Kingston Heath
The Kingston Heath Golf Club in Cheltenham, Victoria is the second best golf course in Australia
History of the course
The Kingston Heath Golf Club was designed by local man Dan Souter. During the time when the course was built renowned golfer Dr Alister MacKenzie was in Australia to design the Royal Melbourne Course. He advised on the bunkering at the course and was very impressed with Soutar's routing. He only found one fault in the designing of the course. He converted the blind par four 15th hole into a creative uphill par three. The course was opened in 1925.
The Kingston Heath has evolved naturally over the years except for a couple of hitches like a major wild fire in 1944. In recent years the club had to cut down a series of old mahogany gum and cypress trees as they were faced with the problem of over planting. The appeal of the course lies in its perfect balance between the trees and open areas of native grass.
The course has undergone certain changes in modern times under the supervision of Graeme Grant, the club's long time superintendent. He added a deep depression in front of the 17 th hole and rebuild many of the greens.
Course Trivia
- The signature hole of the Kingston Heath is No. 15 hole. Here the green is surrounded by bunkers, some of them being very deep. Once you mishit your shot it is bound to fall in the bunkers, thus affecting your scorecard.
- The Australian Open has been held here on seven occasions.
- Non-members can only enjoy a round of golf here if they are accompanied by a member.
