Rossdale Golf Club - Review July 31st 2026
🧑 Reviewer
Reviewer Name: James Golding
⛳ Course Details
Course Name: Rossdale Golf Club
Location: Apendale/Victoria/Australia
Date Played: 31/07/2026
Number of Holes Played: 18
Par for Holes Played: 72
Tees Played From: White
Format of Play: Matchplay
Time to Complete Round: 4 hrs 38 mins
Green Fee Type: Midweek
Green Fees Paid: $69.00
Cart Cost (if used):
Currency: AUD
Conditions at Time of Play:
Starting early afternoon, it was mainly sunny, a cool 11 Celsius but a lovely Melbourne winters afternoon. It was cold in the shade but there was very little wind and a perfect afternoon for a game of golf.
The course assembly area was alive, not extremely busy but plenty of people around and a real welcoming happy vibe.
The blue tees were removed today and we ended up playing from the white markers. We walked the course.
⭐ Overall Rating
The course looked to be, and was, in great condition. At first glance, it appears like an easier type of course with fewer bunkers around the course, but the design and contours on the greens and selected water hazards ensure it tests you and makes good decision making essential when playing approach shots.
It is the middle of winter, and we did not see any muddy conditions on the course which we noted as a real bonus for this time of year. Well-manicured tee boxes, fairways and greens throughout the course and all bunkers were maintained making it a really enjoyable course to play.
As we finished, I commented to my playing partner that this is the time I wish I was a member, as I would love to go out for another 18 holes there and then. A sand belt course with excellent drainage and very playable.
Great facilities including the restaurant and bar for after round refreshments and food and a very welcoming environment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.61/10)
📊 RATINGS SUMMARY
| Category | Rating | Notes (optional but encouraged) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10) | Tremendous conditioning across all parts of the course. |
| Difficulty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) |
It looks a lot easier than what it is. Greens with punishable roll off areas and great defence from the putting surfaces, with most greens featuring a pronounced back-to-front or side-to-side slope. Shorter front 9 but well designed to make it challenging for most golfers. Some longer holes on the back 9 and a few tactically placed water hazards throughout the course add to the challenge. |
| Tee Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐(8.5/10) | All Tee boxes were in great condition and very well maintained. |
| Fairway Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐(8.5/10) | The grass on the fairways was different to usual sand belt courses and was in excellent condition. Middle of winter, no mud anywhere and lower shaped shots ran out well. |
| Green Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.5/10) |
Tough greens with plenty of character, lots of slopes and true run. They were fast but not ridiculously fast. A real pleasure to play on greens like this. |
| Bunker Condition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10) | The bunkers were all very well groomed with consistent amounts of sand throughout and I loved the rake holders. |
| Clubhouse/ Bar & Food | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10) |
Large facility catering for events, dinners and after round meals, snacks and drinks. Something to suit everyone. Friendly, reasonably priced and very welcoming. I wish we had stayed on as the dinner special looked lovely. |
| Pro Shop Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) | Seemed to have a good range of items to cater for most needs and the gentleman who served us was very welcoming and friendly. |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9/10) | A dry well maintained private sand belt course at this time of year in Melbourne, I thought it was good value for money. |
Would you play here again?
✅ Yes
I would have gone out for another 18 immediately if I could. I look forward to heading back here.
📝 THE REVIEW
First Impressions & Standout Features
Pulling into the driveway the club immediately gives you a welcoming vibe. I cannot describe why, but it just felt good. Walking towards the pro-shop I was extremely impressed with what I saw. There were lovely old well-kept trees scattered around and the tenth tee to the right. To my left there was a large function room next to a large dining room which led to the bar area with more dining/dining facilities. Further on was another large covered but outdoor sitting area with a smaller covered deck area in front of that. All of these areas look out toward the 10th tee and 18th green behind that.
Searching for the pro-shop I saw a practice putting green and then saw the pro-shop and headed there. A friendly greeting and check in and we were on our way. Heading to the first tee, we saw a practice chipping area and the way to the driving range. The whole assembly area gives a homely feeling. Set on flat land but well contoured holes give it lots of character.
The course looked to be, and was, in great condition. At first glance, it appears like an easier type of course with fewer bunkers around the course, but the design and contours on the greens and selected water hazards ensure it tests you and makes good decision making essential when playing approach shots.
The dryness of the course was the standout for me today.
Best Holes or Memorable Moments
I love an opening par 5 and I enjoyed this whole as a starter. I really liked the stretch of holes 6 through 11. An interesting mix of shorter and longer holes with well thought out layouts making the shorter holes a challenge for all and the par 5 11th a memorable hole.
The 9th green complex makes a 160-meter shot something you really need to think carefully about.
The short par 3 12th again, has a carefully planned set of bunkers making this whole a challenge for all. The sharp dog leg on 17 makes this a fun hole to play.
Meeting some of the friendly members on course was a highlight as they shared the details of the clubs winter twilight 5-hole competition with a Scotty Cameron putter as the major prize.
💬 General comments or suggestions
This is a course that flies well under the radar and is well worth a visit. I would suggest they work to get the word out that Rossdale is available, in great condition and very welcoming.
I read that this course was due to be sold for land and relocated. I sincerely hope this does not occur.
📸 COURSE PHOTOS
🎥 VIDEO by Others - not the property of the reviewer
🗺️ COURSE LOCATION
🔁 Previously reviewed
No
