National Golf Club (Moonah) (Cape Schanck, Victoria)

Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

The Takeaway: Greg Norman was gifted with perfectly rolling terrain and expansive views on the Mornington Peninsula to work with at The National, and his Moonah design is respected as one of his best in the world. While I may be in the minority thinking that the Old course is The National’s best, Moonah doesn’t disappoint and is one of the better second shot courses around. Grade A-

Quick Facts

Designer: Greg Norman in 2000

Cost: Private Private (Interstate and Overseas visitors welcome) Click for membership information

Phone Number: 61 3 5988 6777

Course Website: Official Website - Visit National Golf Club (Moonah)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions: Get here! - The Cups Drive, Cape Schanck, Victoria 3939

Photos: See additional photos of National Golf Club (Moonah)

Accolades: Ranked 13th in Australia by Golf Course Gurus.

What to Expect: Part of a club with three courses, the Moonah course at The National Golf Club on Mornington Peninsula an hour and a half south of Melbourne is often regarded in national publications as the top track at the club; though I would contend the Old course owns that spot. Moonah is routed through more subtle terrain than the Old course while still enjoying enough undulation to add interest and engagement in the design. Like so many courses in the Sandbelt, Moonah features creative and attractive bunkering that is esthetically complimented by the various species of trees that are featured in spots throughout the course which add character but are sparse enough to rarely effect play. The layout is more playable for a wider range of skill levels than the Old course due to flatter lies and shallower bunkers but it is far from a pushover with plenty of challenges awaiting; especially on a windy day. Moonah is also more open than the Old course which affords views across multiple holes at various times throughout the layout and gives players the opportunity to enjoy the expansive views across the neighboring graze land. Conditioning is excellent throughout the course and as a general rule the greens break a little less than they may appear; so if in doubt don’t get your putt outside the hole. Finally, the club allows players to walk or take a motorized cart around the course before finishing up at the clubhouse where expansive views are afforded across the party. A large locker room is available to utilize however you better be prepared to walk out with one less layer of skin as the shower heads deliver water in the most painful, piercing way I’ve ever experienced. Ultimately, National is a premier club in Australia on an absolutely fantastic piece of property and a prime place to enjoy.