1. Kennyake | Rated | 04 Jan 2012 | Add A Review

Played here the week before Christmas, I had not played K/L for a few years as it was in such poor condition.
The pro shop staff were very nice but their price on some of their products were a bit over the top i.e food/drinks/balls etc. The round was a little slow as there were plenty of golfers out on the course.
The course itself was the best I’ve seen it in a long time. As I said it’s been a few years since i last played here and before then it was on a down hill curve. The greens were firm and quick but not stupid, the fairways were great they seemed to have a lot of run but were green and lush, bunkers were ok not great but not terrible, not many golfers seemed to be raking after themselves.
The tees were average, it looks like there were at least 2 new tees, one still out of play however it’s hard to get a good stance on a lot of them.
All in all our group really enjoyed it, it’s an interesting round with lots of water and bunkers, maybe a little short in length but a lot of fun

2. Petergolf59 | Rated | 11 Oct 2011 | Add A Review

Played Here on the 9th of October as a 4 ball and after reading the reviews didn’t know what to expect. All things considering with the weather Victoria has received the course was in excellent condition. Fairways had full coverage and a true lie. Greens where fast and in great condition and it looks as through a bunker refurbishment was under way with fresh new sand in many bunkers(only took 4 hours to play). Highly recommend a round here, as many golf course have been wet that I’ve played the past 12 months.

3. geezadownunder | Rated | 21 Sep 2011 | Add A Review

Played here about a month ago and was very dissapointed. The staff did not tell us that most of the fairways were basically swamps with large patches of unplayable area’s. it was a very slow round – we had a 4 groups of 4 on the first tee as we arrived.

4. WCS0011 | Rated | 18 Jul 2011 | Add A Review

Played this course many times in the past and have enjoyed it. The last 3 rounds there (from April – July) have been much less satisfying due to the poor condition of the course. The fairways are constantly drenched and there are many patches that are virtually unplayable yet there has been no attempt to repair the ground with GUR signs and drop zones.
I believe the club is letting far too many people on it and need to start restricting the number of players to get the course back into good condition. If the course continues to cop the abuse it’s receiving at the moment the summer is going to be very difficult for them…… Players will be hitting off of dirt.

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5. Puji | Rated | 13 Apr 2011 | Add A Review

Enjoy playing this course.

Some interesting holes when played off the blue or competition tees. Enjoy the two short par fours on the front 9 – definite birdy oportunities.

Fairways were lush and green, greens roll very true. Tee boxes need some repairing as there was often uneven/destroyed hitting areas to be found.

Water on the majority of the holes, with several water hazards running across fairways. However with good shot selection easy to avoid. Reccomend using the course tour online!

Pro shop staff can be hit and miss, have had exepriences with great helpful staff and also very bitter staff.

Only major con is the powerlines which stretch over the course – really detracts from the scene.

PROS

• Fairways
• Interesting layout
• Close to city

Cons

• Overhead powerlines
• slow play on back 9

6. BeKaza | Rated | 29 Jan 2011 | Add A Review

Played here today, first impressions were very good. I have wanted to play it for a while due to being in the top 100 ranking. It was relatively quite in terms of traffic but that could be down to the temp being 31 degrees and the green fees being $50 on the weekend.

The fairways and greens were in very good condition, the bunkers were in terrible condition and it was like taking a shot of concrete. Overall it was fun and I had a good time but I would definitely use my Golf Course Guide book and play midweek as it is not a $50 course.

7. GPJ_Longdriver | Rated | 20 Oct 2010 | Add A Review

Played here yesterday (mid October) and left feeling dissapointed with the course condition. I have played here off and on ever since the course opened, and yesterday I found it to be in it’s worst condition ever (and by a long way). The fairways were brown, rough, and very boggy in places after a long winter, although it hadn’t rained for a day or two prior to my game. One bunker still had a great deal of water which showed no signs of draining, presumably the water table must sit just below the surface.

The course has really gone down hill in condition since the heady days when it deserved it’s place within the top 100 public courses. While the greens still showed the tell tale signs of being cored and some were a bit rough, others rolled okay.

I can only hope that the current course conditions are due to just the weather, and not some underlying issues with the management of the place, as I do really enjoy my rounds at KL, and have for many years.

