Barwon Heads Golf Club

Magazine Ratings

Traveling down to the Bellarine Peninsula as a part of my April crusade, one Top 100 golf course each weekend, saw a visit to one of the best courses in the area, Barwon Heads Golf Club.

That’s how it was in 2016 anyway. Three years later I returned what was a standout course to see what further changes had been made under the clubs master plan. This is being carried out by Crafter and Mogford Golf Strategies.

Barwon Heads Golf Club Front Entrance

Unlike most other courses, there is no official entrance to the club, due to public access roads. In fact for a first time visit it was quite confusing as the clubhouse is on one side of the road, whilst the pro-shop is on the other.

Lounge and Bar located in the clubhouse

The clubhouse is a standout amongst those I have visited. Blending into its beach environment, the club is quite large with many rooms, bars and restaurant available. On entering the main entrance, you come across a spacious lounge area with a fireplace either side, quite comfy during those cold winter months.

Map of Barwon Heads Golf Club

Set among the dunes of the Bellarine Peninsula, the club has a great feel of being a true links style course. The routing along the land has been done well along part of the coastline, although they are not fully exposed to the sea.

Scorecard Barwon Heads Golf Club

The club has recently closed its membership books, due to a heavy in flux of members. This is always a good sign for any course, in particular one which is almost in a regional area. Such is the condition and quality of the course, a lot of members come from Melbourne, at least a one and a half hour journey. Although a majority of these only play during peak seasons.

Hole 1 – 295 meter par 4

Standing on the first tee, you are faced with a hole which drops from the tee, then rises on the other side to the green. The fairway has a generous landing area and is full of undulations and mounds. Straight away you know you are on a true links course.

Looking back from the 1st green

There are various slopes on the fairway which may leave an awkward stance, something you better get used to very quickly. Playing to this green way up on the rise, has three bunkers to catch you out, but a relatively easy putting surface with a small false front its main defense. This is the shortest & easiest par 4 on the course, a hole which gently eases you into the round, always a good thing as far as I am concerned.

Hole 2 – 180 meter par 3

Going from the easiest and shortest par 4, we move onto the hardest and longest par 3. From an elevated tee this hole sits down a gentle slope. With sandy dunes left and dried out areas right, the only place to miss is the large fairway section leading into the hole. A small, shallow bunker is found on the right, but has a very large lip.

View behind the 2nd green

The putting surface slopes from the rear, but also right to left. Missing the green to the right leaves a downhill shot, making the green even trickier. Some simple elements, but good use of the topography makes this an enjoyable hole.

Hole 3 – 373 meter par 4

Next up is a great risk reward hole for the tee shot. With a dog leg to the right which is made up of sandy waste. This leaves a decision on how much to take on carrying the sand, to reduce distance for the approach, or playing it safe around the obstacle. One solitary bunker remains on the left, so after carrying the waste area, I was very disappointed to find myself in it.

View of the third hole from the 4th Tee

Playing the approach is up a small incline to a green predominantly surrounded by mounds. The putting surface itself is large, for this course anyway, with some gentle slopes. A nice hole which will always give the player decisions to make from the tee, but also with the approach. One of the more memorable for the day.

Hole 4 – 144 meter par 3

Another par 3 which is a mid length hole. The tee shot is required to carry a gully, containing some small ti-tree. Elevation and multi-tiers to the green is what truly stands out. Anything slightly left or short will require precision in getting the ball back to any left hand side pin positions. Other small hollows are found to the right, but are not quite as pronounced.

Large elevated 4th green

There is quite a lot of space between the putting surface and any significant trouble, which is smart, as the wind can play havoc. A hole with a lot of character, which will be played in many different ways.

Hole 5 – 451 meter par 5

Again from an elevated position, the tee shot on this shortest par 5 at Barwon Heads Golf Club, plays down a slight slope. Two traps to the left can catch out any misdirected shot and make this play as a true three shot hole. Those playing around or over, will find the ball closing in on the green. One thing that I had already noticed was the firmness on the fairway, allowing the ball to run quite some distance.

