Information for House Guests & FAQs

Welcome to The Barwon Heads Golf Club. We hope you enjoy your stay with us and find time to read this online ‘compendium’. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask one of our professional staff.

Emergency assistance:

Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance): Dial 0 (for an external line) then 000

Reception, dial 200 (8.00am – 5.00pm daily)

Doctor on call (>6.00pm weeknights, >12 noon Saturday, all day Sundays and public holidays). Dial 0 then 13 7425

After bar closing, overnight assistance (between 11.00pm and 5.00am): Dial 144

Fire alarm response:

Emergency exits and firefighting apparatus are on every level. Please familiarise yourselves with these upon arrival.

If the fire alarm sounds, guests are asked to assemble on the practice putting green across the road from the front of the Clubhouse.

Important information

Check in: From 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Should you require any arrangements outside these times, please contact reception. Self-check-in is available after hours.

Check out: Please vacate your room by 10am. If heading out to the golf course, you may store your luggage at reception, or in the locker rooms and unless you’ve authorised for an ‘express’ checkout, settle your account after your round. 

Doors close: The Clubhouse doors are locked at 10.30pm. A code for the rear entry is on your room key, or call 1300 000 786

Reception hours: Monday to Saturday: 8.00am – 5.00 pm. Sunday: 8.00am – 4.00pm. Guests requiring assistance outside these hours are asked to contact a staff member at the main bar, who will assist you. Between 11.00pm – 5.00am call 1300 000 786  

Breakfast: Served in between 7.00am and 9.30am everyday.

Wi-fi: Network: BHGC GUEST  Password: golf2012

Parking: Guests are welcome to use the undercover carpark located at the rear of the clubhouse, though please note that space is limited. For access to the clubhouse, please use the ramp at the houseguest entrance and take the lift to the reception floor above. Alternatively, you may use the drop-off zone in front of the flagpole or one of the lower car parks.

Electric Vehicle Charging: Availability is limited. For access to charging, please contact reception.

Lithium Battery Charging: Lithium buggy batteries are only to be charged in the golf shop between 7.00am-6.00pm when supervised, or at reception between 8am-5pm daily.

Payment: Visa or MasterCard.

Re-booking: Annual repeat groups are given priority for re-booking the same period the following year but are required to do so at the time of checking out.

The Clubhouse is scheduled to undertake redevelopment, that will require closing and relocating it’s hospitality services. If you would like to rebook for 2024 then please discuss options with the front desk team. 

Map of the course and surrounds: See below or click here

Clubhouse information

The National Trust and Heritage Victoria listed Clubhouse, is famed for its ambience and old-world charm. With stunning architecture and captivating views, it is a Clubhouse designed for all seasons. House guests can enjoy the open balconies in summer or the luxurious open fires during the cooler months. 

Billiards: The billiards room is located downstairs near the rear entrance.  A key is available from reception or the main bar.

Club rules: It is a condition of staying that the Clubhouse rules are adhered to. Please read them here.

Dress code: Please read our Clubhouse and course dress code flyer opposite reception or here.

Drying room: Wet golf clothes may be dried in the drying room on the lower ground floor.

Gift vouchers: Stay and play or B&B gift vouchers are available to purchase at reception. They make a great gift for golfers and non-golfers alike.  

Keys: Please return your key to reception when checking out

Laundry and ironing: Located beside Room 7 in the S.E corner – includes automatic washing machine, clothes dryer, iron and ironing board. For the comfort of other guests please refrain from using the machines after 9.00pm.

Mail: Reception can assist with your mailing needs.

Meals: Breakfast 7am – 9.30am everyday; Lunch from 11.30am – 3.00pm; Dinner reservations in the Members Lounge may be made from 6.00pm until 7.30pm.

Refrigerator: To save space, no rooms have mini bars/refrigerators. If you need anything chilled, please use the share fridge in the guest laundry or ask at reception.

Room numbers: To dial another guest room:

Smoking: The entire property including all areas of the course and Clubhouse is non-smoking including on any deck or at the front entrance. This includes e-cigarettes. The only exception is the designated smoking area outside the lower ground floor of the Clubhouse near the western exit (to the left).

Telephones: Telephones in guest rooms are available for direct dialing to local numbers. To access this, dial ‘0’ to get an outside line. In addition, there is a telephone located beside the reception desk for internal and free local calls. Please note that mobile phones are not to be used in the public areas of the Clubhouse unless on silent mode.

Tennis Courts: Free for use by house guests subject to availability. Bookings can be made at Reception or the Golf Shop. Racquets and balls are available from the Golf Shop.

Tipping: Tipping is not permitted at this Club. Guests may wish to add a ‘staff gratuity’ to their residential account on departure.

Golf course information

Course Care:

Bunker rakes: The rake should be left at the point of exit from the bunker, with the handle only left out.

Cart use: Walking the course is highly recommended but a limited number of motorised golf carts are available to hire on request – they can be reserved at the Golf Shop or reception. Use is regulated and all players must adhere to these guidelines. Carts are prohibited from driving between greenside bunkers and greens, and from driving within five metres of the greens. Follow all cart directional signs and do not drive in the rough.

Divots: At Barwon Heads we ask that you fill divots in the way shown in this video. Take a sand bucket with you, they’re available from the first tee.

Pitch marks: Please repair them. Watch the how-to video from Superintendent Adam Lamb here. 

