Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours
Luxury Vacation & Golf Tours
A Melbourne Sandbelt Gem
Nestled in the heart of Oakleigh South, Victoria, the Metropolitan Golf Club boasts a rich history and a reputation as one of Australia’s premier golf courses. With its origins tracing back to 1906, this club stands as the second-oldest in the famed Melbourne Sandbelt region. From its early beginnings to its modern enhancements, Metropolitan seamlessly blends history, innovation, and world-class golfing.
The club’s journey began when J.B. MacKenzie, a founding member and engineer, laid out the original course on predominantly flat farmland. Over the decades, Metropolitan has benefited from the expertise of renowned designers:
This collaborative legacy has created a course that is both challenging and aesthetically stunning.
From the beginning, Metropolitan embraced its natural surroundings. Thousands of native Australian trees and shrubs were planted beside the fairways, many of which still grace the landscape today. A standout was the iconic red flowering gum, a symbol of the club, which bloomed vibrantly each February for over 130 years until its life cycle ended in 2023. This rich natural heritage enhances the course’s beauty and character.
Metropolitan is celebrated for its pristine playing surfaces. Pure couch grass fairways lead into large, fast-rolling bentgrass greens, maintained to impeccable standards. The course’s 90+ bunkers exemplify Sandbelt design, with neatly trimmed edges blending seamlessly with the close-mown fairways and slick putting surfaces. These sandy hazards challenge golfers both mentally and physically, demanding precision and strategy.
Metropolitan’s exceptional design and conditioning have made it a favored venue for major tournaments, including:
The course’s demanding layout intensifies as players approach the back nine, where championships are often won or lost.
The 15th Hole: A Daunting Par-4
Measuring 427 meters, this hole demands accuracy. A long bunker on the left edge of the fairway forces players to carefully navigate their approach to a diagonal green. Mistakes here often lead to costly scores.
The 16th Hole: A Tricky Dogleg
At 345 meters, this par-4 has seen its share of drama. Poor decisions off the tee have cost players titles, proving that strategy is key to conquering this hole.
The 18th Hole: A Historic Finish
Stretching 434 meters, the final hole’s tree-lined fairway and challenging green have decided multiple Australian Opens. Golfing legend Greg Norman experienced heartbreak here in both 1979 and 1997, illustrating the course’s unforgiving nature.
Metropolitan Golf Club continues to captivate golfers worldwide. Its meticulously maintained surfaces, challenging design, and storied history make it a standout in the Melbourne Sandbelt. As PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem once remarked, “Every player in the field is just ecstatic about the quality and the condition of the golf course.”
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, Metropolitan offers an unforgettable golfing experience steeped in tradition and excellence. To learn more or book your visit, contact us!
