Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to swing a few birdies, Melbourne’s golf courses are a true haven for golf lovers.
As the sports capital of Australia, it’s no surprise Melbourne is also renowned for its exceptional golfing scene. While not as well-known as the courses of St Andrews, London, or New York, Melbourne nonetheless boasts a rich canvas of world-class courses, where golfers travel from around the golf to have a swing at these unique challenges and breathtaking views.
From the iconic Sandbelt courses that attract professional tournaments to the picturesque public greens accessible to all, Melbourne’s golfing landscape is a testament to the city’s dedication to the sport.
So, what makes Melbourne’s courses so special?
The Melbourne Sandbelt
The special ingredient that makes Melbourne stand out is the Sandbelt: a 35km stretch of golf courses known for their premier sandy soil. Built up over centuries, this unique soil composition provides excellent drainage and allows for firm, fast fairways and greens that is the envy of the world. In fact, this soil is an ideal for dramatic contours and strategic plays that players and spectators crave.
As a result, the Sandbelt has become home to some of the world’s most famous golf courses, including Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, and Metropolitan, with golfers flocking to have a ‘swing’ of this sensational sand and soil. Yet the real star is the course design themselves.
World-Class Designs from World-Class Architects
To make the most of this great foundation, you also need top notch course designs. Which is why, starting in the 1920s, Sandbelt golf course owners brought over legendary architects like Scottish Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Alex Russell to design their courses, and with enormous success. For MacKenzie, his philosophy for creating courses meant making something enjoyable for all players while still challenging the best golfers.
This can best be seen in iconic courses like the Royal Melbourne and Victoria Golf Club, which have received praise for their innovative design that often incorporate natural elements and challenging features that test a golfer’s skills and strategy. The design elements, such as the use of natural terrain and the integration of native vegetation, make these courses not only a test of skill but also a visual delight.
Royal Melbourne Golf Course – West course hole 2. Image via Visit Victoria.
Scenic Beauty and Perfect Weather
With mild winters and warm summers, Melbourne’s weather is the perfect place to put and drive all year round. This mild temperature means that whether you’re a local looking to sneak a game in after work, or an international aficionado planning your next big trip, there’s always a great game to be played in Melbourne.
Beyond the weather, these venues benefit from Victoria’s stunning natural beauty: Many of Melbourne’s golf courses are based along the coast, featuring luscious greenery and picturesque landscapes for one of the best backdrops for golfing.
Best Golf Courses in Melbourne to Play
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Widely regarded as the crown jewel of Melbourne’s golfing community, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club is a tour de force of exceptional design, rich history, and world-class facilities. The club features two renowned courses, the West and East, with the West Course consistently ranked among the top ten in the world. Designed by Dr. MacKenzie, the course layout emphasises strategic play, natural beauty, and challenging yet enjoyable golfing experiences. Additionally, Royal Melbourne has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Presidents Cup and the Australian Open, further cementing its status as a premier golfing destination.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club | 88 Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193
Royal Melbourne Golf Course – West course hole 4. Image via Visit Victoria.
Victoria Golf Club
Located just 20 kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre, Victoria Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. This prestigious club features a single, highly acclaimed 18-hole course designed by Oscar Damman and Bill Meader, with input from the legendary Dr. MacKenzie. Known for its challenging layout, fast greens, and strategic bunkering, the course offers a true test of skill and precision. The club’s rich history, stunning clubhouse, and top-notch facilities further enhance the golfing experience, help Victoria Golf Club rank among the elite golf courses in the world.
Victoria Golf Club | Park Rd, Cheltenham VIC 3192
Victoria Clubhouse a. Image via Visit Victoria.
Kingston Heath Golf Club
With its thoughtful design and impeccable course conditions, Kingston Heath Golf Club is an exceptional place to play golf for any skill level. The course features strategic bunkering and fast, undulating greens that challenge experienced golfers while remaining accessible to beginners. Its flat terrain and well-maintained fairways make it enjoyable to navigate, and the natural beauty of the Sandbelt region adds to the overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, Kingston Heath offers a memorable round of golf.
Kingston Heath Golf Club | 74/120 Kingston Rd, Heatherton VIC 3202
Kingston Heath Golf Course – 6th hole putting green. Image via Visit Victoria.
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club stands out among Melbourne’s golf courses with its unique blend of modern amenities and classic Sandbelt design. Located just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, the club features two championship courses that have been meticulously redesigned by the renowned Ogilvy Clayton Cocking Mead firm. The club also boasts a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a 25-meter heated pool, a gymnasium, and luxurious accommodation options. This combination of top-tier facilities and exceptional course design makes Peninsula Kingswood a premier destination for golfers of all skill levels.
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club | 211-279 Skye Rd, Frankston VIC 3199
Birds-Eye View of Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. Image via Visit Victoria.
Yarra Yarra Golf Club
Yarra Yarra Golf Club, located in Bentleigh East, is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts due to its rich history and exceptional course design. Established in 1898, the club features a beautifully restored course originally designed by Alex Russell, one of the eight famous Sandbelt courses. The course is known for its strategic layout, challenging bunkers, and stunning par-3 11th hole. Additionally, the heritage-listed clubhouse offers a welcoming atmosphere and top-notch facilities, making it a perfect destination for both golfing and social events.
Yarra Yatta Golf Club | 567 Warrigal Rd, Bentleigh East VIC 3165
Yarra Yarra Hole 15. Image via Visit Victoria.
And golfing beyond Melbourne, tee-up for with our guide of the Top 10 Best Golf Courses in the World. And make the most of Melbourne’s beautiful natural environment with The Top 7 Scenic Walking Tracks around Melbourne’s Yarra River.
