History & Course Overview
Founded in 1903, the Victoria Golf Club began at Fishermans Bend in Port Melbourne, led by its visionary founder Bill Meader, whose original chair remains proudly displayed in the Clubhouse foyer. The Club moved to its current Cheltenham location in 1927, with the course design crafted by Oscar Damman and Bill Meader, with guidance from the legendary architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie.
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s iconic Sandbelt region, Victoria offers a championship-level golfing experience equal to the world’s finest. The beautifully maintained course stretches 6,278 metres (6,905 yards) and is known for its fast, challenging greens and superb bunkering — characteristics that have made it one of the tougher and most respected Sandbelt layouts.
Victoria Golf Club features in several curated Melbourne Sandbelt golf itineraries, including the Melbourne and the Jewels of the Sandbelt itinerary, Melbourne like a Local itinerary, and the Melbourne Sandbelt and the Mornington Peninsula itinerary, allowing golfers to experience this championship course as part of a broader Sandbelt journey.
During tournament play, holes 11 to 16 are particularly decisive. These include:
The closing stretch includes two par-5s, where dramatic birdies — or even eagles — have decided championships.
Over the past fifteen years, ongoing improvements led by Michael Clayton have refined the course while preserving its unmistakable Sandbelt identity. In 2018, the Club began an upgrade program, including the complete replacement of all greens and several strategic design enhancements.
Victoria Golf Club is also included in the Melbourne Sandbelt Extended Stay itinerary, offering a more immersive multi-day experience across Melbourne’s most iconic courses.
Golf Digest Ranking
Ranked 11th in Australia, Victoria Golf Club is recognised among the nation’s elite championship courses.
Services & Features
Location & Access
As VGC Life Member Peter Thomson once said:
“Some clubs have a special character that sets them apart. It is not necessarily the quality of the course, or the accommodations of the buildings that distinguishes them. It is more essentially the membership, past, and present, and the file of achievements over such a period of decades that creates such a tradition. Victoria Golf Club is such a Club.”
Signature Holes
1st Hole — Par 4
233m Men / 210m Women
A friendly yet thought-provoking opening hole. Positioning from the tee is key, with shorter hitters avoiding the left bunkers. Approaching the green from the right side is ideal.
15th Hole — Par 4
289m Men / 271m Women
One of the great short par-4s in Australia. Multiple strategies off the tee, whether laying up or driving towards the right side for the perfect angle in.
16th Hole — Par 3
178m Men / 144m Women
Typically played with a long iron or fairway wood. The safest miss is front-right; any other direction brings trouble.
Clubhouse & Hospitality
The Victoria Clubhouse is considered one of Australia’s finest, offering beautifully appointed twin-share accommodation and exceptional hospitality. Guests often speak of the warm welcome and unforgettable experience that keep them returning year after year.
Course Information
Slope Rating: 132
| Course | Par | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 6288m |
| Blue | 72 | 6250m |
| White | 72 | 5694m |
| Red | 72 | 5423m |
