Gaining membership to elite golf clubs isn’t easy: See crazy entry requirements and dress codes
Former Premier Dan Andrews is not the only person to seek membership to one of Victoria’s elite golf clubs and be left hanging. Check out the insanely strict entry rules and dress codes.
Victoria
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Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is far from the first person, and he won’t be the last, to apply for membership of a golf club and be left hanging.
Membership to the state’s most elite golf clubs — and Portsea, where Mr Andrews is currently caught up in a brouhaha, does not factor among the most prestigious — is notoriously lengthy, difficult and costly.
Having the ability to pay the club fees certainly matters but is far from the only criteria, with the ‘type’ of person, their golfing skill and their suitability to the club and compatibility with existing members also very much taken into account.
The process typically involves nomination from an existing member or members, referees, consideration by a sub committee, interviews and a vote. At one club, there can even be “a trial round of golf with a director” involved.
If and when a new member is eventually allowed to join the hallowed ranks of club membership, they may then only be “provisional” for a year.
They will also be subject to some of the strictest dress and etiquette codes imaginable.
At the historic Barwon Heads Golf Club on the Bellarine Peninsula — like most other elite clubs — that code stipulates blue denim jeans are strictly not allowed.
But that didn’t stop a then young Cats star, Tom Hawkins, taking to the prestigious course — that he described as his “happy place” — in 2016 in jeans.
Seems the rules of elite golf clubs might be bendable for some, but not others.
Here is just some of what’s involved in joining a number of top Victorian golf clubs.
MELBOURNE CLUBS
THE ROYAL MELBOURNE GOLF CLUB
Dating back to 1891 and located in Black Rock, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club is one of Victoria’s most prestigious golf courses. No expense is spared in maintaining this course, which is regarded as one of the most elite golf clubs in Australia and even the world, after hosting 16 Australian Opens. The club made history in 1998 when it became the first course to host the President’s Cup outside of the United States. It’s a private members club but members of other golf clubs with reciprocal agreements can inquire about playing the course on Monday, Tuesdays and Fridays. Ordinary folk can also play if they pay the applicable green fees or are invited to play by a member, but they won’t have access to the same privileges as members like all the club’s facilities and events, priority tee times or be able to play in club competitions. Membership fees at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club are not disclosed publicly, as they are subject to change and determined by the club’s board of directors. Those interested in joining must inquire at the club directly.
Getting in
The club has strict requirements for membership, and not everyone is eligible. Due to the exclusivity of the club, there’s also a waiting list for membership, which varies depending on the membership category and the number of vacancies available.
Prospective members must be nominated by an existing member but also be considered to be of “good character and reputation”, and demonstrate the ability to pay the membership fees. The application process is long. Once a member has been nominated, the applicant must fill out and submit an application form along with requested documents. The application is then reviewed by the membership committee, which assesses the suitability of the applicant. If approved, they are then invited to an interview with the membership committee — which is looking to see if the applicant will be a good fit with the club. The club’s board then votes on whether to let the applicant in. If they are voted in, they are sent a letter of offer and asked to pay the entrance and subscription fees. The membership application process can take several months to complete, and the timeline for approval and initiation can also be lengthy.
Even once in, the applicant becomes a provisional member for one year, during which time, the member is required to attend an orientation program.
Dress code
It’s strict and all members must abide by it. The dress code varies depending on the occasion and the location within the club but generally collared shirts, tailored trousers and appropriate golf shoes are required on the courses.
Source: Ubergolf and Royal Melbourne Golf Club website
THE METROPOLITAN GOLF CLUB
A spin-off, if you will, of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the Metropolitan Golf Club in Oakleigh is also a private club with membership strictly by invitation only.
A renowned sandbelt course, it is regarded as one of Australia’s finest championship courses. Play is primarily restricted to members and their guests but limited playing times are available to overseas and interstate visitors and reciprocal club members upon request.
Getting in
The club’s website states: “If you are inquiring about membership, we welcome you to consider your personal and professional networks, and reach out to those who are Metropolitan members, to express interest. In keeping with club rules, management and staff are unable to provide information regarding membership (including the process, fees or waitlists) directly to anyone other than members.”
Dress code
For men it’s collared or turtleneck golf shirts or skivvies with pants, plus fours or tailored shorts. And shirts must be tucked into pants. “Jean style pants, cargo pants, track suits, brief, baggy or below knee length shorts, sports shoes and pants tucked into socks are not permitted on the course or in the clubhouse,” the website states.
