Werribee Park Golf Club: Where History Meets the Greens

Werribee Park Golf Club has a country golf feel that is located only 35 minutes from Melbourne.

The par-3 15th hole at Werribee Park Golf Club. (Photo: Werribee Park Golf Club Facebook)

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Victoria, the Werribee Park Golf Club may not hold a prominent spot on the roster of eminent golf courses, but its unique charm and historical significance certainly warrant a visit for golf enthusiasts.

The golfing experience at Werribee Park is underscored by its quintessential country club ambience.

Members exhibit camaraderie that extends beyond the game itself, readily engaging in friendly exchanges as golfers traverse neighbouring fairways. Overlooking the course, the clubhouse, perched upon the escarpment, exudes a sense of history and grandeur. It serves as a focal point, embodying the club’s heritage while providing a vantage point to watch their fellow golfers and the magnificent sunsets.

Werribee Parkk Golf Course (Photo: Werribee Park Golf Club Facebook)

A distinctive facet of this course is its juxtaposition with notable attractions. Adjacent to the 4th tee lies the Shadowfax Winery, offering a taste of local viticulture.

Symbolic of the course’s historical depth are the two graves enclosed within stone walls beside the 18th hole. These resting places commemorate the tragic fate of two labourers who succumbed to the torrents of the Werribee River’s flooding in 1858. These gravesites, captured in an image, impart an aura of uniqueness to the course, a tangible connection to the past.

Adding an anecdotal layer to Werribee Park’s narrative is the intriguing tale involving the nearby Werribee Zoo. In an unprecedented occurrence, torrential flooding led to a zebra escaping the confines of the zoo and ultimately meeting its demise in the bay, its journey taking it through the golf course. This rare event, akin to a zebra crossing taking an unconventional route, is still a great tale to be told in the clubhouse to this day.

Peering across the fairways, the preserved homesteads that once housed labourers from the estate evoke a sense of heritage. Their impeccable condition, complete with the enduring brick chimneys, alludes to the meticulous preservation efforts. An amusing incident, when an errant shot returned from out of bounds unscathed, further accentuates the homesteads’ sturdiness.

Adjacent to the course, the Werribee Mansion stands as a testament to time, hosting a myriad of events and attracting visitors intrigued by its historical relevance. The mansion, accompanied by the overarching historical narrative, contributes to the holistic experience of Werribee Park.

In summary, while not a prominent contender in the list of renowned golf courses, Werribee Park Golf Club boasts a distinctive allure for those seeking a golfing experience interwoven with history and the rustic charm of a country club setting. Its well-maintained greens, engaging members, and proximity to intriguing attractions render it a noteworthy destination for avid golfers looking to immerse themselves in Victoria’s diverse offerings.

3 thoughts on “Werribee Park Golf Club: Where History Meets the Greens

  • Played the course last week and what a transformation. An excellent course with lush fairways.. very good course and so easy to get to as it is near the freeway.

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  • Played Werribee Park Golf Course twice in August 2017. I grew up in Werribee so this is my “home” course but now I am living in Los Angeles, I truly appreciate what a BEAUTY WPGC is.

    It is a long course, especially when there are only 2 tees set up for the course (when I was there) and throw in some wind, it can be a mongrel to boot as well.

    The layout and orientation is brilliant but it does not favor any golfers with slicing issues. OBs in the bush or the Werribee river is the destination of your golf ball if you cannot control the right ball. Draw the ball, and it will award your game. Beware, the bunkers are deep so make sure you miss it in the right side.

    The holes are laid out brilliantly, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 18th holes are on the upper level, The 4th hole is a Par 5 that plays down hill, 5th plays up and 6th plays down. I walked the course and its really a nice walk, not too strenuous. These holes reward the long drivers, flying them over the crest or making use the topography to roll the ball ridiculously long. In the winds, these holes are either Angels or Mongrels…all depends on the wind.

    The greens, while I was there, was pretty good shape. It probably is about a 10 on the stimp, not too fast but the ball rolls nicely. My only quams is the lack of respect from other golfers who don’t bother to fix their ball marks but that problem is with any munis, WPGC is not different. At least the greens are hard so the marks are not that bad but the ball does roll nicely. Greens were well maintained and kept by the greens keepers.

    If you can work the ball, you’ll really enjoy the course. Some holes demand a cut, while others demand a draw. Something the holes just needs you to hit it straight. Some greens are elevated, like the small 13th green. Hit a great drive, you better know your yardage to stick it the ball to the green. Yeah, avoid the deep bunkers or bring a good sand wedge game. Did I say they were deep?

    Now, enjoy the red cliff views along the Par 5 11th hole and the 14th, as the Werribee river winds around the course. This is my favorite part of the course. Oh watch out for the guy who walk and fish along here as well (hint DON”T SLICE). Add in the 17th Par 3 (plays 195 yards uphill) and the brilliant 18th (where I almost drove the hole, short of 1 yard)…you cannot ask for a better pair of closing holes.

    The pro shop is pretty good. The guys who man the shop are all nice. Local Pro Marke Miller knows his stuff and a nice guy. The practice facilities are average, only 1 practice green but its pretty large. It has a practice bunker and a full range with real balls (not limited flight balls like some range here in the US).

    All up, living in the US and playing their courses and then coming back to WPGC, you really appreciate this course. Its my favorite and this is coming from a guy who fades the ball…

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    • Just a small correction, Werribee Park Golf Club is a private club owned by the members and not municipal (munis) owned. They do however welcome the public and is open to the public all times when comps are not on. The driving range is open to the public.

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