The Dunes Golf Links (Dunes)
IN: COURSE DIRECTORY
| REGION: Mornington/Bellarine, VIC
| USER RATING:
(4.5)
| Add A Review
Set amidst more than 150 hectares of rolling coastal sand hills in "The Cups" region of the Mornington Peninsula, The Dunes 18 hole championship course has been designed to exploit the natural beauty of the terrain, while providing a true test of skill and judgment for golfers of every level.
The abundant charm of the par 72 layout is dramatically enhanced by the technical merit of the course. At 6,409 meters in length, the sloping fairways meander through undulating knolls and ridges, leading to expansive greens that are typically sheltered in a natural amphitheatre or exposed on elevated promontories to the full force of the elements.
The firmness of the greens is something to behold, with 30" and 40" putts definitely make able if you can read the line.
Another glorious feature of the course, the trademark natural bunkering and prevalence of native grasses ensure every aspect of your game is relentlessly challenged, with the rough tormenting any player who ventures wide of the fairway.
The constantly changing contours ensure that each hole is as individual as they are demanding, while the unpredictable weather of Bass Strait further accentuates the rich and varied character of The Dunes Golf Links.
Photo by David Scaletti – www.sportscapes.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Name: The Dunes Golf Links (Dunes)
- Region: Mornington/Bellarine,VIC
- Address:
Lot 20 Browns Road
Rye, 3941, Victoria, Australia
View Aerial Map » - Directions: View Map »
- Proshop: (03) 5985 1334
- General: (03) 5985 1334
- Holes: 18
- Metres: 6443m
- Par: 72
2. pauldavies
| Rated
| 02 May 2008
| Add A Review
This has to be simply one of the best courses around. To find out just how good the course is try playing in the monthly Tombstone Challenge off the black markers. It’s nearly 6500mts of tough but extremely rewarding golf. The wind can be from every direction during a round and there are no easy holes, except perhaps the 4th. For a bogey golfer like me pars are a great reward and sometimes even a double bogey is an achievement.
The staff in the clubhouse are ultra helpful. The course is currently in awesome condition and this course will keep me coming back for years to come.
3. shark05
| Rated
| 30 Jan 2008
| Add A Review
It probably helps when you have your best golf round ever, but I’ve always enjoyed this course. Perfect fairways, punishing rough if you are wayward, but not bad if you’re just a touch off line. Superb layout.
4. ARReynolds
| Rated
| 11 Dec 2007
| Add A Review
I’ve played this course 3 times over the last 3 years and each time found it to be an absolute treat. Even abysmal weather conditions one day weren’t enough for our group to enjoy it immensely. Tricky though, particularly if the wind is blowing. Great value and well worth a visit.
5. glendonald
| Rated
| 04 Jul 2007
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What an experience, not for the feint hearted. Great course well conditioned and well run from the clubhouse & starter, to course marshalls. Well worth the the time to play this course, would not suggest for over 18 handicappers.
6. nickgold
| Rated
| 17 Mar 2007
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I recently had the pleasure of a round at the Dunes with some mates. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but the drive up to the clubhouse quickly settled the nerves. Its a beautiful old weatherboard place, much like Barwon Heads, and fits in fantastically with the course’s surrounds.
The track itself is a masterpiece. You’ll need every shot, and club, in the bag. Words wouldn’t do justice – you HAVE to play this course.
Only weak link is par 3 sixth. Make up your own mind.
Best set of par 5’s that I’ve seen. Also, Cashmore seems to have placed every green in the midst of natural amphitheatres created by the sand dunes. His bunkering is truly unique.
A fantastic offering from a designer who is truly at the top of his game.
7. joshuas
| Rated
| 29 Jan 2007
| Add A Review
Try and tame this beautiful beast - massive monster. Great course every aspect is challenging the greens in great nick have steep ridges that will lead you straight into a difficult spot if you are slightly misdirected, I rated it as difficult if not more than Moonah - Open course.
thes course is fantatsic, strategically placed bunkers and a great day of gold is guaranteed.
