ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
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Course Report
Royal Melbourne West’s greens were originally seeded with a unique Sutton’s Mix bentgrass, which the club partially restored in the late 1990s after experimenting with modern strains.
About
Royal Melbourne West is golf stripped to its essence. Wide fairways tempt aggression, but it’s the angles that matter—miss the right side and even a short iron feels impossible. The bunkering is bold yet perfectly natural, cut tight to the greens, forcing you to think two shots ahead. The greens themselves are fast, firm, and full of subtle movement. What makes it magical is the rhythm: one brilliant hole flowing into the next, strategy always at the forefront, never a wasted moment.
Caddie Tip
Accuracy is paramount on approach shots—landing below the hole leaves the best chances, as putts from above the pin are typically treacherous. Off the tee, favor position over distance; fairway width often hides strategic angles, and aggressive play is punished by bunkering or sandy waste.
The Main Challenge
The greatest challenge is mastering the fast, undulating greens surrounded by steep, intimidating bunkers. Approach shots must be extremely precise; anything slightly off line or pace is punished by runoffs, deep sand, or lightning-quick putts. The course demands creative shotmaking, careful planning, and unwavering focus for every hole.
The Good
Golfers rave about the strategic design: wide fairways, sweeping natural contours, and the hallmark sandbelt bunkering deliver constant shotmaking intrigue. The subtle slopes and speed of the greens produce memorable challenges, while the overall ambiance, tradition, and sense of place heighten the experience to a truly world-class level.
The Not So Good
Some visitors note that course access is extremely limited, and members express occasional frustration when major events disrupt play. Because of exclusivity, casual golf travelers cannot experience the course. Maintenance standards are extraordinary but occasionally cause brief turf disruption during topdressing or renovation.
Signature Hole:
#
5
This celebrated one-shotter is considered among the best par threes in the world, playing across a valley to a high, exposed green framed by five deep bunkers. Designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie with input from Alex Russell, the elevated green invites bold tee shots but punishes any miss. Short approaches roll back down the slope while long shots leave a treacherous downhill putt. Its natural presentation, subtle slopes, and sandbelt aesthetics perfectly showcase the unique character of Royal Melbourne and its world-class greens.
Clubhouse
Elegant, historic clubhouse overlooking the famous finishing holes. Facilities include fine dining restaurant, bar, member lounges, locker rooms, event areas, and golf shop. Visitors enjoy exemplary service, comfortable changing facilities, shoe cleaning, and panoramic course views from the sunlit verandah—a perfect end to a round.
Practice Facilities
Full-length driving range, short game area with sandbelt bunkers, large putting greens, and indoor swing analysis facility. The range is conveniently located by the clubhouse and offers both grass and mat options for year-round practice. Ample targets and quality turf give members every chance to work on all aspects of their game.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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