Yarra Yarra,VIC
History of the course:
The Yarra Yarra Golf Club has come a long way since its creation. Since its inception in early 1898, the club was originally known as the Eaglemont golf club (now part of Heidelberg city) with only a rough 9 hole course. Due to the expansion of the metropolis, and for better prospects of the club, it was moved to newer grounds in Rosanna in 1911. Located along the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River, the Club was renamed “Yarra Yarra” as it is popularly known today.
Then, yet again the need arrived for the club to move towards a more booming golfing circle on the sandbelt; hence in1927, the club's current location at East Bentleigh was adopted and has evolved ever since.
The Yarra Yarra Golf Course was designed by famous golf architect Alex Russell under the partnership and training of the renowned Dr. Alistair MacKenzie; together they created a magnificent championship golf course.
The official inauguration of the Yarra Yarra Golf Course and its Clubhouse took place on February 1929 and was attended by a huge number of people.
The 18hole, par 72 Yarra Yarra Golf Course has an amazing layout consisting of excellent and fast greens, cleverly positioned bunkers, steep slopes, and vast rolling fairways lined with rows of pines, wattles, gums and eucalyptus. An overall excellent course for that amazing golfing experience!
The Yarra Yarra Golf Course is famous for its par 3 holes that are distinguished by its typically ‘well- crafted' bunkers and distinct greens. Amongst these the 11 th hole stands out significantly.
The beautiful Mediterranean styled Clubhouse of the Yarra Yarra Club overlooks the course and offers various services including Wedding Packages. Currently though, the Clubhouse is undergoing a total makeover and is schedule to be complete by early 2007.
The significant changes and new additions would also include a new 180-seater Dining Room, Café cum Golf shop and outdoor terraces on the first floor for viewing the picturesque landscape of the course.
Course Trivia:
- The name " Yarra Yarra " was adapted from the river Yarra of Melbourne, which in aboriginal terms refers to “ flowing ”.
- The Yarra Yarra Golf Course plays host annually to the Australian Women's Open Championship.
- The Yarra Yarra Golf Club was ranked 21 amongst the best courses in Australia by the Golf Australia Magazine's 50 Best Courses 2006.
- The Yarra Yarra Golf Club has also seen golfing great, Gary Player's first professional victory in the Ampol tournament in 1956.
- The Yarra Yarra's signature 11 th hole is rated amongst the top 18 holes in Australia and well acknowledged by the great Peter Thompson. An accurate tee shot is required to reach a raised three-tier green, with bunkers guarding the front, left and right. Choice of clubs is important and a bit of determination. However, a par score is achievable.
- Some of Golf's greats that have played at the Yarra Yarra Course include Walter Hagen, Joe Kirkwood, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Rachel Teske, and two bonafide YYGC members, Robert Allenby (1994 Australian Open Champion), and Stuart Appleby.
The Yarra Yarra Golf Club is a private golf course. Guests must be accompanied by a member.
As per Australian Top 100 Golf Courses (2006 rankings), the Yarra Yarra Golf Club has been ranked as No. 34 .
As we continue on this tour we will learn about the other top-50 golf courses in Australia
