Exploring the Prestigious Golf Destination: Sandbelt Golf Courses
In Melbourne’s Sandbelt region lies a splendid collection of golf courses that embody the essence of classic golf architecture. These esteemed layouts are situated in the south-eastern suburbs on land perfectly suited for golf, conveniently clustered within proximity to one another and all under 29km from our place.
Club Access
While Sandbelt clubs maintain private memberships, individuals belonging to international golf clubs with reciprocal arrangements may have the opportunity to play on select courses. Additionally, certain golf tour operators can facilitate access to private Sandbelt courses, contingent upon meeting the respective clubs’ criteria.
Championship Courses
Royal Melbourne (East and West), Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Victoria, Commonwealth, Huntingdale, Yarra Yarra, and Peninsula (North and South) are prestigious golf destinations near Melbourne, crafted by renowned architects.
Huntingdale Golf Club
Huntingdale Golf Club - 12km from Our Place
Windsor Avenue, South Oakleigh
Course length: 6367 metres, par: 72
Huntingdale's three-decade tenure as the venue for the Australian Masters has firmly established its reputation in the global golfing community. Despite being the youngest course in the Sandbelt, having been established at its current location in 1941, it has garnered widespread recognition. The layout showcases numerous subtle changes in elevation and direction, particularly on the front nine. Strategically positioned bunkers challenge skilled players while offering less experienced golfers a more forgiving path. The well-contoured greens are often divided into shelves, adding to the challenge. On the back nine, water hazards on the left side of three distinct landing areas compel strategic decision-making, ensuring players remain engaged throughout their rounds.
The Metropolitan Golf Club – 14km from Our Place
Golf Road, South Oakleigh
Course length: 6469 metres, par: 72
'Metro' stands as the closest Sandbelt Club to the CBD and has been the venue for seven Australian Opens, the most recent being in 1997. At the beginning of the century, 'Metro' also hosted the sole WGC match play championship held outside the USA. Renowned for boasting the finest fairway turf in the nation, its playing surfaces consistently maintain top-notch conditions. With over a century of history, the course has seen periodic subtle design adjustments, the most recent occurring four years ago under the supervision of Mike Clayton.
Commonwealth Golf Club
Commonwealth Golf Club - 15km from Our Place
Glennie Avenue, South Oakleigh
Course length: 6380 metres, par: 73
Renowned for its emphasis on strategic play dictated by fairway bunkering and the layout of the greens, this course is widely celebrated. Its final stretch of holes stands out for its remarkable design and diverse challenges. The 16th hole, in particular, curves around a natural lake to a picturesque green featuring a pronounced tilt from right to left.
Recognised as having the most impressive clubhouse in the Sandbelt region, it offers breathtaking views spanning across the first and last holes. Notable tournaments hosted here include the 1967 Australian Open, where Peter Thomson emerged victorious, and 43 years later, the venue welcomed the Australian Women's Open in both 2010 and 2011.
Yarra Yarra Golf Club – 18km from Our Place
567 Warrigal Road, East Bentleigh
Course length: 6102 metres, par: 72
This course has been the venue for numerous significant national events, including both the Australian Open for women and the men's PGA title. Crafted by Alex Russell, it showcases large greens with bunkers strategically positioned close to the putting surface, creating challenging hole locations. Among the standout features are the par threes, each deserving of praise, with particular acclaim reserved for the remarkable 11th hole—an uphill par 3 with a three-tiered green heavily bunkered and set diagonally to the line of play. This hole consistently earns a place in experts' compilations of the finest 18 holes in Australia. Additionally, the approach shot to the crested 5th green is another highlight of the course.
Kingston Heath Golf Club
Kingston Heath Golf Club – 19km from Our Place
Kingston Road, Cheltenham
Course length: 6352 metres, par: 72
Ranked as the fourth-best course nationwide, and rightfully so. Designed by Dan Soutar, the influence of Dr. Mackenzie remains significant. Notable features include strategic bunkering and challenging green contours, complemented by native vegetation serving as natural boundaries for each hole.
During a visit to Melbourne, Mackenzie recommended a modification to the 15th hole, transforming it from a blind par 4 into an uphill par 3 with a steep incline from back to front. This alteration has since been hailed as a stroke of genius.
The 17th hole presents an additional challenge with its blind approach shot, occurring at a pivotal moment in the round. Kingston Heath is set to host the 2028 Presidents Cup, further cementing its reputation as a premier golf destination.
Victoria Golf Club – 23km from Our Place
Park Road, Cheltenham
Course length: 6278 metres, par: 72
It has served as an excellent setting for numerous prestigious tournaments, boasting an impressive track record that includes hosting two Australian Opens within the last quarter-century. The fairways gracefully wind through gently rolling terrain, flanked by majestic avenues of gums and native ti-tree. The course highlights a remarkable array of elevated greens, intricately guarded by extensive bunkering. Additionally, the design incorporates several strategically placed blind drives that lead onto down-sloping areas.
Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Royal Melbourne Golf Club – 25km from Our Place
88 Cheltenham Road, Black Rock
East course length: 6007 metres, par 71
West course length: 6077 metres, par 72
The West Course, designed by the esteemed Dr. Alister Mackenzie, claimed the top spot in Australia's rankings in 2018. It showcases Mackenzie's strategic design principles, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for both professionals and amateurs alike. A standout feature is the 10th hole, measuring under 300 meters, where a large bunker nestled into the hillside presents a strategic challenge, influencing club selection and providing players with various risk-reward options.
The East Course, crafted by Alex Russell, boasts its notable features, including the renowned 18th hole, which has decided the outcome of numerous prestigious tournaments and matches. Widely regarded as one of golf's finest finishing holes, it adds to the course's allure.
Major events are often hosted using a composite course that combines 12 holes from the West Course and six from the East. This format ensures that play remains within the main paddock, avoiding the need to cross roads. The Composite Course has consistently ranked among the top 10 golf courses globally.
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club – 29km from Our Place
211 – 279 Skye Road, Frankston
South course length: 6321 metres, par: 72
North course length: 6124 metres, par: 72
These two exceptional layouts both hold positions within the nation's top 50 rankings. The North Course, situated on sandy high ground with sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, has undergone a remarkable transformation with strategic bunkering and heathland grasses. A prime example of this is the 6th hole, previously a quirky short par 4, now hailed as a design triumph. It features expansive bunkers arranged diagonally, offering players a variety of strategic choices that can differ by up to 60 meters. Following the North Course's success, the South Course has also been restored to its place among the elite. The addition of several new holes has heightened interest, while a natural stream meandering through the property now serves as the defining hazard on the captivating opening hole.
Sandbelt Golf Courses, renowned for their exceptional architecture and for hosting prestigious tournaments, are conveniently situated within close proximity to the hotel, providing guests with easy access to challenging and historically significant playing experiences.