1. caddy_shack | Rated | 03 Feb 2012 | Add A Review

A very good layout but definitely not my fave course on mornington peninsula. I booked a few months in advance and was told I,d be first off tee. Turn up to discover I’m stuck behind a couple 4-balls.

2. RobDog20 | Rated | 15 Jul 2011 | Add A Review

Great course forced to use all the clubs in the bag and real strategy with the shots into the green and a couple of tee shots where you can’t see the ball land. Greens are smooth generally but later in afternoon do get a bit more jumpy then some other courses. Only downside is that a lot of people play here who are no match for this course making for a really slow round around 5 hours. Too many old guys playing from the back tees not reaching the fairway became beyond the joke to watch. So pick your spots when you decide to play because could be in for a long day. Great par 3’s and the par 5’s can open up off the tee and go for it.

3. scenicpeak | Rated | 23 Apr 2011 | Add A Review

This has always been a cracking golf course. Condition right now is just awesome and it doesn’t matter when you book the deal will be better than the other big name courses in the region.

I could go on and mention specific holes but if you want an immaculately conditioned course with natural hazards then you really can’t go past this place.

Tom Watson’s plaque on the 17th could describe everywhere on this course, ’This is an exquisite golf hole’.

Also Liked

• Moonah Links (Legends)
• New South Wales Golf Club

4. riversdale_naga | Rated | 24 Feb 2011 | Add A Review

Guys, if you want to treat yourself to world-class quality golf, go to The Dunes. Played here for the first time today (24/2/11), and as soon as I approached my ball for my second shot in the 1st hole, I knew this was going to be something to cherish.

My round was only enhanced by the fact that my swing has FINALLY come good after a year of golfing, and as a 19 handicapper, shooting an 84 (with three painful triple bogeys and a three putt on the last), I was thoroughly pleased.

I had played both the Beach and the Creek course at 13th Beach the week before, both of which Tony Cashmore (designer of The Dunes) either designed and co-designed, and I much preferred the Beach course (Cashmore’s solo design). With this in mind, I was very much anticipating some more fabulous golf architectural genius, and ladies and gents, I WAS NOT impressed…

I was speechless.

A ’pure’ golf course in every sense of the word.

While 17 of the holes were absolute gems (the 6th tarnishes an otherwise sublime creation), standouts include the 4th, 10th, 15th (especially the green), and 17th. Each of these holes offers something unique to the course, and in the words of Tom Watson (on the 17th) "This is an exquisite golf hole".

I think perhaps the most impressive facet of this course (besides the beautiful layout) is the greens. They are very noticeably soft under one’s feet (especially when drawing comparison to other top courses), and roll perfectly true; however, the aspect of the greens that I personally took a most favourable note of, was how much grip your ball gets with both full length shots and small chips. I play a Srixon Z-Star (which no doubt helps), and to anyone that has played the course, I hit my tee shot fat and left it 15m short and right of the large bunker area on the left of the green. The pin was quite literally tucked in the front corner there, on a ridge, no more that 4m from the bunker edge. I played a flop shot with my 62 wedge, caught the edge of the green, and still managed to pull it up short for an easy putt.

I implore any keen golfer looking for an elegant and picturesque challenge to book themselves a round at The Dunes, grab your clubs, grab some mates, and indulge yourself in perhaps the most rewarding and awe-some moments of your life.

A memory. Not to be forgotten.

PROS

• Magnificent sculpting and course conditioning
• Architectural merit is unsurpassed
• Green's are a golfers dream
• Elevated tees provide breathtaking views
• Risk v Reward is a quality of each and every hole

Cons

• Quite a drive for members who live in Metro Melbourne
• Brakes on the carts are awful
• The 6th (would give 5 stars had this hole been up to the same standard of the rest of the course)

Also Liked

• 13th Beach Golf Links (Beach)
• Kingston Heath Golf Club
• Anglesea Golf Club

5. q-tip | Rated | 27 Nov 2010 | Add A Review

Measures 6206m Par 72 (off the blue plates where I played it from) with four par 3s ranging from 135-208m, ten par 4s ranging from 300-409m and four par 5s ranging from 455-502m.

Nine of the blue plate tees are shared with the black plate tees so I got to see the course how it was intended to be played from.

Course conditioning is superb. Flat lush teebeds, great fairway lies and first cut rough is consistent too, greens were smooth and well-paced. Bunkering is great and the sand is fine. The weather was clear and sunny and wind was not gusting. This meant a great day for scoring with many greens hit in regulation after a slowish start.

Highlights include the 409m dogleg right 1st with numerous bunkers capturing those who try to get too greedy by cutting off the dogleg, with a green surrounded by deep bunkers. The straight 401m 16th green is guarded by bunkers with a fairway that slopes off to the right. The 179m 17th is a superb par 3 golf hole and my favourite on the course with 7 bunkers along the leftside and a large bunker short right guarding a large gently undulating green.

