Sandy Golf Links

Magazine Ratings

Sandy Golf Links is a public course located in the infamous Sandbelt region of Melbourne. In fact it borders Royal Melbourne Golf Club. I originally played this when it was known as Sandringham Golf Course, but did not think much of it. But in 2019 OCM carried out some redevelopment of the course, so warranted a return visit.

First a brief history about the course. In 1932 the Sandringham City Council purchase land and had Vern Morcom design a nine hole course. In 1945 further land was purchased but is was not until 1956 the final that the full eighteen holes were built based on Morcom’s designs.

May 2019 saw the redevelopment of the course, allowing for the development of the Australian Golf Centre, the new national headquarters of the Australian PGA. OCM were appointed to carry out the redevelopment of the course, which saw the old first and nine holes replaced by buildings and a driving range. The remaining four holes in this area, reduced to three, with new routing. Two other holes were split to allow additional par 3 holes, ensuring the new course still had eighteen holes.

Scorecard for Purple tee at Sandy Golf Links

Sandy Golf Links only operate two tees, orange (forward) and purple (back). They are not the traditional colours, which is to help ensure golfers play the tee appropriate for them. Not getting caught up in gender stereotypes. Some may think this is political correctness, but its not. I have been away on golf trips where people who are either beginners or getting older in life, trying to play tees further back than their ability. Taking away the typical gender colours (black, blue, white and red), used at most clubs, is aimed to remove the stigma from playing the forward tees. It can only help in everyone enjoying their game.

One other note about the scorecard. After the redesign, the course ran competitions for the public to come up with a name for each hole. This card above was from my first visit, when they were only half way through all of the naming.

Hole 1 – 335m par 4 – Away

Starting the round, is a short-medium par 4, heading in an easterly direction. Playing to quite a wide fairway, with a bunker either side, these have been staggered to bring in some strategy off the tee. The left bunker also hides a vast area behind, to land the ball safely.

Looking into the 1st Green

The green blends into its surrounds seamlessly, with a gentle ridge found leading into the green. A solitary bunker is found to the left, whilst a hump is found on the opposite side. The front and rear both fall away at varying degrees. I like the hole as it asks questions on strategy, but is not too demanding. The spacious fairway for the first shot, will allow the average golfer some relief. Well justified in being rated the easiest par 4 on the indexing.

Hole 2 – 150m par 3 – Sand Pit

The most easterly part of the property lays home to the second hole. Sandy waste area runs almost along the entire right side, whilst the green is angling away from this and the boundary. A long bunker is found on the right side of the green. This extends will beyond the green front, making it twice as long as the green itself, helping to cause depth perception with the landing zone. If finding the outer most parts of this trap, the ability for any player will be tested.

Looking back on the second green from the third tee

Another bunker is located to the left, but would prove less difficult to play from. Most of the green sloping is from the back to front, with gentle slopes found throughout the putting surface. Shots long however will feed away down the rear slope.

The design of this hole is very good. Not only strategic placing of the bunkers, leaving room to allow a running shot, but also in safety. Not only being a shorter hole, previously a par 4, the green plays away from the boundary, helping to reduce the chance of errant balls finding their way to the public road.

Hole 3 – 365m par 4 – Southpaw

Turning to the west is this medium length par 4. There is an acute turn to the right on this hole, unless playing over the sandy waste located on the inside. A fairway bunker is located to the left (pictured above) but there is more than ample fairway to find.

View from the front right of the 3rd green

A bunker is found short right, allowing players to run the ball into this raised green. There is a strong slope at the front, which may see balls feed away. Another bunker is located on the left side, whilst the rear slopes away.

One thing to note is the temporary structures in the background. These were in place until the fixed buildings were complete for the pro-shop, cafe and office areas in late 2021.

Hole 4 – 355m par 4 – Down Right Fun

There is a short walk from the previous hole to the 4th tee, as we cross over to the the side of the course where the remainder of the holes exist. This medium length par 4 has an elevated tee, playing with a turn to the right. Sand waste is found at various points down the right hand side. There is a chance to be blocked by trees on the second shot, down the right side of the fairway, if the tee shot is not long enough.

The tricky fourth green

A solitary bunkers is found to the left of the fourth green. There is ample room to run the ball in with the front level with the fairway. This green however slopes from front to back and has a steep run off at the rear. Landing the ball short of this green allowing for some run is the wise move for most.

