The Australian Open is back on the Sandbelt, and this year’s composite format across Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club promises to be exceptional. If you’ve never been to these courses, you’re missing two of the finest golf experiences on the planet. If you have, you already know why the world’s best players love competing here.

Kingston Heath sits at number one in Australia’s course rankings for good reason. Designed by Dan Soutar and refined by Alister MacKenzie, it’s a masterclass in strategic architecture. The fairways look generous until you realize the angles matter enormously for your approach shots. Miss the fairway on the wrong side, and you’re staring at a nearly impossible pitch to a shallow, fast green.

Victoria Golf Club offers a slightly different test. It’s perhaps more demanding off the tee, with tighter driving corridors and more pronounced bunkering. The greens are equally superb, with subtle breaks that separate great putters from good ones. Playing both courses over four rounds creates a fascinating examination of complete golf skills.

The composite format means professionals will play each course twice. This tests adaptability—you can’t just dial in one course and rely on familiarity. The player who wins will need to excel at both layouts, which tend to favor slightly different strengths. Kingston Heath rewards creativity and angle management, while Victoria demands precision and control.

Weather will be a massive factor. Spring in Melbourne is notoriously unpredictable. We could see anything from 35-degree heat to wind and rain, possibly all in the same round. The Sandbelt courses play drastically differently depending on conditions. Firm and fast, they’re a delight. Soft and slow, they become more about power and less about finesse.

From a player perspective, I’m watching Adam Scott closely. He’s been building solid form, and these are courses that suit his game perfectly. His ball-striking is still world-class, and his local knowledge of Sandbelt conditions gives him an edge. Plus, he’s desperate to win his national open again after nearly a decade since his last victory.

The international field looks strong too. Several top-50 players have committed, attracted by the quality of the courses and the co-sanctioning with the DP World Tour. That means better prize money and world ranking points, which has elevated the tournament’s status considerably in recent years.

For club golfers like us, the Australian Open offers incredible value as a spectator event. General admission tickets give you access to follow groups around both courses, and unlike some tournaments, you can actually get close to the action. The galleries are knowledgeable and respectful, creating a great atmosphere.

I’m planning to attend the weekend rounds, specifically following groups through the stretch from the 15th to 18th at Kingston Heath. That finishing sequence is world-class, and under tournament pressure, it’ll produce drama. The par-3 15th over the bunker complex, the drivable 16th, the long par-4 17th, and the strategic 18th—it’s a brilliant closing examination.

If you’re thinking about attending, get there early. Parking fills up quickly, and you’ll want time to grab a spot near the first tees or position yourself at a key hole. The merchandise tent usually has decent gear, though it’s pricey. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes—you’ll cover serious ground if you’re following groups properly.

One aspect I’m particularly excited about is seeing how modern equipment and athlete performance interact with these classic designs. These courses were built in an era of hickory shafts and gutta-percha balls, yet they still challenge today’s bombers. That’s the mark of truly great architecture—timeless design principles that transcend technological changes.

The Australian Open also provides a measuring stick for our local professionals. How do our best stack up against international competition on home soil? It’s one thing to perform on the Australasian circuit; it’s another to contend against players who compete weekly on the PGA and DP World Tours.

From a broader perspective, events like this elevate Australian golf’s profile globally. The Sandbelt courses get international television coverage, showcasing what we already know—that Melbourne’s golf offerings rival anywhere in the world. That exposure benefits the entire industry, from tourism to club memberships.

Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, the 2025 Australian Open should deliver exceptional golf. Two magnificent courses, a quality field, and the unpredictability of spring weather create the perfect recipe for compelling competition. Just hope the weather cooperates enough that we see the courses at their firm, fast best.

I’ll be there with a few mates, probably making terrible predictions and enjoying every minute of world-class golf on world-class courses. See you at Kingston Heath.