Played here 16/11/2010 with green fees $52 and enjoyed my round here. Challenging layout with demanding holes especially in the wind. The fairways are quite wide and are firm which could be a concern when the winds pick up.

6. CKP1982 | Rated | 03 Sep 2010 | Add A Review

Played here right in the middle of winter after it had rained a lot ( not the day we played lucky) and the course was still in really good nick.
Very well designed course, not a long course but very challenging with lots of different holes. Definatly worth a look. Very good deal on at the moment, book online and its $42 for 18 holes (including a $10 meal/drink voucher)which is awsome value!

PROS

• In good condition all year round

7. leroy8888 | Rated | 27 Jul 2010 | Add A Review

The "Cups" area where the Dunes (and other great courses) are located really was made for golf courses. Plenty of rolling hills gives the designer options for elevated tee shots, uneven stances on the fairway and undulating greens.

Luckily the designers have got it right by working with the existing landscape to develop an absolute gem of a course. Each hole is different from the last and makes you think and plan your way around the course.

Conditioning was great considering the deluge of rain they had the night before – a great testerment to the greenskeepers. Fairways were fully-drained and greens still rolled true and reasonably fast. The only downside was the bunkers were variable and difficult to predict how the ball would come out.

Overall a great golfing experience and a true test of your skill level. You really do have to bring you’re A-game to shoot low (especially putting) but it is very rewarding when you do so.

Also Liked

• Moonah Links (Legends)
• Moonah Links (Open)
• Peninsula Country Golf Club (North)
• Kingston Heath Golf Club

8. FairwayBomber | Rated | 13 Apr 2010 | Add A Review

What a great golf course…..

The course was in excellent condition all round, and overall, deserved the great hype and high ranking. Layout was also very good, pushing the golfer into thinking how to approach each hole, with each green protected by either length, bunkers or the swirling winds.

I would thoroughly recommend everyone to give this course a try. Although not compulsory, I would also recommend hiring a golf cart as the undulating hills and wind can take its toll on the golfer, thereby detracting from the course itself. Also worthwhile practicing your ’low stinger’ shots, as the wind can make conditions very challenging. As a final note, please do yourself a favour and get the current Australian Course Guide. With it, you can get your 2nd round free!

PROS

• Great layout
• Rewards accuracy and good course management.
• Sooooooo pretty!
• True and fast greens
• Worth every cent!

Cons

• Windy days can make the course virtually unplayable
• A bit far from Melbourne, and traffic through Frankston can be slow during holidays/long weekends.

Also Liked

• 13th Beach Golf Links (Beach)
• Eynesbury Golf Course
• Growling Frog Golf Course

9. FairwayBomber | Rated | 10 Mar 2010 | Add A Review

What a great golf course…..

The course was in excellent condition all round, and overall, deserved the great hype and high ranking. Layout was also very good, pushing the golfer into how to approach each hole, with each green protected by either length, bunkers or the swirling winds.

I would thoroughly recommend everyone to give this course a try. Although not compulsory, I would also recommend hiring a golf cart as the undulating hills and wind can take its toll on the golfer, thereby detracting from the course itself.

PROS

• Superb layout
• True greens
• Superb condition in general
• Fantastic value for money

Cons

• Can get windy but it adds to the challenge!
• May be too long without a motorised cart
• Too far to travel on a weekly basis....

Also Liked

• Eynesbury Golf Course
• Growling Frog Golf Course
• 13th Beach Golf Links (Beach)

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

Absolutely loved it. Felt like being on another planet at times with the undulations. Thoroughly recommended

11. GPJ_Longdriver | Rated | 23 Dec 2009 | Add A Review

Played this course half a dozen times now, and can only say a wonderful test of your golf game. Each club in the bag gets used, each hole has a character of its own, so no two holes feel the same which is a credit to the design team. A course to really test your course management as thinking your way along each hole is the only way to play or big numbers will surely follow. Both long and short hole lengths of each par, changes of elevation and slope, myriad of well thought out deserving hazards, beautiful vista’s the whole way around, just an amazing place to play golf and spend a day, no matter what weather conditions prevail. A true examination of every facet of your golf game.

Also Liked

• Moonah Links (Open)
• Mornington Golf Club
• Eagle Ridge Golf Course

12. metro | Rated | 21 Dec 2009 | Add A Review

amazing. the best course i have ever played.
i started at 4pm and did not see another person for the whole round.
it is a pretty tough walk though.
and the greens need some work.
there were a few too many unrepaired pitch marks. not enough to ruin a great afternoon though.

i will be back for sure

Also Liked

• Long Island Country Club
• Sandringham Golf Club

13. bucks05 | Rated | 31 Aug 2009 | Add A Review

Played for the first time last month. Freezing cold, blowing an absolute gale, played terrible but possibly my best golfing experience ever. Incredibly challenging in those conditions but so many wonderfully designed holes. Absolutely magnificent! Looking forward to returning in more tranquil conditions.

