In the early to mid 1980s, the design team of Thomson, Wolveridge & Associates carried out an extensive refurbishment program on the greens and teeing areas. With the removal of a number of the bunkers, Thompson and Wolveridge created interesting recovery shots. For instance, consider several of the par five holes where most professionals are trying to reach the greens in two. Fail and a variety of shots will be asked of the golfer. The key feature on the 2^nd hole is a bunker in the front of the wide but shallow green. The recovery shots out of the swale around the left side of the 7^th green will vex the best. And at the 13^th hole, Thompson created a dramatic false front that creates all sorts of intrigue.

The unkempt appearance of these bunkers on the 2nd hole is
true to the course's proximity to the ocean.

Throughout this evolutionary process, Royal Sydney has always enjoyed a superb setting, being one block from the Sydney Harbour and less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean. Thus wind is often a telling factor and adds to the charm and character of the course.

Royal Sydney has been broadly described as being in a saucer. Holes 1 through 7 play along the higher ground or 'rim' with the 10^th hole descending the golfer into the flatter part of the property.

The par three holes are of particular note. They are well spaced (the 3^rd, 6^th, 14^th, and 17^th) and require in average conditions a 6 iron, 8 iron, 4 iron and 2 iron. The nineteen bunkers that surround these four greens help Royal Sydney retain a seaside flavor. Each hole features an elevated tee that affords the golfer a clear view of exactly what he is trying to accomplish while at the same time futher exposing the tee ball to the wind. Short siding the flag on any of these greens is trouble and strokes will start to mount.

The long and narrow 14th green is a tough target to find in the wind.

Another great feature of the course is its par 3 1/2 holes, the 1^st and 8^th holes being supreme examples. Both measure under 300 yards. Professionals when the Australian Open is contested here struggle mightily to force the issue and birdie these holes. However, anyone who saw Greg Norman drive within 15 yards of the 1^st hole in the 1994 Open and proceed to take a bogey, realises the demoralising effect these type holes possess. By the same token, Robert Allenby's eagle on the 8^th hole in the final round that year was enough to propel him to victory.

When coupled with the reachable par five holes, these six half par holes encourage the golfer to 'play' golf. The bold, attacking golfer can indeed be rewarded, but the elegance of the layout can lull him to sleep as well. The golfer must be keen to realise when conservative play is the go. Each hole on the course can extract its toll (ask Allenby about taking 13 shots on the seemingly innocuous par five 16^th on the weekend at the last Open). Medium length holes like the 9^th or 12^th can also quite easily get the better of unthinking golfer.

continued >>>