Birdies, Bogeys, and Bellarine: A Wander Through the Peninsula's Green

At Villa on Harding, we know our guests include some serious golf enthusiasts. We have hosted couples' weekend golfing stays and large groups for the perfect "golfing wine discovery weekends!" 

So, for the unacquainted, here is your Guide to the Golf Clubs on the Bellarine Peninsula! 

Barwon Heads Golf Club

For golf enthusiasts looking to explore the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, the Barwon Heads Golf Club offers a rich golfing experience, combining historical significance with modern golfing challenges. Established in 1907, the club is significant for its association with the history of recreation in Victoria. 

The Barwon Heads Golf Club's main course is ranked among Australia's top golf courses. Its location near the Bass Strait and sand dunes contributes to its unique Scottish links-style course, offering golfers an experience reminiscent of Scotland's famed courses. The course's design incorporates the natural features of the land, offering undulating terrain that tests golfers of all standards with its cleverly positioned hazards, subtle slopes, and challenging tee positions. The varying wind conditions ensure that the course plays differently, adding to the challenge and excitement of each game​. 

For visitors, the club extends a warm welcome, allowing them to book rounds and enjoy the facilities, which include a par-3 course, a short game practice facility, and various clinics and lessons available through the golf shop.

13th Beach Golf Links

13th Beach Golf Links, set on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, offers a premier golfing destination with two award-winning courses and first-class facilities. The resort is renowned for its Beach Course and Creek Course, both of which consistently rank among Australia's Top 100 courses, according to the Australian Golf Digest. 

The Beach Course, a true links-style course designed by Tony Cashmore, is celebrated for its collection of Par 3s, offering a test of iron play for golfers at all levels. The Creek Course, a collaboration between Cashmore and Sir Nick Faldo, offers a parkland layout compared to Melbourne's famed Sandbelt courses. Additionally, the 9-hole Short Course presents an excellent opportunity for players to hone their short game or enjoy a quicker round​. 

The resort has embarked on a Course Improvement Program to enhance playability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, ensuring an enjoyable and challenging experience for all golfers. These improvements will continue into 2024​.

Curlewis Golf Club

Curlewis Golf Club celebrated for its progressive approach and continuous ascent in Australian golf rankings, is a standout on the Bellarine Peninsula. This course praised for its sandy base, minimal tree interference, and naturally undulating fairways, offers a true links experience reminiscent of Scotland's iconic courses. 

With improvements led by architects like Michael Clayton, it challenges players with firm, fast greens and strategic bunkers, where the wind often decides the game's difficulty. Ranked highly across various publications, Curlewis is a favourite for its playable yet challenging layout and the spectacular vistas it offers across Corio Bay.

The club's facilities are top-tier, featuring a modern clubhouse that complements its stunning course. The Range @ Curlewis, a state-of-the-art driving range and academy, adds to the club's allure. A very popular spot for a burger, cool beverages, great tunes and a ball smash set to impress. It is equipped with advanced technology like Toptracer Range and Xgolf simulators, making it a unique destination on the Bellarine Peninsula and the greater region of Geelong. 

Portarlington Golf Club

Portarlington Golf Club stands as a gem on the Bellarine Peninsula, renowned for its fusion of parkland and links-style holes. The course, with its superbly conditioned bent greens, promises an engaging round for every golfer, regardless of their handicap. Its layout, featuring minimal tree interference and gently rolling fairways, ensures a seamless blend of challenge and playability. 

The club's dedication to excellence is evident in the strategic placement of hazards and the quick-draining, easy-to-walk course that caters to a wide array of golf preferences, from junior 9-hole rounds to full 18-hole experiences.

The clubhouse at Portarlington boasts a full bistro and bar that serves as the perfect backdrop for post-game relaxation or celebration. This inviting space complements the golfing experience, making every visit memorable. Furthermore, the club's selection of tee choices caters to all skill levels, ensuring that every golfer finds their ideal match of length and difficulty on the course.

For those interested in the finer details, such as green fees, which are thoughtfully structured to accommodate juniors, students, and pensioners, alongside comprehensive options for club hire and golf cart rental services, Portarlington Golf Club's official website offers all the necessary information. This club is not just a place to play golf; it is a destination where every visit is an experience, promising both challenge and relaxation in a scenic setting. Visit their official website for more details. 

Queenscliff Golf Club

Queenscliff Golf Club, situated on the unique Swan Island, offers a golfing experience with scenic beauty. Accessible via a short ferry ride, the club immerses golfers in a serene environment where the game intertwines seamlessly with stunning vistas and the local wildlife. This distinctive setting not only captivates with its views but also with a course layout that appeals to all skill levels, featuring well-considered hazards and pristine fairways that encourage a thoughtful approach to each shot. The tranquil waters and the gentle whisper of the island's flora and fauna add an extra layer of enjoyment, making every round a peaceful retreat from the bustle of daily life. 

