Northern Golf Club

Parkland championship layout lined with century-old red gums, north of Melbourne

Northern Golf Club is a private 18-hole parkland course in Glenroy, Victoria, just north of Melbourne, playing to a par of 67 over 5,927 metres. Designed by Sam Bennet and Jack English, the course was originally established in 1896 as Essendon Golf Club before relocating to Glenroy in 1912, and is set over 55 hectares featuring 57 bunkers, 11 water hazards and fairways lined with 100-year-old red river gums. Facilities include a driving range, putting green, short-game practice area, pro shop, restaurant and dining, coaching, cart and club hire, and parking.

Players consistently describe Northern as a well-kept "hidden gem" in Melbourne's north, with several likening its medium bunkering and firm, tight fairways to a sandbelt-style test. The greens draw particular praise for their exceptional conditioning — firm, fast and deceptively challenging despite a friendly first impression. Reviewers regularly single out the proper full driving range and approachable PGA coaching staff, with junior clinics and lessons earning warm recommendations. There's also a strong sense of a welcoming members' community, with visitors noting friendly hosts and easy booking. The overall reputation is of a polished, attentively maintained course that rewards thoughtful play, especially around the well-guarded greens.