Regarded as one of the hidden gems on the Melbourne sandbelt, the Long Island course was first built in the 1930s and plays over wonderfully rolling sandbelt terrain, complete with a deep profile of grey sand, eucalyptus trees and the low native scrub you expect when playing golf in this part of the world. While the course sits next door to Peninsula Kingswood, it feels entirely different, and perhaps has more in common with courses nearer the city such as Woodlands or Royal Melbourne.

In 2021 we were awarded the commission to rejuvenate the course, part restoration and part renovation, and we created a unique aspect to the design that is likely to be a popular talking point. Years ago the club lost their 5th hole, a short par 4, when the tee was shifted back 150 metres so it could play as a par 5. It was a lovely little hole and we were keen to see it returned, but we knew there would be some who did not want the course shortened. Throwing around design ideas, we wondered whether an alternate shorter 4th green could be built near the par 5 tee, so that some days the holes could play par 4 then par 5, and on other days par 5 then par 4.

The club loved the concept. The result is a layout featuring 20 greens but three distinctly different 18-hole combinations that use alternate tees, shot lines and a few spare greens. For long-standing members, Course A feels very similar to the original, while courses B and C create completely different designs, with the idea that the course will regularly rotate between the three. Construction commenced in November 2023 and the course opened for play in April 2026.