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8. happytoshoot90 | Rated | 06 Apr 2010 | Add A Review

Played for $21 midweek with golf course guide. For $21 is a fine course, no worries. Their standard fee however is $45 midweek – I would never pay that to play here. Wanted to check out KL due to it’s top 100 public access status in rankings, easily the worst of the top 100 I’ve played. For exactly the same price as Waterford Valley just up the road, you’d be mad to play here, cannot understand why people bother. This is just a run of the mill course, nothing special about it. If you have a golf course guide and can play cheap, go for it. If not, steer well clear of Kingston Links.

9. FairwayBomber | Rated | 31 Mar 2010 | Add A Review

Played here today, and was a little apprehensive at first due to the relatively poor reviews below. When I got at the course, my first impressions were very good. The clubhouse looked good and had good staff at hand.
I found the overall condition of the course to be quite good. Some parts of the fairway could have been mowed a little more, but it was green and had good coverage. The greens was in very good condition, minimal pitch marks, though I found the speed to be a little inconsistent, but that could just be my lack of skills. The course itself is quite picturesque, with undulating fairways and water hazards filling your view.
As the previous reviewer, I used the Course Guide book which meant $25 for the round (midweek), but at $50 for weekends, it runs into stiff competition from other premium courses.
Overall, I enjoyed the course (shot +10 for the day) and would recommend it.

PROS

• Not too far from Melbourne CBD.
• Picturesque course (minus powerlines).
• Quite challenging for mid to high handicappers.
• Rewards safe play

Cons

• Expensive relative to nearby courses.

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10. JFF | Rated | 21 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Played here yesterday and I too was disappointed.
Greens didn’t run true (may have been scored recently). Bunkers were inconsistant – went from one being hard as a rock to plenty of sand. Fairways had a large covering of dead grass clippings although fine underneath it.
The layout is fine and a couple of holes will make you think with creeks running through but nothing spectacular.
Played on the cheap with the golf course guide but not sure I’d be happy if I’d paid full price.

11. nickbradfield | Rated | 15 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Has a great reputation, but I was a little disappointed. While it was still a good course, it didn’t live up to the hype and was quite expensive

12. Will_i_am | Rated | 02 Jan 2010 | Add A Review

Played at Kingston Links today. Pretty decent track not too far from inner Melbourne. Layout is good – some challenging holes and some pretty easy ones. Main criticism is that it’s pretty short off the whites. In pretty good nick for this time of year. Fairways were very good. Greens a little slow (it rained a fair bit overnight) and quite a few pudge marks hadn’t been repaired.

Overall a solid course. Nowhere near the likes of Eynesbury though, which is surely the best public access course near Melbourne.

13. metro | Rated | 30 Dec 2009 | Add A Review

the course is currently in pretty good condition considering the number of casual players that play here now. the dress code is clearly no longer in force and the cart racing on almost every fairway gets quite annoying after about two holes.
other than these small problems it is a very nice course to play. maybe wait for the end of the christmas holidays to play. the sight of nine players in one group on the back nine did not leave a good impression either.
i will come back for the course though at a quieter time.

PROS

• course is in good condition
• challenging while still playable for all levels

Cons

• holiday crowds

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14. Kzstash | Rated | 31 Jul 2009 | Add A Review

Played Kingston Links yesterday and really enjoyed it despite the fact it was raining and windy. Good course that can be enjoyed by golfers of all levels. Great deal on now (weekdays after 12pm – 29$ for 18 holes).

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15. chipper | Rated | 09 Jun 2009 | Add A Review

My previous review the "cons" were missing: pricey at $50 / 18 holes… not to mention $10.80 for 2 coffees!

16. chipper | Rated | 07 Jun 2009 | Add A Review

Played on a sunny windless day and really enjoyed this course. At 5682m from the white tees, even a high handicapper like me had most greens within range in regulation. Burns snake through the front 9, creating some interesting choices off the tee, and second shots over water if you’ve decided not to bomb it over the hazard. The back 9 lacks the burns, but small lakes near fairways, greens and tees provide the challenge.

Not too many trees, not too many bunkers mean that there is at least a little latitude for wayward shots… you just have to be lucky enough to miss to the right place.

Tees, fairways and greens were in very good shape. The greens were very fast, causing real problems for both me and my partner.

PROS

• Fast, challenging greens
• Pace of play - Sat morning and we didn't have to pause play at any stage throughout the round
• Pleasing aesthetics, espec on front 9

17. mabeyk | Rated | 17 Mar 2009 | Add A Review

Played Kingston Links in March 2009 and was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the course. Even after a very rainy day before in Melbourne the greens were flat and true and a good pace for public greens. The speed of play was also just acceptable but this is still the main concern of all public courses on the weekend. I would still recomend this course especially as its only located just out of the city.

