Royal Melbourne West – It was like the first time
Royal Melbourne and the Sandbelt generally has been something I have learned and heard more about since coming back to golf. As a kid, and young adult I had no idea what was south of the Queensland border, let alone the world class – top of the heap courses.
In August I was lucky enough to play one of the world's finest courses via Emajin Golf (a great way to see some of the best courses in Australia while being able to network, learn and have a good meal). by the architect who wrote the book on golden age design, Dr. Alister MacKenzie. For those unfamiliar other feathers in his cap include other hallowed grounds such as Augusta National, Kinston Heath, Pasatiempo and Cypress Point Club.
Above: The stunning winter morning presented at sunrise from behind 18 East.
I am by no means a golf architect scholar, but I am beginning my journey and quickly understanding what I do, and what I don't like – as well as the style of golf I prefer to play.
The day prior I played Sandy Links, a fully public course across the road and the perfect place to start your journey if you have never been to the Sandbelt before getting to your destination course. In my group happened to be a superintendent from another Melbourne club and his knowledge and enthusiasm for his craft made the Sandy Links experience more than I could have hoped.
Besides the usual golf banter and general conversation - no question was too stupid, or obvious and he was happy to humour me and share his wealth of golf experience with me. The 'how' and the 'why' of the Sandbelt was becoming very clear to me. More on Sandy another time.
I will preface this by saying for the months leading up to this round I had been battling the short game yips, and my handicap had almost double from 7 to 12 in the past 18 months. Knowing all of this made the thought of Sandbelt greens truly terrified me – I (think) I passed the test.
Golf is the best test to cram for.
Normally I like to approach a bucket-list course with pretty open eyes and pretty superficial info if it's somewhere I haven't been all-consumed by.
NOT THIS TIME – I did my homework, I crushed tape, read articles and listened to podcasts. It was so worth it.
Shout out to:
- Australian Golf Passport Podcast
- Episode 3: Royal Melbourne West
- Episode 31: Royal Melbourne East
- Episode 32: Royal Melbourne (Composite)
- The Fried Egg – Designing Golf Podcast:
- Alister MacKenzie's 13 Principles
- The Four Golf Courses The Shaped Geoff Ogilvy
- No Laying up – Tourist Sauce S9
- Episode 6
- Episode 7
Above: The famous par 3, 5 West.
It was like playing golf for the first time again.
I had read, watched and listened to so many pieces of content about playing Royal Melbourne was being a revelation to many. I'm also not at all immune to absolutely romantic thoughts on golf, what it means and the experience of 'getting it'. I was ready for anything.
Below are my feelings on some of the holes that will stay with me...
FOUR, FIVE AND SIX
One of the greatest stretches of golf I might ever play in my lifetime. The tee shot on four over the giant hill with the wind was so much fun. Sinking a long range birdie putt on five form the top of the green, and the crescendo sixth hole. Probably my favourite and the wind we had made it so much fun. Downwind off the tee then hard off the right. What a green complex!
NINE, 380m Par 4
Another blind tee shot with the slope running away as you turn a little corner. Hit the 4 hybrid of a lifetime of an exposed patch of sand.
FIFTEEN, 434m Par 5
A really inviting tee shot then a steady climb up the hill to the green. I love a cross bunker/waste situation and this hole really suited my eye. The bunkering on the left is really cool and the back right bunker definitely has some golfer’s souls in it.
I don't just want a piece...
Every second playing RM West seemed like some kind of spritual awakening. Coming home to Queensland and our ‘hit and stick’ golf with an even firmer appreciation for playing the contours and looking down, not just up. Give me all of RM again and again (plz).
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Want to have a piece of RM West on your wall?
My print series of Royal Melbourne West is now available. Two pieces including the view to the clubhouse from 1 West fairway past the 18 East green, and the famous 5 West. A 10m birdie putt I will never forget.