Club storage: House guests may store their clubs in the Golf Shop free of charge.

Competitions: House guests are welcome to play in the following: Men’s competitions – Wednesday, Friday & Saturday; Women’s competitions – Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. (Competitions are also held one Sunday per month)

Drinks cart: Please confirm before your round. The on-course cart sells snacks and drinks usually on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday during winter with a extended schedule during during summer. Alternatively, sandwiches can be purchased from the Clubhouse before your round.

Fog and frost policy: In the event of a frost or fog, play will not commence until conditions improve. Any bookings on the timesheet before play is allowed to commence will be cancelled without guarantee of play unless they can be accommodated on a later timesheet vacancy. 

Heat policy: When the temperature is forecast (or is recorded at) 38C or above, the course may be closed. Click here to read more.

Local (and Temporary) Rules: Can be viewed here. Two of the more interesting Local Rules at Barwon Heads (14th and 15th holes) are explained in this video.

Lightning: A suspension of play for a dangerous situation eg lightning will be signaled via the emergency siren system. Players must immediately follow the instructions as stipulated via the emergency system. Any bookings on the timesheet before play is allowed to commence will be cancelled without guarantee of play unless they can be accommodated on a later timesheet vacancy

Par 3 course: A nine-hole, par 3 course is available for guest use. The first tee is situated behind the tennis courts along the pathway towards the west.

Practice fairway and short-game practice facility: This is located between the 18th hole and the tennis courts.  Extensive chipping and putting practice facilities are available during daylight hours. The Professionals can assist with practice balls and tuition.

Golf shop: Situated in the building across the road from the Clubhouse. Call in to book professional coaching or to shop for a full range of golf equipment and clothing. Open daily 8.00am to 6.00pm.

Putting green: The practice putting green is located to the right of the Pro Shop and is available during daylight hours.

Snakes: The chance of encountering a snake on the course increases during warmer seasons. The snakes (most likely lowland copperheads) are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, kill or harm them. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning report that in the warmer months they will move away quickly when they hear something approaching and recommend that people “remain calm if they see a snake and try to move themselves and anyone with them away from the snake.”

If you are bitten by a snake:

• Stay calm.

• Firmly bandage the wound to help prevent the venom from leaving the puncture site. It should be tight but not so tight that it causes numbness. Do not wash the bite site.

• Call for help to arrange transport to the nearest hospital emergency department.

• For an ambulance call triple zero (000).

• Stay still and wait for transport to reach you.

Speed of play: At Barwon Heads, a group of four players should take three hours and 50 minutes to play an 18-hole round. Follow these tips and you’ll be very popular.

Tee times: Your tee time is likely to have been allocated prior to arrival. Please call reception or the Pro Shop if you have any queries. Second / additional rounds are subject to availability and will be charged at the house guest rate.

FAQs

Q: My lunch and/or tee time is before the 2.00pm check in time. Can I check in anyway?

A: It’s unlikely your room will be ready; however, you are welcome to leave your bags at reception and use the change room facilities on the lower level of the Clubhouse.

Q: I am staying on the full-board package with meals included but I have allergies.

A: We will do our best to accommodate your requirements but please provide us with adequate notice at least 48 hours beforehand.

Q: Where are the bathrooms?

A: They are located in the centre of the Clubhouse, accessible from the hallway adjacent to the Links Room.

Q: Is there room-service?

A: No, but we will always try to provide the highest level of service possible. Please call reception or talk with any of our staff if you have a specific request.

Q: Where is the refrigerator in my room?

A: Unfortunately, there isn’t one due to space restrictions. However, there is a shared refrigerator in the guest laundry. Alternatively, please talk with the bar staff if ice or other refrigeration is required.

Q: Can I smoke at The Barwon Heads Golf Club?

No, the Clubhouse and the course are entirely non-smoking. A dedicated smoking area is located on the lower ground floor outside the western exit (to the left).

Q: Are you an accessible facility?

A: As an old building this is an area we are aiming to improve. There is an elevator on the lower ground floor and one room has an accessible bathroom. Please make an enquiry or let us know if you require assistance.

Q: Are you associated with the Barwon Heads Resort.

A: No, the resort accommodation facility is at 13th Beach. 

Q: Can I wear blue denim in the Clubhouse?

A: No, though some denim colours (not torn, faded or stonewashed) are permitted. Check the dress code page for more information.

Q: I forgot my jacket and tie for my evening meal in the Formal Dining Room.

A: Good news, ties are no longer required. Please ask reception or one of the hospitality staff for a jacket to loan. We can also help with other non-conforming clothing.

Q: I am staying overnight in the Clubhouse; can I invite a friend to dine with me?

A: Possibly, but as a private club this is at the discretion of the Manager. Please enquire beforehand.

Q: Does The Barwon Heads Golf Club ever have specials or promotions?

A: Yes, they will be listed on the ‘Special Packages and Promotions’ page on the website.

Local attractions

Bordered on three sides by water, the township of Barwon Heads has a seaside feel and a relaxed pace. The river offers locals and visitors the opportunity to paddle, kayak and fish and walking trails around the bluff provide views of some of Victoria’s favourite family and surf beaches including the famed 13th Beach.

There are plenty of local attractions including wineries. See our EXPERIENCE page for more information.

Directions:

Need directions to a local attraction? Please ask at reception for a map or use Google Maps below. To do so, click ‘More options‘ on the map below. A new window will open in your browser in which you can enter your destination.