PROS

• Good layout, condition pretty good for a public course.

Cons

• Speed of play

18. Ayds | Rated | 06 Mar 2009 | Add A Review

I played at Kingston Links on Wednesday the 4th of march. It was a howling day and even started to pour rain a few times during our round. My opinion of this course is that it’s an exceptional lay out for a public access course and the fairways are in the best nick of any course I have played on recently. The pro shop staff are friendly and helpful and the shop is also very well stocked. My only qualms about this course is the difference in quality and lay out between the front nine and the back nine. The front nine was much more of a challenge while the back nine has wide and accepting fairways and much less memorable holes. All in all it was a great experience. I finished up on 7 over from the blue tees and I play off 12 normally.

19. leroy8888 | Rated | 20 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

I have never seen a course with so many mixed reviews. My rating falls somewhere in the middle.

Fairways – nice coverage of grass all over but it is starting to suffer with mix of brown and green patches all over. Great undulations provide a different stance every time.
Greens – reasonable condition for a public course with plenty of unrepaired pitch marks to make those putts even more interesting. One point to the greenstaff though: if you are going to cord the greens, either do the lot or none at all. Every green was an adventure, some had just been corded, some were recovering, some weren’t done yet. It’s hard enough putting without trying to guess the speed on every green you play.
Layout – very challenging with plenty of water which makes you think each shot. That is the real advantage of this course and cudos must go to the designers. Wonderful !!

Overall this course is good for a public course but below average when ranked alongside the private courses.

20. clubselectionisessential | Rated | 19 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

I’ve got to agree with StewyGriffin on this one. I played here yesterday for the first time in about a year and couldn’t believe how bad it had got. The greens were terrible, tee boxes uneven, bunkers woeful and the fairways dry and tight. To top it off the scorecards in the pro-shop are a photocopy and not even a colour one! I quite like the layout of the course but it really looks as though no money has been spent on it for some time.

21. HotPies | Rated | 10 Sep 2008 | Add A Review

Sorry gents have to agree with Stewy one this one, the course is nowhere near what is was 7 – 10 years ago. Most courses improve over the years this course has back to the dark ages. Pro Shop is a disgrace and the bar has to be the worst of ant golf course in the state. No food, no service poor selection of beers they didn’t even have the beer tap on !!!

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22. Jeremycollins | Rated | 23 Jul 2008 | Add A Review

StewyGriffin, what are you talking about!? Yes, i agree that the cost is a bit much, but i played at kingston about a month ago and the course was great. The greens and fairways were beautiful. The course has a terrific, challenging layout with water coming into play on most of the front nine. The bunkers are well placed on the fairway, rewarding a straight drive, and around the greens, meaning you have to be accurate to shoot low numbers.

23. StewyGriffin | Rated | 27 May 2008 | Add A Review

Hi ther Mr Faldo, I do agree with some of your comments. But due to the nature of the cousre being public access the bunker, greens, fairways & tee boxs will allways be keep that way due to the nature of type of client they let on. It was always “GOLF ATTIRE ONLY”, I’ve seen people in tracky dacks & tee shirts on this course. Like I said before it was once Melbournes premier course to play. Now just a good local course. I wont be back again !

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24. Faldo | Rated | 26 May 2008 | Add A Review

I think your appraisal is a bit harsh StewyGriffin.I have been playing twice a week at Kingston Links for the past 6 months and have always found the course to be well presented.My only criticisms would be the number of pitch marks on the greens and the sometimes messy bunkers – mainly due to golfers not raking bunkers and not repairing pitch marks. Don’t forget it is a links course hence the undulating fairways of 100% Santa Ana couch grass cannot be in pristine condition every day of the year. Overall I consider it good value particularly in view that it is a Public Golf Course. I have always found the staff at Kingston Links to be friendly,helpful and courteous. Recommended.

25. StewyGriffin | Rated | 22 May 2008 | Add A Review

I played this course when it opened in the early ‘90s, was a great track and a good test of golf. Now I played it agian and its turned into a goat track. Green are a disgrace fairways arent much better and dont get me started on the bunkers. If they made movies about a golf course this would be called “Once were warroirs” This play is over priced for what its become a good public golf course.

