Hi.
I just arrived in melbourne from sweden. Looking to play on one of the better public courses since I dont think its worth paying $2000 plus for one of the nice private ones.

What i want now is tips on nice public courses around 40min from CBD.

Also i wonder how I would do to get my aussie handicap? Cause you seem to need that to enter comps.

klund – I’m in Sydney so can’t assist with public courses in Melbourne. However, welcome to the land of Oz and of course to the realm of Iseekgolf. I’m sure there will be plenty of Melbournites hit the thread as the day progresses to advise on your best options.

Regarding H’cap. You will need to join a course down there, usually put in 3 cards to get a temp H’cap and then after 5 cards you will get your full H’cap. May also be the case that they will accept your Swedish H’cap on proof of same.

There may also be systems in place that I am not aware of in regard to obtaining H’caps outside of joining a club.

Once again, welcome. Sit back and enjoy the ISG ride, hopefully you will join the rest of us ‘Fruit Cakes’ in the madness that is Golf.

Hi klund
Where in Melbourne are you staying?
Peak times on public courses can be crowded. What is your current handicap and expectations of courses?

Gary

Gary

I live in Kensington and work up in Tullamarine. I play of about 10 but can hit all from 77-95 depending of how the swing works :)

I dont really mind the course layout, the important thing to me is the condition of the course. I would consider becoming a member in a club for something like 800-1200$.

People tell me Growling Frog is a nice course but cant find membership info on their website.
Thinking of trying it out this weekend depending on the weather.

I don’t know if they do membership, but definitely try and play Yarra Bend. IMO it’s one of the best public tracks in Melbourne!

Growling Frog have a golf league club. You pay gree fees to te course whne you play plus a comp fee to the club. Their website link is below.

http://www.growlingfroggolf...

I think Growling Frog have a 5 day membership excluding weekends… can’t be sure though.

anyone need a extra player on any melbourne course this weekend?? time or day does not matter.

KLund have a look at this thread.

SJGC.

http://forums.iseekgolf.com...

I can think of a few that might be close to Kensington. Medway at Maribyrnong, Riversdale or Riverside cant think which one at Essendon, Northern at Glenroy, In Altona you have Kooringal, Altona Lakes, Laverton you have Sanctuary Lakes, RAAF Williams, Westgate under the Westgate Bridge. Royal Park near the Zoo and The new Sunshine Golf Course at Mount Derrimut.
Growling Frog is along way away from Kensington. The cost of membership for these courses vary from $500pa to $1500pa for 7 day membership, with competitions several days a week.

you might look at Gisbourne you just head out the Calder for about 40 minutes, probably take you as long to get through the city on a football day, or Royal Park would be pretty close to you in Kensington if you want a local they have changed it since I last lived in Melbourne so I don’t know what it is like these days

Have a go at Goonawarra in Sunbury, only 10 mins from Tullamarine and about 30 mins from Kensington
here is their website
www.goonawarragolfclub.com.au

Klund – if you work in Tullamarine then there is a gem of a course about 30 mins north of there. It’s called Hidden Valley an absolute beauty. The members are friendly, the course is absolutely sensational – doesn’t even compare with those listed in this thread and will cost you only $1250 for 7 day membership and access to everything the country club offers.

Let me know if you want to have a hit up there and I can arrange a playing partner or two for you…

Hi

You should give Kooringal a look : Kooringal Site
Is only 20-25 mins across from Tullamarine on the ring road to Altona

Course has recently undergone an extensive renovation and is in good condiiton all year round. Subs are also in your price range

Cheers

thanks for all the tips. gonna try them out.
now for my other question!
how do i get an australian handicap??

You need to join a club then play some games to get one.

You need to join a club then play some games to get one.

You can also get a handicap at almost any public course. Just book some rounds when they are having comps, and you can apply for a Golflink handicap once you have 5 marked competition scorecards.

Golflink can then be used to enter comps and maintain your handicap across Australia.

Have a look at the Golf Access program, lets you get a handicap after playing 5 rounds at selected courses.

Have a look at the Golf Access program, lets you get a handicap after playing 5 rounds at selected courses.

Golf Access

Cost: $99.00 per annum including GST

Benefits:
Golf Access/Golf Link Membership Card
Golf Link Affiliated Australian Golf Handicap
Golfer’s Personal Insurance Program including public liability, personal accident and equipment cover (see details)
Rules of Golf book
Golf Victoria Magazine (6 issues per annum)
Entry to Victorian Open Golf Championship. Access to participate in VGA State-level tournaments and to other open competitions at the discretion of the host club.

Eligibility: Not available to golfers who have held club membership with an Australian Golf Handicap during the past two years.

How to Apply:
Individuals can complete the Golf Access Enrolment Form and apply with their payment through any Golf Access Accredited Golf Centre or Golf Access Social Golf Club (see listing).

Insurance:
Golf Australia Golfers Personal Insurance Scheme covers:
Loss or damage to golf clubs and other sporting equipment – $3,500.
Personal liability for third party personal injury or damage to property – $20,000,000.
Personal accident for defined minor injuries and emergency transport – $2,000 and for death or permanent disablement – $100,000,
(other scheduled benefits for lesser injuries). Weekly loss of income (excess 14 days) – $500.

The following is a list of Vic Clubs that are Accredited Golf Handicapping Centres:

Brighton Golf Links
Bundoora Park Golf Course
Buninyong Golf Club
Centenary Park Golf Access (Frankston)
Churchill Park Golf Club (Endeavour Hills)
Goonawarra Golf Club (Sunbury)
Ivanhoe Golf
House of Golf – Keilor
Moonah Links (Rye)
Morack Golf Course (Vermont)
Ringwood Golf Course
Rosebud Public Golf Course
Tirhatuan Lakes Golf Course (Rowville)
The Dunes Golf Links (Rye)
Yarra Bend Golf Course (Fairfield)

Muntz
Nice work
Kiwi

PS good luck in scramble