Crafted by Dr Alister Mackenzie in 1926, during his one and only visit Down Under, and first played in 1931, the West Course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club is generally acknowledged as the best course in Australia.
The Club itself has existed continuously from 1891 and is regarded as the oldest golf club in Australia.
While the course lacks a single water hazard, its stylishly crafted and strategically placed bunkers and fast, contoured greens require precise shots.
A highlight is the par-3 fifth hole, which has a devilish false front.
The course is not suitable for high handicap players or beginners. The maximum handicap applying for men is 26 and for women is 32.
With less dramatic terrain than the West Course, the East Course (created in 1932) offers fine bunkering, green complexes and shot values, which are equally irresistible.
The Composite Course was created in 1959 when Royal Melbourne was asked to hold the Canada Cup (now the World Cup) and consists of 12 holes from the West Course and six holes from the East Course.
Since then, the Composite Course has been the site for many international tournaments and is regularly rated in the world's top ten courses.
Reserving tee-time – The Royal Melbourne is a private golf club, however visitors from interstate and overseas who belong to a golf club may play on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays subject to availability.
A letter of introduction from the secretary of the home golf club is required once your reservation has been confirmed. Only one course may be played on each day. Unfortunately, the Composite Course is not available.
Course type – Private (but visitors welcome), 36 holes
Scorecard – West Course 6589 yards, par 72; East Course 6566 yards, par 71; and the Composite Course 7002 yards, par 72
Green fees – AUD750 for the West Course; and AUD550 for the East Course – plus caddy at AUD140.
Year built – 1926
Designer – Dr Alister MacKenzie (with Alex Russell and Mick Morcom)
Facilities – Club hire available from the pro shop for AUD50, caddy AUD140 (exclusive of optional tip), full bar with snack kitchen facilities
Course info – www.royalmelbourne.com.au
Accommodation – Melbourne offers a discerning selection of accommodation to suit all travellers
Best time to play Royal Melbourne – Year-round, but best from October to July, with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and an average of 23°C (73°F) in summer from December through January. Note: Melbourne’s weather can be fickle.
Location – Royal Melbourne is 20km (12mi) south of Melbourne
Other activities – Cycling and walking along the banks of the Yarra River and exploring fashionable Melbourne – one of Australia’s favourite cities for wining, dining and shopping.
Melbourne – With its vibrant energy, staggering choice of restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, luscious parks and village-like inner suburbs, Melbourne is a city that offers myriad choices for anyone looking to inject some serious fun into their holiday.
You’ll find public art where you least expect it, café society reminiscent of Europe and a treasure trove of surprises. More about Melbourne…
Mornington Peninsula – For an escape from Melbourne, take a drive down to the Mornington Peninsula, which curves lazily southwards from Melbourne along Port Phillip Bay, past bush land, pastures, hills, vineyards, lively local markets, national parks, seaside villages and beautiful beaches.
Go sailing, scuba diving, fishing or sea kayaking. Walk or bike for kilometres along coastal trails, through national parks and on peaceful country lanes.
Latest update: West Course, Royal Melbourne Golf Club: 26 April, 2022
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