Socks must be worn with shoes at all times, except when wearing boat shoes. Short socks that are either predominantly white or compliment the colour of other clothing are permitted. Long socks must be pulled up at all times.
For women, tailored pants, three-quarter pants and shorts are permitted but casual jean style, “tight stretch, track suit type, stirrup pants, cargo pants and pants tucked into socks” are not permitted on the course or in the clubhouse. Suitable shirts with or without a collar are acceptable and must be tucked into pants or skirts unless they are specifically designed to be worn out. Singlet-type tops, casual T-shirts or any item with any advertising or slogan — except for “discreet brand name and club logos” — are also not permitted. Golf shoes of any kind are permitted in the clubhouse, however, sports shoes are not permitted in the dining room. Hats or visors may be worn in the golf shop or locker room but not in other areas of the clubhouse.
Source: The Metropolitan Golf Club website
KINGSTON HEATH GOLF CLUB
Established in 1909, Kingston Heath Golf Club in Cheltenham is one of the premier golf clubs in Australia. Situated in the sandbelt region of Melbourne’s south east suburbs it’s not just consistently ranked among the top courses in Australia but is renowned among golfers throughout the world. In 2028 Kingston Heath will host the Presidents Cup golf tournament, and it has hosted numerous prestigious national and international events in the past. Winners of these events have included Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Karrie Webb and Gary Player. Reciprocal club members and interstate and overseas visitors who wish to play must fill out and submit a form. Non-members can play at certain times during the week, depending on availability, but not on weekends.
Getting in
According to golfing websites, becoming a member of the Kingston Heath Golf Club is a rigorous process. Prospective members must be nominated by a current member and seconded by another. Additionally, prospective members must be approved by the membership committee. Once a prospective member is approved, they must pay a joining fee and annual subscription fees. The fees vary based on the membership type and are subject to change over time. The club also has a membership cap, which limits the number of members allowed at any given time.
Dress code
Collared shirts must be worn and men’s must be tucked in. Tailored skirts, shorts and pants are required. Short socks with shorts are allowed provided they are golf specific and predominantly white. Regulation golf shoes are the only form of footwear accepted. Denim of any colour and moleskins are prohibited, as are black socks, cargo pants, sports shorts or tracksuit pants and any garments carrying overt advertising slogans. Sandals and open footwear for men or loafers without socks are also not allowed. Golf caps with the peak not facing forward are also banned.
Source: Kingston Heath website and Country Club Price
HUNTINGDALE GOLF CLUB
Also in the Melbourne sandbelt at Oakleigh South, Huntingdale has hosted the Australian Masters 31 times and is known for manicured fairways, strategic fairway bunkering and large undulating greens. It dates back to 1924 but prides itself on its modern facilities. Huntingdale’s golf affiliations actually go all the way back to 1896, when the Surrey Hills Golf Club was established. That club prospered until 1914, when it was disbanded upon the outbreak of the First World War. Huntingdale is a private course open only to members and their guests but opportunities are available for interstate and overseas golfers and members of reciprocal clubs to play on request.
Getting in
The website states that for information in regards to becoming a member the club must be contacted directly.
Dress code
According to one of Huntingdale’s overseas reciprocal clubs, men must wear collared shirts and their shirts must be tucked in at all times. Pants or shorts must be tailored and shorts should be Bermuda length only (just touching the knee). Socks with shorts should either be matching knee length socks pulled up all the way to just before the knee or mid-length white socks also pulled up. No logos except the golf club logo are allowed. For ladies, the collared tucked in shirt rule also applies, except if the shirt is tailored or specifically designed to be worn out to hip length. Pants and shorts must be tailored, with the latter no more than four inches above the knee. Any style denim, large corporate logos, track pants, stirrup pants, leggings, cargo pants and shorts, brief shorts, T-shirts without collars and any non golf attire is not permitted. But Huntingdale has previously stated it is “very sensible and flexible in relation to the application of our dress code in meeting current trends of the market while maintaining the standards expected by our membership of an exclusive private club”.
Source: Huntingdale website and overseas websites
VICTORIA GOLF CLUB
The historic and stately, renowned Victoria Golf Club in Cheltenham has an olde-worlde feel and also offers luxe accommodation. The club dates back to 1903 but the original course at Fishermans Bend was relocated in 1926 to its present 128 acre site, on the now world renowned Melbourne ‘sandbelt’.
