Barwon Heads Golf Course is for the most part played over a type of links land that is quite unique in this part of the world. The first ten holes are laid out over the pick of the terrain and remind one of Cruden Bay. The land pitches and roles and often there are target landing areas that are quite small if one is to stay on the “high ground” and so maximise a view of the green ahead. Like some of those Scottish links, the sea is rarely in view but is only ever a sand dune or two away. The 7th hole even provides a drive across a public road and footpath – again uncommon in Australia and more reminiscent of the UK. The remaining eight holes are in my opinion a little less inspiring, apart perhaps from the downhill par 3, 13th hole of 128 metres. This is the classic “postage stamp” hole – and doesn’t every links course have to have one of those? The remaining “inward” holes play along largely flat ground that borders some marsh land and whilst they are pleasant enough to play they just lack the pizazz of the earlier offerings. The course is quite short by modern standards but the terrain and wind add sufficiently to the challenge to make it a good test of golf. Given it was the heat of summer when we played, the course was in excellent condition. The fairways were well covered with a native couch that gave good bounce and roll. The greens are almost pure Poa Annua, provided a true putting surface and seem to thrive in the seaside environment. The hazards consist of relatively small bunkers by Australian standards, but not as small as the pot bunkers of the UK. There are also some barren sandy and stony wastes. The clubhouse is a quaint and accommodating structure from the 1920’s and sits dominant at the high point of the land so that it is visible from many holes on the course. It still retains 19 guest rooms, so if you make the journey down there you have a room to retire to after a meal in the well catered for dining room. I am torn between a 4 and 5 ball score for the course. The opening holes easily deserving of 5 and the closing ones a 4. Given there are just marginally more quality holes than not I’ve opted for 5 balls – but only just.