The National Golf Club – Gunnamatta Course

The Gunnamatta Course at The National Golf Club on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula is a highly regarded course that showcases the rugged beauty of the Australian coastal landscape. Redesigned by famed golf architect Tom Doak in 2019, the Gunnamatta Course has quickly earned acclaim for its unique design, strategic challenge, and natural integration with the environment.
 

Key Features:

• Design by Tom Doak: The Gunnamatta Course was reimagined by Tom Doak, who is known for his minimalist design philosophy. Doak reshaped the original course layout, incorporating natural landforms, native vegetation, and sandbelt-inspired bunkering. His design encourages creativity and strategic thinking, making the course enjoyable and challenging for golfers of all levels.

• Links-Style Layout: With firm, fast fairways and greens, the Gunnamatta Course is designed to play like a traditional links course. The wide fairways invite bold tee shots, while the undulating greens and surrounding sand dunes create an unpredictable and engaging challenge.

• Bunkering and Natural Hazards: The course is notable for its rugged bunkering, often placed in strategic locations that challenge players to weigh risk and reward on every shot. Natural hazards, including coastal winds, dunes, and native grasses, add further complexity and bring a true links feel to the course.

• Environment and Scenic Beauty: Set against a backdrop of the Mornington Peninsula’s dramatic coastline, the Gunnamatta Course provides stunning views and a serene atmosphere. The landscape is filled with native vegetation, and the course was designed with a sustainable approach to preserve the natural habitat and coastal terrain.

• Playability and Strategy: Doak’s design emphasizes playability and choice, giving golfers multiple options to approach each hole. With its emphasis on ground game, the course invites a range of shot types, making each round a unique experience based on conditions and strategy.
   

The Gunnamatta Course has become a destination for golfers looking for a memorable experience that combines challenging play with breathtaking scenery. Its recent redesign and natural beauty have positioned it as one of Australia’s must-play courses, especially for those who appreciate a links-style challenge in an iconic coastal setting.