Getting in
A private members club, not just anybody can join and play in a heartbeat. Members of reciprocal clubs are encouraged to inquire directly by email if the wish to play.
Dress Code
Neat, clean and “pressed” golfing attire is to be worn at all times and shoes must be accredited golf type shoes. Shorts, if worn, must be tailored, neatly pressed and worn with long socks, short plain socks or VGC or other club-logoed socks. Short socks must be well above the ankles. In the members’ bar golf shoes are permitted immediately after playing golf, provided that they are clean and dry, while in the lounge, neat casual or golfing attire is allowed up to 6pm, and golf shoes not permitted after 6pm. Men must don dress shirts after 6pm — with a tie and jacket optional.
Not permitted on the course or in the clubhouse are denim trousers, shirts or jackets, shirts without a fold-over collar, shirts with motif on the chest or back, sport or athletic type shorts, short socks (other than those mentioned above) with shorts, athletic or jogger type shoes, shirts worn outside of trousers and shorts or trousers tucked into socks.
Mobile phones are not allowed — except those carried on the course and switched off, and that can only be used in an emergency.
Women on the golf course must wear tailored skirts, slacks or shorts
YARRA YARRA GOLF CLUB
The Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Bentleigh East is one of the eight famous sandbelt golf courses and is currently ranked number 17 in Australia. The course has undergone a major restoration over the past three years but, the club says, it is a course that has stood the test of time and pays tribute to its original layout and design and “is on the bucket list of every golfer”.
The Yarra Yarra Golf Club accepts interstate and international golf bookings. First established in 1898, the course is accompanied by a driving range and putting green. The Spanish mission inspired clubhouse features vast terraces, classic internal architecture and beautifully appointed meeting and function rooms.
Getting in
To be considered for placement on the membership waiting list, a candidate must complete a nomination form and submit it to the club with an accompanying application fee. Nomination forms require both a proposer and seconder that have been members of the club for two years or more. Candidates who do not know a member can still apply for a membership but will be required to undertake a more rigorous membership application process.
The application process involves:
> The member receives the membership application form.
> The member and the candidate completes the application form, including the name and signature of the member proposer and seconder and returns this to the club along with the $500 application fee.
> The candidate is offered a date to attend a membership interview.
> The candidate is offered a date to have a trial round of golf with a director of the club (for non-proposer applications only).
> The candidate’s application is posted on the club’s website and on the clubhouse notice board for 21 days.
> If there are no objections to the membership application, it is approved, and the candidate is placed on the membership waiting list.
In late September each year the board reviews the waiting list and an agreed number of waiting list candidates will receive an offer of membership.
Dress code:
Apparel permitted on the golf course includes tailored trousers, shorts or skirts. Clothing designed to be supported by a belt should be worn with a belt. Men’s shirts should have a collar and be tucked into trousers/shorts. Socks of any length may be worn with shorts but short socks should be predominantly white in colour and may feature just a small logo.
Clothing not permitted on the golf course includes denim, T-shirts and gym apparel such as running pants. Cut off shorts, shorts or long pants with an elasticised waist, shorts with a drawstring, or pants/shorts with large ‘cargo’ style pockets are banned, as are shirts without a collar (unless they are specifically designed for golf). Clothing and headwear displaying any advertising and caps or visors worn backwards are out. Facial jewellery over 10mm is also outlawed.
Source: Yarra Yarra website
WOODLANDS GOLF CLUB
Located in the Melbourne sandbelt at Mordialloc, this club says it is highly regarded “by golfing purists”, with the championship layout providing a true test of golf.
Getting in
A proposer and seconder are generally required, as well as two referees –— one of whom must also be a member at Woodlands. If a candidate does not know a Woodlands member, they can contact the club general manager. Following receipt of application forms, the club posts all prospective names for member comment and feedback for a minimum of 14 days. After this period of review, the board makes the final decision on the acceptance or otherwise of all applications. Member intakes are subject to field sizes and vacancies within the respective categories. Guests accompanied by a member (not more than three at any time) are able to play at a green fee on no more than six times per financial year. Guests cannot play on Wednesdays during the period March 1 to November 30, except when invited by the women’s committee. No visitors are permitted on Thursdays or Saturdays, except with permission of the president, captain or general manager.
