On Par – All about golf in Australia

The National Golf Course is a private course on the Mornington Peninsula, situated about 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD,. The Mornington Peninsula is made for golf, the typography, seaside postion, weather and scenery (not forgetting the wineries and accommodation options) make this a mecca for golfers. The National is the jewel in the crown, comprising three layouts by Robert Trent Jones Junior (Old), Greg Norman (Moonah) and Thompson Wolveridge (Ocean).

The Old Course, as the name suggests, is the original course. And its the beauty and the beast all rolled into one. Trent Jones carved this course through inpenetrable tea tree, up and over ridges, mounds and precipices. It truly is an amazing course. Its also tough, especially in the wind, which is usually in abundance. Its all about position, and local knowledge is key. The tee shot must be to the correct part of the fairway, not always with driver, avoiding massive fairway bunkers and of course, the rough. Shots into green arent always to the pin, with huge undulating greens, 3 & 4 putts are always a chance for the wayward approach. There arent any ‘dud’ holes, but some favourites are:

3rd Hole – Par 4 390 metres The third comes after the long tough second hole, presenting a tough start to the round. Standing on the tee, you are faced with a long carry over a deep gully full of deep grass and bushes. A good shot is required to carry a ridge in the fairway to have any hope of making the green for the uphill second. And once in the green, position is vital as the huge two tiered putting surface requires a lot of work with the flat blade.

7th Hole – Par 3 139 metres The seventh hole on the Old course is one of the most photographed golf holes in Australia. And rightly so, with a spectacular backdrop of Bass Strait and a green nestled surrounded by deep rough from tee to green, with a carry over a deep gully. Depending on wind, the hole can play anything from wedge to mid iron. Accuracy is obvious, but there is a bailout to the right to save a shot hit right. Anything short, long or left is….gone.

12th Hole – Par 4 308 metres I love a good short par 4, and this one is no exception. Whilst rated as the easiest hole on the course, this hole can still claim its share of victims. Club selection on the tee is dictated by how much corner to cut, carry the right bunker and setup a short approach, or play safer to the wider part of the fairway. The approach is to a well gaurded green, no margin for error with large bunkers and steep runoffs.

15th Hole – Par 4 358 metres The fifteenth tee sits high above the fairway, looking down at a right dogleg, bunkers left and right. Again club choice important. Approach is often blind to an elevated green tucked away behind a huge Moonah tree, anything short and right is punished, the two tiered green requires accurate placement.

The Old course can really mess with a game that isnt on song, and would not recommend for a high handicapper. Be sure to take a few extra golf balls too. The layout is now routed differently from the original design, due to a new clubhouse and access to the other 2 courses, which takes some of the thought process from Trent Jones original layout. The course used to start on the 6th hole, easing into the round. It also meant the finish was brutal with two of the hardest holes at 15 & 16. Yet, its still a great course and take the opportunity to play if you get the chance. If you want a taste, play next door at the public access RACV Cape Schanck Resort, also designed by Trent Jones.