Quick Facts

“The Barwon Heads Golf Club was the first country club in Victoria, and an early example of a private residential golf club which was first to provide accommodation. It was a prestigious holiday retreat for privileged Western District graziers and wealthy sports-loving members from the Riverina and Geelong as well as prominent city players. The resort helped put Barwon Heads on the map and influenced development of the town.”

Haig-Muir, Mewett & Hay, ‘Sport in Victoria: A thematic history’, Stage 1 of a Heritage Study, Deakin University 2000.

Early 1900s

Geelong families with holiday cottages near the river at Barwon Heads shape the beginnings of golf in the village.

1907

Fifty-eight acres of paddocks at Challis’s farm are turned into a nine-hole course with fairways, hazards and greens.

1921

Golfers approve the plan for the new (current) links closer to the coast – as laid out by Victor East. Nine holes become playable by November.

1924

On a 38 degree day in December, the Clubhouse is officially opened.

1925

The Marrum Cup, one of the country’s most historic team competitions for women begins.

1982

A devastating fire destroys much of the south wing of the Clubhouse.

2001

The Club adopts a Course Charter, establishing a clear set of principles agreed to by the Committee and endorsed by Members specifying the character of the course to be presented. The Charter assists in the creation of a Course Master Plan three years later.

2007

The Club’s Centenary is celebrated.

2008

The Par-3 course, originally laid out by Leigh Winser in 1961 is redesigned by Crafter and Mogford and opened in January 2008.

2011

The short game practice facility is opened in the same year one of the Club’s shortest holes, the par-3 thirteenth, is added to Australia’s list of ‘Most Iconic Holes’ by Golf Digest magazine.

2017

The Club hosts the Victorian Junior Open in December. Yuka Saso sets a new women’s course record of 66 and goes on the win the Women’s US Open in 2021 and 2024.

2018

Fourteen years after its inception the Course Master Plan is completed.

2021

The motion to proceed with the Precinct 1 Project was passed at the AGM in November 2021.

2023

A Course Enhancement Plan was developed and approved.

2024

In early June 2024 the Clubhouse is closed for restoration and renovation.