Dress codes
For men, denim jeans, cargo style shorts/pants, brief shorts, tracksuits, T-shirts or shirts without a collar are not allowed on the course. Any clothing carrying emblazoned advertising not relating to Woodlands promotional activities, thongs, sneakers, sandals or metal spike golf shoes are also out. Women on the course and practice areas must wear trousers without patch pockets and not tucked into socks (but tailored three-quarter length trousers are acceptable). Shorts, also without patch pockets, at knee length, are acceptable, as are shirts with a collar or mock turtleneck. Caps must be worn with the peak or brim facing forward.
Source: Woodlands Golf Club website
REGIONAL
CATHEDRAL LODGE GOLF CLUB
This high-end, invitation-only private club owned by businessman and former Essendon Football Club chairman David Evans by the Goulburn River in rural Thornton was designed by Greg Norman’s company and is set to host a major invitational next month, with Adam Scott and British Open champion Cam Smith.
Officially opened by former Premier Daniel Andrews in 2017, annual fees are not made public but are reported to be up to $12,000, and with a sizeable initial outlay that Golf Australia put in 2017 at $50,000 — making its among the most expensive and exclusive golf clubs in Australia.
For Evans, the dream of building Cathedral Lodge started with a visit to Augusta National back in 1997 to watch The Masters Tournament. Evans and his wife then purchased the Cathedral Lodge property near Lake Eildon in 2003.
Getting in
Non members can only access the club by invitation from a member and current membership is believed to be less than 200 people. Such is its level of exclusivity, little is posted online about how one goes about becoming a member and the process involved, with even the club’s official website requiring a member login to view. Australian Golf Digest last year described the club as “Australian golf’s most exclusive enclave” and “an enigma”.
Dress code
Such is the level of secrecy, who knows?
Source: Greg Norman Golf Courses, Cathedral Lodge Invitational website, golfing magazines.
PORTSEA GOLF CLUB
The Mornington Peninsula’s 90-year-old Portsea Golf Club bills itself as “a modern, vibrant and progressive club with a genuine, local, friendly environment”, but the current brouhaha regarding former Premier Dan Andrews’ nomination speaks somewhat differently.
“Members enjoy a beautiful clubhouse with expansive bay views and a golf course that is the envy of the peninsula. New members are always welcome and we encourage inquiries,” the club’s website states. “Green fee players are welcome.”
Getting in
The club website states: “At Portsea Golf Club we embrace new members and encourage all membership inquiries. Prospective members are required to complete an application form. Additionally two current members are required to support your application. If you do not know two existing members please contact membership services. All new applications must be approved by the board before they can become members of The Portsea Golf Club. The board reviews all applications each month and reserves the right to refuse membership.”
Dress code
For men its shirts with collars and neat trousers, with “walk shorts permitted”. Socks must be worn and be predominantly white. For ladies, “neat and tidy” golfing attire must be worn at all times and shirts must also have a collar. “Neat culottes, golf skirts, slacks and shorts are permitted and socks must be worn.” Leisure suits, ski pants, leggings, bathing or board shorts, clothing with advertising slogans or messages and thongs and singlets are all banned.
Source: Portsea Golf Club
BARWON HEADS
The Barwon Heads Golf Club, considered by many to be Australia’s first true links course, was established in 1907. The club is located on the southern edge of the township of Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula and comprises an eighteen-hole links style championship course as well as a nine-hole, three-par course, tennis courts and a clubhouse with stately accommodation built in the 1920s.
Getting in
Every candidate for membership must be proposed and seconded by two voting members of at least five years adult membership. The nomination papers must be supported by three other voting members acting as referees. Nominations are tabled at a membership subcommittee meeting prior to them being tabled at a committee meeting. Following this meeting, the candidate’s name will be circulated to all voting members for comment. The candidate and their proposer (or seconder) will then be invited to meet with two members of the subcommittee to discuss their application. Only then will they be eligible for election as a member.
Dress code
Unacceptable dress on the course, practice facilities and in the clubhouse includes blue denim garments, shirts without collars (except those specifically designed for golf), singlets, beach wear, thongs, leggings, gym wear, tracksuits, casual shorts, football shorts, cargo shorts or pants, open-toed shoes and clothing emblazoned with excessive logos.
Acceptable dress is tucked in collared shirts and polos, tailored trousers, shorts and skirts, and white socks for men wearing shorts.
In the dining room men are required to wear a jacket and business shirt, with ties optional and women “are required to dress to an equivalent standard”.
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