YOUR correspondent was blown away by the beautiful country town of Warrnambool when as a young golf writer he was despatched to cover the Victorian PGA Championship.
A three-hour drive south-west of Melbourne was a superb little coastal golf course, not overly long, but well defended by wind, some treacherous greens and a handful of tight holes.
And by the end of the week an uphill par-three 13th hole, to a green which slopes back to front had become notorious.
These days it is still a relatively short at 117-metres off the blue markers however such was (and still is) its perilous nature that members of the PGA gallery grabbed a six pack and headed to the elevated surrounds of the 13th green and ‘enjoyed’ the travails of the best pros in the country on this fiendish hole.
Indeed, back then, many of the country’s best professional golfers blew their winning chances on Warrnambool’s notorious par three.
In fact, such was the barracking around the hole, that although we did not realise it at the time, we may have seen the precursor to the famous ‘stadium hole’ on the USPGA Tour. Or dare we say it, even a taste of the shenanigans that we now know as LIV golf.
But we wallow in nostalgia.
Warrnambool provides a memorable golfing experience and a scenic getaway.
Fast forward to 2025 and listen to the thoughts of club professional Trent Weiland, who until four years ago had never heard of Warrnambool and was happy beavering away at Toukley Golf Club on the NSW central coast.
He tells us the 13th is still a “very tricky hole” and tortures both tourists and members alike if they fail to treat it with the respect it deserves.
“It’s uphill off the tee with a sloping green that comes back to you. And yes, I’ve heard all the stories about the problems it caused during the PGA,” Trent says.
“We have a great little golf course down here, not long at 5768 metres (par 72) off the whites but tricky enough in the wind. If you play well, it rewards you.”
Otherwise, you’ll rack up a hefty number.
Located at the end of the iconic Great Ocean Road, Warrnambool Golf Club is certainly one of the region’s most spectacular 18-hole courses. It is also the proud home course of LIV professional and local legend, Marc Leishman.
The homegrown Warrnambool boy has broken 60 a few times on the course where he learnt his craft battling the constant wind. He still plays in the club comp when he’s back in Australia, much to the delight of members who unanimously agree he is a ‘good bloke.’ He has played in four club events this past year alone—delighting members and guests with his skill and generosity. His strong ties and unwavering support for the club make him not just a star of the sport, but a true community icon.
Set within a dramatic and rugged tertiary dune system, the classically designed layout offers a unique blend of exposed holes and elevated tees.
Each hole reveals both visual splendour and a strategic challenge. One of the course’s standout features is the infamous Shipwreck Bend—a thrilling series of holes renowned for their beauty and difficulty. When the wind is up, conquering this stretch is a true badge of honour.
“What also works fabulously for us is that we have two very good golf courses, Warrnambool and Port Fairy, within 20 minutes by car each other and just three hours from Melbourne,” Trent says.
“To tell you the truth, I had never heard of Warrnambool until I applied for this job (four years ago). I love it. It’s a very pretty town with great pubs and places to eat. And the people are fantastic.
“Everyone is friendly. They believe in Warrnambool. They shop local and support local and that includes the golf club.”
Warrnambool is pretty lively most of the year but the town comes to life over the Christmas holidays and during its time-honoured three-day horse racing carnival in May.
Favourite son Marc Leishman (right), pictured with son Harvey and his father Paul ‘Trooper’ Leishman, regularly returns home to play with members and friends at Warrnambool.
Punters and bookies often combine attending the races with golf at Warrnambool and Port Fairy. The spectacular horse racing jumps carnival – featuring the famous Brierley and Grand Annual steeplechase events – draws huge crowds and is famous around the world.
Golf club general manager, Marc Tims, is almost evangelical about Warrnambool and its famous golf course.
He is also extremely proud of the newly built $7.5 million state-of-the-art clubhouse which offers top-tier amenities including a modern bar and bistro, an outstanding pro shop and event facilities.
Whether you’re a visiting golfer, a local, or a guest attending a special function, the Warrnambool Golf Club delivers exceptional service and hospitality.
“The course continues to improve in condition year after year and remains a hidden gem in southwest Victoria, offering both a memorable golfing experience and a scenic getaway. This includes aerial views that showcase the untouched natural beauty of the area,” Marc says.
“There’s plenty to see and do beyond the fairways.
“But don’t take our word for it. Get down here and experience it for yourself,” he adds. “It is genuinely a must-play destination for lovers of golf, nature and the world.”
Pro Shop: (03) 5562 8528
Clubhouse: (03) 5562 2108
warrnamboolgolf.com.au
– Story prepared by Inside Golf for the Warrnambool Golf Club
The new Warrnambool clubhouse meeting the needs of the community
In February of 2024 Warrnambool Golf Club unveiled their exciting $7.5 million redevelopment of its clubhouse.
Locally designed by Mat Morse Architecture and constructed by local building company Modus Construction, as expressed by Paul Blain, Warrnambool President, this multi-purpose facility was designed to extend beyond the immediate needs of members of the golf club in aiming to be a facility that meets the needs of the entire community.
“We have an ambition and responsibility to ensure that our club and its facilities reflect a vibrant, solvent, sustainable community hub that is welcoming of everyone and can be used for the benefit of the whole community,” he said.
The clubhouse, which also houses the golf pro shop and event facilities, includes a cafe, bar and lounge and is open 7 days a week to both members and to the general public.
The post CLUB OF THE MONTH: Warrnambool Golf Club – A must-play destination for lovers of golf first appeared on Inside Golf. Australia's Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers - FREE.