I would have to question the person who named this hole ‘Down right fun’. Maybe they were a sadist. Having said that, this is a great hole to play. There is some risk and reward off the tee, but working out the best way to play one of the trickier greens is the big test.

Hole 5 – 365m par 4 – Vern’s Elbow

With an uphill tee shot, this medium length par 4 doglegs to the left (one of only two holes on the course which do). Choosing the correct club and line is critical here. If playing straight up the hill, it is possible to go through the fairway. Deciding to take on the risk/reward carrying the trees on the left, there is a chance to not reach the fairway.

Double green joining the 5th and 10th holes

The approach shot to this double green should be relatively easy. A bunker complex is found to the right, separating the 5th and 10th greens, whilst the left side feeds away to a trough between the green and 6th tee. Slopes vary in gradient on the putting surface, generally sloping from the right. This hole with either have you smiling or crying, depending on the choices made and execution of shots.

Hole 6 – 305m par 4 – Temptation

Turning back to the south, is another new hole. Previously a par 5, this was changed to make two holes. The first is this short par 4 which doglegs to the right. Waste runs along most of the fairway on the same side, with a slight camber in the fairway going to the left. Only the longest of hitters will reach the green, to a target which narrows the closer you get. Hugging the right side, will allow the best approach to the green, especially if the pin is located on the left side.

View of the 6th green atop the last bunker

Two bunkers are located on the left side of the green complex, which is slightly risen. This allows for a small false front, repelling anything slightly short. The right side and rear also feed away. Ample room is available to miss short or to the right. Pin positions on the left will be well protected by the bunkers, leaving a difficult recovery if they are found.

A fantastic change from the original hole, offering various choices with each shot, in particular from the tee. A hole where you could easily walk off with a birdie, but just as easily find a bogey or worse.

Hole 7 – 145m par 3 – Mike’s Gift

The second of the new holes created from the previous par 5, is this downhill par 3. Indexed as the easiest hole on the course, looking quite simple, some will find a stark contrast to how it actually plays.

The large mound in front of the green

Being the only green at Sandy Golf Links without any bunkers, this is no pushover. A swale is found across the front of the green, extenuated by the hump in the middle. The putting surface then slopes away from the front, as well as from right to left. Pin positions near the front will be difficult to reach, from the tee but also if short of the green. A testing hole which will take a few plays to find your correct strategy.

Hole 8 – 390m par 4 – The Climb

Moving to the most southern part of the course, is the longest hole. It’s also the hardest on the index. A stark contrast after playing the easiest. From the tee a narrow chute is encountered, although the fairway widens beyond this point. A gentle camber is found from the left, which may bring the waste and heavy vegetation to the right in play. Ideally keeping to the left will allow the best view of the green.

Approach to the 8th green

The second half of the hole is all uphill to the green. A large expansion of sandy waste is found on the right, but is the best side to come into the green.

Bunker found beside the 8th green

Leading into the green is a strong slope, which will bring an ball to a grinding halt if short. There are a few options to miss, short, right or long, however a solitary bunker is located to the left, covering the whole side of the green. I am not usually a fan of long straight holes, however something about this one really gels with me. Maybe its the visual from the tee, seeing all before you, or the simplicity of this effective design.

Hole 9 – 145m par 3 – Shorty

To finish the front nine is this mid length par 3. Not sure if I would actually term is short, considering it will normally play into the wind. The green is open, baring the bunkers found on the left side. Great for those shorter hitters, who can use some of the contours around the green to feed the ball in.

Looking back along the 9th green

Sloping predominantly from the rear down to the front, the putting surface also has a few small contours to navigate throughout, more so at the front.

Hole 10 – 345m par 4 – Double Trouble

Starting the back nine, is this straight mid length par 4, heading north east. There is ample room on the fairway, even with the sandy waste area down the right hand side.

Sandy waste runs along the right side of the hole

If the pin on this double green, is tucked on the left, playing close to the sandy waste area will offer the best angle. Most of the bunkering on the left is short of the green, however a smaller one sits tight against the putting surface. The green also sits popped up a little, feeding away on most sides, having some interesting contours in the middle and rear. Another straight hole which generates interest.

