Mainland Australia’s Highest Rated Public Access Golf Course
Published on 12th September 2019 in Guest OnlyEvery two years Golf Australia magazine publishes its Top 100 list of Australia’s best public access courses.
The most recent ranking was compiled during the past two years by the magazine’s editor, Brendan James and a team of 32 committed Golf Australia readers.
“They played courses, often covertly, paying green fees and then noting any changes to the design as well as the conditioning of each course they saw.”
In the January 2019 issue of Golf Australia magazine the course moved from number six to number five. Positions one through four are occupied by King Island and Tasmanian courses so this makes Barwon Heads the highest rated public access course on mainland Australia.
“Barwon Heads is a beautiful links course and, if you’re looking for a fun round, this is the place to play. By fun, it might mean punching a little 5-iron thought the wind when a wedge might do on a calm day or caressing a chip-and-run 4-iron onto a green to conquer the par-70 layout. Subtle changes to the design by consulting architects Neil Crafter and Paul Mogford and immaculate conditioning keep Barwon Heads nudging higher in national ranking lists like this.”
During most months of the year The Barwon Heads Golf Club welcomes green fee players to play Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), and some Sundays. Green fee players, however, are ineligible to play within the members’ competition times: Tuesdays 8.30am-1.00 pm, Wednesdays 10.00am-2.00pm and Thursdays 9.30am-12.30pm. January can also be difficult for green fee players to secure a tee time as it’s the month when use by members peaks.
If you are interested in playing at The Barwon Heads Golf Club, please use this online form to make a green fee booking enquiry. Please note that this is an enquiry form only – not a booking form.
Alternatively, green fee players wishing to access and receive a guaranteed tee time can usually do so by staying in the Clubhouse and enjoying one of Australia’s greatest golf experiences.
“By staying you gain a status referred to by some as “honorary membership” giving you access to the facilities members enjoy and guaranteed tee times on most days of the year.”
Few Clubhouses are as part of the golf experience as the one at The Barwon Heads Golf Club and for almost a century the Clubhouse has greeted visitors to the course and formed a backdrop for the finishing hole, so close it seems to be in play. It embodies the characteristics of the quintessential Clubhouse, appearing stately in its setting, affording exceptional views of the course, and warmly housing the camaraderie of members and guests. An overnight stay in the Clubhouse combined with a round the following morning is the best way to experience links golf at Barwon Heads.
Accommodation enquiries can be made by telephone 03 5255 6255 or via the contact form on the website. Please take some time to read about the accommodation on the website.
Click this image to read the full Golf Australia Top 100 article.
And if you’re thinking of making a southern golf getaway to Tasmania or King Island to play any of Australia’s top four, it might be wise to stay and play at The Barwon Heads Golf Club then fly from Barwon Heads airport. It’s only 8 minutes away by car. Make it five of the best!
Click the image to enlarge