Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club (North Course)

Location: Frankston, VIC
Established: 1967
Architect: Sloan Morpeth (1967) / Michael Clayton (2005) / OCCM (2019)
First Played: 3rd Jan 2011
Last Played: 6th Jan 2023

Magazine Ratings

Logo for Golf Digest Australia Top 100 in 2022

5 (Current)

Logo of Golf Australia Magazine Top 100 for 2024

8 (Current)

Fortunate enough to have previously played the original version of the Peninsula Country Golf Club north course, hearing that it would undergo a full redevelopment, meant there would definitely be a visit in the future. OCCM were awarded the work to carry this out and they certainly did not disappoint.

Entrance to Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club

A brief history – the original Peninsula C.G.C. was established in 1925 in Frankston. It was originally supposed to be an 18 hole course for men and a 9 hole course for women, but completion of this complex did not happen until 1948. For the first few years of the club it operated as an 11 hole course, until 1926 when the final 7 holes were completed.

In 2013 Peninsula C.G.C. and Kingswood Golf Club merged to become Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. This saw the rebuilding of facilities and both courses at the Frankston site, funded by the sale of the Kingswood property to land developers.

The Clubhouse at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club

The transformation has been remarkable. A stylish modern clubhouse, sitting in the same location as the previous one. But more importantly a total overhaul of both the North and South courses which have certainly elevated the design and use of land.

To view what the course looked like before the rebuild see my earlier visit.

Locker Room at Peninsula Kingswood

The club facilities go beyond the golf course and practice facilities, including a gymnasium, pool and accommodation. Views from the clubhouse extend over the 18th green of the north course. There were obviously challenges during construction, but having a third course allowed the members to still play at the Kingswood site.

Map of the North Course at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club (image from Google Maps)

The routing has remained largely unchanged, but did see the removal of trees and various vegetation, opening up views around the course. Also replacing some parts of the extended rough with waste areas, exposing the sandy base on the property. Green complexes and surrounds fully replaced, allowing for greater strategy in play.

Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club North Course Scorecard for white markers

One thing to note with the following photos. They are a mixture from two visits. Those with more overcast sky are from Feb 2020. The remainder are from my last visit Jan 2023. In some cases there maybe noticeable difference vegetation growth.

Hole 1 – 315m par 4

Walking open to a wide vista on the teeing area of the first hole, with a large practice putting green almost by its side, we get the first impression of the north course. Playing out over a gentle rise, before the inclination to the green steepens. Fairway bunkers have been strategically staggered on both sides.

Looking back from the first green

The green complex has bunkers either side at the front, with some parts actually cut into the green (don’t be too strong putting towards those). Part of the left and rear allow the ball to feed back in, whilst the front will repel the ball down the slope. This is a nice opening hole, easing you into the round.

Hole 2 – 150m par 3

Next is the very photogenic par 3. This plays into an amphitheater of sand and vegetation. The green isn’t overly wide, but quite long in length, so requires an accurate shot to avoid trouble. Short and the ball will feed away. Depending on how inaccurate that shot is will determine how far away the ball will roll.

Side view of the second green

Gently sloping from the rear to front and bunkers either side, there is not too much width. Often compared to Royal Melbourne West 5th hole, to me the comparisons are only in look. There is a lot more width visually at RM, but also some distinct tiers to cope with, so critical to hit the right portion of the green. PK appears narrow from the tee, with not a lot of undulation in its green. It is more gentle slopes. Ranked as the most difficult par 3 on the course, it lives up to its ranking.

Hole 3 – 455m par 5

As you move around the course, the transitions from each hole become seamless, walking off the green to short grass which becomes the next tee. Although only a shortish par 5, there are questions to be asked on each shot. From the upper teeing area, all is laid out before you. Plenty of fairway to work with, but leaving yourself in the wrong position can lead to a difficult second shot. Longer hitters will be able to carry the plateau and roll down the hill making a short approach.

Alternative tee on the 3rd hole

From the lower teeing area, the hole complexity changes quite a lot. The left fairway bunkers have to be carried to gain more distance and a better position for the next shot. With the bunkers also ensuring half the fairway cannot be seen, finding the correct line is a little more difficult.

