Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours — Best of AU Golf
A Modern Golfing Masterpiece
Nestled in the heart of Frankston, Victoria, the North Course at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club is a gem among Australia’s elite golf destinations. Combining the heritage of its 1969 Sloan Morpeth origins with visionary updates by Mike Clayton in 2002 and a transformative overhaul by the esteemed design team of Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Clayton, Mike Cocking, and Ashley Mead (OCCM) in 2019, this course has cemented its place as a modern classic.
Website: www.peninsulakingswood.com.au
In 2019, Peninsula Kingswood made history by unveiling two completely remodeled courses—North and South—within months of each other. This ambitious redevelopment marked the largest golf course transformation ever undertaken in Australia. The merger of the Peninsula and Kingswood golf clubs in 2013 set the stage for a new chapter, with OCCM tasked to revamp the 36-hole facility. Mike Cocking led the project, ensuring the design evolved organically, letting the natural land dictate the direction.
For the North Course, this meant embracing and amplifying its inherent Sandbelt qualities. Sandbelt courses, renowned for their signature bunkering, undulating greens, and native vegetation, are iconic in Australian golf. Cocking’s vision uncovered vast tracts of natural heathland, regenerating indigenous flora and creating a stunning, cohesive environment.
The North Course is widely regarded as one of the top six courses in Australia, a modern homage to the timeless Sandbelt classics like Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath. Its vast, intricately contoured greens, paired with punishing yet fair bunkers, demand both strategy and precision. Even minor flag adjustments can transform the course from a welcoming member-friendly experience to a stern test for the most seasoned professionals.
The green complexes, a standout feature, are masterfully designed to challenge golfers of all levels. Players must navigate clever slopes, lobes, and shelves, testing their imagination and skill with every shot.
From the very first hole, the North Course sets the stage for a memorable round. The 1st hole is a perfect opener, blending challenge with accessibility. A wide fairway flanked by bunkers forces players to weigh risk versus reward. Meanwhile, the 2nd hole, a stunning 160-meter par-3, is often likened to the iconic 5th hole at Royal Melbourne’s West Course. With sandy wastelands and deep bunkers guarding the green, it offers a breathtaking yet demanding test of precision.
Strategic short par-4s, like the drivable 6th and the downhill 8th, further highlight the course’s brilliance. These holes tempt golfers with scoring opportunities but demand careful navigation of hazards. The 6th hole’s uphill journey and the 8th’s sweeping descent showcase the designer’s ability to use the land’s natural contours to create a variety of challenges.
As your round concludes on the 18th hole, the North Course leaves a lasting impression. This sloping fairway leads to a green nestled in a natural amphitheater, framed by wild bunkers and lush heathland. The multi-million-dollar clubhouse stands proudly in the distance, providing a breathtaking backdrop to an unforgettable finish.
The North Course isn’t just a golf course; it’s an experience that deepens with each visit. Its nuanced risk-and-reward design reveals new layers of strategy every time you play. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a high handicapper, the North Course promises a fun and challenging round that will have you planning your next visit before you’ve even left the property.
Learn more about Commonwealth Golf and plan your visit today!
