A History of Roseville Golf Club
A Tradition of Excellence
Roseville Golf Club was officially founded on 18th January 1923, following initial planning and purchase of land in 1922 for a nine hole golf course. This was proposed by a group of sports enthusiasts who, tired of wet weather disrupting their tennis and cricket, wanted to play an all-weather game.
Play began on 1st October, 1923 with a 9 hole competition and following the acquisition of further land, the 18 hole course was officially opened on 23rd May 1925.
From this time on, through good years and bad, members and staff have committed their time and effort to the continued advancement of Roseville Golf Club.
Each year the Club hosts one of Australia’s longest-running Pro Am events, the Gold Mashie Cup, in which famous Australian golfers have played over the years. In 1952, Roseville hosted the Australian PGA Championship.
"My Dad played here for years and years, I've played here for years and now my son is playing here. Three generations of Hopkins." Ken Hopkins
Course
Over the years, the course has undergone significant change and continual improvement. The most recent, major changes, began in 2009 and involved the remodelling and rebuilding of five new holes by the highly-acclaimed Australian course architect Jim Wilcher. Since its inception, Roseville has offered golfers a challenging test from the first 9 holes, played mostly around a bushland valley, to the more open and undulating back 9 holes. The Club continues to invest heavily in improvements to the course and today it is recognised as one of the best-prepared and presented courses on Sydney’s North Shore.
Every hole is uniquely picturesque and offers a special challenge to players of all levels of skill and experience. Our fast, premium quality greens, well maintained tees and immaculately manicured fairways, are the envy of many Australian clubs and our rough is generously guarded by graceful, mature trees, which have been the undoing of countless top-flight players, who have taken the course for granted.
Roseville’s long par threes, place a premium on accurate iron play and the overall par of 66, provides a significant challenge for both professional and amateur golfers.
Club House
The Club House is modern and stunningly designed, with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, set in scenic surrounds, overlooking the golf course and Garrigal National Park.
The interior of the Club House was totally rebuilt in 2003 and now offers members and visitors contemporary facilities.
Key Dates:
1922
In October, following 19 consecutive wet weekends, a group of local sports enthusiasts agreed to the idea of forming a golf club at Roseville. Some 50 acres of land, owned by the Water Board, was immediately available for ₤4000 on ₤50 deposit. A large wooden cottage was also part of the sale and this became the original Club House. Further blocks of 34 acres and six acres to the east, could also be obtained on an extended lease.
The deposit was provided by Mr. S. V. Toose (later Mr. Justice Toose) and the land was swiftly secured.
A small group of residents subscribed ₤400 as working capital, drew up a prospectus and attracted sufficient shareholders to warrant the formation of an incorporated company, namely, Roseville Golf Links Limited with Mr. S. G. Horwood as Secretary and a number of provisional directors. It was reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, that this first Directors’ meeting was held on 7th November, at which administration and construction plans were made.
Mr. Arthur Downes, a professional golfer, was engaged to supervise the construction of the first 9 holes. Mr. Downes was appointed the first Professional at Roseville.
1923
On 18th January, the Roseville Golf Links Ltd was registered and statutory general meeting of shareholders was held almost immediately.
It is remarkable, given the rugged terrain and limited finances, that on the 1st October the first nine holes were ready for play. Mr C. Coles was elected as President and Mr D. Dunn as Captain.
That initial 9-hole competition was an all-male event but with the appointment in the same year of Mrs W. S. Horwood as Lady President and Mrs D. Dunn as Lady Captain, the Associates (as they were known) also became an integral part of the Club.
1924
Construction work continued and with the acquisition and lease of further acreage, the course was extended to 18 holes
1925
On 23rd May, the course was officially opened by the Governor of NSW, Sir Dudley de Chair.
1928 – 29
The first Pro Am Gold Mashie Tournament was held at Roseville Golf Club.
This tournament lives on as an annual event hosted by the Club and is now the longest-running Pro Am in Australia.
Roseville Golf Club Ltd is formed. Sufficient shares in the company were acquired and this gave the Club Company practical control whilst separating “Links” from the name.
1934
The Clubhouse was rebuilt in response to a rapidly expanding membership and was reopened officially on the 30th April, 1934.
1939 – 45
The impact of War on the Club was significant. Many staff and members joined various arms of the Services. The remaining Roseville Golf community worked tirelessly raising funds through social and competitive golf events to send supplies overseas.
1946
Roseville Golf Course underwent significant reconstruction. The Club also obtained a liquor licence which contributed to the further success of Roseville’s social functions and events.
1952
Roseville Golf Club hosted the Australian PGA Championship. It was Bill Holder, the former Professional from The Lakes Golf Club who won the title.
2003
The clubhouse was redesigned and almost completely rebuilt.
2009
2010 – 20
The club has continued to invest significantly in ongoing improvements to the course and club house. This includes new irrigation and drainage for the course to provide a 365 day a year playing experience. The clubhouse also has new furniture , state of the art AV system, and enhanced Wi-Fi capability.
