Melbourne is a premier golf destination in Australia, renowned for its world-class courses and prestigious tournaments. With lush green grass, stunning views, and challenging layouts, the city has something to offer for everyone – from weekend warriors to professional players. Here are 15 of the best golf courses in Melbourne for 2023!
Kingston Heath Golf Club
Located in the heart of the renowned Sandbelt area, the Kingston Heath Golf Club stands as one of Australia’s top golf courses. Formerly known as the Elsternwick Golf Club, it was established in 1909 before relocating to Heatherton in 1925. Designed by Dan Soutar with the expertise of Alister MacKenzie, this course has undergone significant improvements and now plays a challenging par of 72 at a length of 6,352 meters from the Medal tees.
Kingston Heath Golf Club has been the host of the Australian Open and the Australian Match Play Championships seven times each, in addition to earning a spot in the top 20 of the Golf Digest ranking of the world’s 100 greatest golf courses. As a highly exclusive club, it is coveted by many but reserved for its elite members. It is no surprise that Kingston Heath is lauded as one of the world’s finest courses by many of golf’s greats including Tiger Woods himself who praised it while taking out the Australian Masters tournament there in 2009.
Address: Kingston Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
Huntingdale Golf Club
Founded in 1941, Huntingdale Golf Club has become one of the most highly regarded courses in Melbourne. Designed by Sam Beriman, the course spans an impressive 6344 meters and boasts 18 holes that are expertly crafted to provide golfers with a challenging yet rewarding round. The course is famous for hosting the Australian Masters event for thirty consecutive years, earning it the title of ‘Home of the Australian Masters’ until 2008.
The manicured greens are kept in impeccable condition throughout the year, ensuring that the course is always ready for a game. The bunkering placement, which is typical of courses in the Sandbelt area, is carefully considered and expertly placed, providing a true test of skill for even the most experienced golfer. It is no wonder that Huntingdale Golf Club is consistently rated as one of the best courses Melbourne has to offer.
Address: Windsor Ave, Oakleigh South VIC 3167, Australia
Spring Valley Golf Club
The Spring Valley Golf Club stands as one of Melbourne’s most notable Sandbelt courses, designed by the prominent architect H. V. Morcom. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this superb golf course has proudly hosted various distinguished tournaments over the years, showcasing its prestige and elegance. Rated as the 41st best course in Australia by Golf Australia magazine, it undoubtedly claimed its place in Metropolitan Melbourne’s top 10 golf courses, catering to the thriving golfing community.
The course’s modern, elevated clubhouse grants golfers a gentle opening downhill hole while concluding with a challenging, uphill hole leading to an elevated green. With tree-lined fairways and impressively bunkered putting surfaces dotted throughout, the course’s beauty and challenge are only accentuated by the natural watercourse at the par-four 13th hole. Spring Valley Golf Club offers a thrilling golfing experience for players who wish to indulge in the classic game’s traditional elegance.
Address: 619 Heatherton Rd, Clayton South VIC 3169, Australia
Victoria Golf Club
The Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne Sandbelt is making waves as yet another world-class golf destination. Designed by Oscar Damman and Bill Meade, with the help of the illustrious architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the course boasts excellent architecture that has enabled it to host some of the world’s most iconic golf tournaments, including the Australian Open. Also, featured on the course is the Women’s Australian Open, which further attests to its prestigious nature.
With a length of 6340 yards and small, lightning-fast greens that feature imposing bunkers, the Victoria Golf Club has earned a reputation for being a tough course to conquer. Yet, despite its difficulty, both professional and amateur golfers find joy in navigating the course. The club’s noteworthy visit by President George Bush Sr. in 1998 is testament to the course’s world-class status. It is the perfect destination for golfers seeking a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience.
Address: Park Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
In Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club stands as one of the oldest and most respected golf courses in the country. Established 129 years ago in 1891, this club boasts an impressive history and an even more impressive design.
With the West Course designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie and the East Course designed by Alex Russell, the entire grounds of the club offer a remarkable golfing experience. Although the East Course may not be as well-known as its sister course, it has recently been named no. 1 in Australia and no. 3 in the world by Golf Digest.
Moreover, the Composite Course blends the best of both worlds, taking 12 holes from the West Course and six from the East to form a complete and challenging 18-hole course. This prestigious golf course justifies its place among the top 10 golf courses, and indeed as one of the greatest golf courses in the world.
Address: 28 Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193, Australia
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club, situated only 35 minutes away from Melbourne CBD, presents an opportunity to experience two championship golf courses, The North and The South Course.
As the northern boundary of the impressive Mornington Peninsula and the southern tip of Sandbelt, the club boasts a sandy and undulating ground that gives you an authentic Sandbelt experience on The North Course, offering firm and fast tilted greens, wide fairways, and native grasses. On the other hand, The South Course is longer, flatter, and more open, offering a stunning view across its fairways.
