ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Greg Norman designed the Moonah Course to blend with the natural dunes, using rugged, windblown Melbourne Sandbelt-inspired bunkering for a distinctly Australian links feel.
About
The National Golf Club's Moonah Course, designed by Greg Norman and Bob Harrison, is one of Australia’s leading championship links courses. Renowned for its dramatic dunescape, strategic bunkering, and serpentine fairways, it offers a true test for golfers at every level and ranks consistently among the country's top golf experiences.
Caddie Tip
Prevailing winds can shift rapidly, shaping club selection and strategy each round. Play conservatively on long par 4s and favor positioning over power, especially into exposed greens where firm conditions and runoffs place a premium on accuracy. Respect the bunkering—short-sided misses can lead to challenging recoveries.
The Main Challenge
The toughest parts of Moonah are its length into the wind, the strategic cross-bunkering on par 4s, and the demanding approach shots to raised, firm greens. The routing ensures no two holes play alike and rewards precision as much as power, especially in prevailing gusts.
The Good
Golfers love the dramatic setting among coastal dunes, the natural feel of the routing, and the strategic bunkers that make every hole memorable. Many praise the conditioning and the thoughtful design touches that let the land dictate play, offering an ever-changing challenge each time out, especially in shifting winds.
The Not So Good
Criticism most often centers on the rough’s penal nature and difficult recovery options, which can frustrate higher handicappers. Some also note that windy days can compound pace-of-play issues and that the long stretches between certain greens and tees occasionally make walking the course challenging.
Signature Hole:
#
4
The par 4 fourth is widely regarded as the Moonah’s signature hole. Playing up to 401m from the back tee, it demands a powerful, well-struck tee shot followed by a precise approach to a green protected on three sides by severe bunkering and slopes, rewarding accuracy and punishing those who miss left.
Clubhouse
The modern clubhouse includes spacious locker rooms, a well-appointed pro shop, upscale dining areas overlooking dramatic scenery, and comfortable lounge spaces. Members and guests enjoy attentive service, panoramic course views, and access to both casual and fine dining after the round.
Practice Facilities
The club offers extensive practice facilities, including a full-length driving range, several short game areas, and a standout elevated putting green on the clubhouse roof. Facilities are pristine and varied, supporting both warmups and comprehensive practice sessions.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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