Royal Park Golf Club 1971

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
1971 - 1980

On the first day of March 1971, the golf course became a 9-hole public course, operated and maintained by the Parks, Gardens and Recreation Department of the Melbourne City Council.

Melbourne City Council built a brick restaurant and pro shop with conveniences in Poplar Road, adjacent to the newly reformed 1st tee. The old 1st tee had now become the 2nd tee, etc, and the old dogleg 9th fairway was straightened out for a direct hit from the tee to the green. The 4th green was enlarged to twice its usual size, and many bunkers were removed to speed up play. Green fees were 60¢ for 9 holes.

On 16 October 1974, the Royal Park Men's Golf Club was formed at a public meeting at the golf course restaurant. 100 prospective members attended. Click here to see the letter from the golf professional, Dennis Lucy, advising interested parties of the meeting.

Restaurant/Clubhouse built in the early 1970s by MCC

Club members outside the restaurant/clubhouse. Photo taken from Club score card.

Club colours were fixed at red and blue, competitions were held on Saturdays (18 holes) and Sundays (9 holes), and joining fees for full members were $10.00 with yearly dues of $6.00 and $6.00 with yearly dues of $3.00 for juniors. The Club officially joined the Victorian Golf League in that year.

By 1976 the Club had entered teams in both A and B grades of the VGL pennant competitions. Proposals for a clubhouse were put to the Melbourne City Council, with the Club being informed that it was not possible unless the Club became a company. A special general meeting was called and members unanimously voted to form the Club into a limited company. A social committee was formed for fund raising and entertainment for Club members. The Club now had 150 members.

In 1977 greens fees were increased to $1.00 for 9 holes and $2.00 for 18. Annual fees rose to $25.00 for full members.By 1980 annual fees rose to $30.00 for full members and $6.00 for juniors.