8. longnstraight
| Rated
| 05 Jul 2006
| Add A Review
The Dunes would have to be the best public golf course I have played.
Tucked in the sandbelt, the surroundings, the greens, the fairways etc were in great nik.
It was truly a pleasurable day out.
Wind can play a major part in iron selection.
Good value for such a nice private like course.
9. sverma
| Rated
| 24 Jun 2006
| Add A Review
I am a 20 handicap player and was sufficiently warned about the ruthlessness of the Dunes before my round. The day started at 7.30 AM with Gale Force Wintery winds! - left me wondering why on earth was I spoiling my Sunday morning instead of being rugged up with a hot cuppa!.. im glad I presevered.
The course opens with a rather tough dogleg right par 4. I think thats was a bit too harsh for the starters. However, as I played on, the course just grew on me...
Whats good:
The Course condition! - LOOKS BRAND NEW! The Fiarways are like a freshly laid carpet.
The Club house facilities are excellent
The people friendly.
Whats OK/alright;
The greens - are they lightining fast or what! Dry & hard.
What ugly...
Well.. having to decide between enjoying the scenery or playing the shot!
All in all Simply loved it. im on a sandbelt tour here so Eagleridge, National, Moonah...here I come...
Cheers!
10. phil66
| Rated
| 26 Sep 2005
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First taste of Links golf and I loved it. Each hole challenging but not ridiculous and you don't need to be Tiger to hit greens in regulation.
Weather was lovely which made the course a lot easier than if the wind was blowing but still no pushover.
Pro's tips were invaluable.
This course is in fantastic condition. It had better fairways than the greens of my local course. The greens were firm and true and a joy to putt on.
Have never had so much fun playing golf. Pro-shop staff were friendly and helpful too. No hint of snobbery. Was worth the 900km drive.
11. criticfromhell
| Rated
| 22 Apr 2005
| Add A Review
It would be nearly impossible to build a bad golf course on this site, and Tony Cashmore has done a commendable job. The course doesn't play all that long but it really tests every part of your game and shooting a good score is not easy.
What I like about this course is it's natural rugged beauty and how many shots you have to play over or around natural dunes and valleys.
The ever present wind ranges from strong to gale force, but that just adds to the challenge and enjoyment.
There are a few things I don't like - the firmness of the greens bordering on concrete makes it next to impossible to stop even a sand wedge with a soft covered ball on them, and the numerous mounds and hollows around the greens doesn't offer a bump and run option, unlike the Scottish links courses which it has been said to emulate.
Also, the choice of santa anna couch fairways means that your ball always runs to the bottom of one of the numerous small depressions in the fairways and invariable into an old divot. The only really bad holes are the 1st and the 6th. The 1st is actually a great hole but in the wrong place - it's much too tough for an opening hole.
The 6th is just a ridiculous par 3 that you can hit anything from a putter to a 4 iron off the tee and the ball just bounds down the steep hill, across the green and into the pond at the back. I understand the pond is just natural ground water that appeared when they were building the green at the lowest point on the course - but maybe this is one case where keeping the natural terrain was not a good idea!
I've heard this course described as Muirfield in Victoria, but Muirfied doesn't have santa anna fairways and bent greens for a start.
Overall it's a good course on a fantastic site, but Muirfield it ain't.
12. ninjagolfa
| Rated
| 20 Feb 2005
| Add A Review
The first time I saw The Dunes it just didn't look real. Vivid greens lining valleys surrounded by stark brown hills or dunes...just doesn't look right.
The facilities are top notch and not overly expensive. $50-ish for a round is high for Australia...but not for this area (Moonah Links is $80+).
Can't fault the course...got a bit pissed off by the Nazi greenkeeper telling me off when I had a practice round on The Cups course with only one club! Said I had to use a putter and carry a bag - nothing in The Rules of Golf about that!
Maybe I'll come back at 2am with my nightvision goggles...NINJA!!!!
