Golf – you either love it or you hate it. Sometimes it can be a bit of both – depending on how you strike off the first tee! But did you know that golf is one of the Barossa Valley’s most popular activities when visitors venture into the region?
With three courses within a 25 minute drive, it’s no wonder many come with driver packed when travelling through the home of Australia’s best Shiraz.
At Gibson, second generation Adam (aka Duke) is a sucker for a competitive Saturday round. Outside of vintage, he also occasionally goes missing on Fridays. “Corporate networking”, he says.
Check out the video below to hear Adam’s thoughts on the similarities between golf and winemaking.
The inaugural LIV tournament, headed to Grange Golf Club in Adelaide in April 2023, will present a unique opportunity for golfing enthusiasts to make the trip to SA, and tack on some wine touring at the same time. With the Barossa being only an hours drive from Adelaide, we thought there’s no better time to bring you the Gibson ‘Golfer’s Guide to the Barossa’. A short guide to the Barossa’s three courses, and a few hints and tips from Adam along the way.
Hopefully you see him on course (just not too frequently!)
Sandy Creek Golf Club
Address: 129 Williamstown Road, Sandy Creek, SA 5350
Website: www.sandycreekgolf.com.au
Distance from Gibson’s Cellar Door: 34.9KMs
At the Southern tip of the Barossa, Sandy Creek lies just outside of Lyndoch – one of the most beautiful townships of the Barossa region. Founded in 1904 and previously known as the Gawler Golf Club, it is one of South Australia’s longest-established courses.
A 6030m par 72, undulating fairways present a challenge, as do gully breezes. Several holes include well positioned water and sand traps. The sandy base of the course keeps it in great condition and not soggy through winter, and the views of the rolling Barossa ranges are magnificent.
Sandy Creek is a reciprocal club to over 25 other courses around Australia.
Visitor green fees start from $40 for 18 holes.
Tanunda Pines Golf Club
Address: Pioneer Ave, Rowland Flat SA 5352
Website: www.tanundapines.com.au
Distance from Gibson’s Cellar Door: 21.9KMs
A privately owned public access course, located within the Barossa Novotel resort, Tanunda Pines is a beautiful woodland course nestled into the foothills of the region’s Western ridge. With many holes sponsored by local wineries, bumping into golfing winemakers is not uncommon.
A par 72 18 hole layout on approximately 50 acres, Tanunda Pines has hosted South Australian PGA championships in past years, and more recently has six newly designed holes. As the course name suggests, it’s narrow fairways and fast greens are bordered by pines and towering gums, full of native birdlife.
The club also provides beginner golf clinics, individual lessons and several social nine hole golf competitions.
Visitor green fees start from $20 for twilight play and $40 for 18 holes.
Barossa Valley Golf Club
Address: Golf Course Road, Nuriootpa SA 5355
Website: www.barossavalleygolf.com.au
Distance from Gibson’s Cellar Door: 9.6KMs
An 18 hole, 6026 metre, par 72 course, Barossa Valley Golf Club sits on the Northern end of the region, in some of the districts most sought after grape growing country. Perhaps the hidden gem of the Barossa’s three courses, Barossa Valley Golf Club is worth seeking out.
A Vern Morcom designed course, Kangaroos are frequent playing partners, and an abundance of rare bird life gives the BVGC a native sanctuary feel. The club prides itself on its consistent greens, however challenging roughs, thick scrub and well-placed bunkers provide plenty of complexity to a round.
There is a generous practice putting green, practice chipping and bunker play green, as well as a driving range. What’s more, Gibson Wines sponsors hole 12 of the course on competition days for closest to the pin (Adam’s still yet to come close!).
Green fees start from $22 for after 3pm play.
So that’s a wrap. And remember, if you’re heading our way, to book your Gibson Cellar Door visit so that you can taste our wines and perhaps share a golfing tale or two with the Duke himself.