Rosebud Country Club (North)

Magazine Ratings

Rosebud Country Club, located on the Mornington Peninsula, south east of Melbourne, is a course I have always thought about going to visit. Unfortunately it would always become second fiddle to many of the other fantastic courses in the area, like St Andrews Beach, The Dunes, Portsea or The National. After seeing Rosebud Country Club North course televised on a TPS event, this had to be included in my next visit to the area.

A brief history on Rosebud Country Club. After a failed attempt of having a private golf club playing at a public course, land was purchased in 1962. This would become the site of the North Course. The first nine holes were opened in 1964, with the remaining nine a bit over a year later.

In 1970 another parcel of land was purchased, which allowed the establishment of the South Course. This was opened in 1972.

The development of a master plan by OCM was accepted in 2019, which has seen work being carried out since. This has included the introduction of waste areas, implementation of various fairway bunkers, removal of vegetation and extending putting surfaces closer to bunkers. There has also been extending of short grass around green complexes and joining to surrounding tees.

Score card for the North Course at Rosebud Country Club

On the day of my visit, the first nine were from the white tees, whilst the back were played from a mixture.

Hole 1 – 377m par 4

The starting hole plays from an elevated tee, tiered into the slope with various levels, to a wide expanse of fairway. That is until it reaches a rise, where a new fairway bunker has been built, on the right hand side. For the longer hitters, another bunker is found further along on the left hand side, which offers the best line into the green.

View of the 1st green

Located down a gentle slope, the first green sits risen above its surrounds. Two large bunkers are built into the right hand side, whilst the left and rear, feed the ball away down some steep slopes. The hole plays fairly straight from tee to green, although with the changes in elevation, this does not become overly apparent, creating more interest. Probably one of the more sterner starting holes I have played in a while, it does offer some forgiveness in fairway widths and room around the green.

Hole 2 – 325m par 4

Next is the shortest and easiest index par 4 on the north course, continuing along the northern boundary. From the tee, a couple of waste areas are found before the first ridge, but should not come into play. A second ridge is found further along, with bunkers either side of the fairway. Although the ridge runs diagonally along the fairway, the bunkers are still similar distances from the tee. This is not one of my ideal design features.

Bunker built into 9th teeing area, leading in to the 2nd green

Once you reach the top of the second ridge, the green comes into view. This is located at the bottom of a gentle slope. A bunker has been built into the hill for the 9th teeing area, which is more cosmetic than strategic. The putting surface slopes mainly from the rear to front and has bunkers both sides of the green.

Hole 3 – 359m par 4

The third hole is quite interesting, maybe for the wrong reasons. This is a dogleg right hole which starts with a blind tee shot. Trees encroach at the top of the rise, around the one sixty meter range, from which point the fairway falls away to a lower section, along with turning right.

Looking back on the third hole

Grass mounds are found on the inside of the turn, whilst trees run along the outside of the fairway. The green is angled away to the right, with a bunker found front right, parallel to this entire side. A further bunker is located rear left, for longer shots. The current strategy on this hole would require a tee shot finding the outside turn, to get the best angle into the green, which is not very common. So much potential exists to improve this hole, with a bit of tree removal, new bunkering on the inside of the turn and change of the green angle. Maybe some day down the track.

Hole 4 – 122m par 3

Moving to the most westerly hole on the course, is the shortest and easiest index par 3. This plays over a creek, with long grass found between the tee and water. A long bunker is found along most of the green front, with another located to the left.

Looking across the creek to the 4th green

The green itself sits just under 15m from the creek at its narrowest point (on the right) with a large area to the left found for any miss. Slope of the putting area, is mainly from right to left, but also gently from rear to front. Not a huge fan of this hole in its current format. There is so much potential lost, with the creek not really in play, other than being a forced carry to reach the green. In fact there are basically two forced carries, when taking into consideration the front bunker. If this could be incorporated into the hole, this could be a really memorable hole.

Hole 5 – 378m par 4

Heading in an easterly direction, is this long dogleg right par 4. There are a variety of trees located on the inside of the turn, running along the creek line. The fairway is quite generous, with a number of fairway bunkers located on the outside of the turn.

Slightly elevated 5th green

From the turn, the hole is fairly benign. The land is very flat, with the green slightly raised, which angles away to the right of the fairway. A bunker is located front right, but room is found at the front, allowing for shots to be run in where required. The putting surface slopes predominantly from rear to front and right to left. This is not the most exciting piece of land on the property, being very flat. Another hole where the ideal line into the green, is from the outside of a turn. I must say, no course I have previously visited has had two holes with this type of strategy, it is rare just finding one.

