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The Sandbelt boasts a fabulous group of courses (private and public) that epitomise the golden age of golf architecture. These highly ranked layouts are built on land in the southeast suburbs, ideal for golf and conveniently located within a short distance of each other and close proximity (approximately a 45-minute drive) to the CBD.
One thing that characterises the Sandbelt courses is their traditional design elements, think super-fast greens, classic Sandbelt bunkers and impeccably maintained, firm fanned-out fairways.
Note: Interstate visitors can check available tee times via www.themelbournesandelt.com.au
Widely known as a course where fairway bunkering, and the orientation and contours of the green dictate the strategy.
This fantastic 18-hole, Par 73 Championship Course has just completed an extensive course restoration and the full course is now open for play.
Challenging driving holes and subtle sloping greens call for accurate shot-making when playing from the fairway and its varying and attractive layout rewards careful positioning and well-thought-out play from tee to green.
The Commonwealth also features a lake, in play on both the 3rd and 16th holes, which is a rare attribute amongst the Melbourne Sandbelt courses.
The Commonwealth Golf Club is a proud signatory of the R&A's Women in Golf Charter. It officially supports Golf Australia’s Women and Girls’ Engagement Plan and commits to participating in national initiatives designed to increase the engagement of women and girls in golf.
Established in 1909, Kingston Heath Golf Club is consistently ranked among the top courses in Australia and enjoys a reputation as one of the finest golf courses in the world.
Designed by Dan Soutar but the influence of Dr Mackenzie should not be understated. Strategic bunkering and wicked green contours are standout features at Kingston Heath, while native vegetation forms a natural boundary for each hole. During a visit to Melbourne, Mackenzie advised the club to shorten the 15th hole from a blind par 4 into an uphill par 3, with a steep tilt from back to front. The 15th is now considered a work of genius. The blind approach shot on the 17th hole adds even more to the challenge and occurs at a critical stage of the round.
In 2021 Kingston Heath has expanded its golf offering with the addition of The Furrows - a Short Course that complements the world-renowned Heath course.
The club has hosted numerous prestigious national and international events over its history. Winners of these events include Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Karrie Webb and Gary Player.
Travel Tip: Kingston Heath is scheduled to host the 2028 Presidents Cup!
A Sandbelt masterpiece with two excellent ‘must play’ layouts. The North Course is built on sandy, high ground with views of Port Phillip Bay where strategic bunkering and heathland grass have transformed the layout. Playing over sandy and undulating ground, The North Course is a pure Sandbelt experience. Firm and fast with tilted greens, expansive bunkers, wide fairways and roughs that combine sand, native grasses and heathland vegetation.
The South Course is longer, flatter and more open than The North, with stunning views across its fairways. It is characterised by its creek lines and dry stone walls. Bunkering and green design put a premium on positioning from the tee. A true test of strategic golf!
Aside from the two championship golf courses, Peninsula Kingswood features luxury accommodation for those seeking a Sandbelt ‘stay & play’ experience, state-of-the-art practice facilities, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, tennis court, bowling green and games room.
Although not technically in the Sandbelt region, Melbourne’s best public golf course aka Sandy Links is home of the Australian Golf Centre, Golf Australia HQ and the PGA of Australia.
Sandy’s new course has been designed by Mike Cocking from OCM and built by the links staff of Royal Melbourne. The links features generous fairways, firm, fast greens, Sandbelt bunkering and is fun to play whether you are a beginner, a high handicapper or a serious golfer.
Think of Sandy Links as your go-to destination for game improvement. Want expert guidance to get your golfing journey on the move, or some fine-tuning to take your game up a level, coaching sessions at the on-site PGA Academy are the perfect solution.
Note: The new driving range here has 30 undercover bays with the practice fairway featuring target greens with bunkers.
The West Course was designed by the legendary Dr Alister Mackenzie and features all the elements of strategic design that make the game both challenging and enjoyable for both professionals and amateurs alike. A classic example of Dr Mackenzie's work is the 10th hole measuring less than 300 metres. A cavernous bunker set into the hill defends the green and dictates club selection. Players have a range of options available in what is a wonderful example of risk-reward golf. Alex Russell designed the East Course.
The 18th hole at the Royal Melbourne has determined the winner of many big tournaments and it is rightfully considered one of the finest finishing holes in golf.
