Best Golf Courses for Kids in Geelong
Six real public courses across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, from a council-run beginner course to a structured junior pathway at Curlewis.
Victoria's second-largest city has a genuinely strong spread of public golf courses, from a council-run beginner course built for four-year-olds to a structured junior pathway on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Barwon Valley Golf Club - Belmont
Barwon Valley Golf Club is an 18-hole public course in Belmont, just minutes from central Geelong, with discounted junior green fees and junior membership categories.
One of the regular host venues for the Geelong Junior Golf Academy's school-term coaching clinics.
Curlewis Golf Club - Curlewis
Curlewis Golf Club runs one of the Bellarine Peninsula's most developed junior pathways, from school-holiday beginner clinics through to a competitive Junior Flyers membership ($289/yr) with an official handicap.
Its adjoining Range @ Curlewis facility adds a two-tier mini-golf course and driving range bays, priced for kids under 12.
Queenscliff Golf Club - Queenscliff
Queenscliff Golf Club is set on Swan Island at the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, open to public green-fee play with clearly discounted junior rates ($20 for 9 holes, $25 for 18).
A cadet membership for under-12s ($90/yr) makes it an affordable entry point for young golfers.
East Geelong Golf Club - East Geelong
East Geelong Golf Club is a budget-friendly, publicly accessible course winding through Eastern Park and the Botanical Gardens, with very low-cost green fees.
Hosts periodic Geelong Junior Golf Academy clinics for primary-school-aged beginners.
Balyang Par 3 Golf Course - Newtown
Balyang Par 3 Golf Course is a council-run par-3/short course in Newtown, right by the Balyang Sanctuary, open 7 days a week.
Purpose-built as an easy, low-cost introduction to golf for young children and families - only a pitching wedge and putter are needed, with club hire available.
13th Beach Golf Links (Short Course) - Barwon Heads
13th Beach Golf Links is best known for its championship Beach Course, but its purpose-built 9-hole Short Course is open to the public and ideally scaled for junior beginners.
Backed by a junior membership pathway across five age brackets for families wanting to progress further. (Note: the complex's separate Creek Course is private/members-only.)
Where should a four-year-old start?
Balyang Par 3 in Newtown is purpose-built for absolute beginners as young as four, with no need for a full set of clubs.