COURSE DETAILS
The Royal Sydney Golf Club is possibly Australia's foremost social and sporting institution. The size of the membership, the location and value of the harbour-side property, the elegance of the clubhouse and its surrounds all contribute to the Club's standing as a prominent organisation. Add to this the quality of the championship golf course, the lawn tennis courts and bowling greens, the number of major tournaments held and the many champions and administrators, have sustained the Club's national and international reputation. On the 2 August, 1993 The Royal Sydney Golf Club celebrated its one hundredth birthday.
Have played Royal Sydney half a dozen times, including Friday 14 December and always enjoy the experience here. For me the real delight is in the Club, particularly the clubhouse and heritage listed locker rooms, and playing in the surroundings as opposed to the course per se. Having said that the course is always in great nick, beutiful fairways and quick and true greens. Remember to bring your bucket and spade as there are bunkers the sizes of small European countires. I think the opening holes are a little disappointing 2-5, but the closing three or four holes, particularly the long par 3 17th and the closing hole approaching the Clubhouse and the himalayan green!
I was fortunate enough to play this course after volunteering for the men’s and ladies Australian Open Championships in 2006/2007. The course certainly was at it’s best. The fairways were in pristine condition (like carpet) the greens firm and quick, but would hold a spinning ball. Unfortunately the day we played the weather treated us to the same conditions as the first day of the men’s tournament – blustery and heavy rain periodically throughout the day.
The thing with this course is to remain within play. Anything straying from the fairway and unless you play a miracle shot out of the trees you are certainly looking at bogey or worse. The greens are very undulating, but true. It does take a good reader of the green to score well here. The bukers are deep (sometimes you can only see the top of the flag) and not too dificult to get out of with good technique.
I have played some of the best tournament courses in Australia and rate Royal Sydney certainly up there amongst them. This is certainly no resort course, but an excellent challenge to your skills as a golfer. If you get a chance to play it then do so and take the opportunity to walk it’s hallowed halls admiring the history in the photographs and other memoribillia.
I had a great time on the course even with the miserable weather conditions.
After playing the first two round of the open at this course, my view changed completely. This is a tough golf course.
It is immaculate and superbly maintained, but during the tournament, the greens were so firm and smooth making for a great week even though the cut was just out of reach. Great Course. Reccomend to any and all who can gain acess. Does get a bit noisy..especially when on the 7th.