Practice & Improvement
At Woodlands, we believe practice should be as stimulating as the course itself. Our facilities are designed not just to warm up your swing, but to sharpen your thinking, preparing you for the strategic demands of a layout that rewards intelligence and precision.
Coaching is available seven days a week. Non-members are welcome.
Practice Facilities
Everything you need to prepare for a Sandbelt round, and then some.
Targeted Driving Range
Three target greens modelled after our most challenging holes — the 7th, 17th, and the famous tabletop 4th. Rehearse the specific shots you’ll face on the course, not generic ones.
Precision Short Game
Our newly designed short-game area features a green that rivals the best on the Sandbelt — firm, fast surfaces and challenging pin positions that mirror the demands of the course.
Chipping, Pitching & Putting
Dedicated areas for every aspect of the short game, including two putting greens — all maintained to championship standards year-round.
The Centenary 19th
Tom Doak’s Centenary Hole can be used for coaching and warm-up — a genuinely unique practice facility found at virtually no other club in the world.
Undercover Teaching
All-weather coaching with lighting for evening sessions. A grassed practice teeing area is available year-round, with mats used during winter months.
The Course Itself
The ultimate practice facility. At Woodlands, even a regular round is a masterclass in course management on one of the Sandbelt’s most strategically demanding layouts.
The Coaching Team
Our PGA professionals don’t just teach a swing — they teach course management, helping you navigate the strategy of an iconic Sandbelt layout.
Steve Horstmann
Head Teaching Professional
PGA Advanced Coach. TPI Certified. Head Teaching Professional at Woodlands since 2010.
Steve works with golfers of all ages and abilities — from absolute beginners to full-time tour professionals — with a particular passion for developing junior golfers. He is also the Golf Coach of the Parkdale Secondary College Elite Sports Program.
Prior to coaching, Steve played pennant for Woodlands (1997–2000) before completing his PGA traineeship and becoming a full PGA member in 2004. He has since played on the PGA Tour Australasia and in tournaments overseas, and brings that competitive experience directly into his coaching.
Steve uses Trackman launch monitor technology in all lessons and holds additional certifications as a TPI golf fitness coach, Sam Putt Lab Level 1 instructor, and U.S. Kids Golf coach.
0402 752 065
Ben Bunny
Senior Teaching Professional
PGA Advanced Coach. TPI Certified. Swing Catalyst Certified. All Abilities accredited.
Ben had a distinguished amateur and professional career, turning professional in 2004 and playing on the Australasian and Canadian Tours through 2009 — with highlights including the 2006 and 2007 British Open Championships. He continues to compete in PGA pro-ams around the country.
Ben is proficient with the latest coaching technology: Trackman, Flightscope, CAPTO Putting, and ground-force pressure plate analysis (Bodtrak/Swing Catalyst). He brings over twenty years of worldwide golfing experience to every lesson.
Ben is available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and is also involved in pennant training and development programmes.
0438 369 366
Lesson Fees
Non-members are welcome. Please view dress regulations before your visit.
Lesson vouchers can be purchased from the Pro Shop on (03) 9580 1157 — also available by phone and email, making them the perfect gift.
Adult Lessons
30 minutes — $70
60 minutes — $120
Adult Packages
5 × 30 minutes — $315
5 × 60 minutes — $550
Junior Lessons
30 minutes — $50
60 minutes — $100
On-Course Lesson
2 hours — $250
The ultimate way to work on course management on the course that demands it.
Junior Development
Woodlands has a proud history of developing junior golfers. Nathan Holman, Stephen Allan, Brad Lamb, Margaret Masters, and Julienne Soo all started here. The next one might too.
After-School Programs
Held each school term for beginner and intermediate juniors — boys and girls — involving 60 to 80 participants per term. The ideal starting point.
Holiday Programs
Run every school holiday period — Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10am to 2pm. Lunch and equipment provided. On-course play subject to availability.
Next program: April 2026.
Elite Sports Program
Woodlands is the coaching base for the Parkdale Secondary College Elite Sports Program, with 10 to 15 students participating each year.
Junior Pennant
Teams compete in Golf Victoria Junior Pennant across two divisions. Five consecutive Sunday matches in October and November, with finals in December. Weekly training from July/August with our Head Teaching Professional.
Sub-Junior Membership — $450/year
The first step on the pathway. Once our coaches assess that a child has the capacity and knowledge of rules and etiquette to play the course, they are invited to join.
Access to the course after 3:30pm, seven days
Free range balls and full access to practice facilities
A free quarterly private lesson
$50 discount on regular term golf clinics
Participation in Junior Pennant
Entry fees covered for a select group of Golf Australia Junior events
Junior Membership — Full Playing Rights
Seven-day access to the course, including eligibility for Club Competitions and a GA handicap.
Seven-day course access, including Club Competitions
Opportunity to hold a GA handicap
Free range balls and full access to practice facilities
A free quarterly private lesson
$50 discount on regular term golf clinics
Participation in Junior Pennant — and, depending on handicap, eligibility for Colts, Senior, and Women’s Pennant
Entry fees covered for a select group of Golf Australia Junior events
