The Commonwealth Golf Club is a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course located in the heart of the Melbourne’s Sandbelt region. The Golf Club has a history dating back to 1914 where small group of golfers laid down six holes, but in 1915 Sam Bennett, the golfing professional, laid down 18 holes, establishing the Waverley Golf Club. But the club moved location to South Oakleigh and in 1921, Sam Bennett laid down new holes which were completed as an 18-hole course by early 1924. Since then, the Commonwealth Golf Club has hosted international tournaments including the Australian Open for Men & Women, the Victorian Open, as well as National and State Amateur Championships. Nearby golf destinations include Victoria Golf Club, The Metropolitan Golf Club, Kingston Heath and Royal Melbourne. We recommend staying in Melbourne and renting a vehicle during your stay so you can access Melbourne’s Sandbelt region easily. Various images supplied by Gary Lisbon.
Commonwealth Golf Club has stand-out features that makes it different from its Sandbelt contemporaries. The course is known for its challenging driving holes and subtle sloping greens which demand accuracy on every hole. The native trees and foliage that lines the course are considered some of the most beautiful in the country and can turn the most depressing round into one of tranquil serenity. This foliage has been allowed to grow between each hole so that every fairway offers complete isolation, despite many of the holes running parallel to each other. The trees are a big feature on the golf course and consist of eucalyptus, wattle, pine, gum and peppercorn.
The tree-lined fairways give way to large bunkers that isolate greens so the complexities of stringing along multiple shots whilst simultaneously avoiding the hazards are apparent in the form of trees, bunkers, and long fairway to green distances. The greens are the next big challenge; they are all tilted to favour approaches from varying sides of the fairways, so first-time players of the golf course are often left scratching their heads, but it is a great golf course that deserves its hard-earned reputation as a Sandbelt classic.
‘The genius of Commonwealth is its adherence to one simple rule – that each green should be oriented or tilted in such a way that it cradles an approach from one side of the fairway and shoulders away-shots from the incorrect line of approach’ – Tom Doak
Practice Facilities
The Commonwealth Golf Club has space for almost-full practice facilities. They consist of a 200-metre driving range with designated hitting areas for both irons and woods, whilst woods are subject to the prevailing conditions. Turf tees are available for most of the year, except in winter when balls must be hit from the synthetic mat to preserve the turf. The short game area features pitching and chipping to a feature green with multiple pin targets, along with two sand bunkers. The Club also has multiple putting greens, one in front of the clubhouse, another adjacent to the golf shop and another adjacent to the 10th tee.
Clubhouse
Built in 1929, the clubhouse has undergone extensive renovations and refurbishments over the years whilst retaining the elegant façade of the 1920s. Its interior consists of well-appointed furnishings rich with history without compromising all the modern comforts. The main renovation changes to the Clubhouse were to include a new pro shop, additional locker space, expansion of the bar, improvements to the offices and committee room, and an enclosed balcony with access to the bar and dining room. The food served in the bar and dining room is exquisite and features an extensive wine list.
Golf Shop
The PGA golf manager at Commonwealth Golf Club is Ben Davey. He manages a highly-skilled team that offers golf club rentals and club fitting from brands such as Ping, Callaway, Titleist, Mizuno and Odyssey. The apparel stocked in the Commonwealth Golf Club Pro Shop consists of Polo Ralph Lauren, Oscar Jacobsen, Glenmuir, Sunderland, Lacoste, Galvin Green, Under Armour, Calvin Klein, Footy-Joy, Daily Sport, Jamie Sadock and Ecco. They also stock a large range of Commonwealth Golf Club logoed garments which are a favourite among members and visitors alike.
Be the first to hear about new tours, events and golf travel news from Voyages.golf
Get relevant updates about destinations, events, news and more.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 (0)3 5923 0666
We never sell your data. Unsubscribe any time.
Are you ready for an unforgettable travel experience? Let’s get started…
Data used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
