Longyard Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 courses in inland northern New South Wales. Just outside of Tamworth and easily accessible via the New England Highway, it was designed by the household name Greg Norman and respected Australian architect Bob Harrison. Since its beginnings in the 1980s, it's built a reputation as a high standard course at a very low cost.

The condition of the course is always at a good standard, but locals believe it is still improving. The Santa Ana fairways and Bentgrass greens make for a good standard of play. Typical of a Norman-designed course, the bunkers are noticeably deep. The rough is untouched and punishing along the thin fairways.

Members and locals have an advantage at the course with hidden hazards in front of greens that can have hidden ridges. The wind can be a tough variable and again, locals may have the upper hand in knowing where it's most punishing.

The final three holes are the best and hardest to navigate. All experience on the preceding 15 holes works up to par 3, 5, and 4 that navigate the same lake in multiple ways.

Longyard is a low-cost course at a high standard. After lengthy negotiations, the club looks set to allow further development nearby to the site. Homes and an over-40s village corner some parts of the course, but luxury short and long-stay villas are being considered. The host of the 2002 New South Wales Masters, the course provides a big challenge with plenty of rewards.

Course Architect:

Greg Norman and Bob Harrison