PLAYING THE GAME

One of the biggest issues facing parents wanting to get their children involved with golf is finding suitable facilities and/or access.

SAJG runs its program of events across a wide range of golf courses and facilities and prides itself on the quality of golf experience it offers.

In general there are 3 types of golf facility where golf is practised and/or played:

Golf Driving Ranges...Public Golf Courses...Private Golf Clubs

Golf Driving Ranges

	Golf driving ranges provide public access for all. They are facilities where you can purchase a quantity of balls and hit them at your leisure, normally within designated hitting bays (like in the photo). There are many such facilities scattered across Melbourne and country areas and they provide an ideal way to hone your golfing skills.
	Some ranges also have dedicated chipping, putting and bunker areas and also grass teeing areas. Golf coaching often forms an integral part of the golf driving range, with specialist coaches resident there.

Public Golf Courses

These golf courses are often called "pay for play courses". Course access fees or "Green Fees" are payable prior to playing. Most councils in and around Melbourne have a public golf course as part of their recreation facilities to rate payers. In saying that, anyone is welcome to play.

These courses vary greatly in quality, condition and cost. Some are 9 holes, but most are 18. Most have a junior green fee rate, generally around half of the adult rate. Many public golf courses are very busy, so it may be in your best interest to book a tee time prior to play.

There are a number of golf course guides available from newsagents and book stores that list all the course details and fees. Additionally, a number of golf websites list the same information.

Private Golf Clubs

Private golf clubs are restricted for play to members and their guests. Most clubs charge a joining fee and an annual subscription, which then entitles the member to play on the course.

Most private clubs have a junior category of membership and some have a cadet membership category for younger children.

Private golf clubs also vary greatly, from very accessible to very exclusive. In saying that, many clubs are currently actively seeking members, so it may pay to look at a club's website or make contact with the club's management if you want to enquire about membership.

No matter where you play, golf is a most enjoyable and rewarding leisure pursuit. Australia is very lucky that it has such a great array of golf courses at very reasonable rates by world standards.

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