13. rsheehy
| Rated
| 31 Jul 2004
| Add A Review
No matter how often you play the Dunes it is never the same twice. In top form on a calm day you'll marvel at the beautiful views from the elevated tees and the joys of golfing your way through the massive sand dunes. On a less auspicious day with the wind blowing you'll wonder why you didn't just sit and admire the views from the clubhouse. There are certainly some controversial holes for players to puzzle out, but the more I play it, the more I like it. For me the course can be summed up by the pro's tips for the fourth hole "Don't go left, do not be short. Right's not good either" I might add that behind the green is a 10 foot high sand dune, and the green itself is on such a slope I've seen several 3 foot putts go 15 foot past. Enjoy!
14. padre
| Rated
| 02 Jun 2004
| Add A Review
I'm not sure if the previous reviewer and I are talking about the same course. Short is not exactly what I'd call this course. Maybe from the ladies tee it is, but from the back tees (not even from the tombstones) it's well over 6000 metres and with the wind seemingly always into your face it feels damn long.
The Dunes is one of my all-time favourite courses. Why you ask? Well because the layout is superb, beautifully sculpted fairways and greens. The fairways arent too narrow, you get plenty of chance to find the short stuff and when you do you are treated with beautiful approach shots to some marvellously laid out greens.
I've played this course at least a dozen times and every time it has been in perfect condition.
It is a pleasure to play on courses such as this, and I can assure you I will be back many more times.
15. kofebear
| Rated
| 08 Jan 2004
| Add A Review
Recently played a round on The Dunes Links Course with a few mates. I was expecting, as it is rated 2nd in public access courses in Australia, it to be a really great course. I was proven very wrong not too far into my round. The course is quite short measuring around 5500m, the marshall frequently told us to hurry up, even though everytime we were waiting for the group in front to hurry up, and because they were members he didn't dare ask them to move along. Some holes you have no idea which was to hit because on the amount of different fairways right next to each other. The facilities however are very good, which they certainly must be commended for. For the price they charge, I certainly would rather play either Eagle Ridge or Moonah Links. Don't expect to see me at The Dunes any time soon.
16. scott tindall
| Rated
| 02 Jun 2003
| Add A Review
The course is a lot like a links course on steriods, as if all the attributes of links golf have been heightened and extended. All-up it makes for a wonderful golf course that is undeniably "fun" to play. With so many holes playing down into a green that is an ampitheatre, even wayward shots can look stunning. The course can be quite tough from the back marks but suprisingly there is ample room on most holes for off-centre shots, only drawback is that shorter hitters off the tee may really stuggle to find suitable landing areas. A few blind drives do not detract and each is superbly unique. A wonderful golfing experience, where good golf is rewarded and poor golf can still be very enjoyable.
17. DL
| Rated
| 23 Jan 2003
| Add A Review
No criticism of the redesign here.
After playing this course you can see why it was the No 1 rated public access course in 1999 & 2000.
Excellent playability all year round.
A true links course with plenty of sand guarding undulating and sometimes elevated greens. Hard to fault this course in any way. A real test of ones ability when the wind blows. If you haven't played here, you're missing out.
18. grumpy_dog
| Rated
| 24 Dec 2002
| Add A Review
This course is excellent and is always kept in fabulous condition. The fairways are magnificient and the greens true.
Is very punishing for wayward hitters, but if you can stay on the short grass, this course is wonderful. The only drawback is the course design. Some people have been critical of the way some of the holes have been re-done by Tony Cashmore. In particular the par 3 6th hole with water over the back. While I was happy with the overall design, some of the blind drives and the 6th, were offputting. But overall, an excellent course.
19. kdibble
| Rated
| 23 Jul 2002
| Add A Review
Punishes long wayward hitters
Greens are large and true, but undulating and green fees are top of the range.
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1. michael901 | Rated
| 29 Sep 2008
| Add A Review
This is a excellent course I have played to a thew time and each time it challange me and my game, super fast and well defended greens club house is great and service even better well recommended