Officially opened in October 2017, Cathedral Lodge is an 18-hole private golf club around two hours north-east of Melbourne. Developed by businessman David Evans on property at Thornton near Lake Eildon, the course was designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design and modelled on the high-end service and privacy of many private clubs that Evans had enjoyed on golfing trips to the USA.

Given similar landscapes and the exclusive nature of this design, comparisons with the Ellerston Golf Course in New South Wales seem inevitable. Greg Norman himself is on record comparing the two, and says that while Ellerston remains his favourite design in Australia for now, Cathedral Lodge could surpass it.

Said Norman to Melbourne radio station MMM in early 2017, “Ellerston is a gem that I built because the late Kerry Packer wanted a one or two-tee golf course where you had to play exceptionally well just to score. You don’t get an opportunity to do that very often. But Cathedral Lodge just may tip the scales and take No.1 spot away from Ellerston.”

Memberships to Cathedral Lodge Golf Club is by invitation only and will be capped at 150 families. With no unaccompanied play the club will be very exclusive. By all accounts the property is attractive, and the golf course sure to impress those looking for a private experience away from the busier Melbourne clubs.