Located along the Yarra river, only 5km east of the CBD, Burnley attracts 40,000 visitors a year on average and is ranked among Australia's top 20 busiest 9-hole courses. The 32 acre course is great for beginner golfers, but it's tough, undulating greens also provide a challenge for the more experienced player. It is known for its relaxed and inclusive culture and value.

Current visitors to Burnley are made up of 65% casual players and 35% are Yarra Leisure members. Of the total rounds played 10% are played by the social clubs. The largest percentage (25%) of players are Yarra residents. A large number come from nearby suburbs outside of Yarra and many from right across metropolitan Melbourne. This includes a number of not-for profit community groups engaging in our community games.

Current offerings

Club and cart hire, lessons, custom club fitting, practice facilities and BBQ facilities are all currently available at the course.

Subsidised course fees are available through Yarra Leisure membership, to not for profit community groups, seniors, juniors (students and under 18) and health care care card holders.

The social clubs

The two clubs associated with Burnley Golf Course have a combined membership of around 200. They welcome new members and play competition mid week and Saturdays.

Burnley Golf Club (mixed)

Established in 2007 the Burnley Golf Club was formed by a group of social golfers with the aim of playing competitive golf in an enjoyable club atmosphere. The club offers the competitions below with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, longest drive awards for men and women and nearest to pin on three holes.

  • Saturday morning commencing 7:30 am every week
  • Thursday morning commencing 9:15 am every week

The club also offers:

  • 3 Victorian Golf League (VGL)pennant teams;
  • Scratch VGL pennant team Division 1
  • Handicap VGL pennant team Division 5
  • Seniors VGL pennant team

The club has also run 6 charity events in last 6 years raising approximately $12,000

Burnley Women's Golf Club

A friendly and welcoming club and a member of the Victorian Golf League. Members are active and enthusiastic playing regular 9-hole and 18-hole competitions on Tuesdays. Some members also play socially on Friday mornings, then share an informal morning tea. Other social events such as Nine and Dine events and a Guest Day add to the friendly environment. Visitors are welcome to participate in the Tuesday competition.

The club fields teams in the Pennant Competition organised by the VGL and in November each year, BWGC holds a golfing weekend away providing an opportunity for members to get to know each other better and to play several rounds of golf.

A bit of the history...

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    1970

    Burnley Golf Course is opened by Richmond Council

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    1999

    Monash city link freeway opened directly adjacent to the course

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    2005

    Since taking back direct management of the course council has consistently received high customer satisfaction ratings. A number of improvements have been introduced including:

    • upgraded toilets and club rooms
    • installation of safety nets
    • replacement of all greens with championship standard greens
    • automatic irrigation system
    • refurbishment of all bunkers


  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    2010

    What began with a pilot program with indigenous men in Fitzroy transformed into a program that became available to a range of not for profit community groups

    This program has since run 2185 rounds for some of the most disadvantaged groups in our community

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    2012

    Council made changes to the alignment to help mitigate safety risks introducing a new tee on the 3rd hole, shortening the 7th hole, removing some bunkers and installing new bunkers

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    2019

    Council again introduced changes to mitigate the safety risk to arrive at the current temporary model of 9 holes (6 par 4s and 3 par 3s)

  • Timeline item 7 - active

    2020

    This year Burnley celebrates a 50 year anniversary