View from the 6th tee of the 5th green

The last section of fairway gently rises to this elevated green, which has been built into a small hill. The green complex includes two traps on the left side, where finding the first will require a great shot to reach the green. Although not the easiest par 5 on the course, playing down wind makes this a very short three shots.

Looking back from 5th green

Slopes on the putting surface run mainly right to left. The hole appears fairly straight from the tee, however the fairway snakes its way to the green. Those hitting a decent drive will find this hole reachable in two. I am a bit undecided how I feel about this hole. There is some decision from the tee and the approach adding to some strategy, but potentially would rely on varying wind conditions to keep the interest repeat player.

Hole 6 – 327 meter par 4

Playing back towards the clubhouse is the last hole on this parcel of land. The land slopes uphill all the way to the green with many various humps and hollows pitted along the fairway. Two fairway bunkers are found along the left, the direction the land generally falls toward.

Playing uphill from the 6th fairway

On my day of play, the wind was a strong north easterly, which meant a headwind on this hole. I was having to pull out my best links shots, staying under what was easily a 3 club wind. The green here sits partially exposed at one of the higher points of the course, with a solitary trap located to the right. The putting surface slopes generally to the right also. This was a memorable hole, with the fairway providing some difficulty with is varying undulation. Although the hole was a shorter par 4, it played quite long into the wind, proving a true challenge.

Hole 7 – 364 meter par 4

The first loop does not finish near the clubhouse, so this is your opportunity to pick up any refreshments if required. Playing the last shot from the eastern parcel of land, you must carry the tee shot across the road dividing the property. Although I could see the green complex, I was not confident that it was the green I had to play. With a large bank on the left and what appeared to be a break in the fairway, my first thoughts were the hole played with a slight dogleg to the left. Fortunately I played to the center of the fairway, allowing me to get my bearings.

Approach from 7th fairway

What appeared to be a break in the fairway was actually an optical illusion made up of a small mound with longer native grass and a fairway bunker blocking the view of the fairway. Small mounds and hollows are found along the way to the green, which is guarded by two small traps either side. This green has more pronounced slopes to contend with. Another challenging hole but one which was very enjoyable, even with my disorientation. Varying strategies can be taken from the tee, which offers some risk and reward with its shaping. The fairway undulations will ensure no shot is quite so simple for the approach.

Hole 8 – 149 meter par 3

Looks stunning from the tee, this mid length par 3 requires a carry over sandy waste. It’s a shame there is not a bit more of this around the course, only 5 holes have it incorporated, as it truly adds to the environment of being next to the beach.

View from behind the 8th green

Even though the main aspect of the hole is the carry to the green, there are a few mounds and hollows surrounding to add a bit more difficulty. A hole where you are either hero or zero. A standout due to the carry required and its standout of blending into the environment quite naturally. The negative, play ability, not much variation is found. You either carry the waste or you don’t. No shortcuts are available.

Hole 9 – 370 meter par 4

Another standout on the course is also the hardest hole. From the elevated tee a small carry is required to a fairway which doglegs to the left. As it was my first time playing, I had no idea on how it played, so there was not shortcuts to be taken. In hindsight, I know that being left is the preferred section to land, leaving a shorter approach.

Approach over the broken 9th fairway

When you reach the end of the fairway, you see a break before the second fairway leads into the green. Makes those trying to cut the corner, require great accuracy and potentially a tailwind to reach. The green complex has two bunkers either side guarding the entrance, along with a decent slope at the front of the putting surface. A nice hole which would be interesting to play a few more times in varying conditions to see how many options are truly available from the tee.

Tee marker and pin flag

Although the tee markers are pretty standard, found on most courses, the pin flags were very unique. Showing the clubs colours from the logo, they could not be missed from the fairway.

Hole 10 – 306 meter par 4

Starting the second nine is a short par 4 sweeping slightly to the left. The fairway falls away slightly before gently rising towards the green. Probably the only hole on the course where trees come into play on both sides of the fairway, making it appear much narrower.

