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Founding Origins
The Melbourne Golf Club is established, sharing origins with what would become Royal Melbourne.
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1891
From its beginnings in 1891 to becoming one of Australia’s premier championship venues, The Metropolitan Golf Club has shaped the game through landmark events, celebrated players, and timeless course design.
1891
1895
Royal Status Granted
The Club receives its Royal charter and becomes the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
1901
Relocation & Division
With the Malvern course overtaken by housing, members split. Some move to the new Royal Melbourne course, while others stay to form the Caulfield Golf Club.
1906
Land Purchased in Oakleigh
The Caulfield Golf Club purchases a farm property in Oakleigh, including a two-storey house.
1908
The Metropolitan Golf Club is Born
Members officially move to Oakleigh and commence play as The Metropolitan Golf Club. Course designed by member engineer J. B. MacKenzie.
1926
Design Influence from Dr. Alister MacKenzie
Famed architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie recommends design changes, influencing future course developments.
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1930
First Australian Open at Metropolitan
The Club hosts its first Australian Open, bringing national prestige. Won by Frank Eyre, this Championship marks the birth of the Stonehaven Cup.
1934
Victorian Centenary Open
The historic event is staged at Metropolitan.
1936
Gene Sarazen Wins Australian Open
Sarazen, golf legend, wins and names the 14th hole among his favorites. This hole was later lost in 1960 due to land acquisition.
1951
Peter Thomson Wins Australian Open
Future golf great Peter Thomson AO, CBE begins his career with a victory at Metropolitan.
1960
Land Loss & Course Rework
The Club loses land due to school development. Architect Dick Wilson designs new holes on adjacent land.
1968
Kel Nagle Wins PGA Championship
Nagle triumphs over a star-studded field including Nicklaus, Palmer, and Player.
1979
Jack Newton Edges Greg Norman
Newton wins the Australian Open by one stroke after Norman three-putts the final green.
1986
Australian Open Returns
Rodger Davis wins as the Australian Open returns to the Club after a long hiatus.
1993
Brad Faxon Wins Australian Open
Faxon secures victory with a 13-under-par performance.
1997
Australian Open & Legendary Playoff
Lee Westwood defeats Greg Norman in a sudden-death playoff. Norman again three-putts the final green.
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2001
Centenary & World Match Play Championship
The Club celebrates 100 years and hosts the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. Steve Stricker wins the $5M event.
2005–2006
Course Redevelopment
Significant redesign of holes 12–14 and updates to others by Michael Clayton Golf Design.
2009
Women’s Australian Open & 100 Years on Site
Metropolitan hosts the Women’s Australian Open. Karrie Webb sets a course record of 66. Laura Davies wins the event.
2013
New Clubhouse Opens
The Club opens its newly constructed Clubhouse facility.
2014
Australian Masters Debut
Metropolitan hosts the Australian Masters for the first time. Nick Cullen wins, and Rhein Gibson sets a new men’s course record of 65.
2016
Golf Services Wing & Amateur Championships
The Golf Services Wing opens, completing a $16 million redevelopment. The Club hosts both the Men’s and Women’s Australian Amateur Championships.
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2018
World Cup of Golf
The prestigious event is hosted by Metropolitan. Belgium’s Thomas Pieters and Tom Detry take the win.
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2023
Iconic Flowering Gum Farewelled
The famous red flowering gum reaches the end of its life. Planted over a century ago, it was listed with the National Trust and remains part of the Club’s emblem.
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2023–2024
Greens Restoration & Course Enhancement Plan – Stage 1
Works inspired by MacKenzie’s original vision are revived and implemented, celebrated in an article by Life Member Bruce Baskett.
2025
Greens Restoration & Course Enhancement Plan – Stage 2
The course works were completed and the course reopened in March, 2025.
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2026
125 Years of Metropolitan
The Club looks forward to celebrating 125 Years of history at Metropolitan.
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