Links to other pictorials of my Australian exploits:
Barnbougle Dunes
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,47613.0.htmlBarnbougle Lost Farm
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,47929.0.htmlMetropolitan
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,50812.0.htmlMoonah Links-Legends
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,51255.0.htmlThe National- Moonah
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,50449.0.htmlThe National- Ocean
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49598.0.htmlNew South Wales
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48698.0.htmlPortsea
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49351.0.htmlRoyal Melbourne - West
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48238.0.htmlSt. Andrew Beach- Gunnamatta
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48455.0.htmlVictoria
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,49756.0.htmlWoodlands
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48900.0.htmlFrom the club’s website:
“The first holes were laid out by the club professional, Sam Bennett, and play commenced in February 1921. By late 1923, early 1924 eighteen holes were in play. Charles Lane, Captain of the Club from 1923 - 1933, travelled abroad in mid-1926 studying golf course architecture, including with Harry Colt, a former partner of Alister MacKenzie, returning to put the finishing touches on greens and bunker design. Much of this work literally was carried out by Charles Lane himself, often being found out on the course stripped to the waist digging out bunkers. Then, in a three-year programme completed in 1938, all 18 greens were redesigned and returfed, a completely new system of greenside bunkering was implemented, many fairway bunkers were altered and new teeing grounds were constructed. This work was planned and supervised by Sloan Morpeth, Secretary/Manager of Commonwealth for 33 years, 1930 - 1962.
In subsequent years, additional purchases of land and changes to the course layout have been made. Significant changes were made in the mid-1960's when the 10th and 11th holes were redesigned by Sloan Morpeth as Course Architect. The new 10th hole was opened just in time for the 1967 Australian Open, which is the only Australian Open Championship played over Commonwealth's layout. It was a windy week in Melbourne for the event, with Peter Thomson a master in these conditions, scoring 281, 11 shots under par, defeating Colin Johnston by seven strokes.
Other major tournaments include: the Women's Australian Open in 2010 and 2011, the Victorian Open in 1961 and 1972, the Australian Amateur in 1957 and 1983, the Australian Seniors Amateur in 1986, 1991 and 2007, the Australian Amateur Interstate Series in 1957 and 1997, the Victorian Women's Open in 1988 and 1989, and the Victorian Women's Amateur in 1979, 1986, 1995 and 2004.
In 1990, the Club's short par 4 first hole was extended 65 metres to become a 303 metre dog leg hole.
In 1992 the Club commenced a programme to improve the drainage on all its greens. During this reconstruction programme the opportunity was taken to modify the surrounds of several greens and to carry out bunkering, mounding, drainage and reticulation work. The final stage of this programme included alterations to the 6th and 12th holes and the construction of a new 7th hole. Kevin Hartley, the architect retained by the Club to assist it with the greens drainage programme, designed these changes.”
The routing (I am under the impression that members are frequently injured on the course, judging by the number of available first aid stations indicated on this map):
Historical Aerial:
The clubhouse:
1st hole: 303 meters. Par 4.
Replacing a much-beloved drivable par 4, the new opener turns to starboard, away from the 18th green seen at left, rather than continuing in a much straighter fashion like its predecessor. My host tells me this was done to make the course a tougher overall test.
Most golfers will now keep their drivers in the bag and hit a short, easy tee shot to set up this wedge approach to a slightly elevated green.