I've noticed that many posters here seem to be knowledgeable on the courses of the Mornington Peninsula. I'm organising a few guys to go down there in July to play 3 courses on a Fri, Sat and Sunday. Our handicaps range from 8-20. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Which courses are best to play on weekends so we don't clash with member’s comps etc?
Thanks

Gordy,
Friday: Sorrento
Saturday: The Dunes (public course)
Sunday: Portsea

Unless you're willing to spend $150+, don't bother trying to organise games at The National. Moonah Links is $85 on weekends, and would be best avoided at that price, unless you have a particular desire to play the Australian Open course. The new Legends course at Moonah Links might have opened by then too, which is supposed to be much better.

No need for anybody. to add to Henry's assesment.
Sorrento is apparantly in suprisingly good condition considering the reputation it earned over the past few years.
Bruce Grant has taken over so not so suprising perhaps.

Thanks Henry.

No need for anybody. to add to Henry's assesment.

Being new here I have been reading many past posts and recognise Henry's expertise but if you don't mind Mac I'd appreciate a range of opinions/suggestions.

Gordy - Mac's right with reinforcing Henry's advice. Unless you know a member at The National who is willing to take you in there, for either the Old or Moonah courses, Henry's tips are best. Dunno if you will get onto Portsea on a Sunday, unless you book way early, and dot all i's and cross all t's with their front office first.

Jarrod,
I suggested Portsea on the Sunday because it would be less of a hassle than trying to organise Sorrento.

Thanks guys. We are keen to play The Dunes and Moonah Links as they sound like "must plays" and we'll probably go to Portsea. We are staying at Rye and are considering getting the ferry across to 13th Beach. Is it a hassle to do that? Is it worth it?
Cheers

Gordy,
Where has someone described Moonah Links as a "must play"?

After all that has been written here about Moonah Links, I can't wait to get there and have a look for myself.

Gordy,

I'm a member at Portsea and normally Sundays are OK for public to get on. I just had a look at the syllabus and there are some events on Sundays in July.

6th July - no events
13th July - Portsea Open Amateur Championship
20th July -4BBB Stbl Medley -12 noon start
27th July - no events

Hope this helps. You should call ahead to book anyway.

Jin, Thanks a lot. The 6th of July is the most likely date.
Henry I don't remember about the "must play" but I figure a course that will host an Australian Open and can be played for $85 has got to be worth a game. Thanks again for the tips.

13th Beach is worth the trip, the ferry drops you about 10 minutes at most from the course.
Others to keep in mind are Flinders, Eagle Ridge, Rosebud Country Club. Mornington Golf Club has some of the most spectacular views in Melbourne and, for trivias sake, the Pro is Peter Lonards best mate, Devils Bend is a cheap friendly alternative but all in all henrys list is great.

Thanks for the tips guys. Had a great trip down there with the highlights being Moonah Links, The Dunes and 13th Beach. They were a treat to play with Moonah Links being the highlight. Was a pretty windy the day we played but managed to shoot a 10 over which was enough to win the day. Can't wait to see how the pros go there, the fairways were immaculate and the greens were awesome to putt on.
Thanks again

have you taken eagle ridge into consideration. this is the 50th best public course in australia at the moment. i have played there many times with my social club, and it is always a very enjoyable round. not sure of price though.
also, look at rosebud country club. two top quality championship layouts all year round.