Ranked among Australia’s top 100 golf courses by Golf Digest, Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club is a true gem. In 2013, the club made history as the first-ever merger of two golf clubs in Australia, bringing together the Peninsula Country Golf Club and the Kingswood Golf Club. Playing on these courses will present you with the ultimate test of strategic golf playing, and you won’t regret it.
Address: 211-279 Skye Rd, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia
Yarra Yarra Golf Club
Yarra Yarra Golf Club is a prestigious, private golf course located in Melbourne that has gained a reputation as one of the city’s most famous golf clubs. The course, designed by renowned golf architect Alex Russel, in collaboration with the legendary Dr. Alister Mackenzie, offers an immaculately designed Sandbelt course and Clubhouse heritage that has become a hallmark of Melbourne’s golf scene. Yarra Yarra also stands out among other clubs for its exceptional four par 3 holes, earning it a spot on the list of top 10 golf courses in Melbourne.
The course measures 6130 meters in length and has been developed under some of the greatest course architects of the twentieth century. Notably, the club has recently appointed modern-age master architects Renaissance Golf Designs to restore the course and capture the subtleties and intent of the original design. Yarra Yarra is a must-play for any serious golf aficionado and is sure to impress with its impressive history, stunning course design, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Address: 567 Warrigal Rd, Bentleigh East VIC 3165, Australia
The Metropolitan Golf Club
The Metropolitan Golf Club, situated in Melbourne’s Sandbelt, is a championship golf course known for its distinctive design and exceptional condition. JB MacKenzie’s design in 1908 has stood the test of time, securing its position among Australia’s best courses. Covering 6556 meters with a par 72, this private club has garnered recognition for its top-notch maintenance throughout the year, strengthening its reputation as one of the finest courses in the country.
Indeed, it has been ranked among Golf Digest’s top 20 Australian courses. The club’s fairways, trimmed with smoothness and uniformity akin to carpet, cut through rough native scrub. Well-placed bunkers flank every green, amplifying the course’s challenges and enhancing the overall experience. The Metropolitan Golf Club embodies the prime reasons why Melbourne’s Sandbelt golf courses have earned international acclaim and are among the best in the world.
Address: Golf Rd, Oakleigh South VIC 3167, Australia
The National Golf Club
The National Golf Club is a distinguished private golf club located just south of Melbourne on Victoria’s stunning Mornington Peninsula. Established in 1985, this club boasts three of the best 18-hole golf courses in the world, including the renowned Old Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Moonah Course by Greg Norman, and the Gunnamatta Course designed by Tom Doak.
Offering unparalleled golfing experiences to its members and selected groups, including interstate and overseas visitors, its state-of-the-art Clubhouse is surrounded by beautiful wild plants and breathtaking sea views. This exceptional location overlooks the Moonah and Gunnamatta courses, which were constructed on rolling sand dunes in the iconic ‘Links Land’, making it the perfect setting for events and celebrations.
The Old Course
The Old Course constructed on rolling hills and large sand dunes, golfers are tasked with navigating through fairways that weave in and out of the terrain. The course is also bordered by lush vegetation, providing a true natural oasis for players. But don’t let the deceptively wide fairways fool you – the undulating greens make for a challenging game. Despite the difficulty, The Old Course remains one of the premier layouts in the country, beloved by players who seek a more memorable golfing experience. Measuring an impressive 6313 meters and boasting dramatic views, The Old Course is truly a must-visit location for any golf enthusiast.
The Moonah course
With its serpentine fairways and towering dunes, the Moonah course is a challenging and rewarding experience for golfers of all levels. Its name is derived from the ancient indigenous coastal Moonah trees that adorn the property, adding to its natural beauty. Taking on this course requires strong tee shots and intelligent play, with the par-5s in particular demanding bold and accurate shots for a successful outcome. Stretching over 6576 meters, Moonah is a par-72 course that offers hole after hole of challenging shot-making. The course provides one of the most enjoyable walking experiences in Australian golf, and is widely regarded as one of the nation’s very best courses.
The Gunnamatta Course
The Gunnamatta Course is a stunning example of golf course design, set against the backdrop of the crashing waves of Gunnamatta Beach. Tom Doak has lovingly crafted a course that takes full advantage of the natural terrain, incorporating its undulations and sandy features into the design. Golfers will find themselves navigating generous fairways and strategically placed bunkers, along with greens that demand short game creativity and skill. With a par of 72 and a length of 7151 yards, this course offers a challenge to golfers of all levels, all while immersing them in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Australian coast.