14. happytoshoot90 | Rated | 25 Aug 2009 | Add A Review

played for first time last week – braved a rainy morning whick meant i was pretty much all alone out there. So glad I did, after the 6th hole the rain was gone and I was left to enjoy the round. Great layout, course is in fantastic condition, nice views, the dunes has it all. I think the Legends course at Moonah Links is still the best public course on the peninsula, but this is a close second and considering the difference in price, brilliant value for money.

15. hhyg | Rated | 14 Jun 2009 | Add A Review

ABSOLUTELY LOVE the dunes, tony cashmore is a genious. A fantastic golf course with a great mix of par 3’s long and short par 4’s and long undulating par 5’s. there are no holes on this course where you get too the tee and are already thinking of the hole to follow.

Every hole gets your mind going, to shoot a good score you have too actually play golf, not just hit tho ball! Possibly the only let-down to the course is the par 3 6th hole which plays 208m off the blue tees.

It is not a very rewarding hole unless played into the the wind, because the ball really needs to be held up due to the down sloping green and water hazard at the rear of the green.

The course maintenance at the dunes is second-to-none. Fairways are always in mint condition and bunkers always freshly raked. the rough looks almost natural but is not too hard to get up and down from.

I hear alot of critisicme about the greens at the dunes, and yes they are brownish in colour, but who cares!they roll true and always at a good speed. in my opinion its not the way they look its the way they play. and im not really one to be critical of tees, but they do have the level of the tees at the dunes spot on all year round.

Some of my favourite holes at the dunes are:

• The par 4 1st.Although it is a very tough opening hole, it is a beatiful natural hole with an awesome approach shot.
• The par 3 3rd.A relitively short par 3 but never easy. off a elevated tee, the wind is always in play and is never too predictable. A tough green to read aswell!
• The par 4 4th. My advice for this hole if you do get the chance to play it- take the risk of carrying the bunkers at 210m, you are really rewarded if you pull it off!
• The par 4 9th. An exciting tee shot on the dogleg left and an even more thrilling approach.
• The par 4 10th. Pull off the tee shot and your in for a real birdie chance.
• The par 3 17th. One of the most photographed holes on the peninsula.

The course really speaks for itself and at around 50$ for 18 holes you really get your moneys worth!!

16. cdeverist | Rated | 16 Apr 2009 | Add A Review

This is a fantastic course! It has got to be the second best or, dare i say it, the best course on the Mornington Peninsula. It is stunning, a true Scotish "links style" course, but more interesting.

PROS

• Great Layout

Cons

• Fast Greens

17. clubselectionisessential | Rated | 05 Jan 2009 | Add A Review

I’ve played this course a few times over the last 12 months and everytime had a great experience (even when it was blowing a gale). The staff in the club house are great (even sent a pair of sunglasses I lost on course up to Melbourne) and the fella on the first tee is really friendly. Then you get to the course and what a course! There are a lot of great holes that you will need to think about and the scenery is magnificent. The course is always in good nick but at the moment is the best I’ve ever seen it. If I could I’d play this course every week.

18. Scarlett | Rated | 05 Dec 2008 | Add A Review

Played this spectacular course last Sunday as it was being set up ready for the Dunes Medal this week and it’s everything and more than I had hoped. Plenty of large undulations in the fairways and greens that were quick but true and quite fair. Overwhelming impression was that most of the greens were raised. Significant bunkering on fairways and around the greens but that’s what you expect on links courses such as this. The rough was quite penal but alongside the fairways that were still accessible to sensible shots.

I played on a Sunday afternoon and there as a very heavy traffic load (and if you lived in Melbourne I can see why you'd want to go and play at this course on a weekend!), with the round taking five and a half hours. I wasn't in a rush so it didn't worry me, or the other pair I was playing with, but the guys behind were pissed off. (and we couldn't go faster due to a group in front of us - a group of visiting youngsters that appeared to be preparing for the tournament during the week and had a coach out with them) There was a course marshall out and about too. Also, there seemed to be plenty of GUR areas marked around the course. Perhaps this was for the coming tournament and so absolutely everything was marked, but it seemed quite a lot.

I played from the back tees (blue) and this meant the course was about 6200m. Par 73 but ACR 72. I don’t think playing from the blues rather than the whites made much of difference.

Another thing I liked was the different lengths of the par 3’s, as well as having a relatively short and a relatively long par 4 on each nine.

Overall, the course deserves its consitently high ratings. I’d go back straight away given the chance.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. RockinRenz | 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.

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

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.

24. nickgold | Rated | 17 Mar 2007 | Add A Review

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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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!

28. phil66 | Rated | 26 Sep 2005 | Add A Review

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.

29. criticfrom | 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.

30. 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!!!!

31. Hermit | 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!

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. scotttinda | 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.