Golf and business go hand in hand like argyle socks and golf knickers. There are so many reasons why the golf course is a great place to build those all-important business relationships, from the more relaxed atmosphere that comes with being outside to the handicap system which enables everyone to play on a (mostly) equal footing.
However, not all golf courses are created equal and if you want mix business with golf, reserving some time at these three golf courses may quite literally pay dividends for you down the track. You simply can’t go wrong if you choose these Australian golf courses for business...
National pastime: more than 460,000 Australians belong to a golf club. Image: GettyRoyal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), Victoria
A corporate golf day at a world-renowned golf course such as Royal Melbourne Golf Club can stay with your guests for a long time. Serious golfers may know that this course was designed by the highly regarded Scottish golf course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, in 1926. And even if they don’t, they’ll certainly be aware of the prestige that comes with a Royal Melbourne Golf Club membership. The club is a private Member’s club, although international and interstate visitors, who are members of a golf club, are welcome to tee off on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays if there is availability.
So what makes this golf course so esteemed? Great design and construction. It’s full of dramatic undulation, fertile sandy soil and a natural rugged appearance. It’s also well known for its swift putting greens, massive bunkers and tea trees that dot the fairways. Most holes dogleg, so distance means nothing and angle into the pin is everything. This course challenges in all the right ways and at just over 20 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, it’s not only impressive – it’s accessible.
Royal Melbourne’s West Course was ranked No. 1 in Australia and No. 3 in the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest in 2018.
Golf is a perfect way to build long lasting business relationships. Image: GettyKingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria
Located along the sand belt that lies beneath the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Kingston Heath Golf Club is right up there as one of the finest courses in not only Australia, but the world. Yes, it’s good. The 18 holes of the perfectly manicured course are built on 50 hectares, not the usual 100, and the terrain was chosen for its natural bunkering.
Kingston Heath Golf Club welcomes international visitors and reciprocal club members from interstate and overseas. Fine wine and elegant dining are also on the menu, as the Club is no stranger to the corporate function.
Your clients will enjoy the classy, finer touches of the golf club, such as the bag tag given to visitors – instead of the obvious ‘visitor’ or ‘member’s guest’, it reads ‘Honorary Member’. You can’t ask for better than that.
Kingston Heath Golf Club is located just over 25 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.
New South Wales Golf Club, NSW
The spectacular Hole 6 at New South Wales Golf Club. Image: New South Wales Golf ClubWhether you’re playing a round of golf with international clients or business colleagues of the more home-grown variety, you still can’t beat a golf course with an ocean view, that’s close to the city – and not just any city.
New South Wales Golf Club is located at La Perouse, just over 17 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. Much like its neighbouring city, it’s a golf course with wow factor: ruggedly wild and exposed, bounded by water on three sides and offering incredible views. For the golfing purist, this is what golf is all about, and harks back to the origins of the sport whereby the direction the wind is blowing creates either an easy or a challenging game. Again, Dr Alister MacKenzie had a hand in the course’s layout and bunkering plan.
New South Wales Golf Club is a private club and visitors are warmly welcomed although bookings are essential. For visitors, play is available on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
