Royal Melbourne Golf Club, founded in 1891, is the oldest golf club in Australia and the unquestionable jewel of the world-renowned Melbourne Sandbelt region. Its legendary status is largely due to the work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie, whose revolutionary design principles resulted in one of the finest and most influential courses globally. It is famous for its Composite Course, combining the best holes of the West and East courses to create a challenging and strategically brilliant major championship test.
The Golf Courses
Royal Melbourne operates two highly-regarded 18-hole courses: the storied West Course and the demanding East Course, which are often combined for major events.
- The West Course (MacKenzie’s Masterpiece): Designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1926, the West Course is consistently ranked among the top courses in the world. It features bold bunkering, dramatic contours, and firm, fast greens that demand precise shot-making and strategic thinking.
- The East Course: Designed by Alex Russell, the East Course complements the West with its own set of challenging features and excellent Sandbelt conditions.
- The Composite Course: The official configuration used for nearly all major professional tournaments. It selects 12 holes from the West Course and 6 from the East Course to create a composite 18-hole championship layout.
Major Championship History
Royal Melbourne has hosted more international championship events than any other course in Australia.
- The Presidents Cup: Royal Melbourne has hosted The Presidents Cup three times (1998, 2011, and 2019). The 1998 event remains the only time the International team has defeated the U.S. team.
- The World Cup of Golf
- : The club has hosted the World Cup of Golf on multiple occasions, most recently in 2013.
- Australian Open: Royal Melbourne has hosted the Australian Open numerous times, with the championship rotating across its various courses and the Composite layout.
Club Overview
Established: 1891
Location: Black Rock, Victoria, Australia (Melbourne Sandbelt)
Course Architects: Alister MacKenzie (West Course); Alex Russell (East Course & Composite routing)
Address: Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193, Australia
How to Get to Royal Melbourne Golf Club
The club is situated in the affluent Sandbelt suburbs south-east of Melbourne’s city center, easily accessible via air and road.
- By Air:
- Melbourne Airport (MEL): The main international and domestic airport, located approximately a 45-60 minute drive from the club via the M1 freeway.
- By Car & Parking:
- The club is located in the suburb of Black Rock.
- On-site parking is available for members and their invited guests.
- By Public Transport:
- The club is accessible via Melbourne’s extensive public transport system (trains and trams), followed by a short taxi ride or walk.
Playing at Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Royal Melbourne is a highly exclusive and private club. Public access is extremely restricted, and the experience is often limited to international visitors with reciprocal rights.
- Visitor Tee Times: The club does not offer packages or public visitor tee times. Play is generally reserved for members and their accompanied guests.
- Green Fees: Green fees are not published, as access is restricted to members and international guests with reciprocal club privileges.
- Note: Play is required to be walking-only on the championship course, honoring the tradition of the game. Caddies are highly recommended.
Where to stay near Royal Melbourne Golf Club
The club does not offer on-site accommodation, but the surrounding areas provide excellent luxury options.
- Nearby Towns/Suburbs:
- Black Rock/Sandringham: The immediate vicinity offers boutique accommodation and proximity to the beautiful Port Phillip Bay coastline.
- Brighton: An affluent suburb offering high-end hotels and easy access to the Sandbelt courses.
- Melbourne CBD: Staying in the city center (approx. 30-minute drive) offers access to five-star hotels, world-class dining, and cultural attractions.
- Booking Tips:
- Reciprocal Rights: If you are a member of an international club, check immediately if your club has a reciprocal agreement with Royal Melbourne. This is the primary way for overseas visitors to gain access.
- Advance Booking: Accommodation in the Sandbelt suburbs is highly sought after, so book well in advance, especially during Australian summer (December–February).
- Use Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Royal Melbourne Golf Club
Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Sports Tourist