Address: Normanby Ave, Thornbury
Number of Holes: 9
19th Hole: Members only
Motorized Carts: No
Cost: 9 — $10.50 / 18 — $14.50
Northcote golf course is a small course in the middle of inner city Melbourne. Most of the fairways are in reasonable condition, a couple of them have cracks starting to appear, but at the end of a dry summer under water restrictions this is to be expected on a small public course. The greens appear to be challenging with a number of them having multiple levels. The day we played the greens had been recently cored so it’s a little difficult to give an accurate assessment
The first tee is a little strange here at Northcote. The have a matt tee in place that has to be used. The reason for this is explained as trying to minimize stray tee shots. The first fairway runs parrel with Normanby Ave, but how a matt tee can reduce the number of tee shots that miss the screen & hit the road I’m not sure.
The two best holes in my opinion at the course are the par 4 5th & the par 3 6th. The 5th is a 289 metre par 4 with the last 70 to 80 metres being up hill. The hill makes the second shot quite interesting as it is difficult to judge where the pin is located.
The 6th is a short 128 metre par 3. The hole is located below the tee which always makes for a difficult club selection.
All in all, Northcote does has something to offer as long as you don’t expect too much. During the week there is no need to make a booking so you can play at a moment notice, but as with most 9 hole courses, the resources to maintain the course in peak condition just aren’t available. The course has a great layout with two par threes & a par five & if you are looking to play somewhere different give it a go. There are only the one set of tees so if you play 18 holes you will be playing the same holes twice.
No idea when the above was written but I have played there often this year 2012. Course is in good condition and resources are very adequate. Greens are firm and run true. Don’t agree with the writers choice of holes. 2nd (a long par 4) is definitely the most difficult unless a strong Northerly is blowing. Next would be the 7th, a dog leg where a drive over trees (risk/reward) across OOB, to allow for a 2nd over the creek.
Prices are a little higher than listed also although an $11 fee for 18 on Mondays is currently trialling.