Royal Sydney GC

Royal Sydney GC- hole 18

 History

 

The Club dates from 1893, but only moved to it's current site in Rose Bay in 1922.

Unusually for such a decorated club and course, there is no one architect or driving force that appears to have made a lasting impact on the design of the course- rather it appears that the course evolved over time as the handiwork of many contributors.

However the club does have a well documented history in realtion to clubhouses- they were destroyed by fire 4 times.

 

Championships

 

Royal Sydney has hosted many championships over the years including The Australian Open 15 times, and the Women's Australian Open just once

 

Course

 

There are two courses at Royal Sydney with the 9 hole Centenary course sited adjacent to the championship course.

The Championship course is a stern test of golf, and although not overly long is heavily bunkered and treed- and favours the straight hitter.

The site was over planted with malaleucas in the 1940's on the belief that many would not survive, and the end result is very pleasant , but densely vegetated parkland course .

At the time of writing a Gil Hanse redesign is waiting on local council approval and is scheduled to take place between April 2021 & 2022.

 

Royal Sydney GC- Gil Hanse redesign

 

The changes will put an emphasis on the local heathland vegetation, and a strategic golf course.

It is an exciting upgrade!

 

Notable holes include:

 

hole 1- the opening hole is a short driveable par 4, protected by clusters of fairway bunkers at different lengths, and a well bunkered green with ample movement.

It demands your attention!

 

 

hole 3- a mid length downhill par 3 to a well bunkered green

 

 

hole 6- an attractive, tight par 3 with some dangerous pin positions..

 

 

hole 7- a twisting, rolling par 5 where the bunkering dominates- you need to plot your way down this hole!

hole 8- a short par 4 with an elevated green and nowhere to miss. You definitely can't go long!

hole 14- a long testing par 3

 

 

hole 17- the final par 3 is the 'crowd hole' at championships surrounded by stands.

It is a relatively long approach to a tricky green

hole 18- the 'home' hole is a relatively tight dog leg to a grand finish in front of the clubhouse

 

Royal Sydney GC- Tim Wood plays the final hole of The Australian Open 

Royal Sydney is one of the best sporting facilities in Australia with over 6000 members. They can access tennis courts, croquet and bowling greens, swimming pools, a magnificent old clubhouse and a nine hole course to complement the Championship course. For those fortunate enough to stay in house the clubhouse is very comfortable with fine dining, gymnasium and billards room

The course is nicely maintained, a good test of golf, and a joy to play

And if the Gil Hanse plans are brought to fruition in 2023, it will be even better..