Course Review
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 was 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 relation to clubhouses- they were destroyed by fire 4 times!
Renovation
The club commenced a Landscape Rehabilitation and Golf Course Renovation in late 2023 under the watch of internationally acclaimed architect Gil Hanse.
The redevelopment included a net increase of 1592 trees on the property and includes 500,000 native plants, boosting the flora and fauna.
While this is all still growing in, it has given the course a real heathland feel, somewhat similar to the famous London heathlands.
It certainly 'opens up' the course and makes for a better championship golf course, and is a big step forward..
Royal Sydney GC 2026
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 new course will continue to maintain the legend!
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!
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
Notable Holes
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! See Tim Wood's opening tee shot in the final round of the Open in 2008.
Hole 3 - a mid length downhill par 3 to a well bunkered green.
See Tim Wood's tee shot on hole 3 on the final day of the Open in 2008
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
Golf Tours
Sydney is a lovely place to visit, especially if one is fortunate enough to stay near the harbour.
It is a golfing destination with character and boasts Royal Sydney, New South Wales, The Lakes, The Australian and more.
The Travelling Golfer can organise golf tours to Sydney for you.
The Travelling Golfer specialises in small group tours and customised self-led tours. We are based in Melbourne Australia and have over 35 years experience organising golf tours to places throughout the world.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
