The Bellarine Peninsula was a very different place to play golf when I first visited there in 1998.
One of the great Bellarine golf success stories is that of Curlewis Golf Club, which is an easy 10-minute drive south of Clifton Springs.
Originally designed by long-time Kingston Heath course superintendent and acclaimed architect Vern Morcom, Curlewis covers predominantly sandy terrain with enough roll in the landscape to form the canvas for a plethora of interesting holes as well as providing distant views to nearby Corio Bay.
Designer Mike Clayton has continued to advise the club since its change of ownership in 2015 and extensive redesign work – including bunker and green remodelling, exposure of sandy wasteland through tree removal and the realignment of several tees – has seen Curlewis’ star rise from year-to-year. Since its ranking debut in 2014 at No.88 in Australia’s Top-100 Courses, Curlewis now claims the No.49 spot.
A round at Curlewis is a story of two nines. The outward half is relatively flat and arguably more heavily tree-lined, although vast areas have been cleared to create sandy waste areas, which really add strategy, and less penalty, to a round here. The back nine covers an undulating sandy landscape that looks like it might have been transplanted straight out of the Melbourne Sandbelt.
For mine, the 308-metre 12th hole is the best of Curlewis’ short par-4s. From the tee perched above the fairway, you can see the green as well as all the trouble that can be found en route. Big hitters will also note they can carry a massive fairway bunker on the right of the fairway by taking a direct line to the green. But any aggressive play from the tee is fraught with danger as an out-of-bounds fence is just metres from the left edge of the fairway. I’m not the only huge fan of 12. Clayton reckons it is one of the best short par-4s in the country outside the Melbourne Sandbelt.
The newest addition to the Curlewis layout comes on the closing hole. This is another high-quality short par-4, which had to be redesigned with the club choosing to add on-course accommodation on land where the previous green had been.
The green complex has been moved forward and right of what was the then 9th green and now occupies the elevated position of the old 1st tee. While the fairway still turns from right to left, the green is now set to the right of the fairway. Now, more than ever, players who hit their tee shots close to the fairway bunker on the left edge of the wide fairway are faced with a much easier approach into the putting surface, which is surrounded by bunkers. This a wonderful strategic hole, and a high note to finish a round on.
Geelong is the gateway into the Bellarine and is home to four public accessible courses. The best of them is the nine-hole Geelong Golf Club, located about 10 minutes’ drive north of the city centre, and ranked among the best short courses in the country.
It wasn’t always a nine-hole course. Its history stretches back to 1892 but after more than a century as an 18-hole layout, the club was forced to close in 2004. In the decade that followed, land was sold off for development and the course reopened as nine holes in 2014.
Course architect Graham Papworth created the design which lies across quality golfing terrain and features beautifully presented Santa Ana coach fairways and tees as well as outstanding bentgrass greens.
This is not an overly long layout, but it definitely challenges as an approach shot course as Papworth’s green complexes don’t lack for contours and are often surrounded by cavernous bunkers, mounds and swales.
With three teeing options on each hole, the course is enjoyable for players of all standards. Even low single figure players will discover there is a real challenge to find the best spots to attack the flags. Leave yourself on the wrong side of the cup, or even on the wrong tier, a three-putt can often be the result.
Geelong features some terrific short par-4s but, for mine, the best of them is the tree-lined 282-metre 3rd. The first of five bunkers – that lie diagonally from left to right across the fairway – is easily reached with a shot of about 215 metres. The closer you get to the green, the easier the second shot becomes but the slightly uphill drive must be straight to avoid the sand left and rough to the right.
FOR GOLFERS WHO LIKE TO SPA
Lon is a farm and former family home that has been transformed into a luxurious coastal escape and retreat.
Sitting on 250 acres of rural and conservation land in Point Lonsdale, Lon Spa consists of three treatment rooms featuring mineral water-fed soaking tubs and steam rooms with views to the ocean.
Water is sourced from natural mineral springs running beneath the farm, which has been owned by the same family for more than 150 years.
Lon has a Golf ‘n’ Graze stay and play package for those golfers that also like to spa. The package includes two nights’ accommodation for two, a farm sourced breakfast for both mornings of your stay and two rounds at Lonsdale Links, next door to the retreat.
