Welcome back to The Ledge — and this week, we’re diving into Moonah Links Golf Course, where birdies, beers, and bunker-induced meltdowns come standard, minus the country club snobbery. Just across the road from Eagle Ridge on the Mornington Peninsula, this two-course setup proudly wears the crown as the Home of Australian Golf.
Tucked into the rolling dunes of Fingal, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Moonah Links is more than a golf course — it’s a resort, a history lesson, and a full-blown golf experience that doesn’t mess about. With two cracking layouts — the Open Course and the Legends Course — this place serves up everything from championship grit to good-time golf, plus comfy digs and a pool to soak in your triple-bogey sorrows.
How do you get to Moonah Links from Melbourne?
Moonah Links is a smooth cruise down Peninsula Link. Pass Rosebud, keep an eye out for kangaroos, and you’ll arrive at the gates before your second podcast episode wraps. It’s right near the Peninsula Hot Springs and a handful of wineries, so you can go from tee box to thermal bath with minimal fuss. Parking’s easy, and the pro shop’s just a wedge from the lot.
Moonah Back Story
Born in the early 2000s, Moonah Links was purpose-built to host the Aussie Open — not just a tournament venue, but a golf cathedral carved into the dunes. Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett got their hands dirty designing two distinct layouts. The Open Course is a wind-blown leviathan meant to challenge the pros, while the Legends Course is its cheekier, more forgiving cousin.
They’ve hosted Australian Opens, pro tour events, and even manage to sneak a little golf history into the mix — literally. Each hole on the Legends Course is named after a legend of the game. So yes, you can bogey Greg Norman and feel oddly okay about it.
Moonah Links: Open Course
Let’s start with the beast. The Open Course is long. We’re talking nearly 6,800 metres of links-style mayhem. It’s got more bunkers than your local beach — and if that triggers flashbacks to our “Stuck in the Sand” anthem, you’re not alone and was designed so no matter what way the wind blows, you’re still going to suffer. Thanks, Peter.
It’s not just long, it’s punishing. Bunkers everywhere. Greens perched on ledges. Fairways that look wide until you realise they all slope into doom. Highlights include the brutal par-4 6th (no bunkers, still terrifying) and the closing 18th — a 582m monster with eleven bunkers and a natural amphitheatre just waiting for someone to duff their third.
It’s a course for low markers, masochists, and anyone who wants to taste real tournament golf. If you’re a weekend warrior, take a cart, play the forward tees, and bring backup balls. But finish with a par and you’ll feel like a hero.
Why golfers love the Moonah Links Legends Course
Now for the fun one. The Legends Course is shorter, sweeter, and lets you breathe a bit. It flows through Moonah trees and then bursts out into open dunescapes. Fairways are generous, the bunkering is artful not evil, and the vibes are good.
Each hole is named after a golf great — from Jack Nicklaus to Aaron Baddeley — and there’s a real sense of character here. Highlights include:
- Hole 1 (Aaron Baddeley): A bold opener with a massive bunker right off the tee daring you to commit.
- Hole 4 (Greg Norman): A stunner with a 40m drop from tee to fairway and panoramic views that might distract you into a slice.
- Hole 11 (Bobby Locke): A drivable par-4 that can yield eagles or disasters, depending on how ambitious (or foolish) you are.
It’s still a proper championship course, but far more playable for us mortals. If the Open Course is a whisky-soaked epic, Legends is a cold beer on the deck — and just as satisfying.
What facilities and resort features does Moonah Links offer?
Moonah isn’t just golf. You’ve got the Peppers Resort on site with modern rooms, a solar-heated pool, a gym, and a day spa. There’s a putting green outside the rooms, so you can three-putt before breakfast if that’s your thing.
The clubhouse is top-notch — big windows, big vibes, and a massive deck to watch poor souls try to finish their round on the Open’s 18th. Pebbles Restaurant serves up local produce and Mornington wines, while the Spike Bar delivers burgers, beers, and tall tales from the back nine.
Moonah also doubles as a wedding and event destination, with its sweeping views and clubhouse making it a popular backdrop for couples who want to tie the knot on the Peninsula. If you’re chasing a Melbourne wedding videographer, you’ll often spot Jamie Ross Weddings filming the big moments here — golf courses are his playground.
Practice-wise, there’s a driving range, short game areas, and PGA pros on standby if you need to stop slicing it into Bass Strait.
How to play Moonah Links Golf Course with Future Golf
As always, Future Golf is your best mate here. You’ll get discounted green fees, a legit GA handicap, and an invite to Moonah Links without having to buy a share in a country club. It’s flexible, fun, and gives you access to both courses without selling a kidney.
Join Future Golf here and tick off a true Aussie bucket-lister.
Who’s It For?
- Open Course: Low handicappers, golf masochists, and anyone who wants to play where the pros have suffered.
- Legends Course: Everyone else. It’s fun, beautiful, and playable without losing a sleeve of balls per hole.
- The Resort: Couples, golf groups, families — anyone who wants a mix of swings and spa.
Is Moonah Links worth playing?
Moonah Links is one of the best golf experiences in the country. Championship pedigree? Tick. Two epic layouts? Tick. Comfy digs, cold beers, and hot springs next door? Tick, tick, tick.
Come for the history. Stay for the views. And if you birdie Bobby Locke, we expect a screenshot.
Until next time — grip it, sip it, and don’t forget to rake the bunker.
How much does it cost to play golf at Moonah Links?
Standard 18‑hole green fees range from $110 in winter (May–September) to around $125 in peak season (October–April). They also offer options like 9 holes (~$ 60), a 5‑hole rate (~$ 50), and twilight play (after ~3 pm for ~$ 75). Full-day unlimited play packages (covering both courses) run around $250 in summer. Carts and club hire are extra (about $60 each) if needed.
What is the dress code for Moonah Links?
Standard golf attire is required — think collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and sensible golf shoes. No singlets, denim, or thongs. The vibe is relaxed but still respectful of golf etiquette.
Who designed the Moonah Links golf courses?
The Open Course was led by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson, who described it as a championship-level “Leviathan” built for tournament play. The Legends Course was designed by Ross Perrett, with a more forgiving but still strategic layout that flows through diverse dune and parkland terrain.
Does Moonah Links have a pool?
Yes — Moonah Links features a resort-style solar-heated outdoor swimming pool, complete with sun deck and landscaped surroundings. It’s perfect for cooling off after 36 holes or entertaining the non-golfers in your crew.
