Amstel

If you’ve ever considered becoming a member of a private or semi-private course, but haven’t yet had the opportunity to play on one of these local gems, then Amstel Golf Club’s Ranfurlie Course in Melbourne’s south-east may be just what you’re looking for. Ranked in “Australia’s best 50 courses” by Golf Australia (2004 and 2006), and host to the Australasian PGA Tour School since 2002, Ranfurlie gives golfers and social groups the opportunity to “test-drive” the course as a green-fee player (which has thus earned the course a place in “Australia’s best 25 public access courses” by Golf Australia). This month, members of the Bushranger Golf Social Club ventured to Ranfurlie to see how it measures up to the other public and private courses in Melbourne.

Richard Fellner
The layout of Ranfurlie is reminiscent of many courses in the Melbourne outskirts. Gentle, undulating fairways, plenty of native trees and bushes, and long, wild grasses in the rough. The opening set of holes provide some absolutely gorgeous views, lulling you into an almost dreamlike state – effectively distracting you from the multitudes of ball-grabbing bunkers throughout. In truth, the bunkering at Ranfurlie is both superb and evil. For me, it felt as if designer Mike Clayton had predicted exactly where my tee shots would land, and then placed a bunker in that exact spot. So I found myself simultaneously praising him and cursing him in the same breath.

There are tests at every turn, and plenty of risk/reward options. Sure, you can try and “go for it” on the short par-5s – or even try to drive the green on the par-4 16th — but you’d better be dead accurate. I wasn’t, and I paid dearly for it.

Overall, I really enjoyed the course. Despite playing it in less-than-optimal conditions (off-and-on rain and wind), I found Ranfurlie a real treat. Few courses play well in the rain, but Ranfurlie held its own: the greens were amazingly quick (and true), the fairways were firm, and the puddles were generally confined to the bunkers and rough. This is a true testament to the amount of time, effort and care put in by the ground crew, year-round. In addition, the smart, strategic directional layout of the course ensures that golfers aren’t unduly punished hole after hole if the weather turns sour.

The clubhouse facilities at Ranfurlie are top notch. From the well-stocked pro shop, to the comfy and warm member’s lounge (what a view!), to the cleverly-designed functions area, it provides a great setting for a social group or corporate golf outing. And the staff are among the most friendly, professional and helpful individuals that anyone could can ask for.

So if you’re considering becoming a member of a course here in Melbourne, it’s definitely worth giving Ranfurlie a go.

Overall: 8

Mick Van Raay
This was not my first time at Ranfurlie; the last time I was there it was a reasonably pleasant day, so it was almost kind to me. This time around the weather had teeth, and Ranfurlie was much nastier than I had remembered. I hear it can blow a gale there on even a good day, which is no surprise given the course’s elevated location. That said, you do get the most beautiful sweeping views over the whole of Melbourne, and on a clear day you can see both Melbourne and Frankston on the same horizon.

Now to the golf. I’ll ignore the first seven or so shots I had on the downhill 538m par 5 10th that we opened our round with, and get straight to the greens. They were fast — not quite Oakmont fast — but considering they had just had 30mm of rain dumped on them the night beforehand, I imagine they would be like greased lightning in the dry. And you have to love Melbourne’s sand belt: even with that much rain, apart from the occasional “lakes” in the bunkers on the day, the fairways were relatively well drained for the most part.

Not being on the ocean, Ranfurlie can’t technically call itself a genuine died in the wool links course, but it gives it a red hot go. Very few trees, nice elevated tees, plenty of (rather troublesome) bunkers, wide fairways and thick rough that gobbles up your ball much like Charlie Brown’s kite eating tree. Ranfurlie will present a challenge for most golfers: On the longer holes, it takes a brave driver to flirt with the rough and bunkers in the hopes of positioning yourself for the easier approach shot … but leave it short and you’ve got a long, difficult shot home. Either way the course forces you to think about your tactics frequently. My favourite hole was the uphill Par-5 8th. Halfway up the fairway, it splits in two, and rubs shoulders with the 13th fairway (which, as can be expected by my swing, is exactly where my tee shot landed.)

