The National Golf Club is a 54 hole private members' golf club, providing three distinct golfing challenges (Old Course, Moonah Course and Ocean Course). The three courses have been designed by 3 of the world's leading golf architects - Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Jr and Peter Thomson. As such the 3 courses, although located very closely to one another, offer the golfer a range of golfing experiences.
The Ocean Course, whilst located next to the Moonah Course, is a complete contrast to its neighbour. The course, opened for play on December 26, 2000, is a classic Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett design. Many Thomson courses include links style pot bunkers placed strategically in the middle of fairways tempting the golfer to go for it (and be rewarded if successful) or lay up (and face a longer shot in for your approach). The Ocean is no exception and many of the green surrounds also are framed by this style of bunker. The course is a gentler test than the Moonah with a number of short par 4's but still has its fair share of tougher holes.
The opening hole is a medium length par 5 played from the highest point in the course alongside the clubhouse. The view from the tee shows the layout of the course and hitting a good drive on this hole provides a realistic chance of hitting the green in 2. The split fairway tempts the big hitters to take the short line and be rewarded or play the more conservative route and less risky.
A number of greens on the Ocean provide a testing putting challenge as they contain severe slopes which can easily lead to a 3 putt (or worse). A good rule of thumb is better to be below the hole than above. A number of holes provide realistic birdie chances and in particular a few short par 4 holes (6th, 13th and 15th) offer the long hitter the chance to drive the green. But as is often the case with these types of holes if you go for it and fail you will be severely punished.
The tough 18th provides a finishing hole where par is a very good score. Played into the prevailing wind the 18th is over 400 metres with a tight driving area flanked by bunkers and a slight uphill approach shot. The multi million clubhouse stands ominously over the 18th hole and the happenings on the hole below provide a constant source of amusement for members in the clubhouse relaxing over a drink after their game.
The National, located on the Mornington Peninsula approximately 80 minutes from the city of Melbourne, is a must play for any keen golfer. All three courses are ranked in Australia's top 40 and there are some spectacular coastal views.