Hole 11 – 184m par 3 – Get Up

Play turns to the south, on the longest and hardest indexed par 3. To boot, this hole generally plays into a headwind, making it even longer. A bunker is found way short of the green and does not really serve any purpose. The land all slopes to the right, so anyone trying to run the ball into the green, needs to hit towards the trees along the left side of the hole.

Bunker well short should not come into play

The green complex itself has a bunker either side and a fairly flat entrance in. However beyond the land slopes away from the green. Any miss to the left, will either find trees, or leave a difficult shot, to a green sloping right to left mainly. Not my favourite par 3 at Sandy Golf Links, but one which will challenge.

Hole 12 – 155m par 3 – High Tee

Playing from an elevated tee, this mid length par 3 is one of the newer holes. Previously this played as a par 5, finishing at the most western part of the property. Splitting the hole in two has created a really nice par 3 and good par 4 holes.

Bunkers strategically placed around the 12th green

There are many bunkers to contend with on the left hand side, starting short of the green complex and continuing to its rear. Another is also found back right, appearing to almost encircle the green. However there is ample room to leave the ball in a safe place if not so confident. Particularly when the pin position is anywhere on the left. An opening is found at the rear, for any ball not quite holding the green, with a large slope feeding the ball away.

My favourite par 3 on the course. There is risk vs reward with the tee shot, but options for those who are not prepared to take the challenge.

Hole 13 – 335m par 4 – Fox Trap

Taking a new angle for the teeing area, has really improved, what was previously an average par 5. The fairway is extremely wide, but trouble lurks down the right, with a water hazard and bunker. Funnily enough, playing close to these obstacles, is generally the best line into the green, unless the pin is found well right.

The easiest line to approach the 13th green

Longer hitters may encounter the bunkers on the left of the fairway, leading into the green complex, which sits slightly raised on the right. Further bunkers are found left of the green, with another located on the right. A small opening is found at the front, with the putting surface rising as you move further back.

This and the previous par 3, are a great edition to the course. They both have very strategic play and have the golfer thinking.

Hole 14 – 160m par 3 – Back Yard

Before we discuss this hole, at the back of the 14th tee, you can view through the fence into Royal Melbourne’s west course. This borders the second parcel of land, containing holes 13-16. Royal Melbourne’s 15th runs along side Sandy Links 13th hole, but plays in the opposite direction.

This par 3 is on the most western part of the course. With houses overlooking, hence the name of the hole, it plays slightly down hill.

The 14th green is a redan style

Sitting raised, compared to its surrounds, the green is protected by bunkers either side. With a false front and large slope at the rear, anything slightly short or long, will be feed away. The putting surface slopes mostly from the left to right. Another decent par 3 catering for all levels of player, but can punish just as easily.

Hole 15 – 345m par 4 – Laughing Duck

Starting the journey back towards the clubhouse, we find the 15th as the most northern hole, but only due to the tee box (the 17th for its entirety would be considered the most northern). A medium length par 4 has a substantial fairway and looks fairly straight from the tee, however the hole does dogleg to the right. Water and trees are found down the inside of the turn, which is the side also offering the best angle into the green. Note that this photo is from my last visit, with conditions much drier than the previous venture.

Trouble down the left of the 15th green

Bunkers lead into the green down the left, with one also sitting to the right. There is a large false front on the putting surface, along with a few undulations throughout the green. What once was an average par 4, lacking strategy, has become a very good short par 4. Giving the player an opportunity for a risky tee shot, but rewarded with an easier approach.

Hole 16 – 130m par 3 – The Rise

The last of the new holes, is the shortest par 3 on the course. Playing up a gentle slope, a large sandy waste area extends in from the right. Bunkers pinch in on either side at the front. Being uphill and the front bunker lip raised, it will be hard to gain the correct depth perception, with the bottom of the flag obscured somewhat.

Bunkers leading into the 16th hole

Extending from the left bunker is a small ridge, which extends around to the rear of the green. There is however some separation between the green and the ridge towards the rear, where the ball can feed down into. There are varying points on the putting surface, in particular at the rear. This maybe the shortest hole on the course, but there is certainly plenty to test here.

Hole 17 – 380m par 4 – Cypress

The penultimate hole is a long par 4 which doglegs to the left. The fairway gently slopes away from the tee for two thirds of this hole, before starting to rise again to the green. Biggest dangers from the tee are finding trees on either side of the fairway, in particular on the right if hitting too far on a conservative line. Hugging the left side of the fairway is the best line for any pin positions to the right.