Approach to the 3rd green

The third green complex and surrounds underwent a huge transformation from the original course. Trees were removed along the left adjoining the 4th hole, replaced with sandy waste. This opens up the area and reduces the funneling effect, which was present with the trees. Bunkering almost surrounds the green, with a very small gap to run the ball in, but plenty of undulation and sloping on the putting surface makes this quite interesting. One of my favourite par 5 holes on PK North, as it does ask questions, from tee to green.

Hole 4 – 350m par 4

Next is a medium length par 4, playing with a turn to the right. Bunkers sit on the inside corner, which longer hitters can carry. Playing close to these bunkers is also ideal for any pin position out to the left. Significant changes have been implemented since the renovations on the fourth. Removal of trees to the left portion of the fairway, removing the enclosed feel, but more noticeable is the introduction of sandy waste along the fairway. This adds to the characteristics of the land on which Peninsula Kingswood is found, but also will reduce the number of balls potentially running into the thicker vegetation.

View along the fairway to the 4th green

There is quite an open fairway to land for the longer hitters, although may be possible to drive through the fairway to sandy areas on the left side. The green complex has one bunker on the left, to protect any pin positions down that side. However the green is mostly devoid of any other hazard. A large area is found to the right for any miss, where a bunker and heavy tree coverage were previously found.

Hole 5 – 455m par 5

Another short par 5 follows, ranked the easiest of the “3” shot holes, which turns to the left. Hitting to what is almost a saddle, with a fairway bunker found on the left hand side of the hill. Visually the opening looks quite narrow, but use of the hills will help keep the ball in play and run further down the fairway.

Approach to the 5th green

Depending on position within the fairway, the left fairway bunker will come into play for a variety of strategies. Those shooting for the green in two, will have this partially block the left side of the green. Others laying up, ensuring the carry this but not going too long to reach the right hand bunker complex. Depth the main obstacle. The green itself is quite open to the left and level with the putting surface. The further right, the larger the elevation to the green. The rear however starts to slope away. Not as challenging as the previous par 5, but still a lot of fun to play.

Hole 6 – 295m par 4

This may measure short on the scorecard, but playing up the hill adds a bit of length to this. What really stands out when standing on the tee, is the center-line bunkering (although technically they could be referred to as bunkers splitting the two tiers of fairway). There is ample room to land the tee shot either side. Short left of these will leave a more direct shot but blind to the flag. Right, lots of space but a more difficult shot across two bunkers to reach the green. Taking on the carry of the central bunkers will leave a much easier approach, but a long shot out of sand if you fail.

Looking back on the 6th green at Peninsula Kingswood North course

Several bunkers are found around this green, with the left rear sloping away steeply. Even though the putting surface remains unseen, there is ample area to land the approach. Some gentle slopes to contend with but not as difficult as others around the course. Other than the green complex, the most noticeable difference between old and new, is the addition of bunkers through the fairway. A challenging hole which requires some thought.

Hole 7 – 150m par 3

Moving to the rear of the previous hole, is the tee for the seventh. A medium length par 3 playing down an incline, there is a clear view of what is ahead. Multiple bunkers are found either side, with one portion of the green sitting behind the front left. Pin positions down this side are sure to see a lot of sand play. A wide opening appears at the front allowing for some safety.

Looking across from the right side of the 7th green

The putting surface generally slopes from right to left, with a few steeper sections running off the risen bunker faces. Anything long on this hole will run down a steep slope. There is even the potential to find the 18th fairway, now that there has been extensive tree removal from behind. One benefit, unobstructed views to Port Phillip Bay.

Hole 8 – 320m par 4

Another scenic hole presenting all in front, is this shortish par 4. In the distance we see bunkers through the fairway. The green complex is too the left of these. There is ample room on the fairway, however anything out to the right will leave an extremely difficult approach, due to the angle of the green. Staying as close to one of the largest bunkers on the course, on the left side, will allow an easier approach.

View left of the 8th green

It’s not just the angle of this green but the depth. The front portion adjoining the bunkers, all slope steeply toward the rear. Any shot hitting these areas will propel forward, likely ending in the rear bunkers. Longer hitters may reach this lower portion, which will allow an easy pitch into the green. However you play the hole, it is one of the best offering risk vs reward.

