1. lexkel | Rated | 22 Feb 2013 | Add A Review

Along with my Dad and my brother I play the beach course a couple of times a year, and have done so for the past fives years or so.

The course has balances the joys of a challenging course against the need for the course to be enjoyable for the higher handicappers. That said, on a windy day even single figure handicappers can have an ugly day.

Greens, fairways, bunkers and layout are fabulous. Play in the morning if you can to avoid the worst of the weather.

PROS

• Greens
• Fairways
• Bunkers
• Layout

2. JFF | Rated | 05 Oct 2011 | Add A Review

Played here a week ago and the one thing that still stands out in my mind is the design and beauty of this course. It rewards accuracy, not length. The condition of the course was great considering the downpour the day before. The westerly wind was up when I played making most of the holes either straight into it or with it. The par 3’s stood out. Especially 7 and 16. Don’t be fooled by the short length of 16, hit the green or, like me, be prepared for a high number. Local knowledge would greatly help for ball placement. I get the feeling it would only be after a few rounds would I get comfortable with where I was hitting.
I really enjoyed this place and would love to go back on a calm sunny day.

3. FrontBunker | Rated | 11 Aug 2011 | Add A Review

Played here on 6/8/2011.

This course is a beauty. Scenically beautiful and a top notch course in presented in beautiful condition. The course just fits in seamlessly in and around the dunes of the area. On a couple of occasions I found myself staring off into the horizon admiring the view.
Perfect fairways which allow for good shot making. Massive greens which all roll true and fast. Rough is pretty daunting. The first cut is playable, after that it starts to get a bit hairy. Big and visually attractive bunkers which play well. If you hit a good shot out of the bunkers you get reward for effort. But if you duff a shot, you’ll find yourself digging your way out of trouble.

A really good variety of holes which reward good shot making. If you’re hitting the driver well you can set yourself up for a good score. However the course isn’t overly long so you can play for position without fear of being too far from the green if the driver is letting you down, and still card some good numbers.

We played on a beautiful sunny winter day and literally didn’t see another group all day so obviously the speed of play was perfect for us.

I would rate this in the top 3 courses I have played and will be back for sure.

4. ipwood | Rated | 21 Mar 2011 | Add A Review

First time back at the Beach course in a couple of years and it won’t be that long for the next game. Can’t think of many courses that provide the shotmaking questions that this one does. Enough room on the fairways to have a go if you’re confident but rewards smart decision making as well.

Course in great nick as well.

5. DanMCMLXXX | Rated | 08 Jan 2011 | Add A Review

not cashmore’s best course but still pretty good. love the par 3’s especially the 7th and 12th holes. lots of bunkers and when the wind is up can be a monster. suprisingly flat with a few undulations which make’s it ok to walk. was in awesome condition and is one of the best courses on the bellarine.

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• The Dunes Golf Links (Dunes)
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6. 3puttnomore | Rated | 26 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

I loved the courses so much I just had to join. Haven’t regretted one moment, although my handicap’s taken a bit of a battering! Fantastic challenge, great members, fun atmosphere, what more could you want!

7. vectors | Rated | 06 Aug 2010 | Add A Review

Had a look at the reviews here and there are some serious funsuckers.
I reckon its a great course/ It provides options and makes you think.Take the safe options and you have a long approach.
The par 3s are fantastic.
Hole 16 must be the hardest hole in the worls under 115m.

Better than its neighbour Barwon Heads. Never get sick of playing it.

8. happytoshoot90 | Rated | 03 Apr 2010 | Add A Review

highly over rated course. How this is in the top 10 public access in the country is beyond me. Agree with a couple of the below reviews about it being over-designed, I think so to the point of being ridiculous. Fairways has all been scored when we played and the conditioning as such was not what we were expecting, especially having played the Creek course the day before, which, everyone in our group agreed is the better course at 13th Beach by a fair margin.

Having said that, it is a very pretty golf course with some brilliant bunkering in parts, but, I have played much better than this in Victoria.

9. seano24 | Rated | 06 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Very, very challenging course. We live in an age where it doesn’t really matter if you miss the fairway because the lay is the same in the rough due to the drought. This course has changed that. The fairways maybe wide but the rough is very narrow and if you’re off then you’re right off. The course is designed to make you think about which club you take off the tee. My favourite is the 5th par 4 where you’re tempted to drive the green with great risk but greater reward. Choose not to and you’ll have to shoot diagonally with a low iron or wood onto a narrow fairway and approach from there.
This course is very picturesque and the sound of the crashing waves of the beach nearby helps to ease your frustration whilst searching through the tee-tree for your ball. Not to worry if you loose it, you’ll no doubt find more than you loose.
A great way to treat yourself whilst the missus suns herself on the beach or goes shopping in Torquay.

10. lexkel | Rated | 23 Jul 2009 | Add A Review

A quality course, but to me it is over designed to the point that the average golfer on a breezy day may well regret have paid their greens fees.