Fairways flow through a gently undulating landscape among magnificent avenues of native trees. Features an outstanding collection of elevated greens surrounded by extensive bunkering. The design plan also incorporates several blind drives that land on down-slopes.
The course is a wonderful test of golf and an excellent example of great architecture that enables the course to host the world’s best players under tournament conditions, yet still be enjoyable for the club golfer. The challenge to play the course sees position and strategy evident every time the players addresses the ball.
Victoria Golf Club is a private club. However, interstate and overseas guests who are members of golf clubs are welcome to play this superb layout depending on availability.
Alternatively, you can play and stay in the club’s heritage-listed clubhouse. Each of the elegant, well-appointed rooms has ensuite facilities. House guests enjoy the same playing rights as members.
Played host to many big national events including the Australian Open for women and the men's PGA title. It’s an Alex Russell design featuring big greens with bunkers cut tight against the putting surface to create some extremely difficult hole locations. All par threes are meritorious but none more so than the incredible 11th hole – an uphill par 3 with a three-level green heavily bunkered and set diagonally to the line of play. It is invariably included in the experts' collection of the best 18 holes in Australia. The approach shot into the crested 5th green is also a standout.
Nearest of the Sandbelt clubs to the CBD, this club has a decorated professional golf tournament history. The Metropolitan enjoys a reputation for having some of the finest playing surfaces in the world. Pure couch fairways, combined with firm and fast greens, which are cut precisely to the bunker edges, provide a world-class playing experience for its members and guests.
Note: Metropolitan is a private golf club and play is primarily restricted to members and their guests. However, members of interstate or international golf clubs are welcome and can generally secure a tee time on a Monday or a Friday (morning or afternoon) and most mid-week mornings too.
We recommend that golfers planning to play the Sandbelt courses bunker down (pun intended) at the COMO Melbourne in South Yarra. Make it a luxury Melbourne golf holiday that combines world-class golfing with exploring the character-filled streets, laden with amazing eateries and stylish city boutiques.
The 2-bedroom apartments at COMO are tastefully decorated, boast ultra-comfortable beds and provide ample space for guests. There’s a delicious buffet and/or al la carte breakfast available and you’re only steps away (literally) from the always fashionable Chapel Street.
This 5-star boutique property also features a rooftop pool (love!) and a fully equipped fitness centre.
Time to relax after a long day on the course? We love the Palace Cinema adjacent to the COMO with its elegant design and thoughtfully selected programs featuring international and local art-house films, high-quality mainstream titles and the Palace’s trademark collection of international film festivals.
Note: The COMO Melbourne is part of ACCOR Hotels and membership benefits are applicable.
There are so many sensational restaurants in Melbourne it’s impossible to play favourites! But if pressed, we’re going to have to highly recommend these culinary delights.
Yakikami - South Yarra
Right around the corner from COMO, Yakikami presents two offerings; a casual Japanese Yakitori eatery and a fine-dining sushi Kappo Omakase
Josper room. Dedicated to delivering the most premium experiences to their customers, Yakikami currently holds the only license in Victoria
to import Japan's famous A5 Kobe Wagyu Beef, renowned as the best beef in the world.
Officina Gastronomica Italiana –
Prahan
This neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Prahran is a true celebration of Italian conviviality, replicating the charm and authenticity of Italy’s enotecas. Owned by Emilia-Romagna-born Claudio Casoni, the restaurant focuses on pasta traditionally made by Turin-born Gabriele and features an extensive list of hand-selected Italian artisan wines.
Travel Tip: the outdoor courtyard provides the perfect place to sit, sip and feast.
Luxury Golf & Scenic Tours Victoria crafts unforgettable golfing experiences throughout the state. Incorporating premier golfing destinations such as Melbourne’s Sandbelt, the Murray River, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Bellarine region.
Be sure to ask for Andrew, a trusted local golf guide, always professional, punctual and happy to customise golf tour packages to meet your travel needs. E.g. keen to add a visit to a charming winery in the Yarra Valley and/or a tranquil retreat to the country to your captivating golf tour – no problem at all. Airport transfers are available on request too.
For bookings visit www.luxurytoursvic.com.au or phone Andrew on 0448 211 827
Words: Roxanne Andrews