The facilities and value for money at Ranfurlie are fantastic. Very reasonable membership fees will provide you with 2 courses to choose from (membership also includes Amstel Park Course down the road). There is also a relatively new clubhouse and a brand-new, and very classy, member’s bar upstairs that offers sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline for a 19th hole beer, meal or formal event.

Overall score: 7

Michael Nolan
It had been raining all night and morning so as I drove down to Cranbourne I was expecting a pretty sodden track. The rain mercifully eased up right on cue (thanks Huey) and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the course soaked up the rain. While some of the bunkers held a little water, the fairways had drained well, and the greens played true and surprisingly fast given the conditions.

The course is an enjoyably undulating links style with a smattering of well established trees that provide little protection from the prevalent winds. The fairways were in great condition and boast generous landing areas, but when you miss them, expect a tough search of the long grass to find your ball.

The course has great opening series of holes with the 2nd, a 485m par 5 a favourite. The elevated tee affords a great view of the hole and, hopefully, your ball rolling past the bunker on the left. Your 3rd shot is critical with the long split level green protected on both sides by bunkers.

The par 4s will test the shorter hitters with 3 around the 400 meter mark and another, the 6th, a whopping 419 meters. At the other end of the scale the 272 meter Par 4 16th demands accuracy. From the tee the further you hit the tighter the landing area. The green is predictably small and nestled between deep bunkers.

The club facilities are excellent, with a large practice green and driving range, well stocked pro shop and spacious bar. There is also a separate member’s lounge area on the second floor with comfy couches and a view over the entire course.

For those considering joining, membership offers the unusual benefit of access at both the Ranfurlie and nearby Amstel Park courses. At around 45 minutes from the West Gate Bridge it is significantly closer than many of the Mornington Peninsular courses and is certainly comparable in standard. Well worth the drive.

Rating 8
The Food

There’s a little something for everyone at Ranfurlie. Casual golfers can grab their choice of the usual “on the turn” goodies, all at very reasonable prices (the warm bacon & egg brekkie sandwich is a real winner on a cold day; its heavenly scent wafting through the clubhouse is nearly irresistible). For the social group, corporate outing or other general functions, Ranfurlie’s “Tasteful Occasions” menus provide surprisingly affordable and enticing packages to suit most budgets. The function menus include dishes you’d expect to find in some of the area’s high-end restaurants, including “Sesame Crumbed Pork Cutlets served on Ginger-infused Pumpkin Mash”, while the finger food options include items like “San Choy Bau” and “Spicy Lamb & Pine Nut Parcels”. Golf day organisers can choose from pre- and post-event snacks/sandwiches/packs and platters, and even deluxe mixed grill, 2-course and 3-course meals.

Need to Know

Amstel Golf Club – Ranfurlie Course

Par: 72
ACR: 73
Length: 6279 metres (Men), 5367 metres (women)
Designer: Mike Clayton
Green Fees: $49 midweek, $65 weekend. Motorised Carts available

(Note: first green fees refunded upon membership application – conditions apply)

Membership: Enquire at course. Current special: no upfront joining fees, flexible payment plans

Getting There

1000 Cranbourne-Frankston Rd. Cranbourne.
Monash Freeway to South Gippsland Freeway; Left at Hall Rd; Right at Cranbourne-Frankston Rd.

Phone: 03 9788 8288

Web: www.amstel.com.au
Email: mail@amstel.org.au

About Richard Fellner

A four-time winner of the Australian Golf Media Awards, including Best Photojournalism, Best Opinion, Best Column and Best Photographic Presentation, Inside Golf Group Editor Richard Fellner is the quintessential Golf Tragic, having played the game for over 50 years (but has never gotten any better!) He has played and reviewed courses all over the world, and has interviewed many of the great players of the game (including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Greg Norman). Richard is a member of both the Australian Golf Media Association and the Golf Society of Australia, and has been a featured guest on many Australian "sports talk" radio shows and networks, including ABC Grandstand, SEN 1116, Melbourne Talk Radio 1377, 2GB and others. Follow Richard Fellner on Quora

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