Golf – Greater Melbourne

Sandhurst Club

Thompsons Road, Sandhurst
Ph 03 8787 7011
North course length: 6478 metres, par 72
Champions course length: 6240 metres, par: 72
The North Course includes many innovative design features. None more so than the wall hole, a par three early in the round. A 1.6 metre high wall flanks the entire left side and rear of the green on this 185-metre hole. Pronounced elevation changes are a highlight of the Champions 18. Individual holes are dedicated to many of Australia's golfing greats. Informative plaques on each tee allow players to take a walk through the history of the game. With a north-facing facade designed to be flooded with sunlight, the stylish clubhouse creates a social hub for both golf members and the rapidly expanding residential community.

Long Island Country Club

Dandenong Road, Frankston
Ph 03 9786 5294
Course length: 6205 metres, par: 72
This is a quality track with a series of nicely balanced holes that blend seamlessly into a sandy landscape. Greens are well oriented, smallish and usually quite firm. Watch out for the famous 'hogsback' hole on the front nine that channels tee shots both left and right. A string of demanding par-fours close the round in fitting style.

Amstel (Ranfurlie)

Frankston-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne
Ph 03 9788 8288
Course length: 6279 metres, par: 72
Has a 'linksy' feel even though it's a fair way inland. Very few trees, relatively wide fairways with plenty of bumps and slopes, thick rough in spots and numerous bunkers with some depth. Par fives are generally within range of two shots for strong players. A suitable example is the semi-blind 8th that splits in two at the halfway point to merge with the 13th fairway. Holes 15 and 16 playing uphill are beautifully designed.

Settlers Run

1 Settlers Run, Cranbourne South
Ph 03 9785 6072
Course length: 6607 metres, par: 72
Takes advantage of an undulating landscape and existing marsh land to create a variety of holes that flow together particularly well. Native bushland and dramatic white sand bunkering are other key design elements. The driveable par-four 17th is a standout. A strategically brilliant hole with the potential for disaster as the round nears an end. The effective driving line can vary up to 50 metres depending on wind direction and desired carry distance across the key hazard a waterway set diagonally to the line of play.

Western growth corridor:

Sanctuary Lakes Club

Point Cook Road, Point Cook
Ph 03 9395 2888
Course length: 6489 metres, par: 72
Greg Norman considers this course one of his signature designs. The layout twists and turns through an eco-sensitive landscape on the other side of the Westgate Bridge from the Melbourne CBD. A terrific group of short holes complemented by par-fives that are strategically amongst the most interesting in the country. And there is a fine mix of two-shot holes from the little drivable 15th to the fearsome finisher with a long second shot across water being the final test. A plush clubhouse containing a restaurant, function rooms and spike bar is a superb 19th hole to view all the action.

Eynesbury Golf Course

Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury
Ph 1300 396 372
Course length: 6577, par: 72
Based at a historic property with strong links to the pastoral industry, course architect Graham Marsh delivered on a brief to provide a golf experience representing rural Australia, especially in terms of setting and aesthetics. Incorporated into the design are shearing sheds, dry-stone walls, creeks, lakes and gum trees. First-time players should buy a course guide. Several blind shots and camouflaged water hazards can trap the uninitiated.

Municipal courses:

Albert Park

Queens Road, Melbourne
Ph 03 9510 5588
Course length: 5743 metres, par: 72
Set right under the nose of the city. Many holes parallel parts of the Grand Prix track and the Queens Road business precinct. Golfers get to hit shots with stunning backdrops of the city skyline among a landscape dominated by mature elm trees. The 15th is one of the new holes rebuilt on acquired land. Bunkers left and right and at the front of the green narrow the target.

Kingston Links

Corporate Avenue, Rowville
Ph 03 9764 4222
Course length: 6178 metres, par: 72
The first purpose built 'pay for play' course in Victoria. Positioned near the demographic centre of Melbourne and close to the old AFL Park, it has built its reputation through a dedicated focus on hosting corporate golfers midweek and social players on the weekend. Water influences the line on many shots but fairways are generous enough. The 16th hole is worth the wait, a risk-reward short par four with plenty of options from the tee.

Brighton Golf Course

Dendy Street, Brighton
Ph 03 9592 1388
Course length: 4885 metres, par: 67
A landmark recreation facility in a ritzy part of Melbourne surrounded by multi-million dollar homes. The bay side course southeast of town has been reworked at great expense with a new water feature behind the first green. Players must also carry this hazard when hitting a shot to the par three eighth. Quite a compact site for an 18-hole course but several new bunkers add to the difficulty on approach shots. The uphill third is quite a test from the back tees.

Yarra Bend Golf Course

Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield
Ph 03 9481 3729
Course length: 5538 metres, par: 70
Really pretty and more challenging than the average public access course. Cross slopes on many holes feed the ball into run-off areas, which in some cases are the bank of the Yarra River. Aiming posts are set into some fairways to help alignment on 'blind' tee shots that are a feature of the layout very popular with Melburnians.

Sandringham Golf Club

Cheltenham Road, Cheltenham
Ph 03 9598 3590
Course length: 5646 metres, par: 70
Located directly across the road from Royal Melbourne, it closes down during big tournaments and is converted into a car park and practice golf range. Considered a great venue to learn the game with a real mixture of holes that vary in direction, length and playability. Provides excellent playing conditions all year round due to its base of sandy loam subsoil.