Break in the fairway before the 10th green

A second consecutive hole where the fairway has a break, this time just before the green, reducing the chance of shots being run into the hole, but also reducing the chance of driving the green for long hitters. Humps and hollows are found at the front with the rear mostly falling away. Enjoyable hole although potentially limited options in playing the hole, unless you bring in the option of driving the distance when down breeze.

Hole 11 – 341 meter par 4

From the tee you find the fairway angling away slightly to the left. Two bunkers are found either side down the fairway, but separated by a little bit of distance, ensuring they do not constrict the playing area. There was a bit of regeneration work occurring close to the tee. Unsure what the expected outcome will be.

Approach from the 11th fairway

This fairway suits a right to left shot gaining distance and hopefully avoiding the traps. Bunkers come into play either side of the green, with those on the right partially covering the front.

Hugely elevated 11th green

The one noticeable thing on this green is the extreme rise at the front. A ball must carry the distance to stay on the higher surface. Anything slightly short or too much spin will come back down to the fairway. Quite a nice hole which is challenging from tee to green, especially the later. Pins placed to the right will bring the bunker into play, whilst trying to play safely to the left does not necessarily mean hitting the putting surface.

Hole 12 – 380 meter par 4

Playing to the furthest point of the course is the longest par 4. With a fairway which has a large hill through the middle and sloping to the right, two traps are placed ideally for those shots sliding down the fairway.

Approach from the 12th fairway

Carrying the rise in the fairway may gain extra distance, but if landing to the left may leave an awkward stance. The green complex is guarded by a bunker either side, but these are actually short of the green, leaving some space behind. Right of the putting surface falls away steeply, so any ball near this area will likely run away. The slope of the green is also slightly to the right, but not dramatically.

Looking back at the 12th green

A hole where a few options are available from the tee to the green, depending on your confidence and execution. A variety of shots can be played with the approach as well as around the green.

Hole 13 – 128 meter par 3

The card says shortest and easiest par 3, but from a highly elevated tee into a headwind, blows the easy part out the window. The view from here takes in the neighbouring 13th Beach Golf Links Creek course. I always find playing down from such elevation difficult. You really need to be confident on your club distances and stick with your conviction when hitting.

Raised 13th green

The green itself is raised with many mounds in the surrounding area. What is more interesting is the use of shortly mown and longer grass, to make a few more obstacles and shots a bit more difficult. As for the putting surface it is not large, but has a couple of strong undulations towards the front. Coming off here with a par can be an achievement. Don’t be fooled by the index. This is an enjoyable hole, which can be forgiving from the tee, but requires some imagination if not on the putting surface. The view was a highlight.

Hole 14 – 488 meter par 5

There is probably four holes on the course, where playing without too much knowledge makes it difficult. This is the third. The longest hole on course and hardest par 5, has a fairway which is partially hidden by a large mound.

Renovated 14th tee shot

The question is how much of a line do you have behind there? Well after recent renovations by Crafter and Mogford following the clubs master plan, this had been dramatically softened.

Approach from the 14th fairway

Once you have navigated the first 200 meters of the hole it becomes a bit easier. The fairway is quite wide before reaching the bunkers approaching the green. From here it narrows slightly before a few ridges are encountered leading onto the putting surface. This green is elevated all the way around, with one trap to the right. A deceiving hole on your first attempt, but once the lines are know it becomes much easier. There are a few options from the tee, even after you do know ideal line of hitting, but it still gets a bit unnerving when you can’t see the intended target. Although the second portion of the fairway is relatively flat, clever use of bunkers ensures this is not a simple shot to the green and consideration should be taken.

Hole 15 – 340 meter par 4

A medium length hole sweeping to the left, has a few traps to be avoided on the inside line. Playing too far right however brings the native vegetation into play, especially if going to long. I quite liked the look of the hole from the tee, suited my eye.

Approach to the 15th green

What impressed me most of the green complex. A large area to the right falls away, leaving tricky shots back onto the green. Running the ball in is not so easy with bunkers to the left, bring the swale even more into play. The green slopes towards the swale, so missing right is not ideal. The lines were simple but this hole just played nicely. Allowing for a variety of things to happen on any given day, yet not being to punishing. One of the standouts.

