Stanley Golf Club

I’m not a golfer but Mr. Traversing Tasmania is and so I occasionally find myself traversing golf courses, against my will. That said, Tasmania has some very special golf courses and they’re not necessarily the ones that have all the fanfare. Let me tell you, from a non-golfing perspective, why Stanley Golf Club is so good.

Firstly, location, location, location! Stanley Golf Club runs parallel with Tatlows Beach. You can hear the waves crashing onto the beach from the golf course. We saw three pademelons inside the golf course boundary – they weren’t too happy to see us though! You can just see the beach through the trees at some points and you’ll even be able to make out Rocky Cape and Port Latta if you know where to look.

Stanley Golf Club obviously has stunning views. Highlights are views of The Nut and Highfield House. You’ll enjoy the view whichever way you look as pine trees run alongside the course and Stanley’s hillsides are picturesque. The course is also well maintained (in my non-professional opinion!) which only adds to the charm.

Finally, Mr. Traversing Tasmania tells me that Stanley Golf Club makes for an enjoyable round of golf. It’s a nine-hole, Par 66 course that is challenging enough but also user-friendly. If you don’t hit straight, there’s a good chance that your ball will end up in a nearby paddock but there are stiles to climb if you need to retrieve a stray ball! Highlights for me were teeing off at the Third and having a peek at the then empty dam (golf ball anyone?) when it was having its winter maintenance. I also found a few treasures along the way, including a rather expensive golf ball.

What to Bring

If you’re able to bring your own gear, this will allow you to visit anytime, which is particularly helpful on a weekend. If not, visit during opening hours (3pm – 6:30pm on Monday to Thursday, 3pm – 8pm on Friday, 11am – 6pm on Saturday or 3pm – 6pm on Sunday). I also highly recommend bringing your camera as the views are gorgeous. If the club house is open, you’ll be able to purchase some refreshments (we were finished before opening time so I can’t make any recommendations here, sorry!).

Getting There

Stanley is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Launceston or about a five-hour drive from Hobart. You’ll find Stanley Golf Club at 32 Marine Esplanade (the same street as the IGA grocery store). There’s ample free parking.

Cost

Stanley Golf Club has a simple sign-in process. If the bar’s not open in the club house, put $15 cash and your registration slip (available in the clubhouse entryway) into the box and you’re good to go. If you need to hire clubs etc. then you’ll have to visit during opening hours. Keen for a competition? Visit on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday at 12noon. We both left with smiles on our faces (mine because The Nut makes for an excellent backdrop to anything, even golf) so I’d say that’s money well spent. Enjoy your hit at Stanley Golf Club!

Read my posts about Stanley and The Nut for more information about the town. Want to explore the region? Read about my travels in Tasmania’s north west. Travelling further afield? I’ve traversed the west coast, south, east coast, north, midlands and central highlands and can highly recommend several places to visit in each area.