The acclaimed and award winning Growling Frog Golf Course is a testament to the staff at the City of Whittlesea.
“Using internal staff resources has been the key to its success,” said Director Infrastructure and Technology, Neill Hocking. “The work on the golf course has encompassed many areas of Council, ranging from parks through to marketing.”
Whittlesea Mayor Sam Alessi said that the exceptional standard of contributions from all areas of Council has seen the realisation of the City of Whittlesea’s long term vision to create a world class public access golfing facility that complements the environment.
The recent United Nations International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom), resulted in a gold award and equal winner in the project category, Natural Award, for developing a golf course that helps preserve and enhance the natural environment. LivCom is the most prestigious international awards competition focusing on best practice in the management of the local environment.
Located just 30 kilometres north of Melbourne in Yan Yean, the Growling Frog Golf Course takes its distinctive name from the indigenous growling grass frog. Its habitats have been protected and even enhanced throughout the development of the course with the creation of wetland areas and planting of indigenous trees. The use of recycled water and innovative design that protects local flora and fauna add to its environmental credentials.
The recently opened complex combines a beautifully crafted course, the first in Victoria to be designed by golfing legend Graham Marsh, and top class facilities. The 18 hole, par 72 course is set on 280 acres of picturesque, gently undulating land; more than twice the area of many Melbourne courses. It features a purpose designed driving range, practice putting green, and a green dedicated to chipping, pitching and bunker play.
Growling Frog Golf Professional, Wayne Rogers, one of Victoria’s most experienced and highly regarded golf professionals, is looking forward to helping establish the Growling Frog as one of the foremost public golf courses in Australia, and a renowned teaching facility.
“With this outstanding golf facility on their doorstep, it is not hard to imagine many local youngsters discovering the joys of golf,” he said. “Maybe a champion of the future, even the next Adam Scott or Aaron Baddeley, will emerge from the City of Whittlesea.”
The Growling Frog Restaurant offers modern dining in a stunning natural setting.
Perched high above the golf course as part of the architect designed clubhouse, the 100 seat restaurant has breathtaking views across the entire course and of the Great Dividing Range. The spectacular River Red Gums, many of which are over 300 years old, also help to make this one of Australia’s most picturesque courses.
