Is Melbourne the best golf city in the world?

[Phil Benedict]

Just read on another blog that it might be.

[Michael Whitaker]

I hope so! I'm visiting there in March!!!

[Ash Towe]

This topic has been discussed in one form or another quite a few times.  If it is not the best it is right up there.

[Pete Lavallee]

My advice would be to not bring your mistress there as their tabloids are obviously more scutinizing than ours!

I would venture to say that London is the only city that could compete with them for both quality and quantity.

[Tom_Doak]

Melbourne is the best, if weather is any bit of a factor.  If not, London and New York will give it a run, as long as you are willing to venture further into the burbs.

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

It is the best I have never been too. Of course I hope to do so soon.

[Mark Chaplin]

The Sandbelt is unique but the courses are of a similar, but great genre, anyone played The Dunes which looks a pretty good faux links course? Ive yet to play the National courses which all look superb.

I'm also paying a March visit which includes the RM composite course, KH and Metro.

[Jason Topp]

Yes - taking into account weather and driving distance

[Kevin Pallier]

For the ability to play year round golf, proximity of quality courses, accessibility, cost and closeness to the CBD itself - it should be there or there abouts.

[Matthew Rose]

Only if you have access to private clubs.

Otherwise, not so good.

[Chris Kane]

Only if you have access to private clubs.

Otherwise, not so good.

Correct. For an interstate or overseas visitor its terrific. If you live in Melbourne and aren't a member of one of the sandbelt clubs and don't know any members at the courses you'd like to play, you're left to play goat tracks.

The GCA contingent in London appear to fairly regularly play the best London courses (at admittedly high prices) without any connection to the clubs - that just isn't possible in Melbourne.

[Matthew Mollica]

I disagree with that Chris. With a little application, effort, and expense, I managed to play most sandbelt courses many times while I was a member at Northern of all places. The annual charity days each Sandbelt club seem to host are a good start, as are corporate days.

For those who doubt Melbourne's credentials as perhaps the best golfing city on earth, search for Lloyd Cole's account of his visit to Melbourne.

MM

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Hard to argue with Mr Doak...I have not yet made the trek to Melbourne, but at this point, London and New York would be my winners.

[Jon Wiggett]

If you are not looking at resorts, for the size of the place I would suggest that Southport is pretty good especially if you take into account the area inside say 30 minutes drive.

Jon

[Mark Chaplin]

Brian - RM are holding a five day event in March for their reciprocal clubs. There are four days of golf and on one of the days the composite course is being used. I've also arranged a game at Kingston Heath and as a team will no doubt arrange a formal visit to Metro.

[Michael Whitaker]

Brian - RM are holding a five day event in March for their reciprocal clubs. There are four days of golf and on one of the days the composite course is being used. I've also arranged a game at Kingston Heath and as a team will no doubt arrange a formal visit to Metro.

How does one qualify to represent Royal Cinque Ports in such an event? Some Royal clubs held a competition... others a lottery. What was RCPGC's process for selecting a team to represent the club?  

[Dan King]

There are some mighty fine courses in the southwestern corner of San Francisco. You have three courses at Olympic, San Francisco GC, Harding Park and Lake Merced all within walking distance of each other. It's a bit more of a hike, but California Club is in the same area.

Cheers,
Dan King

One day if I do go to heaven -- I'll look around and say, 'It ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco.'
 --Herb Caen