Looking back along the 17th hole

Sitting at the top of the rise is an upside down saucer of a green. Two bunkers are located on the right hand side, one short of the green and the other at the rear, extending a bit past the putting surface. The ground leading in, as well as sloping on the green, are strongly from rear and left to right. However there is a point at the back of the green, where it starts to feed in the opposite direction, resulting in the ball sliding down some steeper slopes. An enjoyable hole where there should be too much trouble. Being such a long hole, the green being quite open, allows for a variety in the approach shot.

Hole 18 – 280m par 4 – Avago

Previously this was a par 3, with the tees 120m further forward and to the right. Now for the final hole, we have a short par 4. Longer hitters will be able to reach this green, whilst the majority of players will have a short approach. Sandy waste is found either side of the hole, leading into the fairway, giving a nice look and showing why this is called the Sandbelt region. Some thought is required off the tee on pin position. If to the right, play would be ideal as close to the left bunker, otherwise there is generous room on the remainder of the fairway.

One large bunker to the right of the 18th green

This green complex is raised above the surrounding area, with one large bunker located on the right hand side. All of the sloping on the putting surface is generally from right to left, so play out of the bunker could see the ball roll well clear. The green surrounds are generally tight grass, allowing for a variety of options in playing the ball (as are most of the greens at Sandy Golf Links). A good finishing hole, where brains vs brawn comes into play. Aptly named ‘Avago’, it just needs ‘yamug’ at the end.

Looking at the course makeup in a statistical manner:

• Hole Directions – There is a great variety in hole directions, covering all angles on the compass. Over the course, you are constantly changing direction. Only where a longer hole has been shortened to two, will you have consecutive holes running in the same direction. There are minimal holes potentially playing directly into a head wind. The main issue is the first hole facing an easterly direction, which will have potential issues with the rising sun in the morning
• Hole Lengths – A vast majority of the Par three holes were all in the mid length distance, and on the scorecard two had the same distance. These were evenly distributed between the front and back nines. There was only one considered short and one long. The short was borderline, based on my brake down, there was only one meter in it. Par four holes ranged from short to long with a majority being in the mid length. The other 4 were evenly matched at either short or long length. Overall the lengths of par 4 holes, were evenly distributed between the front and back nines. Par 5 holes, well there aren’t any. Is that a bad thing? For the intentions of this course, no. There are still a good variety in how holes play, to make up for this
• Hole Layout – There was a decent mixture in how the holes played where two shots or more were required to reach the green. But there was a clear majority evenly split up between holes playing straight and turning to the right. Only two holes turned to the left (11%)

What I love about this course, due to the make over, is the strategy brought into play. On every hole there is a question to be asked. Some more than others, but you do have to think about your shots if wanting to score well. Also considered are the beginners. It is always possible to get the ball to the hole without taking on penal design. This has been another fantastic improvement to course design by OCM. It now even feels like a course based in the Sandbelt and not just due to looks.

The overall conditioning of the course was good, with no major issues, but is probably the biggest flaw with the course. There was definitely a deterioration compared to my previous visit the year before though. You do fine bare patches in the fairways at times, only small, but enough to stand out. What particular stood out was the greens, Again some bare spots and bumpiness, but not like poa infestation. This condition was also highlighted by my playing partners, who visit the course on a weekly basis.

If only that were an open invitation?

Now I did raise the point that Sandy Links Golf course borders Royal Melbourne West, but there was something not mentioned. All course maintenance is carried out by the Royal Melbourne green keepers. There are a few ‘signs’ of that with the RM logo appearing on directions within Sandy Links. This makes sense since they sit across the road from each other. In fact, turn into the entrance driveway opposite Sandy Links and you will find yourself within the grounds of Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

But when it comes to maintenance and conditioning, it is nowhere near the standard of Australia’s premier course. Understandable, the cost of maintenance would be drastically different. How would the membership feel if the public course across the road was as impeccable as the private course. But they ensure a good job is carried out none the less.

One thing to remember about Sandy Golf Links, it is all about the fun of playing golf. This is reflective in the design but highlighted in the local rules. Sometimes golf can get a little too serious. We all need to remember that you start out somewhere. Chances are, we wished some of this applied then. But do note, don’t follow these rules if you are in a competition. Might not be so much fun then.

Sandy Golf Links is a public course. To play, visit their website to book a tee time.