Peninsula Kingswood History

The formation of Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club stemmed from the merger of Peninsula Country Golf Club and Kingswood Golf Club in September 2013.

This amalgamation served as a catalyst for Peninsula Kingswood to establish itself as a premier Private Club, committed to delivering unparalleled Sandbelt golf experiences complemented by state-of-the-art facilities and a solid foundation of financial security.

Construction of the new clubhouse commenced in mid-late 2016, and in May 2019, Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club held its official grand opening.

Both prestigious in their own rights, a brief history from Kingswood Golf Club and Peninsula Country Golf Club can be found below.

Peninsula History

Whilst the Peninsula Country Golf Club opened in 1925, planning first began in 1922 when an organisation called Tower Golf House Co. Ltd. issued a prospectus outlining plans to establish a residential golf house. The purpose was to acquire 450 acres at Frankston to create an 18-hole course plus a 9-hole course for women! The house on the property was called the Tower House (pictured right). It was difficult to raise the capital to buy the land but eventually in December 1923 the Tower Golf House opened for business.

In a comparatively short time, an 11-hole links was made available, along with a putting green, tennis courts and croquet lawn, garages and a professional’s house. A small group took the initial steps to acquire the property for the purpose of establishing a private country golf club. Eventually the club was to be known as The Peninsula Country Golf Club. The foundation members took over the existing clubhouse on New Year’s Day 1925. The final 7 holes were completed 18 months later, and the first day of play on the full course took place on 25th September 1926.

A plantation fund was established in 1929. This led to the cultivation of native shrubs and trees around the course, which brought the wonderful bird life which abounds today. In 1946 construction on the 9-hole course was suspended during the war, but was eventually resumed and completed in 1948. In the early 1960’s a decision was made to build a new clubhouse at the present location, and to create two 18-hole courses. The new clubhouse was officially opened on 22 July 1967. The Club’s Founders and pioneering members are remembered, in perpetuity, by the various golf trophies named in their honour.

Kingswood History

Kingswood Golf Club had its origins back in 1904 as the Dandenong Golf Club, leasing a number of properties in the Dandenong area. In June 1920, a General Meeting was held to discuss the prospect of establishing an 18 hole course, after which, John Hemmings indicated that his property could be leased. However in 1922, John Hemmings died at the age of 84, requiring the Club to negotiate with the executors of the estate. The Club offered to purchase the land at 45 pounds per acre, but the trustees wanted 60 pounds, so instead the lease continued.

In 1931, at a Special General Meeting, the Club changed its name from Dandenong to Kingswood because the Club had become known as Kingswood from the time it had moved onto the Hemmings property. As the Club membership was growing rapidly, the Gartsides raised the idea of shifting the Club from Dandenong to Dingley, and offered the land near their cannery for lease. This proposal was discussed by Committee, but it wasn’t until 1935 that the proposal was considered viable. Members voted at a Special General Meeting to grant authority to the Committee to proceed with arrangements to move. This gave Kingswood the security it had never experienced before.

The Club settled on its new home in 1937 on 120 acres of undulating market garden land, in what is now the world-renowned Sandbelt region. Leading golf course architects of the day M.A. & V. Morcom designed a golf course that was then the second longest course in Australia at 6,707 yards. A number of changes took place over the ensuing years with architectural “contributions” made by Thompson and Wolveridge, Grant and Spencer, Kevin Hartley, E & G Parslow, as well as four holes which were designed by Tony Cashmore.

Pictured left: Kingswood clubhouse 1942.

Tin Shedders (History of Kingswood 1904-2004)