Hole 9 – 360m par 4

Moving to some of the flatter areas of PK North are a succession of three par 4 holes. The first of these is of medium length, playing with a slight turn to the right. A fairway bunker is found on the inside of the turn, at which point the fairway narrows briefly. Playing closer to this allows a better angle to the green for most pin positions.

Looking across at the 9th green from the 15th hole

The approach is to a slightly risen green, with bunkering on either side. Camber of the fairway and green front also slope to the right, although more prominent at the green complex. Play until this point has been over mostly undulating land and shorter holes. This starts a run of longer and more difficult holes. The biggest question here is where to play the tee shot, taking on the risk of the fairway bunker or play safe.

As the course does not route back to the clubhouse after nine, at the turn we have a convergence of holes, 9, 10, 15 and 16 along with a halfway house and facilities.

Hole 10 – 400m par 4

Next is the longest par 4 on the course, also with the privilege of being the most difficult rated hole. Playing relatively straight, two fairway bunkers are staggered along the way. Trees also run most of the length of the hole on either side.

Slightly rising approach to the 10th green

Being such a long hole, the green complex is designed to allow a variety of ways to make the approach. Bunkering is found short of the hole on the right side, causing so depth perception, but having plenty of room behind to land the ball to run into the putting surface. Sloping at the front feed the ball away and to the left, with further bunkers down this side of the green. Not a hole which will garner much conversation, but one still well thought out in its design.

Hole 11 – 335m par 4

Playing back in a southerly direction is this par 4, which turns to the left. With the course changes, waste area was introduced down the left side of the fairway, replacing a solitary bunker. Further bunkers are also now found protruding from the right, 72m short of the green. At this point the fairway narrows dramatically. Longer hitters could easily reach this point, so have a question on how to play this off the tee.

Looking back along the eleventh hole

An extremely large bunker is found to the right of this green (I would dread a shot which found the extremities of this), whilst two smaller ones are found on the left. The putting surface mostly funnels towards the center, from most sides, although there is a small knob at the front right.

Hole 12 – 360m par 4

Changing direction to the west, is probably me least favourite hole at PK North, mainly because I struggle playing it. Having a slight turn to the left, this hole continually rises from tee to green. The second half more steeply than the first. Finding the correct line is critical off the tee, as it is quite easy to run through the right hand side of the fairway. Whilst playing to far to the left has potential to find the sandy waste areas. I find the second section of the fairway has quite a bit of camber on either side, with it being referred to as a ‘Hogsback’, increasing the difficulty.

Playing the approach seems like threading a needle, with waste down either side of the fairway. The green sits perched on top of the hill, with steep run off on both sides (the left side must be 6 feet as I couldn’t see the green itself). A testing hole which definitely deserves its ranking as second hardest hole on the course.

Hole 13 – 285m par 4

Heading south again is the shortest par 4 on the course. With a dogleg to the left, this demands some thought off the tee. The fairway narrows, the closer you come to the green, increasing the risk of finding rough or bunkers which are staggered along the fairway. A large section of fairway is found short of the first bunker, but increases the risk of a longer approach.

Approach to the 13th green

With an opening at the front of the green, a variety of shots is possible with the approach. Deep bunkering is found on most sides of the green, which seems a lot larger than its predecessor, which was actually bunker-less. A good risk reward hole, the question being, is the risk worth it?

Hole 14 – 135m par 3

Playing in the opposite direction is the shortest hole on the course. However both times recently played, this was into a strong headwind, so really didn’t feel that short. This, with the fact that the 12th green towers over in the background, not offering much protection from the wind. Improvements have been made on the lead into the green, with efforts to hide the path within the sandy waste, heath land and grasses.

The 14th green rises above its surrounds

Sitting perched above most of its surrounds, the green slopes from rear to front and includes a false front. Six bunkers surround the green, although these are mainly on the left and rear of the hole. Ample room is found short or right for an inaccurate shot. One of my favourite par 3s on the course, not just for scenery but play-ability.

Hole markers found throughout the course

You will not have a problem finding your way around the course, with quite large signs being located at each hole.