There are two 60-minute muscle ease massages as well as unlimited access to the Lon heated mineral pool and hot soaking tub.
Packages start from $1,750 (pricing is for maximum two adults per two-night play and stay package).
For more information or to book visit www.loneretreat.com.au/stay/packages
COOL ECO-SUITES BECKON
When it comes to facilities, functions and epicurean experience, Curlewis’ new clubhouse is next level.
The club’s Spike Bar is home to a more intimate, relaxed occasion, while the signature restaurant, Claribeaux, will delight with its culinary, French influenced options that also maintain a strong focus on sustainable local produce. There’s also an extensive local and international beverage list guaranteed to impress.
Add to that an accommodation complex like no other. Cool eco-suite installations are nestled amidst native landscape, flanking one of the region’s most highly acclaimed golf courses.
Curlewis (pictured right) offers a play and stay package, starting from $375 for two, including 18 holes on the wonderful Curlewis course for two, overnight accommodation and breakfast for two at Claribeaux.
For more details or to book, visit www.accommodationatcurlewis.com.au
BELLARINE STAY & PLAY WITH A DIFFERENCE
There are so many amazing Bellarine Peninsula courses serious golfers should have on their bucket list – and you don’t even need to fly there. Take a state-of-the-art fast ferry direct from Melbourne to the 1st tee, in half the time it takes to drive.
Port Phillip Ferries is excited to offer a range of two- and three-day golf packages that take care of everything from the short ferry trip across Port Phillip Bay, to transfers when you arrive, and boutique accommodation at the newly renovated Portarlington Grand Hotel.
This magnificent hotel has stood tall in the main street since 1888 and the renovation has left 18 boutique rooms, several dining spaces and a front bar that is the perfect setting for your post golf wind down.
As all golfers who have been to this region would confirm, the Bellarine is fast becoming a great destination for amazing golf. With courses such as Lonsdale Links, 13th Beach, Curlewis and Portarlington, passionate golfers are spoilt for choice when it comes to quality course design and experiences.
If you and your golf group are keen to explore this stunning golf region and try a few new courses, then an overnight package is the go. Taking the ferry over is by far the quickest and easiest way to get there and staying in the lovely coastal town of Portarlington is a real treat.
After golf you may even be able to squeeze in a little wine tasting down the road at Terindah Estate or Jack Rabbit Winery and as a guest of the Grand Hotel you will have access to a free bus service from Monday to Friday that can take you and your group to various wineries in the region for an afternoon tasting.
Port Phillip Ferries Bellarine golf packages have all the ingredients you need for a fun golf trip with a group. Amazing golf courses, a great pub for your post golf wind down, wineries down the road and an amazing bakery in the main street for your morning breakfast treats.
Two-day packages, with rounds at Portarlington and Lonsdale Links, start from $485 per person twin share. Return ferry tickets from Docklands, all shuttle transfers, one night accommodation at Portarlington Grand Hotel and a beverage on the return trip are included.
Three-day packages start from $774 per person twin share and include two nights’ accommodation and rounds at Lonsdale Links, Thirteenth Beach and Portarlington (Wednesday to Friday only).
For more detail on other package options or to book, visit the website https://www.portphillipferries.com.au
WHERE TO PLAY
BARWON HEADS GOLF CLUB
Green fees: $175 (18 holes weekdays), $225 (peak when available). Discounted rates for house guests`. www.barwonheads.golf
13TH BEACH GOLF LINKS
Green fees: $120 (18 holes weekdays), $175 (all day pass, weekdays).
$145 (weekend), $210 (all day pass, weekend).
LONSDALE LINKS
Green fees: $85 (18 holes, weekdays, shoulder season), $95 (weekend, shoulder season); $110 (18 holes, weekdays, peak season), $120 (weekend, peak season).
QUEENSCLIFF GC
Green fees: $50 (18 holes, weekdays), $60 (weekend).
www.queenscliffgolfclub.com.au
CLIFTON SPRINGS GC
Green fees: $50 (18 holes).
www.cliftonspringsgolfclub.com.au
PORTARLINGTON GC
Green fees: $55 (18 holes, weekdays), $65 (weekend).
CURLEWIS GC
Green fees: $75 (18 holes, weekdays), $85 (weekend). $5 off green fee when booked online.
GEELONG GC
Green fees: $21 (nine holes).
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