The National Golf Club (Moonah Course)
Greg Norman's windswept Moonah Course — a genuine links tumbling through Cape Schanck's dunes, ranked among Australia's finest and open to visitors midweek.
The National Golf Club (Moonah Course) in photos
Can I play The National Golf Club (Moonah Course)?
The National is a private members' club, but its Moonah Course is realistically playable for visitors midweek. Access is typically Monday to Thursday via reciprocal club arrangements, a letter of introduction, or — most commonly for travellers — through a golf-tour operator or an accommodation-and-golf package. It is not a public pay-and-play course.
How to book: Contact the club's bookings office (bookings@nationalgolf.com.au) to confirm which of its courses is in the visitor rotation, published about a month in advance. Reciprocal-club players should request a letter of introduction from their home club; many international visitors book through Mornington Peninsula golf tours or nearby resorts that hold playing rights.
About The National Golf Club (Moonah Course)
The Moonah Course opened in 2000 as Greg Norman's homage to traditional Scottish and Irish links golf, routed by lead designer Bob Harrison through the huge natural dunes at Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula. Firm fairways, cavernous bunkers and raised, open-fronted greens reward the running shot and punish the aerial-only game, and the course was ranked inside Australia's top ten almost immediately. It is one of four championship layouts at The National, a private members' club whose reach spans two sites. Visitors can still tee it up midweek through reciprocal arrangements, letters of introduction or golf-tour packages, making it one of the peninsula's must-play rounds.
Signature hole
The Moonah is defined by its raised, open-fronted greens and vast, sculpted bunkering that demand bump-and-run creativity; the tumbling short par-4s and exposed dune-top holes reward angles and imagination over sheer power.
What makes it special
Norman's links vision
Designed 'in the spirit of how golf is meant to be played', with ground-game strategy front and centre.
Top-ten Australian course
Ranked among the nation's best from its very first year and a peninsula highlight ever since.
Playable midweek
Private club, but reciprocal and tour access make a round achievable Monday to Thursday.
Need to know
Best time to play
October to April brings the warmest, driest conditions, though the exposed links can blow year-round — pack for wind whatever the season.
Dress code
Collared shirt with tailored trousers or shorts, golf shoes; denim is not permitted.
Good to know
Walking is encouraged but carts are available (about A$52); allow around 4.5 hours. Caddies are not standard. The Moonah is consistently ranked among Australia's very best modern courses.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Melbourne Airport (MEL, Tullamarine) ~90 minutes; Moorabbin Airport is closer for private aircraft.
On arrival
The club sits at Cape Schanck on the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, roughly a 90-minute drive south-east of Melbourne. Self-drive is easiest, though many visitors arrive as part of a peninsula golf tour.
Stay near the course
The nearby RACV Cape Schanck Resort is the natural base, or the coastal towns of Sorrento and Portsea; the peninsula's wineries and hot springs make it an easy multi-day trip.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices RACV Cape Schanck Resort
Melbourne
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Views Cape Schanck
Melbourne
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Big Blue Backyard
Melbourne
A taste of the luxury stays near The National Golf Club (Moonah Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Cape Schanck — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Cape Schanck.
Explore Cape SchanckFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play the Moonah Course at The National?
Yes, generally Monday to Thursday, via reciprocal club arrangements, a letter of introduction, or a golf-tour/accommodation package. It is a private club, not a public course, so book ahead.
How much does it cost to play the Moonah Course?
Indicative visitor green fees are around A$335 for interstate reciprocal players and up to about A$550 for international guests, with carts roughly A$52. Rates are seasonal.
How far is The National from Melbourne?
About 90 minutes' drive south-east, at Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula — most easily reached by car or as part of a peninsula golf tour.
Which National course will I play?
The club rotates its courses for visitors and publishes the schedule about a month ahead, so confirm with the bookings office whether the Moonah is available on your date.
More golf courses to play
Royal Melbourne Golf Club — West Course
Black Rock, Australia · Heathland
Golf guide
Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links
Bridport, Australia · Links
Golf guide
Cape Wickham Links
King Island, Australia · Links
Golf guide
Kingston Heath Golf Club
Cheltenham, Australia · Heathland
Golf guide
New South Wales Golf Club
La Perouse, Australia · Coastal
Golf guide
Barnbougle Lost Farm
Bridport, Australia · Links
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.