Four golf courses near Geelong scouted for golf’s debut in 2026

Jefferies said his course was excited about the potential to host a Commonwealth Games, which could feature the likes of world No.1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), English pair Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick, and Aussie stars Cam Smith and Adam Scott.

“I think we have a world-class golf course, especially off the black tees, it’s over 7000 yards,” Jefferies said.

“That’s unheard of in Australia, not that it needs to be that distance to be challenging.”

But what 13th Beach offers is two 18-hole courses, both firmly considered among the top 100 courses in Australia, and the experience to host major events, given their stranglehold on the Vic Open.

“I hope the committee don’t see it as [an easy decision], [and miss out] in putting another golf course on the map,” Jefferies said.

Loading

“[But] it’s not going to be bitter feelings if 13th get it, I’m going to be watching it either way. It’s going to be great for the region no matter what.”

The other courses in the mix are Lonsdale Links in Point Lonsdale, and Barwon Heads Golf Club. Both are regarded among the top 50 golf courses in Australia, but are yet to prove they can logistically hold a major event.

“We’ve had a visit from a delegation, but as far as any other detail, it’s pretty early in the process at the moment, Lonsdale Links general manager Josh Hall said.

“Hopefully, we were able to impress the delegation to the point we’re able to make a pitch.”

Curlewis and Portarlington, among the other top golf courses in the region, have not been approached.

Organisers are expected to cut the list down from four in coming weeks. Geelong and the Bellarine are earmarked to host golf at the 2026 Games.

Golf has not featured at the Commonwealth Games previously, but has been part of the past two Summer Olympics programs, in 2016 and 2020, after returning from a 112-year hiatus at Rio de Janeiro.