By Michael Davis
PARDON this self-indulgence. But I remember crossing paths with the late Peter Thomson during round one of the first Australian Open being played over the course he designed at Moonah Links.
The five-time winner of The Open Championship also had a stellar career alongside partners Ross Perrett and Mike Wolveridge in golf-course design. They had built the Open course at Moonah in the belief that it would become the regular home of our national championship.
While Thomson wandered around watching the game’s best players grapple with the nuances of the Open Course on the Mornington Peninsula, he confided that he regarded it as his magnum opus. It was an insight into how highly he personally regarded his work at Moonah Links, especially given that he had designed close to 100 courses around the world.
Of course, the Australian Golf Union (now the merged Golf Australia) had grand plans for Moonah which for a plethora of reasons did not reach fruition.
But it has now become what I believe is possibly the best golf destination on the Mornington Peninsula including the private clubs. Both courses – the Open and the Perrett-designed Legends – are tough off the ‘tiger’ tees, especially when the wind howls off Bass Strait but options abound off the forward markers.
The other thing I love about Moonah is the manner in which it pays homage to Thomson (there is a statue of him as you head for the first tee on the Open Course) and the game of golf in general by still hosting tournaments.
In the most recent pro event, professional Andrew Martin won a thrilling five-hole playoff in the Victorian PGA Championship.
I also like the fact that there is plenty to entertain the whole family off the golf course at Moonah. In my personal experience, too, the accommodation and wine and food offerings are nothing short of exceptional.
Moonah certainly lives up to its self-promotion that it is “a unique leisure resort”.
Not only does it boast two 18-hole championship golf courses but also an a la carte restaurant and luxury accommodation.
It also has panoramic views from raised tees, shared greens and a host of other unique features which make both courses a must-play for all serious golfers.
As well, Moonah Links is conveniently located on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula.
It also has easy access some of Victoria’s most popular award-winning attractions including the Peninsula Hot Springs and neighboring Cups Estate Winery and St Andrews Beach Brewery.
You do not need to venture far from the resort to experience the very best that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.
THE OPEN COURSE
Thomson said of this course around the time it was built: “It measures 6783 metres, so it offers more than a casual stroll in the outdoors. It is a mighty and ferocious test of golfing ability, the likes of which even the top pros only occasionally experience in terms of difficulty.
“I estimate a club-handicapped player would merit an extra eight strokes assistance to return a nett par score, yet the course has great flexibility. It can be played at many different lengths depending on tees selected.
“Indeed, it is expected that the total length will only seldom be used for the real championship occasion.
“In addition to its conducive natural contours, the site is blessed with ever-present wind of some direction and strength, and this enhances its attributes. Planning has arranged that no particular direction is especially helpful, it is always a factor.
“The Leviathan of a course is a new experience for Australian golf. Visitors will get a whiff of what top championship play is really like.”
We cannot even attempt to add to the great man’s assessment of his own creation.
THE LEGENDS COURSE
The ‘younger sibling’ of the Open Course, the Legends Course, was opened for play in 2003 after the Australian Open and was greeted with rave reviews. The work of Perrett, the Legends Course has consistently ranked highly in all course reviews.
While it is slightly easier than the Open Course, it is certainly no pushover.
The Legends is shorter, at 6315 metres off the black tees.
It is blessed with the better piece of land, has more natural trees and bushes through which the holes wander and bunkers that would not look out of place in the Melbourne’s fabled sandbelt.
Perrett also has added a bit of fun by naming each hole after a famous golfer; most are great Australians, though Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus are in there too as international giants who have triumphed in Australia.
ABOUT THE RESORT AND THE AREA
The resort is located upon an undulating landscape on the Mornington Peninsula, less than an hour and a half’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.
The region has long been favoured as a seaside holiday destination and is recognised as an exciting wine growing region.
Comprised of 72 deluxe rooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces overlooking the stunning golf courses, Peppers Moonah Links Resort is one of the most unique of its kind in Australia integrating luxury accommodation with two 18-hole championship golf courses.
Each room features natural materials, clean lines and earthy Australian tones with stylish furnishings and fittings. The natural harmony of the outdoors has been brought indoors with the architecturally-designed rooms echoing the surrounding landscape.
The resort features an a la carte restaurant and bar, both with panoramic views over the Open Course.
One does not need to venture far to experience the very best that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer with Peppers Moonah Links Resort conveniently located amid many popular attractions and destinations.
Neighbouring the resort is the award-winning Peninsula Hot Springs, the very popular St Andrews Beach Brewery and the Cups Estate Winery.
Further down the road you will find Gunnamatta Surf Beach, Gunnamatta Trail Rides, Boneo Maze and The Arthurs Seat Eagle. The Mornington Peninsula is a renowned grape growing region, with many of the region’s best wineries just a short drive from the resort.
Off the golf course you can enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool or a mountain bike to explore the local area.
Or you can get the family together for a light-hearted game of badminton or volleyball or kick a soccer ball around the lush recreation lawn. Other facilities include on-site gymnasium, practice putting green and driving range.
You can also enjoy an exquisite dining experience at the resort’s signature a la carte restaurant Pebbles, offering a relaxed modern Australian menu and a panoramic view of the rolling greens.
For a more casual dining option or to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, there’s the Spike Bar which opens out onto a sun-drenched terrace where you can enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the Open Course.
The wine list is extensive and sure to impress any discerning grape lover with the best Mornington Peninsula wineries represented; craft beer, cider, cocktails, aperitifs, spirits and plenty of non-alcoholic options are also available for all to enjoy.
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
Peppers Moonah Links Resort is the perfect destination for your next event. The Resort uniquely features three Executive Lodges, which each feature a spacious and versatile conference/event space with ample natural light, a large terrace area, an adjacent breakout room, audio-visual facilities, built-in data projectors and screens, and both indoor & outdoor open fireplaces. The Executive Lodges feature 12 of our Open Rooms, therefore proximity to our hotel rooms is provided. Our Main Pavilion features two conference spaces, the Thomson Room an adaptable, large event space with natural light which can host up to 100 delegates, and our smaller AGU Boardroom suitable for groups of up to 14 delegates. Our AGU Boardroom also doubles as an intimate private dining space. The Resort is the perfect wedding destination, catering for intimate celebrations or lavish affairs of up to 100 guests. An abundance of picturesque ceremony and reception spaces set amongst the beautiful native landscape of the Resort will create the perfect backdrop for your most special day!
MORE INFORMATION:
Moonah Links Resort
Peter Thomson Drive
Fingal VIC 3939
Phone: (03) 5988 2000
reception@moonahlinks.com.au
www.moonahlinks.com.au
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