[Golfers' Bucket List⑫] Australia Royal Melbourne "Regular Host of Presidents Cup"

Hybrid Style Combining Parkland and Links, Formidable 'Bunker Minefield' Deployment "The Best Course in the Southern Hemisphere"

Royal Melbourne Golf Club is highly praised as "the best course in the Southern Hemisphere." Photo by Golf Digest

[Asia Economy Reporter Nowrae Noh] "A regular venue for the Presidents Cup."

The 12th stop is the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia. It is widely known as a battleground for the Presidents Cup, an intercontinental golf competition held every two years between the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world. It consistently ranks in the 'Top 10' of the world's 100 greatest golf courses selected by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It is regarded as "the finest course in the Southern Hemisphere."

Located in Black Rock, southeast of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, it is a private club with a total of 36 holes, including the West Course (ranked No. 1 in Australia) and the East Course (ranked No. 6 in Australia). It was established 129 years ago in 1891. The club was founded mainly by Australian immigrants who were members of Scotland's St Andrews and Musselburgh golf clubs. Initially called Melbourne Golf Club, it received the 'Royal' title from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom in 1895. It is the oldest golf club in Australia.

Tiger Woods is cheering with the gallery immediately after winning the Presidents Cup held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in 2019.

The West Course was designed by Alister MacKenzie from Scotland, who was the first golf course architect inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2005. The East Course was created in 1924 by Alex Russell, an Australian Open champion. Unlike other golf courses, it can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. This is why major tournaments such as the Presidents Cup (held 3 times), the Australian Open (16 times), the Australian Women's Open, and the World Cup have been held here.

The Presidents Cup was held here in 1998, 2001, and 2019. It was the first time the event was held outside the United States. During the tournament, a composite course combining the West and East Courses is used. It is described as a "combination of great design and construction." The course features dramatic undulation, fertile sandy soil, and retains the natural rugged appearance of the terrain.

It is a 'hybrid course' that combines characteristics of both parkland and links courses. Instead of water hazards, there are barren waste areas, and the greens are surrounded by bunkers laid out like a minefield. Accuracy off the tee is crucial; distance alone is not enough. Even if the ball lands in the rough, it should be positioned to allow an approach to the green. Built in the Sandbelt region, the greens are firm and fast, with a Stimpmeter reading of 13 feet.

The trademark of Royal Melbourne Golf Club is the bunkers with sharply cut sides.

The ball flies farther than expected due to low air resistance. The 6th hole (par 3, 148 yards) is short, but missing the green can result in a double bogey or worse. The 16th hole (par 3) measures 221 yards, and the bunker on the left side of the green is intimidating. The final 18th hole (par 4, 433 yards) requires a technically precise fade shot with sufficient distance. The biggest challenge at Royal Melbourne Golf Club is the bunkers, which have uniquely steeply cut sides.

The sand is coarse, making it difficult to apply spin. Various clubs must be used for chip shots. With many hazards, the key is to play smartly and not rush. Reservations can be made through the official website. Booking inquiries are accepted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Tee positions are determined according to handicap. Wearing a collared shirt and golf shoes with soft spikes is mandatory. Hats must be removed inside the clubhouse.