Portsea Golf Club - Nearly 100 years of links golf on the Peninsula
Portsea Golf Club
Location: 46 London Bridge Road, Portsea, Victoria 3944 Region: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria Founded: 1926
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 72 |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Style | Coastal Links |
| Access | Private club with public access |
History & Background
The Origins
Club origins date back to 1923 when approximately 90 acres were set aside by the Portsea Lands Company. Club founder Arthur W. Relph identified that the natural undulating landscape and sandy soils provided the unique characteristics required for a links-style golf course.
The first committee meeting of Portsea Golf Club was held on 31st December 1925 in a temporary clubhouse. Scottish pro golfer Jock Young created the original nine-hole layout in 1924, carved through tea-tree covered sand dunes surrounding what is now Point Nepean National Park.
Growing to 18 Holes
Portsea’s expansion was gradual:
- 1926 - 10th hole added
- Late 1920s - Course reaches 11 holes; clubhouse construction begins
- 1930 - Two more holes added
- 1934 - 14th hole completed
- 1955 - Two additional holes
- 1965 - Finally reaches 18 holes
Architectural Heritage
Course architects at Portsea have included Alex Russell, the Australian business partner of legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie (designer of Augusta National and Royal Melbourne). New Zealander Sloan Morpeth also contributed to the design over the years.
Centenary 2026
First opened to the public in late 1924, the club celebrates its centenary in 2026. Nearly 100 years of golf on these sand dunes, surrounded by moonah forests with views of Port Phillip Bay.
Acknowledgement
The land of which Portsea is a part is Boon wurrung/Bunurong country. The Boon wurrung/Bunurong are a predominantly coastal people whose traditional lands encompass some 7,800 square kilometres of territory around Western Port Bay and the Mornington Peninsula.
Course Overview
Portsea Golf Club is a historic private club that offers public access at certain times. Set on a stunning coastal links between Port Phillip Bay and Point Nepean National Park, it’s one of the most scenic courses on the Peninsula.
The 18-hole championship course has been challenging golfers since 1926 and offers a true test of links golf with ocean winds and firm, fast conditions.
Course Ratings
| Tees | Distance | Par | Course Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue (Championship) | 5,510 yds | 71 | 71.0 | 135 |
Compact layout - accuracy over distance
Scorecard
Front 9 (OUT)
| Hole | Par | S.I. | Blue (yds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 8 | 294 | Opening par 4 |
| 2 | 3 | 18 | 136 | Shortest hole |
| 3 | 5 | 12 | 436 | Birdie chance |
| 4 | 4 | 1 | 385 | HARDEST HOLE |
| 5 | 4 | 11 | 296 | Par 4 |
| 6 | 4 | 5 | 327 | Par 4 |
| 7 | 3 | 15 | 155 | Par 3 |
| 8 | 5 | 14 | 477 | SIGNATURE PAR 5 - Best links undulations |
| 9 | 4 | 10 | 326 | Par 4 |
| OUT | 36 | 2,832 |
Back 9 (IN)
| Hole | Par | S.I. | Blue (yds) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 13 | 235 | DRIVABLE PAR 4 - Go for the green! |
| 11 | 5 | 17 | 441 | Par 5 |
| 12 | 4 | 6 | 340 | Par 4 |
| 13 | 3 | 9 | 136 | Short par 3 |
| 14 | 4 | 4 | 378 | SIGNATURE PAR 4 - Authentic links undulations |
| 15 | 4 | 7 | 256 | Par 4 |
| 16 | 3 | 16 | 158 | Par 3 |
| 17 | 4 | 3 | 356 | Third hardest |
| 18 | 4 | 2 | 378 | TWICE-BLIND FINISH - Dramatic sloping green |
| IN | 35 | 2,678 | ||
| TOTAL | 71 | 5,510 |
Signature Holes
Hole 8 - Par 5
The most authentic links undulations on the course. A strong birdie opportunity if you’re long and accurate off the tee - classic risk-reward par-5 design.
Hole 10 - Par 4 (Drivable)
A reachable par-4 that tempts the aggressive player. Short enough to attack from the tee, offering genuine birdie or eagle opportunities. Take your chance here.
Hole 14 - Par 4
Adjacent to the signature 8th, featuring the most authentic links undulations on the course. Tests all elements of your game in the true links tradition.
Hole 18 - Par 4
A wildly sloping green with dramatic complexity makes for a memorable finish. It’s a twice-blind hole - driver over the hill, then a blind approach into a left-to-right sloped green. The high-lip bunker on the left discourages conservative play. Beautiful hole back into the clubhouse.
Contact & Booking
| Pro Shop | (03) 5981 6155 |
| Head Professional | Levi Burns - (03) 5981 6150 |
| General Manager | John Burbergs - (03) 5981 6140 |
| proshop@portseagolf.com.au | |
| Website | portseagolf.com.au |
| Maps | Google Maps | Apple Maps |
Accommodation
The club is associated with the Mercure Portsea resort:
- Phone: (03) 5981 6100
- On-site accommodation option for golf trips
Course Strategy Tips
General
- Private club standards apply - check dress code
- Coastal winds can be fierce - check forecast
- Book well in advance for public access times
Wind
- Exposed coastal location between two bodies of water
- Wind direction can change throughout the round
- Consider playing conservatively on exposed holes
Getting There
From Melbourne CBD: ~90 minutes via M1/M11 Peninsula Freeway
From St Andrews Beach: ~15 minutes
From The Dunes: ~20 minutes
Our Rounds
October 10, 2025 - Mornington Tour Day 2
- Tee Time: 8:18am
- Players: Simon, Russel, Jonas, Declan
- Trip: Mornington 2025
Sources
- Portsea Golf Club Official Website
- GolfPass - Portsea Golf Club
- Australian Golf Digest - The golfers who made the Mornington Peninsula
Last Updated: 2025-12-10