Golf courses weaving in and out of a horse racing track are a rare breed and one of them is Alexandra Golf Club in north-eastern Victoria, about two hours' drive from Melbourne.
Shortly after the first Melbourne lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, we went to check out the course and discovered a fascinating rural layout which shares space with the Alexandra Racing Club.
The many red gums framing the fairways are a highlight while the presence of the race track certainly provides a point of difference.
The locals affectionately refer to their course as 'Alex' Golf Club and it has featured 18 holes since 1936.
"If your ball lands on the race course, you can hit off it," said Alexandra's ladies captain, Helen Findlay.
"If it's the racing season between October and March, you're not allowed to hit off it."
Like most regional golf courses, Alexandra features an honesty box where golfers can deposit their green fees on non-competition days.
"I think the scenery is probably the best part of Alex Golf Club, lots of beautiful old gum trees around to look at," said club member Jenny Fisher.
"And when it's wet, we have lots of water in our dams to see."