Hole 6 – 371m par 4

Another par 4 with a similar distance and shape (turn to the right) follows. Playing over the creek and waste area, this hole takes us to the most southern part, of the North Course. The fairway is quite generous and does not have any bunkering. There are some gentle slopes running along the fairway, to give some depth perspective.

The seventh green sits elevated

Nearing the turn, the green starts to come into vision. This sits elevated, with a large front to repel any ball slightly short. Large bunkers are found either side of the green, with the rear sloping away. There is not a great deal of strategy on the hole, only hitting long and left enough for an easier approach. It is an interesting hole visually, with gentle movements in the land and the transition area between the 7th green and 8th tee, acts well as a playing area.

Hole 7 – 179m par 3

Heading back towards the creek, is the longest and hardest index par 3 for the North Course. There is quite a generous area to land around the green, although visually with this sitting in an amphitheater of trees, looks smaller.

Looking from the right side of the 7th green

With a slight angle away to the right, the green has three bunkers down the left, one extending out from the front edge of the green, and a solitary bunker on the right. The putting surface slopes mainly from the rear, with the ball feeding away, if hit too long. Being a long flat hole, it is not a visually appealing hole, but is strategically competent with its design.

Hole 8 – 365m par 4

Back to the main section of the North course, the eighth is a medium length par 4, which plays with a slight turn to the left. The tee shot is framed with a waste area before the fairway, playing to a small ridge, with bunkering down its left side. This side also offers the best angle into the green. Trees align either side of the fairway, but there is ample room to find short grass.

Views from the 8th fairway into the green

One further bunker is found to the left, on the second portion of the hole. The fairway rises up to the green, which angles away to the right. Bunkers are on both sides of the green, which slopes mainly from the rear to the front. The entrance to the putting surface is relatively level with the fairway, allowing for a variety of shots to reach the green. I really like the acute angles on this hole, allowing with the rolling terrain. Strategy comes into play, with a bit of risk vs reward off the tee.

Hole 9 – 474m par 5

Heading back to the clubhouse in an easterly direction, is the longest par 5 on Rosebud Country Club North course. The hole plays with a long sweeping curve to the left, although it might feel sharper towards the green. From the tee, a bunker comes into play on the left, built into one of the small ridges on the way to the green.

Approaching the ninth green

Depending on your length from the tee, there is a question on how to play the second. A large bunker complex is found left, built into a hill. For those going at the green, these may need to be carried. Get the distance or angle slightly wrong and a difficult third shot awaits. Being the first time playing the course, I took the safer option of laying up near the bunkers.

Further sand traps are either side of the putting surface, which is level at the entrance with the fairway. The rear of the green however, feeds away with some steeper slopes. There is some nice undulations found throughout the green, allowing for some interesting pin placements. One of the standout par 5’s on the course, with interesting terrain and strategy on each shot.

Pin flag at Rosebud Country Club

I find the logo for Rosebud to be a little unusual. It looks like fire coming out the side, however I assume it is the outline of half a pine tree.

Hole 10 – 335m par 4

Starting the second nine is a short-medium length par 4, which doglegs to the right. The tee shot is played through a chute of trees, before opening up to a wide fairway. A waste area is located to the right, whilst very long hitters can play through the fairway, reaching the creek between the 10th and 11th holes.

Creek running through the 10th hole

The green sits away from the creek, which runs diagonally through the hole. A bunker sits on either side of the green, with the left most extending out from the green. Sitting diagonally to the fairway, the green will ask questions with pin placements to the right. This hole would be so much better with the green brought down closer to the creek and removing the right bunker. A similar change was made at Castle Hill CC 12th hole, which greatly improved how the hole played.

Hole 11 – 150m par 3

Heading back in a north easterly direction, is this medium length par 3. There is a lot of short grass from tee to green, with the creek also running diagonally across, at three quarter length of the hole. Some larger trees are found to the right, protecting those on the 12th tee box.

Creek running through the 11th hole

One solitary bunker sits to the left of this green, which sits gently above its surrounds. It also is quite open on the remaining sides, with the rear sloping away a little more than the right hand side. The main concern is carrying the water on this hole. There is ample room to land the ball for any miss, allowing a reasonable recovery. Another hole along the waterway which could offer so much more with a green relocation.