Queenscliff Golf Course's unique island home is built up by drifting sand and is an all-weather course. Swan Island is a protected marine reserve with an abundance of birdlife. It has a quirky history: In 1907, Mr. Banks, a Championship Player, selected the Swan Island location as the preferred site for a golf course. He was instrumental in laying out and establishing five holes ready for play by Christmas Day 1907.

The clubhouse at Queenscliff complements the natural beauty of the course, offering amenities that cater to relaxation and camaraderie after a day on the greens. Whether dining with a view or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golfers, the facilities ensure a welcoming atmosphere for members and guests alike. The club prides itself on its commitment to preserving the environmental integrity of its unique location while providing a challenging and enjoyable golfing experience.

Lonsdale Links

Lonsdale Links, recently reimagined, emerges as a newly redeveloped golfing jewel in the Geelong and Bellarine region, presenting a remarkable links experience accessible to the public and members alike. 

Situated a mere 15 minutes from Villa on Harding, it distinguishes itself not only through its unique golfing experience but also by achieving Top 100 accolades from prestigious publications like Golf Australia Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golf Magazine (Top 100 golf courses across Asia Pacific). This accolade underscores its exceptional design and the memorable experience it offers.

The course, inspired by golfing pioneers Charles Blair Macdonald, Seth Raynor, and Charles Banks and masterfully crafted by Ogilvy Cocking Mead, is a nod to the golden age of golf design. It introduces template holes, providing a nostalgic yet innovative challenge that is distinctively Australian. This deliberate design choice ensures that with each play, the course reveals more of its character, blending challenge with enjoyment in a way that beckons golfers to return.

Beyond the greens, the state-of-the-art, architecturally stunning Point Lonsdale Clubhouse is a very popular destination for golfing enthusiasts. Offering lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, and snacks, the clubhouse is designed to cater to a range of guests, whether they are ending a round of golf or simply seeking a scenic dining experience. With its breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lake Victoria, visitors are treated to an elevated casual dining experience that complements the natural beauty and serene ambience of Lonsdale Links.

For those intrigued by the blend of historical inspiration and modern golfing design or looking to enjoy a serene escape with panoramic views, Lonsdale Links is worth the visit. 

Ocean Grove Golf Club

Ocean Grove Golf Club, nestled on the northwestern side of Ocean Grove along the eastern bank of the Barwon River, offers a scenic 9-hole course that delights with its picturesque views and exceptional playability. This course is for golfers of all levels, from juniors and beginners to seasoned players, providing a challenging yet accessible experience across a 9 Green layout that accommodates both 9 and 18-hole rounds. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge. It is open to green fee players and members throughout the year, ensuring excellent value.

The club prides itself on its comprehensive range of features and facilities designed to enhance the golfing experience. Highlights include a club/function room with seating for up to 100 persons, complete with in-house catering, an alfresco area, a commercial-quality kitchen, hotel-quality bar facilities, and accessible toilets and change facilities. 

Sustainability is at the forefront of the club's operations, with a portion of its water sourced from town stormwater and stored in two dams, ensuring the course remains playable all year round, even in times of drought. This thoughtful approach to resource management underscores the club's commitment to providing a consistent and high-quality golfing experience.

After a round of golf, the clubhouse welcomes players to unwind and socialise, offering an inviting space for evening meals in the popular bistro that overlooks the course. It's an ideal spot for relishing the day's play or simply enjoying the company of fellow golf enthusiasts.

For those looking to engage more deeply with the sport, Ocean Grove Golf Club offers memberships and weekly competitions for men, women, and veterans. Additionally, the club holds reciprocal rights with Corowa, Camperdown, and Howlong (NSW) Golf Clubs, broadening the opportunities for play and exploration.

https://www.oceangrovegc.com.au/about/

At the heart of your golfing stay in our beautiful area, consider The Villa on Harding as your luxurious retreat with the personalised touch of our exclusive luxury concierge service, Bellarine Bliss Escapes. This service transforms a standard getaway into a bespoke experience, meticulously curated to meet your desires and interests. Imagine visiting the Bellarine Peninsula and immersing yourself in it, with every detail of your adventure tailored to your preferences.

Our Stay and Play packages are designed to encapsulate the essen

ce of luxury travel, offering a seamless blend of comfort, exploration, and indulgence. Contact us today to find out more! 

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