open; no joining fee in 2026 |
| Dress Code | Strict |
| Buggy Hire | A$45 for 18 holes |
| Current Site | Course established here in 1964 |
| Phone | (02) 4736 1633; pro shop (02) 4736 1613 |
| Official Website | penrithgolfclub.com.au |
All prices are Australian dollars. Confirm whether quoted prices include GST when booking.
Course Overview
Penrith is a 6,247-metre, par-72 championship course near Glenmore Park. The current layout opened on this site during 1964.
Pure couch fairways provide firm, generally reliable lies. The greens combine bent and poa grasses. Water, mature trees, and changes in elevation add strategy.
The Blue Mountains form the backdrop, especially around the opening holes. This scenery gives an otherwise suburban course a strong sense of place.
Our key takeaway: Penrith delivers more golf than its modest green fee suggests.
Course Design and Standout Holes
The 499-metre first begins with a water carry. The green slopes severely near its front, making a cautious opening approach sensible.
The 515-metre sixth is called “Take a Chance” for good reason. Strong players can attack in two, but water and deep bunkers protect the green.
The 328-metre eighth looks inviting from the tee. A huge left bunker and water right punish careless aggression. Position beats raw distance here.
The back nine becomes demanding quickly. The 385-metre tenth bends around a lake, while the 195-metre eleventh brings water into play left.
Green Fees and Visitor Access
Image: Penrith Golf Club
| Option | 2026 Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday, 18 holes | A$35 | Seniors A$25 |
| Weekend or public holiday, 18 holes | A$45 | Book through the pro shop |
| Weekday, nine holes | A$25 | Subject to timesheet access |
| Weekend, nine holes | A$30 | Subject to timesheet access |
| Twilight | A$20 | After 3pm, or 4pm during daylight saving |
| Motorised buggy | A$45 | 18 holes; nine holes A$20 |
| Midweek pair special | A$90 | Two players and one buggy |
Social golf is available seven days. Monday starts open after 10am, while Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday offer broad access.
Wednesday access begins after 1pm. Weekend social times generally start after 3pm. Public holidays can change these windows.
Bookings are essential by telephone. Penrith does not accept walk-up starters. Competition visitors need a current Golf Australia handicap.
- Call the pro shop before travelling.
- Confirm social or competition availability.
- Reserve any buggy or hire equipment.
- Ask about current cart restrictions after rain.
Course Conditions
Recent player feedback generally praises value, fast play, and course presentation. The greens often run quickly, while the couch fairways reward clean contact.
Water remains Penrith’s main conditioning risk. Heavy western Sydney rain can soften low areas and restrict carts. Summer heat may also firm exposed sections.
Conditions can change around coring and renovation periods. Ask the pro shop about recent works before committing to a weekend round.
Membership and Annual Subscriptions
| 2026 Category | Annual Fee | Joining Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full | A$1,425 | Nil |
| Midweek | A$1,100 | Nil |
| Associate women | A$1,000 | Nil |
| Intermediate, 19–25 | A$930 | Nil |
| Junior, under 18 | A$240 | Nil |
Subscriptions run from 1 January through 31 December. They include social green fees, practice access, competitions, a GA handicap, and pennant eligibility.
Full membership equals roughly 32 weekend public rounds. Midweek membership equals about 32 ordinary weekday rounds. Competition fees may extend either break-even point.
Regular players should also value priority times and handicap administration. Occasional golfers will probably spend less by paying public fees.
GA Handicap at Penrith
Published data lists scratch 72.3 and slope 120 from the longest commonly recorded markers. The club’s scorecard should remain authoritative.
A slope of 120 is moderately above the standard 113 baseline. Most visitors receive slightly more strokes than their raw GA Handicap suggests.
Tee markers include white for members, red for women, and yellow for social play. Confirm the rated tee and daily handicap at check-in.
Pennant and Competition Golf
Image: Penrith Golf Club
Penrith fields representative teams and supports several pennant pathways. The club reached the 2026 Golf NSW Major Pennant Division Two final.
Competitions run throughout the week. Non-members with a Golf Australia handicap pay A$35 midweek or A$45 on weekends.
This is a credible club for competitive western Sydney golfers. The challenging back markers provide enough length for stronger players.
Reciprocal Rights
Penrith lists reciprocal arrangements with Queanbeyan, Forbes, Moree, Dubbo, and Forster Tuncurry. Other partners also appear in its network.
Residential limits and maximum-round conditions can apply. Request an introduction before travelling and confirm any host-club green fee.