Hole 15 – 490m par 5

The shortest hole on the course is followed by the longest. Heading back towards the east (and clubhouse), the tee shot requires a carry over heathland and a distant ridge. Playing with a turn first to the right, then the left when approaching the green.

Windswept bunker along the 15th hole

The second shot will need to play over or around bunkers down the left, built into another ridge. My first visit after the rebuild was in extreme wind, shown with nearly as much sand on the fairway, as the bunker itself.

Deceptively hidden 15th green

As for the green, it sits slightly risen, with bunkering on its right side. These blend in with those on the ninth hole, which is actually 50m further back.

Hole 16 – 150m par 3

The last par 3 for the day, is also the easiest ranked hole on the North course. With only bunkers down the right side of the hole, this is the only area you cannot miss.

View from the 15th green from the 17th tee

Ample room short, to the left and even behind, allow for a comfortable recovery. There is one dastardly area to the right on the putting surface, which would be a sucker pin, protruding between two of the bunkers. Now the easy hole is over, time to face the testing last two in finishing the round.

Hole 17 – 485m par 5

The last par 5 for the day is also ranked most difficult of its type. Extensive work has been carried out to open up this area, giving a clear view of what lies ahead. Two very large sit built into the hill on the left. Play over these is the preferred line, but a long carry. Those successful will open up the view into the green with a shorter shot. Play to the right of these is the safe option.

Approaching the penultimate green

The fairway narrows as we get closer to the green, with most of the land sloping down from the right. A large hollow is located at the front of the green, leaving a running approach not such an easy shot, as it is slightly obscured by the bunkers short of the green. A rewarding experience walking of this green with a par.

Hole 18 – 370m par 4

Finishing the round is this longer par 4, playing with a true dogleg to the left. A large expanse of bunkers are found on the inside line, which require a long shot to carry. Another is found through the fairway at the turn. It is only when you reach the corner, that the full vista, an amphitheater of the green, sand, heathland and clubhouse is realised.

Looking down at the 18th green from the clubhouse

The fairway leading into the green, predominantly slopes from the right. Bunkers located on either side of the green entrance, pinch in but still leave a generous opening. This forms a bottom shelf on the putting surface, which rises and widens beyond the front bunkers. A nice hole visually to finish on, but also challenge the player and leave a lasting memory.

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. For most of the course, you are constantly changing direction, however there was a run of three holes where you traversed back and forth. 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 – Par three holes were all in the mid length distance and on the scorecard three had the same distance. In reality this was not the case with one playing downhill, so would play shorter, but overall felt there could be a greater disparity. Par four holes ranged from short to long with an equal majority being either short or medium length. There was only one hole which was long in length. Par 5 holes ranged from medium to long with the latter being the clear majority starting at 499 meters. One criticism would be holes 10 to 12 being similar distance with only 2 meters separation (playing from the gold tee) although they do play quite differently, so this is not so noticeable.
  • Hole Layout – There was a decent mixture in how the holes played, but there was a clear majority favouring turns to the left, where two shots or more were required to reach the green. This made up forty four percent. The remainder were split between playing straight or with a turn to the right

The overall conditioning of the course was excellent, with no major issues that could be seen. This was across all areas, tee boxes, fairways (which were firm and running), green complexes and bunkering. The use of Pure Distinction on the putting areas certainly stand out.

Standout holes for me at Peninsula Kingswood North, would be 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18. All of these are for how good the design is, but also how they fit in the setting, use of land etc.

In summary, the redesign of the course really has improved the site dramatically. Looking back on photos from my original visit, it does look quite aged, not standing out for being a Sandbelt course. Removing a decent amount of trees has been justified, allowing not only views, but improving conditions for growth. Peeling back the grass around the fairways and exposing the underlying base helps to make this feel the course feel like it belongs. Certainly the routing could not be improved, taking advantage of the topography to present some excellent holes.

You would have to say this is a great rendition of a modern Sandbelt design. This can be certainly a very challenging course, but still paid rewards for shots where risk was taken. If you are ever given the opportunity to play the North course, I fully recommend you take advantage.

How to play at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club:

  1. Be invited by a member
  2. Be an interstate or overseas visitor who is a member of a golf club
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