GSM Golf Courses Shine in Golf Australia’s 2025 Public Course Rankings
The highly anticipated Golf Australia Top 100 Public Access Course Rankings for 2025 have been revealed, and GSM Golf is once again proud to see its venues recognised among the country’s best.
At the top of the rankings, St Andrews Beach Golf Course has retained its place as the highest-ranked public access golf course on the Australian mainland, while Growling Frog Golf Course continues its steady rise, now reaching its highest-ever position at #74.

St Andrews Beach: Australia’s Best Mainland Public Golf Course
Few courses in Australia hold their position as firmly as St Andrews Beach, which has again been ranked #4 in the nation. The Tom Doak-designed layout continues to impress with its world-class routing, strategic bunkering, and seamless integration into the coastal dunes of the Mornington Peninsula.
Now complemented by The Glasshouse, the new clubhouse that opened in late 2024, the venue offers an enhanced experience both on and off the course. The addition of a modern café and retail space ensures that golfers can now enjoy a more complete destination experience.
Golf Australia’s judging panel praised St Andrews Beach, stating:
“A fine example of how far the quality of Australian public course architecture has risen.” – Mike Clayton
“Challenging and beautifully manicured Sandbelt course which takes in all the undulations of being so close to the Coast.” – Wayne Jameson
“Playing this course is always a pleasure. Tom Doak’s design is a masterpiece, offering a unique experience with creative land undulations and shared fairways. A joy to play.” – Oscar Morrison
“An amazing test around the green which would challenge most top professionals. Like the best links courses, you battle the wind, but the stunning landscape allows you to play the ball low and use the contours to your advantage.” – Justin Avendano
With consistently firm and fast playing conditions, a pure links-style layout, and a stunning natural setting, St Andrews Beach remains a bucket-list venue for both local and international golfers.
St Andrews Beach Golf Course
Address: 209 Sandy Rd, Fingal VIC 3941
Website: www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au
Phone: (03) 5988 6000

Growling Frog Continues Its Climb in National Rankings
For the fourth consecutive ranking cycle, Growling Frog Golf Course has moved higher up the standings, now reaching its highest-ever position at #74 in the 2025 rankings. Since GSM Golf took over management, the Graham Marsh-designed course has improved its position every single year, reflecting ongoing enhancements to course conditioning, facilities, and the overall player experience.
Set within a picturesque Australian bushland landscape, Growling Frog is now widely regarded as one of the best-value public golf courses in Victoria. Recent investments in state-of-the-art GPS golf carts, driving range upgrades, and continued course improvements have strengthened its reputation.
Judges noted the course’s unique layout and high-quality playing surfaces, commenting:
“Growling Frog has some really cool holes – the hairpin loop of the par-4 4th, par-3 5th and par-4 6th is a good example – and interesting green complexes where expansive bunkers, mounds and swales co-exist. The high quality of the bentgrass greens is also of note.” – Tristan Holmes.
“A beautiful Australian setting for golf just a short drive out of Melbourne to the north. Magnificent old red river gums and huge eucalypts dot the Graham Marsh-designed course, which has been created with golfers of all standards in mind.” – James Walsh.
As Growling Frog continues its upward trajectory, GSM Golf remains focused on ensuring it delivers one of the best public golf experiences in the region.
Growling Frog Golf Course
Address: 1910 Donnybrook Rd, Yan Yean VIC 3755
Website: www.growlingfroggolf.com.au
Phone: (03) 9716 3477
The full Golf Australia Top 100 Public Access Course Rankings for 2025 can be found on the Golf Australia website.
For more information or to book a round, visit:
📍 St Andrews Beach Golf Course – www.standrewsbeachgolf.com.au
📍 Growling Frog Golf Course – www.growlingfroggolf.com.au
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