Facilities
- Practice: driving range, nets, putting green, and chipping area
- Golf shop: lessons, equipment, pull buggies, and motorised carts
- Dining: Fitzroy Lane restaurant with alfresco course views
- Clubhouse: licensed bar, social events, and function spaces
- Parking: free on-site parking near the clubhouse
The clubhouse opened in 1997 and looks toward the mountains. Golfers wanting dinner should confirm kitchen hours separately.
Best Time to Visit
April through May offers comfortable temperatures near 12–24°C. September and October also balance daylight, turf growth, and manageable heat.
Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C in western Sydney. Choose an early tee time, carry water, and use sunscreen.
Twilight provides excellent summer value. However, pace and sunset may prevent a complete 18-hole round.
How to Get There
Penrith Golf Club is 700 metres from the M4 and about six kilometres from Penrith CBD. Sydney CBD is roughly 55 kilometres east.
Driving is the practical option. Public transport requires additional bus or rideshare travel from Penrith Station. Free parking is available.
Dress Code
Image: Penrith Golf Club
Dress code level: Strict. A collared polo or turtle-neck shirt is required. Tailored shorts need suitable sports socks.
Denim, T-shirts, sporting jerseys, work boots, metal spikes, track pants, and leisurewear are prohibited. Skirts and shorts cannot sit excessively high.
These rules are more traditional than Penrith’s relaxed green fee suggests. Read the official dress and local rules before arriving.
Nearby Alternatives
- Leonay Golf Club: shorter local course with a relaxed community atmosphere
- Wallacia Country Club: affordable parkland golf southwest of Penrith
- Stonecutters Ridge: premium Greg Norman design with higher visitor pricing
Browse more choices in our NSW golf club reviews. Penrith is usually the strongest value among these full-length options.
Who Is This Club For?
Penrith suits public golfers wanting an affordable 18-hole course with genuine championship length. It also works well for regular western Sydney competition players.
High-handicap golfers should choose forward markers and respect the water. Prestige travellers may prefer a coastal or highly ranked Sydney layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public play Penrith Golf Club?
Yes. Penrith accepts social golfers seven days, although available times vary around competitions. Bookings are essential through the pro shop. The club does not accept walk-up starters. Weekend social golf generally begins after 3pm, while weekday access is broader.
How much are Penrith Golf Club green fees?
Penrith charges A$35 for 18 weekday holes and A$45 on weekends or public holidays. Nine-hole rates are A$25 and A$30 respectively. Twilight golf costs A$20. Prices can change, so confirm the total and GST treatment before booking.
Does Penrith Golf Club have a dress code?
Yes. Penrith applies a strict traditional dress code. Golfers need collared shirts and neat tailored clothing. Denim, T-shirts, sporting jerseys, work boots, tracksuit pants, and metal spikes are prohibited. Management has final authority over clothing and behaviour.
How long is Penrith Golf Club?
The championship layout measures 6,247 metres and plays to par 72. It is a substantial inland course rather than a short suburban layout. Multiple tee positions help social golfers select a manageable distance, while water and sloping greens maintain difficulty.
Is Penrith Golf Club membership worth it?
Full 2026 membership costs A$1,425 with no joining fee. That equals roughly 32 weekend public rounds before competition charges. Frequent players gain stronger value through priority access, GA handicap administration, practice facilities, and pennant eligibility.
Does Penrith Golf Club hire motorised buggies?
Yes. An 18-hole motorised buggy costs A$45, while nine holes cost A$20. Penrith also advertises a A$90 midweek special for two golfers and one buggy. Reserve ahead because availability and wet-weather restrictions can affect the fleet.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Excellent A$35 weekday green fee
- Full-length par-72 layout with strategic water
- Public access throughout the week
- No joining fee for 2026 memberships
- Blue Mountains views and useful practice facilities
What Could Be Better
- Telephone booking feels less convenient than online booking
- Weekend social times generally begin late
- Dress rules are unusually strict for a public-access club
- Wet weather can affect low areas and carts
Final Verdict
Penrith Golf Club earns 4.1 out of 5. It combines accessible pricing, serious length, mountain views, and a healthy competition culture.
The clubhouse is not Sydney’s grandest, and weekend access requires planning. Those weaknesses are reasonable at A$45 or less.
Choose Penrith for honest, affordable western Sydney golf. Skip it if prestige or unrestricted weekend mornings matter most.
See our review methodology for scoring details.
Author Note
I assess clubs through current access, cost, course design, and details visitors discover too late. Learn more about our editorial approach.
Last reviewed: 2 July 2026. Rates and access can change; confirm directly before travelling.
