The Open Course is fittingly designed by five-time Open Champion, Peter Thompson in 2001. Thompson proclaimed the setting as "Some of the finest golfing land to be found in Australia." Contrasting the Legends Course, the Open Course is designed to test the games very best players. The layout would be put to the test at a championship, hosting an Australian Open in 2003 and again in 2005. Thompson described the course from the championship markers as a "Laviathan," measuring total of 6,783 meters.
Much like The Legends course, the layout has been routed along the rolling sand dunes that have been naturally created over hundreds of years. As its name suggestest, the Open Course is exposed to the elements which creates a significant challenge on windy days that are typical of the Mornington Peninsula area.
The Open Course is a mighty and ferocious test of golfing ability, the likes of which even the top pros only occasionally experience. For the club golfer, a score equal to their handicap should be considered a good day, particulalry in challenging conditions. Alternative tee postions make the course more accessible for higher handicap players.