Axedale Golf Course is a picturesque 18 hole layout that is commonly referred to as “Bendigo’s hidden treasure”. You don’t need to be the longest hitter but if you’re not straight from the tee you will certainly pay the price.

The course plays 5290 metres from the black markers and is par 69; 4840 metres and par 70 from the front (red) tees. The three par fives (black) are long and the six par threes all have their unique challenges. All but two greens are protected by bunkers that are maintained in excellent condition.

The course was converted from sand scrapes to bent grass greens over a two-year period based on Kevin Hartley’s design and was officially opened as a full grass green course in 1996.

Hole 1: 128m par 3 black, 128m par 3 red.

A short to mid-iron away, this is a gentle, unthreatening entree to your round … or is it? Just make sure you’re not swallowed by the bunkers guarding both front edges and you should make par, or perhaps even a confidence-building birdie. Don’t drift too far left whatever you do!

Hole 3: 240m par 4 black, 240m par 4 red.

A picturesque and disarmingly simple downhill par 4, the third requires a precision drive down the right side. Too straight and your ball will be fed left into trouble, costing a chip to safety. From fairway central it’s a delicate pitch to a generous but well-bunkered green. Birdie chance.

Hole 5: 295m par 4 black, 290m par 4 red.

The fairway is straight and wide, but two bunkers will catch drives that drift right. The green is protected by bunkers either side. Big hitters should look for birdie.

Hole 7: 524m par 5 black, 444m par 5 red.

A cut lunch and a water bag are needed to traverse this monster, which draws to its bunkered conclusion on the banks of the Campaspe River more than half a kilometre from the tee. Out-of-bounds to the left as the fairway narrows towards the green. Before hitting off 8, take a peek at the river bend to see if you can spot a yellow belly or even a platypus.

Hole 9: 335m par 4 black, 323m par 4 red.

From yet another elevated tee, players must drive confidently to clear the creek and position well for the up-hill approach to a sloping green. Nine plays every centimetre of its length and par is a good return.

‘Across the road’ – Holes 11-15.

The five holes on the upper section of the course all slope towards the road, putting a premium on precision hitting. ‘Aim high’ should be your motto.

Hole 11: 332m par 4 black, 265m par 4 red.

A gentle curve to the right to an elevated green. The bunker on the right can sometimes be a blessing lest you career downhill towards out of bounds. Play with care and you’ll be fine.

Hole 13: 518m par 5 black, 415m par 5 red.

The fairway slopes dramatically to the left, so make sure you ‘hit high’. A hundred metres out from the green the fairway constricts and doglegs right. The long narrow green is deceptively tricky to read, making par a good return.

Hole 15: 410m par 4 black, 398m par 5 red.

Arguably the most charming hole on the course, the 15th is also one of the most challenging with its sharp dogleg left and long downhill approach to a unique, sunken and blind green. Don’t be fooled into thinking your approach will roll downhill to the green; the grass immediately in front of the green is cut longish to pull up inadequate shots. After holing out, cross the bridge and follow the path up the hill and back over the road to 16.

Hole 17: 373m par 4 black, 364m par 4 red.

This is one majestic golf hole, the hardest Axedale has to offer. First thread your drive through a narrow opening – creek on left, red gums guarding the right – to an expansive fairway. Long hitters will not hesitate to carry ‘that creek again’ to reach an elevated green. Mere mortals will choose to lay up short of the creek and bank on a good third shot in. Getting on is one thing, getting in quite another – 17’s green is a slippery slope for the careless. Par is excellent; bogey acceptable.