Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Just minutes from the Adelaide Airport and the lively seaside town of Glenelg, Glenelg Golf Club offers one of the finest golfing experiences in South Australia. Established in 1927, this celebrated club blends history, design, and natural beauty, making it a top destination for golf travelers exploring the Adelaide region.
Glenelg Golf Club was born from the vision of a group of Adelaide businessmen seeking a place to unwind and enjoy the game. In the summer of 1926, they found the perfect piece of land northeast of Glenelg and set their plan in motion. By October of that year, the group had formed Glenelg Golf Links Limited, securing 174 acres of prime golfing terrain.
Within months, they developed a clubhouse, installed a bore, and built the first nine holes. On February 23, 1927, Glenelg Golf Club was officially opened with A.J. Roberts as President and Sydney Jackman as Captain. A ceremonial tee shot by Governor Sir Tom Bridges on May 21st launched the club into the spotlight, followed by a festive exhibition match and evening ball that marked the start of something special in South Australian golf.
The course at Glenelg is a masterclass in strategic design. It seamlessly integrates traditional links elements with natural sand dunes and native vegetation. The club has taken great care to restore the landscape to its original character, creating a course that is both beautiful and challenging.
With 93 bunkers and 12 wetlands, Glenelg Golf Club tests players with a variety of shot-making decisions. The design is thoughtful yet approachable, offering an enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels.
The par 3s at Glenelg Golf Club are among the most memorable holes on the course. Each one demands accuracy, club selection, and smart course management.
Hole 3 – 200m, Par 3
The third hole is the longest par 3 on the course and a true early-round test. The green sits elevated on a sand ridge, guarded by a deep back-left bunker and a narrow escape area to the left. The large, undulating green subtly slopes from left to right, with an open front-left entry for a ground approach.
Pro tip: Avoid the back-left bunker at all costs — especially with a front-left pin — as recovering from there can be nearly impossible.
Hole 11 – 166m, Par 3
Set atop Pine Hill, the 11th hole climbs to one of the highest natural dunes in the Adelaide Plains. It’s a visually striking hole and one of the toughest on the course. A deceptively tricky pot bunker sits front-right, while a hybrid bunker at the back-right punishes errant shots. Precision is everything here — miss the green, and making par becomes a real challenge.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or planning your first golf trip to Australia, Glenelg Golf Club should be on your radar. Its proximity to Adelaide’s city center and beachside attractions makes it a perfect addition to any golf itinerary.
If you’re interested in crafting a custom golf trip to Australia, complete with tee times, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable off-course experiences, get in touch with us. We’ll take care of the details — so all you have to do is play.
