Beveridge, Victoria – “Melbourne’s North Premier Golf Course”
Welcome back to The Ledge — where we don’t just rate courses, we give you the lay of the land, the laughs, and the local know-how. Today we’re heading north, about 45 minutes up the Hume from Melbourne CBD, to a spot you’ve probably seen on freeway billboards but maybe haven’t teed it up at yet: Club Mandalay in Beveridge. If you’re thinking “estate course north of Craigieburn” sounds a bit beige — mate, think again. This joint’s got legit pedigree, smart design, and a whole lot more going on than just a fairway next to a few new homes.
Where is it?
So let’s start with the basics. Club Mandalay sits in Beveridge, right off the Hume Freeway, about 45 minutes from the city — faster if you’re northside. You’ll cruise past Mickleham and Donnybrook and start seeing signs for the Mandalay estate. Easy as. Once you exit the freeway, it’s a few minutes to the clubhouse, which pops up looking all sleek and modern — not your average sleepy country town pro shop. You’ll want to drive — public transport’s a bit of a no-show this far out. But there’s plenty of parking, and if you’re doing a golf day with your crew, it’s an easy convoy mission.
A Bit of Background: A Thomson Classic
Now here’s the kicker: Club Mandalay was designed by Peter Thomson. Yep, that Peter Thomson — 5-time Open Champ, and one of the few blokes who made golf look poetic and brutal at the same time. He teamed up with Ross Perrett for this one, and you can feel their fingerprints all over it. The course officially opened in 2015, but it’s aged well. Built on ex-farmland, it’s got that roomy, open feel, but with enough contour and clever bunkering to keep you honest. It’s technically a public resort-style course, and while it’s part of the Mandalay residential estate, don’t let that fool you — this is no lazy loop around cul-de-sacs and dog walkers. This thing’s championship-length, Par 72, and it’ll chew you up if you come in undercooked.
Course Style: Links Vibes with Aussie Grit
Thomson called it a “links-inspired layout,” and while we’re not exactly staring at the sea, it’s open, exposed, and shaped to play in the wind. You’re not getting trees dictating every shot — instead, you get wide fairways, deep bunkers, and greens that ask questions. If you’ve played Moonah Links or The National’s Old Course, you’ll get the vibe — though this one’s a bit gentler on the calves. It’s walkable, with just enough rise and fall to keep things interesting. You can get a cart if you’re feeling lazy (or dusty from last night), but most folks walk it.
Play Club Mandalay Without the Membership Strings
Keen to play Club Mandalay but not ready to commit to one club? That’s where Future Golf comes in. It’s Australia’s most flexible golf membership — no dress code snobbery, no long-term lock-ins, just access to epic courses across the country, including Mandalay.
With Future Golf, you get round vouchers, serious discounts on green fees when they run out, a legit Golf Australia handicap, and access to a growing list of courses, events, and perks — all without having to be tied down to a single club. It’s perfect for casual golfers, nomadic players, or anyone who wants to get out more without paying thousands in annual fees.
Join Future Golf here and tee it up at Mandalay and dozens of other top tracks — on your terms.
Green Fees & Tee Times
It’s open to the public every day, and the green fees won’t punch a hole in your wallet: Weekdays: Around $50. Weekends: Around $60. 9-hole options if you’re short on time. Carts and pull buggies available — expect ~$45 for a motorised cart. Online bookings via clubmandalay.com.au. You can also jump on membership deals if you’re a regular. They’ve got options for everyone from weekend warriors to comp-hounds.
Standout Holes: The Bangers
Alright, let’s talk holes. There are a few beauties at Mandalay — strategic, scenic, and more than a couple that’ll test your ticker.
Hole 3 – The Signature Par-3
From the tee, you’re looking down into a valley-style green that’s big, sloped, and bunkered tight. Club selection’s critical — it’s around 180m off the tips, and anything short or right flirts with a deep trap. Play to the safe side and take your par. Try to be a hero, and you’ll be in sand faster than a tourist at Bondi.
Hole 5 – Short Par-4 Temptress
This one’s a proper risk-reward job. Around 320m, slightly uphill, and it doglegs right over a ridge. Long hitters will be tempted to fly it, but beware — bunkers are lurking. Smart play? Lay up with an iron and wedge it in. Hero play? Grip it and rip it and hope you don’t end up texting your ball from the bunker.