26. Tubbytiger | Rated | 13 Jan 2008 | Add A Review

Great course that offers excellent clubhouse hospitality. The course was in great condition considering there hasn’t been much rain. Generous fairways protected by a lot of bunkers along with strategic water hazards. I really enjoyed playing this course that would accomodate all skill levels. Seems to play longer than the card indicates.

27. Lowdown | Rated | 01 Nov 2007 | Add A Review

Played this course last weekend. It was in great condition I thought, and without a doubt, the best public access course I’ve played on in Melbourne metropolitan area.

I did end up losing 3-4 balls in the drink at various holes, but still managed to shoot my lowest ever round – so that helps!

Fairways were great, green perfect and it is quite a challenging course – with many greens, fairways unsighted off the tees, and quite narrow.

If only it was a little cheaper. At $49 a round, it is twice the cost of Yarra Bend and other quality public courses.

28. danieltheprogolfer | Rated | 20 Jul 2007 | Add A Review

i played ther today and i will say it is a very good and great golf course the grass is a little bit soggy and dinted but is a great course and allso a chalenge/hard

29. jasonk | Rated | 23 Jun 2007 | Add A Review

played kingston links 22nd june 2007. read the reviews on here and was a bit hestiant what to expect when i turned up to play. Arrived and was very surprised in how immaculate the course was in. Those people who wrote a review ans said the course was not maintained must of been in la la land, coming from sydney, this is the second course i have played and must say it is so much better than the growling frog. to anyone who is hesitant to book a round at the links, don’t be fantastic course in fantastic condition.

30. Melbsouthpaw | Rated | 09 Nov 2006 | Add A Review

Played here twice and while I enjoy the layout, there are many problems which don't justify the relatively high price.

The pro-shop staff are next to useless. Marshalling of the 1st tee would be a good start - as would the slower players out on the course. Their attitude could do with an overhaul as well - they must remember that this is a service industry. If you want customers to return, you must service their needs.

The course has some really great moments, but some equally poor ones as well. The greens are maintained appalling - pitch marks, debris and damage from mishandling flagsticks. Wouldn't take much to fix, but they seem to forget that half the game is focussed around the greens.

The fairways are in good condition and the placement of bunkers/water hazards is really good in my opinion.

The problem I really find about this course is the fact that a lot of cashed-up bogans tend to play here and they don't tend to play with any golf etiquette (throwing cigarette butts, damaging greens, not raking bunkers, hitting into player groups ahead and other generally aggressive behaviour.

Eliminating some of these players would improve this course a lot in my opinion. Also, dropping the price about $10 should be considered - in comparison to Growling Frog, this course is a joke (for essentially the same price).

31. sarboy | Rated | 15 May 2006 | Add A Review

I must start with; I always play under my handicap at this course.

BUT

It needs the attention that a private course gets. With no members to take care of the bunkers, greens and fairways, you can ended up getting very frustrated with pitch markes, foot prints in bunkers and bad lies in the middle of the fairways.

It plays very easy from the white markers and I would say there is no value in playing from these tees. Play it off at least the blues and then it starts to get a bit harder.

Lots of water and many bunkers. Greens are fast but uneven due to lack of player care.

Last time I played they no longer were doing the deal of 4 rounds and two carts and a beer for $42 each, which wasnt bad value but at a straight $44 its over priced.

32. hitori | Rated | 22 Dec 2005 | Add A Review

Very disappointed in the place, especially given the cost of a round. This is definitely now a course where the golfer is taken for granted

Played a couple of rounds over the past years and the course condition has dropped off significantly. Since the original course superintendent was poached by one of the sandbelt clubs a couple of years ago the course condition has suffered.

The fairways suffer from weed and foreign grass infestations (as well as the odd bare patch) and the greens are only just at the standard expected. The impression is that ground staff only turn up once a week with no ongoing (7 day) attention.

This course is advertised in all of the "Top ###" courses but surely must only be included on past glories and reputations.

Go and have a crack by all means but don't be surprised if the course looks a bit different to the promo shots. Also, if the staff in the pro-shop are on a personal call, you may have to wait 5-10 minutes until they are good and ready to serve you.

BTW - This review isn't as a result of a bad round. Every time I have played here I have played under my handicap by 4-5 shots.

33. fridrobrec | Rated | 30 Nov 2005 | Add A Review

Overrated. It's simply a mud-pool during the winter. Avoid in winter months - the grass simply doesn't grow and the drainage is poor.

In summer it is okay but not great. Wind is no problem - that is what a links course is all about.

