COURSE REVIEW: Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne

Victoria Golf Club may have been the most underrated golf course in Australia’s Top-10. But no longer after high praise from the world’s number-one golfer.

In the heart of the renowned Melbourne sandbelt lies a golfing gem that, while often overlooked by the wider golfing community, has earned its place among Australia’s top golf courses. Victoria Golf Club, with its understated charm and classic design, may have played second fiddle to its more heralded sandbelt neighbours, but it has recently garnered international acclaim thanks to hosting the JBWere Australian Masters. Even the world’s number one golfer, Luke Donald, had high praise for this course, ranking it in his top 10 for its architectural and design merits.

Founded in 1927, Victoria Golf Club boasts a rich history that includes a surprising connection to the legendary Dr. Alister Mackenzie, whose influence on the course’s layout and bunkering was more significant than previously believed. When I had the privilege of playing this course, just days after Ian Poulter’s victory at the 2012 Australian Masters, the transformation from a tournament venue to a suburban members’ golf course was astounding. The grandstands and souvenir tents had vanished, leaving only remnants of the tournament’s presence.

The first hole at Victoria Golf Club is now iconic in Australian golf. While it may appear as a straightforward birdie opportunity, it demands precision and focus from the very first swing. This 233-meter par-4 is a classic hole that can reward well-executed shots but also punish the slightest lapse in concentration. The course continues to challenge golfers with its thought-provoking par-3s, where strategically placed bunkers around the greens demand careful tee shots.

Victoria Golf Club excels in presenting short par-4s that are the talk of modern golf course architecture. The 10th hole, opening the back nine, showcases the course’s design brilliance, where a wide fairway invites golfers to strategize their approach to the elevated green. The 15th hole, measuring only 289 meters, is deceptively tricky, capable of turning a “certain birdie” into a double bogey with just one wrong move.

The finishing holes at Victoria Golf Club are memorable, particularly the 17th and 18th, known for their water hazards. The 17th, as seen in the Australian Masters coverage, challenges golfers to navigate water on the right from the back tees. However, overcompensation may lead to the left bunker, making par a challenging endeavour. The 18th, though not excessively long, poses challenges with its sloping green that demands finesse and skill to conquer.

Victoria Golf Club is a testament to Australian golfing excellence, offering a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience. It’s a course that captures the hearts of Australian golfers, and its high ranking among golf enthusiasts is well-deserved. Whether you value the endorsement of the world’s top golfer or appreciate the course’s undeniable allure, Victoria Golf Club is an undisputed gem in the Melbourne sandbelt.

Check out more details at the Victoria GC website, including information on the superb on-course accommodation.