Hole 12 – 378m par 4

Continuing to the east, this longer par 4 plays with a slight turn to the right. The creek line crosses over short of the fairway, then continues down the right hand side. Aiming closer to the right side of this fairway will shorten the hole, but also bring the trees and hazard into play. The fairway on this hole has some gentle change of elevation at various points leading up to the green.

View along the fairway to the 12th green

A large expanse of sandy waste is found along the left hand side of the fairway. On the day of my visit, the green keeping staff were busy reducing some of the natural vegetation found in this area. The green site is quite interesting, sitting relatively even with the fairway, yet having some steep run off on the left and right. The left is more like a large hollow, which also contains a green side bunker. At the rear an area is built up, allowing the ball to potentially be fed back towards the green. A gently sloping putting surface, is mostly from rear to front, however a plateau is located at the rear section. Very nice hole to play, with some risk vs reward off the tee, but also some challenges around the green.

Hole 13 – 161m par 3

Changing direction to the north east, is a medium length par 3. Playing from a slightly elevated tee, one noticeable thing is the expanse of sandy waste between the tee and three quarters of the way to the green. The putting surface sits in an amphitheater of trees, with the large pines at the rear standing out.

Looking down to the 13th green

The green complex is triangular in shape, with bunkers on each side. The forward two pinch in either side to narrow the entrance to the green. A small mound is found toward the back containing a bunker. Beyond this the ground falls steeply away as well as on the right hand side. The putting surface slopes mainly from the rear to front, it is quite strong along the back line. A pleasant hole to play requiring some accuracy from the tee. There is ample room around the green, but missing in the wrong spot will prove quite challenging.

Hole 14 – 328m par 4

Heading back in the opposite direction is this short par 4. Teeing off from a slightly elevated position, play is over some rolling terrain, which is quite interesting. Sandy waste is found short of the fairway and more for appearance. Trees line most of the left side, which offers a more direct line to the green. There is ample fairway leading up to the second rise, however it narrows significantly at this point, due to the bunker located on the left hand side. Carrying this bunker will gain more distance, but also feed the ball to the center of the fairway.

View of the 14th green

The green sits built into a slope, with two shallower bunkers on the higher right hand side, which part of the green squeezes between. A deeper bunker is built into the green on the right hand side, which is much lower. There is a slight false front on the putting surface, which will see anything short, feed back down the fairway. This was one of the standout holes, which had me captivated on the tee. Sure some tree trimming could occur down the left side, but there is still enough room to take on some risk and be rewarded. The green offers an easier angle, depending on pin position, from various parts of the fairway.

Hole 15 – 434m par 5

Heading to the north west is the shortest par 5, yet hardest index of its type on the North course. Playing with a sharp dogleg to the right, two bunkers are found on the inside of the turn, built into the hill, with a penalty area just short of these. There is sufficient fairway to land the ball, depending how long you hit, however leaving it short of the hogs-back, which starts at the turn, will leave a blind second shot.

Fairway view into the 15th green

The fairway continues to rise beyond the turn, but then plateaus out. Two fairway bunkers are staggered, one either side, on the lead in to the green. The putting surface pinches in at the entrance, between bunkers. This leaves a much wider area at the rear of the green, beyond which the ball will feed away.

A hole with a lot to offer all levels of golfer. The tee shot can be played in a variety of ways, depending on skill level, but has risk to leave an easier second. Fairway bunkers short of the green will demand some thought, whilst the green side bunkers will dictate which side of the fairway you should make your approach. This along with interesting terrain make it a joy to play.

Hole 16 – 462m par 5

The last of the longer holes for the day, this has the slightest of turns to the right. Play is over some rolling terrain, with the crescendo being a hill with a large bunker complex built into the left hand side. Trees run along the hole at various stages, framing the fairway.

Looking down from the peak of the hill at the 16th green

Beyond the hill, the fairway eventually slides down to the green. There is some camber on the fairway from right to left to contend with, especially in the last section. A bunker sits deceptively short of the green, with another hiding behind it, whilst the green itself has a bunker either side. There is a large entrance onto the putting surface, although the front right slopes away. Another green where the rear slopes steeply away, which seems to be a common feature on the course.

Interestingly all the danger is found down the left of the hole, yet the best line is out to the right, for both the tee shot and approach. Still an enjoyable hole to play due to the terrain.

