Blackheath

Golf was played in Blackheath over a hundred years ago on the site of the Memorial Park. Nowadays, the 18-hole layout at Blackheath Golf & Community Club occupies a property that was once a 9-hole course for a guest house known as "Belvedere".

The club was founded in 1922, with an 18-hole course coming into play nine years later. Roy Smith, Blackheath’s first professional, was appointed in 1926 and he remained in post for forty years.

Today, the course extends to 5,350 metres from the back markers, playing to a par of 69 (35 out then 34 in), with holes arranged as returning nines, both of which begin with a par five.

Highlights on the front nine include the right doglegging long par four 3rd; the bunker free par three 7th; and the tough par four 9th which is also bereft of sand hazards.

On the inward half, where the holes are routes around the perimeter of the property, the best is kept until almost last at the 120-metre 17th, which plays across a large irrigation pond to a green perched on the water’s edge.