Hole 16 – 452 meter par 5

A blind shot from the tee to a fairway rising constantly away. Again, playing this hole a second time would make it much easier. Having a trap to the left, leaves the player favouring the right side of the fairway, where a large mound with scrub can be found. This actually hides the course dam, although only a really wayward shot would find this.

Wide open 16th green

Once finding the fairway, the play is rather simple, actually dull. A fairway trap is slightly short to the right of the green. This must be carried if trying to run the ball into the putting surface, as the land slopes to the left. Not my favourite hole, in fact the least interesting in my opinion. Probably why it is ranked easiest hole on the course.

Hole 17 – 159 meter par 3

The penultimate hole is the closing par 3. With a green almost sitting in an amphitheater, it is quite scenic. Multiple bunkers are found around the green, with one appearing quite large in built into the bank.

Looking down at the 17th green

Even though there are surround mounds to the green, these provide not protection from the elements. On my day of play the wind was blowing sideways quite strongly. The putting surface is slightly undulating, with slope mainly from rear to front. This, although not the most spectacular looking hole from the tee, was quite enjoyable. There are multiple options getting the ball to the green and around as well.

Hole 18 – 344 meter par 4

Making the final tee shot with the clubhouse in view, this hole doglegs to the left. From the tee the land slopes slightly uphill until the turn. One trap is found quite short on the right side, whilst at the corner another is located. With the land sloping to the right from this point, finding this bunker will be more out of bad luck.

The 18th fairway up to the green

Making the approach to the last green is up a steep incline. The putting surface remains unseen from this point, making it handy if you have a laser pointer or GPS device. Missing left will find a large swale, whilst the remainder of the green has slight slopes leading away.

Last view of the course from the 18th green

This was a great finishing hole all within view of the clubhouse, great for those big games or during summer when the course is full of players. There are not many options available from the tee, as the fairway feeds most balls to the right hand side, whilst driving the dogleg would require one enormous shot. Whether this would provide any reward is also debatable with such a strong slope leading up to the green. None the less, it was still a nice way to finish the round.

In summary, playing at Barwon Heads Golf Club was a totally enjoyable experience on a great golf course. During my visit the fairway ground was firm, allowing the ball to run quite some distance. Greens had been cored in last two weeks, which the pro-shop had gladly advised, but still played reasonably well. One member mentioned they were much slower than normal though. Not sure on how fast they could allow with the strong winds coming through the area.

Looking at the course makeup:

• Hole Directions – There was a good variety allowing for conditions to have wide ranging effects during play, with almost all directions on the compass represented. With the run home, not one faces in a westerly direction, avoiding any issues in the afternoon sun
• Hole Lengths – Par three holes had a good variance in distance, the majority in mid length. Par four holes ranged from short to long with the majority being either short or mid length. Par 5 holes ranged from medium to long with the former being the majority
• Hole Layout – There was a decent mixture in how the holes played, although an overwhelming majority tended to favour turns to the left, where two shots or more were required to reach the green. This outnumbered those turning to the right two to one, with three holes playing reasonably straight

I felt the routing had made good use of land available for the course. There was a little left over to make a nice nine hole par 3 course. Unfortunately I did not get the chance to play. Without any doubt there was a strong links feel on majority of the course, especially the eastern parcel of land and those holes closest to the clubhouse.

After the round time was spent enjoying the clubhouse, which is quite amazing. There is a multitude of areas available, two bars, a lounge area, restaurant or two and many function rooms. Even better you can book to stay in the guest rooms, great for those looking to get a couple of rounds in. Staff and members very helpful and welcoming, which only added to the good experience. After my round I had a group of members come up for a chat, which gave me a greater insight into the course. In my opinion one of the good links courses available in the country, best on the western side of Melbourne. Would love to play again.

How to play at Barwon Heads Golf Club:

1. Be invited by a member
2. Utilise some of the public access times available on weekdays and early Sunday morning