Hole 11 – Water Meets Wedges
This mid-length par-3 is one of the most scenic on the course. A dam runs down the right, and it’s all carry. Anything right’s wet, anything left is sandy. It’s a nervy shot when the wind’s up. Bit like trying to land a plane in a cross-breeze — you’ll feel it in your shoulders. Pure one here is chef’s kiss.
Hole 18 – Big Finish Energy
The home hole’s a strong par-4 that wraps along a lake on the left. It’s long-ish, uphill, and the green’s guarded like Fort Knox. If you’ve still got a match on the line, you’ll need your Sunday best here. The clubhouse looms in the background, and with spectators (aka your mates) watching from the balcony, it’s not a bad stage to close things out.
Bunkers: Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em
Let’s talk bunkers — and there are a lot of ‘em. Not quite 138 like The Sands, but they’re deep, dramatic, and deadly if you’re short-sided. These aren’t those fluffy bowls where you can flop and pray — they’re proper traps, sometimes pot-style, and always in your head. Miss your line off the tee, and you’re probably grabbing the sand wedge. We’ve spent more time in these than a lifeguard in summer.
Greens & Fairways: Slick and True
The fairways are couch grass, grown in and solid underfoot — firm but fair, like a good umpire. You’ll get decent roll-out if it’s dry, and lies are mint. Greens are bentgrass, big and angled, and they roll true and fast. Not lightning, but enough pace to keep you honest. You’ve gotta be on the right tier or you’ll be putting with more break than a dodgy tradie. And don’t forget — miss the green and you’re chipping from tricky lies with slopes and swales galore.
Practice Makes Pars
Now, the practice setup at Mandalay is solid but not flashy. You’ve got a set of driving nets (no full range, sadly), a proper chipping and pitching area, and a big putting green near the clubhouse. Enough to shake off the cobwebs or grind a bit before your round. Could it use a full range? Maybe. But for a warm-up, it gets the job done.
Clubhouse: Classy Without the Stiff Collar
The clubhouse is a modern build — not a creaky old country shed. You’ve got Kelly’s Bar & Restaurant slinging breaky, burgers, and beers. Big windows overlook the 18th, and there’s a nice deck area to watch your mates triple-bogey the last. Inside, you’ll find a solid pro shop with gear and essentials, locker rooms if you’re keen on a post-round refresh, and function rooms if you’re doing a bucks day or corporate hackathon. Grab a feed, share a few tall tales, and settle bets in style.
Bonus Amenities: Not Just a Golf Club
Here’s where Mandalay flexes its estate muscles. If you’re a resident or full member, you get access to a 25m outdoor heated pool, a kids splash zone, a fully equipped gym, and tennis courts. If you’re just there to golf, no worries — but if you’re dragging the family or doing a weekend stay, the extras are a nice touch. Just note that pool and gym access is for residents/members only — no cheeky cannonballs after your round unless you’re on the books.
Who’s It For?
This course hits a sweet spot between challenging and accessible. There are multiple tee boxes, so low-markers can chase birdies off the back, and newcomers can still enjoy the layout without tears. Walkers? Easy – just bring comfy shoes. High handicappers? The fairways are wide enough to keep you out of jail. Serious golfers? The greens and bunkers are tough enough to test every club. Social groups? The food, beer, and vibe are spot on for a Sunday knock. And if you’re up north or doing a roadie up the Hume, it’s arguably the best course this side of the ring road.
Final Thoughts: Mandalay Delivers
So here’s the wrap: Club Mandalay punches well above its postcode. You’re getting a Peter Thomson-designed layout, playable all year, open to the public, and easy to reach from Melbourne. It’s got bunkers with bite, greens with teeth, and a few holes that’ll absolutely stay with you. You don’t need a private club badge or a trust fund to enjoy it — just rock up, book a time, and bring your A-game. Jump on the site for tee times and info: https://clubmandalay.com.au.
And keep your eyes on The Ledge for more walkthroughs, hole guides, and deep dives on Australia’s most legendary tracks. Until next time, play ’em long.
Play ’em strong. Legends out.
