Golf has often been portrayed as a pastime for the older generation—a game requiring patience, precision, and time spent on the green. But lately, that image is evolving. A new generation, eager for both physical and mental challenges, is gravitating toward the sport, discovering that golf offers a refreshing mix of strategy, skill, and perseverance that’s unlike any other sport. As one of those young players recently drawn to the sport, I’ve found that golf holds a special allure, blending competitive spirit with a calm, meditative quality. There’s something captivating about the pursuit of mastery in golf, where every shot requires calculation, every putt patience, and every round a little more resilience.
In this article, I’ll be diving into two remarkable courses in the Illawarra region that have made my own golfing experience incredibly rewarding . The Illawarra is a diamond in the rough when it comes to learning and playing golf, offering a diverse mix of courses each with its own personality and challenges. From the community-driven feel of Russell Vale, known as “The Vale,” to the open, scenic landscapes of Calderwood Valley.
Russell Vale’s charm lies in its community history and manageable design—perfect for beginners aiming to build confidence without facing punishing terrain. Calderwood, on the other hand, feels like a breath of fresh air, with expansive fairways and sweeping views of the escarpment that make every visit a little escape. Each course in Illawarra has something distinct to offer, inviting new players like me to explore the game’s nuances in a way that’s accessible, challenging, and unexpectedly fulfilling.
In a time where fast-paced, screen-driven entertainment is the norm, golf provides a welcome contrast—a chance to be outdoors, to embrace focus and persistence, and to push oneself in a setting that’s equal parts peaceful and demanding. So, for anyone ready to give it a shot, the Illawarra golf courses provide a perfect entry point, proving that the game is for all ages and backgrounds, especially for those of us discovering its quiet thrill for the first time.
Russell Vale, or “The Vale,” as it’s affectionately known, has been a cornerstone of the Illawarra golf community since March 1, 1986. On that day, Arthur Watts had the honour of striking the course’s first shot, while Tom Kerr, part of the group, marked history by recording its first par. Over the years, the course has continued to uphold this spirit of community and tradition, something that current treasurer and director Phillip Pearce feels is woven into its very landscape.
“The Club was formed around the time that the first section of the golf course was completed for play in the mid-1980s, and the history of the course is intertwined with the history of Russell Vale Golf Club,” he said.
This connection between the course’s history and the local community has made it a place of welcome, especially for newcomers.
With its coastal views, the Vale is a course that rewards precision over power, making it approachable yet engaging for players of all levels. The landscape is forgiving, with fairways that encourage beginners and intricate enough to entertain seasoned golfers. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the social aspects of the game — a couple of pars, and a few ice-cold beers on a Sunday afternoon. It’s a place where the game feels refreshingly simple and endlessly enjoyable.
For me, Russell Vale is more than just a course—it’s a tradition. There’s nothing quite like that early Friday start, rousing my roommates from their beds as they grumble, only for their tired expressions to change as soon as they step into the car. The drive there is filled with the shared anticipation of a great day ahead, of an excellent start to the weekend. A few good shots, a couple of well-earned pars, and the relaxed rhythm that only a morning at Russell Vale can offer—it’s the perfect start to any weekend, and it captures exactly why I fell in love with the game in the first place.
Calderwood Valley Golf Course is another standout in the Illawarra region, nestled in a serene valley that brings a sense of calm as soon as you arrive. Calderwood offers a less intimidating landscape, with wide-open fairways that you could write poetry about, giving players some breathing room off the tee-box. While still offering enough of a challenge to keep the game competitive, engaging and rewarding.
Originally owned by the Smithers family, the land served as a horse agistment property before its transformation into a golf course. Construction began in 1992, and on December 1, 1995, Calderwood officially opened its doors. The spark of inspiration for the golf-courses came from several couples, who would adjust their horses with the Smithers family.
“Launa and Eric, who were members of the NSW Golf Club, agisted horses here, and they used to come down and say, ‘This would be a fantastic place for a golf course,’” recalls Manager Trudy Smithers.
Trudy acknowledged the situation’s urgency.
“It was either do something with the land or move on. There’s obviously no money in horses.”
One thing that sets Calderwood apart from the bunch, is that it is the Illawarras only exclusively public golf-course. With its luxurious view of the escarpment as a backdrop, the only thing interrupting the serenity after bombing a drive right down the middle might be the distant, comforting sound of a heifer mooing in a nearby paddock.
I myself reserve Calderwood for special games, like if a friend has come up from the coast, or down from the country. We will make the 20-minute drive, out past Albion Park, to see a variety of farm animals before you catch glimpses of oldies, hitting dead straight on to the green. And that, is what Calderwood is to me.
For many people, playing sport past the age of 30 isn’t really an option. You have responsibilities, a job to maintain, and mouths to feed. All these factors can be impeded by a torn ACL or a ruptured Achilles. Golf is different. It’s also true that golf is becoming increasingly relevant in the corporate world, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Those with better golf skills are often more desirable than someone who tops the ball with every swing. It’s common knowledge that the best place to network is on the green. This could also be a justification I use to explain away all the time that I spend on golf.
For those of us in the younger generations, golf is a game we can enjoy as we grow older—something to embrace when our knees finally give out and our backs start to ache. It’s a lifelong pursuit that evolves as we do. Stepping onto each green means not only facing the challenges of the game but also committing ourselves to developing a skill-set that will be frustrating, fun and entertaining. And there’s truly no better place to begin this journey than in the Illawarra, where the courses invite us to enjoy ourselves.