In saying that, its a stunningly picturesque and quality course with a challenging layout and lightning greens that play true.

11. bluprint | Rated | 22 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

I’d agree with jps101. I played there today and it played easy without any wind. It was frustrating standing on the 6th hole which is a 531m par 5 and having to take a rescue wood off the tee as there was no reward for taking driver at all.

It is difficult to give a fair review with no wind, but the fairways are wide and the greens are huge. The fairways and greens were in a good condition.

Favourite hole on the course for me was the 17th, it made me really think and play – interesting it is Index 1. I’d expected the course to be more like this for the entire 18.

All in all, an enjoyable day. The staff were friendly and the good scoring helped.

12. jps101 | Rated | 23 Dec 2008 | Add A Review

Played here today, very contrived design that forces you into playing each hole in a certain way. After reading some other reviews, that had this course rated highly, I was very dissapointed with the design – not a true links course at all and no really memorable holes.

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13. muppet | Rated | 30 Jun 2008 | Add A Review

Played here for the first time on the weekend and while enjoyable I was a little disapointed after all the hype. The course is solid and there are many spectacular views, however, I found the front nine holes a little contrieved as there was no benefit for adventurous agressive golf and such really forces the golfer into defensive play (maybe if I knew the course better this would be different). To me the back nine is far superior in design and gives the golfer benefit for playing their shots while penalising bad shots. Have also played the Creek course previously and believe that to be better designed as it gives the benefit for the agressive play, although many on this forum would disagree. I may also be a little tainted as the conditions when we played the Beach were dead still with bearly a breath of wind I’d like to play it in the wind to see what a true test of golf it would become.

14. plusfour | Rated | 22 Jun 2008 | Add A Review

Best course i have played to date.

Quality of fairways terriffic and the variety of holes outstanding.

You never know what could be just over the next rise on on the next hole.

Pro Shop staff very friendly and helpful.

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15. jeffjohn44 | Rated | 22 Oct 2007 | Add A Review

It is a great challenging course I am only just learning and broke 100 had a 96. I enjoy playing here that much I became a member, every week this course throughs out a different challenge.

16. glendonald | Rated | 04 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

What an experience, played in rain and wind and still loved it. Tough front nine, but enjoyed the back nine (shot 33. The holes require a strategy to play not just smash off the tee and then play next to green. Wind is a huge factor and must be taken into account for line of play and club selection

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17. reaperboy | Rated | 15 Jun 2007 | Add A Review

Its hard not to be impressed by this course as it is in perfect condition. What I most liked about it was even being a high handicapper there was still a variety of strategic options available (do I lay up or go for the hero shot, which club should I play). Also there are bunkers every where on this course and some were as deep as I am tall. Bring your thinking game to this course as a straight shot alone may not be enough, especially if the wind picks up!

18. thefreeloaders | Rated | 28 Jan 2007 | Add A Review

having been brought up on links golf in the uk was a little confused by this layout in parts it was a typical links course holes 5-8 and 10-14 ie holes closest to the beach the rest was not what i consider links golf the first 4 holes were fairly open and forgiving as were the last 4 whilst the course was in good nick i get pissed off with courses jumping on the links "bandwagon"a good in good nick and a good test but a true links?

19. Scarlett | Rated | 07 Oct 2006 | Add A Review

I played this course on Wed 19Apr06 so disregard the review date above. It was very windy, but dry fortunately. Using 'The Golf Course Guide', green fees cost $38 which is an absolute bargain for a course of this standard. Hard to play in the gusting wind? Hell yeah, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

A beautiful links style course adjacent to Barwon Heads town (and the golf club of the same name there, which when played the day before this one, pales into insignificance even though it is quite nice). Set through the dunes and coastal vegetation it is well designed, well kept and fits seamlessly onto the landscape. Fairways and greens were in excellent condition and both were fast and hard. Other courses in the area were in poor condition due to water restrictions but not this one. Consistently undulating fairways and plenty of penalising bunkers.

I loved it, so much so that I played the other course at 13th Beach the next day... A word of warning though, if you can only play one of the courses, then 'The Beach' course is the one to go for as it is, in my opinion, significantly better than The Creek course.

"No mulligans, no gimmes; play golf..."

Scarlett

20. milesmia | Rated | 16 Feb 2006 | Add A Review

Just played here for the 3rd time and again it impressed. The Par 3's are consistently enjoyable and some of the best designed I have played.

Adjusting to playing with the ball running onto the greens took a couple of holes, but thats links golf I guess!

One of the best courses I've played, and coming from the Gold Coast that says a lot.

A truely great experience and worth the trip.