Address: The Cups Dr., Cape Schanck VIC 3939, Australia
Commonwealth Golf Club
Since its inception in 1920, Commonwealth Golf Club has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. Boasting a stunning 18-hole championship course, this world-class facility is located in the illustrious Sandbelt region. The course is characterized by majestic tree-lined fairways, tricky bunkers, and subtly sloping greens that demand unwavering accuracy from golfers. Commonwealth Golf Club is not only a favorite among avid golfers, but it also remains a home to some of Australia’s leading golfers, as illustrated by the Club’s Honorary Boards featuring the likes of Marc Leishman and Jarrod Lyle.
Also, the course has played host to several major golfing championships such as the Australian Open, Women’s Australian Open, and Victorian Open, as well as numerous National and State Amateur Championships. As you traverse the freeways and greens protected by towering native eucalypts, it’s easy to see why Commonwealth Golf Club has stood the test of time and is considered among the best golfing destinations worldwide.
Address: Glennie Ave, Oakleigh South VIC 3167, Australia
Cheltenham Golf Club
With its prime location near Melbourne, Cheltenham golf club is a true gem in Victoria’s sandbelt golf region. The course’s stunning hills, fairways, and greens are a haven for both local birdlife and avid golfers alike. Despite its close proximity to urban areas, this pocket of nature offers a serene and secluded escape for those seeking a morning or afternoon of golfing pleasure.
The 9 hole layout boasts perfectly maintained fairways and undulating greens that will challenge even the most experienced golfers, with two teeing areas on each tee designed to cater to all levels of skill. Surrounded by open space and neighboring landmarks like Cheltenham Park, Cheltenham Football Ground, and Victoria Golf Club, Cheltenham golf club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts of all levels.
Address: 35 Victor Ave, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
Woodlands Golf Club
Woodlands Golf Club may not have the international recognition of Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath or Victoria, but it is a course that should not be overlooked by serious golfers. Completed in 1919 on open woodlands previously used for grazing, the course features all the hallmarks of the best golf courses Melbourne has to offer. With rolling freeways, ominous bunkers and elevated greens, it offers a challenging round that demands a certain finesse to successfully navigate its many nuances.
Measuring at a Par 72 and a length of 6111 meters, the smaller bent grass greens prove to be elusive targets on a bad day. The course modifications have toughened the test, making it a course that rewards patience rather than power hitting. This is not a course where the golfer is invited to slash away from the tee, as strategic play is the key to success.
Address: 109 White St, Mordialloc VIC 3195, Australia
Ranfurlie Golf Club
The Ranfurlie course has been a beloved private course since it first opened in 2002. With its wide and open fairways, it provided an excellent contrast to the older, tree-lined holes on the Amstel Park course. Unfortunately, in 2016, the Park course closed, and the Amstel Club shifted its focus to entertainment rather than golf.
Despite this change, Ranfurlie’s reputation as a top-tier course has remained intact. Its 6105 meter length, coupled with a handful of strong par five holes on the front nine, make it a challenging and enjoyable course for players of all skill levels. Notably, the 299-yard 16th hole is considered one of the best short holes in the country. However, its predictably small putting surface, deep bunkers, and tight landing area make it a formidable obstacle for even the most skilled golfers.
Address: 825 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd, Cranbourne VIC 3977, Australia
Albert Park Golf
Albert Park Golf may have a different prestige than other courses, but its location is a major asset. Situated within Melbourne’s bustling city, this public course offers a convenient escape for those looking to get away from the office for a few hours of golf. With its proximity to the F1 Grand Prix held at Albert Park, this course offers a unique experience with stunning views of the city skyline and the beautiful lake adjacent to the course. This 18-hole layout has been around since 1899, measuring 5743 meters and having a Par 72. It’s a great spot to practice your game and bask in this serene location’s beauty.
Address: Queens Rd &, Lakeside Dr, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Settlers Run Golf & Country Club
Settlers Run Golf & Country Club is one of the finest golf destinations in the South East Melbourne area. The course was designed by Greg Norman and features a breathtaking natural setting that flawlessly incorporates the best elements of Melbourne’s world-famous sandbelt courses. The generous landing areas across the fairways ensure that golfers of all levels can enjoy the course.
The front nine holes are particularly notable for their dramatic elevation changes, with the par five 9th being a particular favorite among players. The course includes only three par three holes, each playing to a different position on the compass. One of the most impressive is the 165-yard 11th, with tall pine trees framing the green to the right and an enormous bunker complex protecting the left. All in all, Settlers Run Golf & Country Club is an exceptional example of golf course design and natural beauty, and a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the Cranbourne area.
Address: 1 Settlers Run, Botanic Ridge VIC 3977, Australia
Conclusion
With its wealth of courses, Victoria is a paradise for golfers. From championship-level tournaments to leisurely games with friends, the state has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a challenging game or just want to escape the city and relax in nature, Victoria is sure to have the perfect course for you. With its mild climate and diverse landscape, Victoria provides some of the best golfing destinations worldwide. So grab your clubs and get ready to experience some of the greatest courses in Australia!
