Royal Canberra Golf Club

Australian Capital Territory, ACT | User Rating: Rate-4 (4.5) | Add A Review

This par 72 course, situated in the middle of Westbourne Woods, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, is ranked in the top ten courses in Australia. Visitors must be guests of members or members of recognised golf clubs and possess a current handicap and letter of introduction. Bookings are essential. Clubs, buggies and a limited number of motorised golf carts are available for hire. The course and the modern clubhouse offer outstanding facilities for private and corporate occasions.

18 holes $120 (unaccompanied), $200 (overseas guests)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

  • Name: Royal Canberra Golf Club
  • Region: Australian Capital Territory, ACT
  • Address: Bentham Street
    Canberra, 2600, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  • Directions: View Aerial Map »
    View Map »
  • Proshop: (02) 6281 3882
  • General: (02) 6282 7000
  • Holes: 27
  • Metres: 6325m
  • Par: 72
1. sms316 | Rated | 29 Nov 2011 | Add A Review

Quite a decent track. The third nine is a bit different but doesn’t have any genuine turd holes – just some that are out of character. Holes 1 to 18 are quite a good test, without being overly long.

Comfortably the best course in the ACT. Anyone who says Federal is must be a member at Federal.

2. EzCal | Rated | 13 Jun 2011 | Add A Review

I recently played Royal Canberra and it left me wanting more. It was just simply amazing. The course has a great layout and is magnificently maintained and it fits in perfectly with the parkland style. The fairways are often lined by beautiful large gums and pines. The fairways are in great condition as are the greens and it thoroughly deserves to be part of the ’Royal" Category.

3. PenguinWoods | Rated | 13 Apr 2011 | Add A Review

Royal Canberra really is a great course, probably the best parkland-style course in Australia. The first 18 goes through very attractive pine woods. The course has a very "English Forest" feel to it. There are some great holes, the par 4 along Lake Burley Griffen my favourite.
Holes 18-27 are quite different, you cross a road to play 6 holes that are open and links like, with very thick grass in between holes. You get a great view, The conditions are immaculate on this 9, better than the rest of the course. The conditions on the main course are pretty good, greens quick, fairways not quite as good as you would expect actually, but there is nothing to complain about really.
So this course really is great with its conditions, beautiful setting and challenging but not impossible layout. it really isn’t one to miss (however good luck it’s pretty exclusive). Plus really cold in winter, bring lots of clothes.

4. Peter123 | Rated | 25 Jan 2011 | Add A Review

The original 18 holes is a great layout and an extreme pleasure to play, the new 9 holes are very ordinary to say the least, typical Thomson, very boring and totally out of context with the ambience of Royal Canberra. Also the original 4th and 5 th holes were redone by Thomson as well are are out of context with the other 16 holes. I have had the pleasure to play Royal Canberra (the original 18 ) and it is very challenging for all golfers, it reminds me so much of the famed Augusta National and is the closet of all courses I have played all over the world to Augusta as you could get. I remember in 1971 with the Dunlop International tournament there Mr Arnold Palmer stepped out of his car and stated are we in Australia or at Augusta National? a statement I have never forgotten it truly is a joy to play and all of the staff there are very courteous and accomodating.

5. striped_it | Rated | 11 May 2008 | Add A Review

Royal Canberra (the original 18) is, quite simply, the best parkland course in Australia. It is quite different in places to the top-rated links and sand-belt courses you will find in Victoria, SA & NSW.

The course is undulating and requires the player to execute most shots in the book, like a quality championship course should.

There are many towering pine trees upon the course, a highlight for me was the Augusta-esque 16th hole, an undulating dogleg-right of almost 400m, with a chute of massive pines lining the fairway from tee to green. The 17th & 18th holes are also worthy of a mention.

RC also has some quirky greens, like the 11th, a short par 4 with a large spine running down the centre of the green from back to front, & the 5th hole, which features a buried elephant in the middle of the green.

If you get a chance to play there, grab the opportunity and do it, you will never regret it.

6. TheSquareDriver | Rated | 14 Mar 2008 | Add A Review

The Brindabella 9 is a bit of a goat track and well behind what I would expect for a course with the “Royal” monika. The other 18 have some lovely holes amongst some beautiful old trees, why they then decided to build the pseudo-links Brindabella 9 in a totally different style is beyond me. The pro shop staff were friendly, the clubhouse flash but not well patronised, the members lounge shuts very early, obviously they don’t want members spending money late at night which probably explains the ridiculous membership fees.

7. myballsareswollen | Rated | 29 Jan 2008 | Add A Review

Great track. You need to play every shot in the book. It is a suprise to me that holes 19-27 don’t seem to rate that highly.

I strongly believe that holes 10 to 27 is the best course at RCGC.

8. oneplanemachine | Rated | 27 Dec 2007 | Add A Review

well such a long time and so few reviews… last time I was there, well.. the course was obviously suffering from the effects of drought, it was common to see quite a few trees felled around the Westmorland course by the green staff as they must have died. fairways were the hardfest I had seen themm and quirte frankyl I wouldn’t have been at all surprised if there had been preferred lies on.

I’m not a fan of the Brindabella nine, surely a better result could have been obtained, not one of the architect’s best works I’m sure.

THere was some renovations being undertaken within the clubhouse when we were there, which in no way took away fromour time, but they were taking place regardless. One hopes upon completion that the course and clubhous sit where hey should rightfully be in the upper echelons of golf courses in Australia.

Currently though, after playing some, though not all of the “Royals” in Australia this year, Royal Canberra needs some work done. All up though by far the best course in the ACT without doubt, and by long way too. Its problem begin with its name though, benchmarked against some of the greatest courses in the country, if not the world. And there, unfortunately, is where she comes up just short in her present condition.

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9. budgey | Rated | 19 Aug 2004 | Add A Review

Royal Canberra is an avid golfers dream. The course is always in immaculate condition with the fairways and greens in superb condition. Despite the current drought the course remains in superb condition. Set among trees in the heart of Canberra the course mianders through breathtaking floura and fauna with kangeroos often skiping across the course. If the opportunity arises to play at this beautiful golf club it should be grabbed with both hands.

Liam

10. emperor | Rated | 13 May 2003 | Add A Review

Royal Canberra deservedly is rated in the top 10 golf courses in Australia.

The high standard has been maintained for over fifty years. The credit for this is an active and caring membership, steeped in tradition from a strong and proud history of members wanting the best from their coarse and amenities.
The course boasts spectacular scenery with beautiful flora and fauna plus a very impressive Clubhouse. Kangaroos peacefully graze while you go about your game. Occasionally the shriek of Cockatoo's break the silence and solitude that you experience when playing this exceptional venue.

Royal Canberra comprises 27 holes which converts into 3 separate 18 hole lay-outs.

Westbourne holes 1 to 18

Brindabella holes 19 to 27

Yarralumla holes 19 to 9

You derive great pleasure playing this course as virtually every hole has a memorable feature.

If you are a dedicated golfer Royal Canberra offers not only a challenge but a momentous experience.

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