21. tigertee | Rated | 27 Oct 2005 | Add A Review

Played this course some weeks ago for the 4th time, a typical Cashmore design the you love or hate. Almost all his holes are good except for one Par 5 which requires a short wood/med iron off the tee or you run in to a hazard, not a fan of the second or third shots on that hole either. Use of the natural land is great, all bunkers are no go zones. Fairways and greens are top class. This course needs a good thinking game to score well, poorly placed shots in to greens will result in many 3 putts.

A good club house and excellent restaurant for a great lunch afterwards.

22. pauldavies | Rated | 24 Jul 2005 | Add A Review

A memorable golf experience for all the right and wrong reasons, depending when you play. In benign weather it's sublime. Great fairways, magic bunkering, superb greens, so much variety. When the wind and rain is around (which is often the case) this course will test the best golfer. There is plenty of opportunity for big hitters, but there is always a commmensurate risk.

This is a real strategists golf course. Take a risk and be well rewarded or severely punished. Don't let your ego get in the way or you'll probably come off 2nd best.

I could enjoy this course day in day out. It's a first rate course and will only get better. Top value for money, excellent clubhouse and only 90 minutes from Melbourne. Treat yourself to a few days there, you won't regret it. Enjoy the golf and surrounds.

23. vectors | Rated | 13 Jan 2005 | Add A Review

What a great course. The more I play this course the more I like it. The par 3s are awesome and beautiful to play. The 11th and 6th are two par 5s going in different directions that are visually spectacular and a challenge to play. The 18th descends to a large green in front of the clubhouse and after the last putt. You want to go around again. Some people are critical of this course. Perhaps this is because we in Australia are spoilt by the quality of courses we have at our disposal to play. Well done Tony Cashmore on a great course.

24. leemickelson | Rated | 16 Nov 2004 | Add A Review

The Beach Course at 13th Beach is truly a great golfing experience. Most holes are memorable and some even great, in particular the par 4 2nd and the short par 4 5th where the long hitters can drive the green after a heroic carry over some deep fairway bunkers for the chance at a birdie or even eagle. Don't miss your drive left or you are looking at a big number. The easier shot is with an iron to the right of the bunkers. The 17th is another wonderful par 4. The par 3's at 13th Beach are all strong holes of varying length. The greens are large and undulating and are pure. My only criticism of the course (and a little one at that) is that three of the four par 5's seem a little "quirky" where you almost need to hit an iron off the tee and the other is some 600m from the back. There are many bunkers to catch your errant shots and they appear as if they were created by nature, which gives the course a rugged feel. Good shotmaking is rewarded at this course so if you are playing well you can score well. Tony Cashmore has done a great job.

25. henryp | Rated | 29 Aug 2003 | Add A Review

I've been an outspoken critic on Tony Cashmore before, but Thirteenth Beach is clearly his best work. Each of my four visits has been very enjoyable, with the course providing a solid test of both long and short games.

There are some terrific holes out there, with 2, 7, 11, 13 and 17 being my favourites. All feature good green complexes which require decisions to be made: resulting in timeless strategic golf. 17 in particular is superb.

Only holes 3-6 fail to inspire: with all but 6 being admirable attempts but not quite working. The sooner 6 is blown up, the better! Holes 14 and 18 also didn't provide much excitement for me. I was also disappointed in the sheer volume of bunkering: I think that on some holes many of the bunkers are unnecessary, and serve no other purpose than to detract from the pleasing visual experience Cashmore offers. Holes 1, 2, 5 and 14 in particular come to mind: where the holes could look so much better through filling some of the traps!

That said, Thirteenth Beach is a good golf course. Cashmore has certainly learnt from his experiences at The Dunes, and provided a test of golf which provides a number of options on most holes, giving golfers of all standards a chance to enjoy their game. It's also pleasing to see that a number of trees have been removed and number 8 fairway has been widened.

26. korned108 | Rated | 30 Jul 2003 | Add A Review

What a course. It needs to be played by anyone wanting a true challenge. Play it in bad weather and it's a different experience all together.

27. flush26 | Rated | 13 Jan 2003 | Add A Review

The first course of two available, Thirteenth Beach is awsome. The Farm course or Creek course is currently being built and should be ready for play early 2004. This is Nick Faldo's first involvement in course design in Australia.

Thirteenth Beach as many players that have been lucky enough to play, offers many challenges and variations for a links course. It is open to green fee players, so everyone is welcome to give it a go. Check out the web site as it will show you some quality golf hole classics. For a young course, Thirteenth Beach is very mature, and is well and truly ready to play.

On a still day, with out a dought, all quality of players will enjoy a round at 13th Beach. On a windy day, bring some spare golf balls, as you will need them. As a warning, don't be too greedy as the course will eat you up. Thirteenth Beach has a design that offers the strong driver many rewards, the straight short hitter many options, the good bunker player many options to save par and the good putters every chance to shoot a good score.

You have too see it to believe it. This course in the future, could quite easily creep into the top 10 in Australia. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself.

Good Golfing too all,

D.Thomas