Royal Park Golf Club 1941

Est. 1903

Situated in picturesque Royal Park, the course is both attractive and challenging, only 3 kms from the city, with the honour of being possibly the only golf course with a tram and train line running through it. The Club has been the nursery for many golfers who went on to make a mark in the golfing world, including Peter Thomson (club champion at the age of 16, in 1945) who won the British Open 5 times, Gus Jackson and Mick Ryan. Peter and Mick were both included in the VGA's Victorian Team of the Century in 2002.

Club Patron ~ Peter Thomson

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History of the Royal Park Golf Club
1941 - 1950

Peter Thomson, aged 16.
Peter Thomson, soon after winning theClub Championship in 1945.
Photograph reproduced with permission from the Herald and Weekly Times.

1946 Constitution and Rules book
Copy of 1946 Constitution and Rules kindly donated to the club by Mr. Frank Flowers.

During the Second World War, on the recommendation of the Defence authorities, servicemen were charged 1/- per round green fees on weekdays, and 2/6 on Sundays. Previous to this they were not charged.

To provide members with a constant supply of golf balls during war time shortages of rubber, the committee purchased £50 worth of balls, which proved to be "a wise move".*

Peter Thomson (aged 13) was admitted as a junior member in April 1942.

In 1945 Peter Thomson, then aged 16, won the Club championship, President's Trophy, and the Foursomes Championship with R. Empey.

In 1946 Club fees were raised to:

Members-Entrance to £10/10/-, Subscription to £5/5/-
Associates-Entrance to £5/5/-, Subscription to £3/3/-
Practice members - Entrance to £5/5/-, Subscription to £3/3/-

Amendments were made to the constitution, which was printed in its revised form and distributed to members.

At the end of the Second World War, there was an increase in the use of the golf course and the Club spent £1358 on alterations, maintenance and wages during the year.

A Special AGM was held in June 1948, to discuss obtaining more land for the extension of the course to 18 holes. A majority of members voted for a motion to abandon further efforts to enlarge the course.

The introduction of the 40-hour working week again increased the use of the course, especially by green fee players.

After a sub-committee meeting of the Parks, Gardens & Recreation Committee of the Melbourne City Council in 1950, it was decided to review the Club's involvement in the running of the golf course. The Club submitted its case to Council and was allowed to continue control of the course, with an increase in rental to £350 per annum. No lease was given as security of tenure, but Council promised that if the Committee desired to terminate the Club's occupancy of the Park, reasonable notice would be given.

Membership numbers cited in the Club's report to council indicated that there were 180 male members and 170 female members.

*Excerpt from The History of the Royal Park Golf Club by L.A. Hoy, 1950.