Hole 17 – 388m par 4

The penultimate hole, is the longest par 4 and hardest index hole on course. Teeing off into a north easterly direction, there is a dogleg to the left. Sandy waste is found short of the fairway, not really in play, whilst another expanse is found to the right. Heavily wooded areas are found at the turn, especially on the inside.

View from the turn on the 17th

There is some wonderful rolling hills along this hole, leaving some interesting shots. If not long enough to reach the crest of the hill, a blind shot into the green will be encountered. Further sandy waste areas have been exposed on the second leg of the fairway, out to the right hand side.

Approaching the 17th green

A hollow is found leading up to the green, which angles away to the left of the fairway. One large bunker is located on the left, whilst a good area of short grass is found to the right and rear of the green. The sandy area frames the hole nicely at the rear.

Another nice hole over some of the best land on the property. There are some interesting options available, however the heavily wooded area on the inside of the turn, punishes shorter hitters.

Hole 18 – 335m par 4

Finishing the round is this medium length par 4, heading in a south westerly direction. Waste area is found between the tee and fairway, which feels like one of the tightest on the North course. From an elevated tee, play is to a hill which cambers significantly to the left. Heavy wooded vegetation is found down that side, separating the practice range from the 18th fairway. The hill plateaus for a section, which finds bunkers located directly opposite each other, at the same distance from the tee. This is the narrowest part of the fairway.

Approach to the 18th green

What is hopefully the last iron shot of the day, must carry a shallow gully to reach the green. There are three bunkers around the green complex, one either side and another short right. Two tiers are found on the putting surface, so finding the correct portion becomes necessary to avoid extra shots. I was a little disappointed with the finishing hole, after such a good run leading in. The land is not too bad, although the camber on the fairway dictates play. Bunker positions are not ideal, both on the fairway and around the green. The angle of the green favours shots from the left, where the ball will generally feed, rather than allowing an approach from either side.

Looking at the course makeup in a statistical manner to start with:

• Hole Directions – There is a great variety in hole directions over the course as a whole, if comparing coverage on a compass. I feel this is better done on the front nine holes, even though the first two consecutively run in a western direction. After this the remainder meander around the western part of the course, constantly changing. The back nine, more on the eastern side of the property, have no two holes in the same direction, but do feel to have more going back and forth. This is cleverly disguised though with the odd turn or dogleg, making approach shots play along different angles
• Hole Lengths – All comments are based on measurements from the back tees. There was an even balance in the par three hole lengths. Two were in the mid length distance but both located on the back nine, whilst the other two were split between mid and long. Although the back nine par 3 were of similar distance, they played considerably different, with one fairly open, although water ran close to playing lines, whilst the other was protected by bunkers. Par four holes ranged from mid to long, evenly distributed throughout both nines. In the first six holes there were five par 4’s, but they all managed to play differently, to ensure interest. It was a shame to have no true short fours, although moving forward a tee, this does change. Par 5 holes, there weren’t any in the short category. They were found in the mid to long range and were played between holes 9 and 16. Two were consecutive (15 & 16) although played quite differently, with having a sharp dogleg. These were both on land which had quite a bit of movement
• Hole Layout – How the holes played was satisfying, where two shots or more were required to reach the green. There was a fairly even distribution of holes playing straight, or with left or right turns. These were split evenly throughout the nines however and didn’t feel repetitive, due to change of distance or land over which they played

The conditioning of the course could not be faulted. Being a first time visitor, no comparison could be made on how Rosebud was typically maintained, but the changes made during the renovations had definitely bedded in.

Standout holes for me were 2, 6, 8, 14 and 17.

Hopefully the club progresses further with the master plan, particularly along the creek line, which affects numerous holes. The changes proposed will dramatically improve the course and interest in a majority of the holes along this route. There were quite a few holes which needed slight improvements which would make them further standouts. I only hope the club will have the finances and drive to carry through with this.

Overall the renovation has been a good start to the improvement of the course, which is on good grounds for golf. There is a mixture of undulations along with flat areas, which the routing takes full advantage of. OCM have exposed some of the natural sandy areas of the course, which gives a more natural feel with the surrounds. One thing to note, is even though there are a fair amount of trees throughout areas of the course, there is generally ample width for shots. A great deal of strategic questions are asked on holes, along with ensuring some fun when playing.

This course is one that should be considered on any trip to the Mornington Peninsula area. I am glad to have finally made the visit and look forward to returning.

To play Rosebud Country Club you need one of the following:

1. Be invited by a member
2. Check with the club for availability for public access tee times