34. ronrat | Rated | 24 Oct 2005 | Add A Review

But I think it is overrated. And the beers are dear. That said it seems to play into the wind on every hole and it can be quick.

35. griffoman | Rated | 17 Jul 2005 | Add A Review

I have to admit when I first approached Kingston Links I was downcast - all those reviews but here we are driving through an industrial estate with pylons along the side. Boy was I wrong. KL is a top course - not at all a Melbourne sandbelt course but that is quite refreshing - a bit like Growling Frog. First thing you notice is the perfect fairways - this place used to be a swampy wasteland, now it is magnificent. Bunkers are as pleasurable as is possible in a sadistic sort of way and the greens are always extremely excellent except when duck shooting season is in full bore and then the greens are a mass of crap !

The hole layouts are interesting and demanding. If you are a 20 or better golfer thenyou have nothing to worry about, but if you are a weekend warrior like me I suggest you pop along to Drummond Golf and buy a bag of 15 second hand balls because you are bound to lose half in the water hazards in front or alongside you.

Once again the key to par and salvation is a few minutes reading the website and laying up for key holes rather than doing the testosterone thing and grabbing the driver every hole - boy will you lose lots of balls that way. My favourite hole today - I love that fourth - a nice three iron then a chip to the green. heaven... a true peace of ecstacy built on a pile of XXXX - great job and excellent value for money although the tuck shop could offer a little better fare (get rid of those curry pie please).

Good to see they don't load up the tee times at the weekend so you can still enjoy your round.

36. kpavey | Rated | 05 May 2005 | Add A Review

Played this course last weekend (end May 2005) and usually play it a few times a year. Generally in very good condition although recent green coring was still very noticeable on some greens. Worse though was the duck @!#$* on several holes' greens - literally making you carve a way to the hole...pretty annoying...

I also find the general layout a little too forgiving, particularly in fairway width. In my view as a mid handicapper I think stray shots should be penalised - more often than not on this course you can still play them fine.

I ended up playing off the back tees on most holes to keep it more challenging - it's definitely a better test this way as some of the back tees add nearly 50m to some holes and make you play over water or to a more challenging line.

Bunkers could do with some fresh sand as they were hard packed and lean to play out of...

Having said that there are some good holes with water mid way (4th, 8th) that do prompt strategic club selection.

As I live out west of Melbourne, I tend to spend more time around the Bellarine - in my opinion courses like 13th Beach, Curlewis and Clifton Springs are better kept and more enjoyable.

Just like to see this course become more challenging and they pick up the maintenance a bit more - maybe open duck season there a couple of times a year to keep the duck @!#$* down...

37. tigertee | Rated | 11 Apr 2004 | Add A Review

I played this course the day after it opened and once, sometimes twice a year since and have seen the course slip fom top quality to average. Bunker quality and weed infestation are becoming a problem, if the latter becomes established it is very costly to turn around. However this is what happens when you contract out the maintenance, they make money from what they don't do!

The course is a good layout and fun to play for all levels, when the wind picks up it is a real hand full. A bit of water around that is best treated with caution for the first round or two, anyone with a ball retriever will come away with a bag full! The driving range is an excellent warm-up facility.

38. clinton | Rated | 23 Sep 2003 | Add A Review

Kingston Links is my favourite Melbourne metro course. It offers a challenging layout, plays links style and by varying the tees, white to blue, you can change the way this course plays dramatically.

Fairways and greens are generally in excellent condition and are true in pace and turn, coring can seriously affect putting so enquire if they have done it lately. They generally offer a discount, pay for 9, play 18 when they have done the coring recently.

There are some tough holes and some relatively easy ones that you can make hard all by yourself. Most greens carry protection in the forms of bunkers or heavire rough so hitting greens is important. There is plenty of water and sand around but if accurate off the tee, they won't come into play. Bunkers have good sand except after rain when it gets heavy, it does everywhere though!

There are plenty of par 5's on this course and playing off the white tees will allow the bigger hitters to reach in 2. The wind is the deciding factor and as the course is fairly open (links style),

Headwinds or tailwinds will affect your decision off the tee.

I think that Kingston Links offers great value for money. You do pay a little bit more than your average public course but the course is worth it as it is testing and the good condition of the fairways and greens give better golfers no excuses. I find our groups generally move quite quickly, 4.5 hours as opposed to the usual 5+ at other public courses. Spike bar is also well stocked and the staff have always been really friendly.