Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
A Timeless Jewel of Australian Golf
Nestled in the heart of Heatherton, Victoria, Kingston Heath Golf Club is widely regarded as one of Melbourne’s premier golfing destinations. Known for its strategic brilliance and timeless design, this iconic course is consistently ranked among the best in the world. As Melbourne’s second-highest-rated course, after the legendary Royal Melbourne West, Kingston Heath has earned its place as a cornerstone of Australian golf. In November 2028, the course will host the prestigious Presidents Cup, showcasing its rich history and reputation to a global audience.
For nearly a century, Kingston Heath Golf Club has been the site of iconic golfing moments. In 2009, Tiger Woods, then the world’s top-ranked golfer, participated in the Australian Masters here, reportedly for a fee of A$3 million. Woods not only claimed victory but also praised the course, remarking, “The bunkering is just phenomenal. Kingston Heath proves you don’t need a 7,500-yard course to create a challenge; it’s a treat to play.”
In 2016, the course hosted the World Cup of Golf, where Ireland’s Shane Lowry called it “one of the best courses I’ve ever played.” This ongoing praise reflects Kingston Heath’s strategic layout, which continues to captivate both professionals and amateurs alike.
Designed in 1925 by Scottish-born Dan Soutar, Kingston Heath Golf Club was once one of the world’s longest courses at 6,800 yards (6,220 meters). Featuring six par-5s and two par-3s, it was ahead of its time. The legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who also designed Augusta National, added his touch in 1926, refining the course’s bunkering and transforming the par-4 15th into the famous uphill par-3 it is today. MacKenzie’s influence remains evident, with his strategic bunkering design continuing to challenge golfers of all levels.
Unlike the expansive Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath Golf Club’s charm lies in its efficient use of just 50 hectares of land. Despite its relatively small footprint, the course offers a wealth of strategic challenges. The visually striking bunkering, carved into the edges of greens and fairways, creates a demanding yet fair test of skill. This design has allowed Kingston Heath to maintain its integrity in the face of modern technological advancements in equipment.
Throughout the decades, Kingston Heath has undergone several restorations to stay true to its original design. In the 1980s, superintendent Graeme Grant led a meticulous recovery project, restoring bunkers to MacKenzie’s original specifications and replacing non-native vegetation with indigenous couch grasses. These efforts have preserved the course’s integrity, ensuring Kingston Heath continues to be a revered destination in the golfing world.
Kingston Heath Golf Club is renowned for its challenging and memorable holes, with the 15th hole often regarded as Australia’s finest par-3. Its strategic bunkers guard 75% of the route to the green, demanding precision and creativity. Other standout holes include the 269-meter par-4 3rd, where risk-reward decisions come into play, and the 130-meter par-3 10th, with its narrow green flanked by sand on both sides. Each hole presents unique challenges, rewarding thoughtful play and adaptability.
The course’s impeccable playing conditions, including firm and fast fairways, encourage a links-style ground game, making each round a dynamic and engaging experience. From the opening drive on the long par-4 1st to the final challenge on the double-green 18th, strategy is key.
With nearly a century of history and a design that has stood the test of time, Kingston Heath Golf Club remains a cornerstone of Australian golf. Whether hosting world-class tournaments or offering everyday golfers an unparalleled experience, Kingston Heath Golf Club continues to exemplify the essence of great golf. For those who appreciate the art of the game, this Melbourne Sandbelt treasure is a must-play destination.
Learn more about Kingston Heath Golf Club and plan your visit today!
