Bentham Street,
Yarralumla, nr Canberra, ACT 2600
Office
+61 (0)2 6282 7000Pro shop
+61 (0)2 6281 3882Fax
+61 (0)2 6285 2742Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Patrick Maher (Director of Golf)The Course:
27 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland.
Designer:
Current layout designed by Cmdr John Harris (1962). Newer Brindabella-nine and improvements to original Westbourne course designed by Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge (1984). The Club's earlier course, located in Acton, was designed by James Herd Scott (1945).
Above distances/ratings are for the Westbourne course (holes 1 thru' 18). Holes 1-9 and 19-27 make-up the Brindabella course (6272 mtrs from back tees). Holes 10-27 make-up the Yarralumla course (6338 mtrs).
-35.304225
149.089810
3 km W of Canberra State Circle.
Royal Canberra
Royal Canberra Golf Club: Although a new city in relative terms, Australia's capital does contain one of the established crown jewels of Australian golf. Laid out in the wonderfully undulating, natural environment of Westbourne Woods, Royal Canberra's original 18-holes are collectively known as the Westbourne course. In the mid-1980s, this superb woodland layout was joined by the more open and at times linksy Brindabella-nine.
Most of the Westbourne course expansively winds its way through quiet, natural woodland. Kangaroos laze in family groups, and avenues of mature pine, birch, cedar and tall eucalyptus line the undulating fairways. No housing or busy roads intrude on the course, parts of which overlook the western end of Lake Burley Griffin, the city's large artificial lake.
Many elevated tees provide clear views onto the beautifully crafted, stylishly bunkered holes. At the right-to-left doglegging par-5 15th, a mirror, mounted on a 15 meter pole, provides a sighter for a rare blind drive. The much straighter par-5 18th is one of the layout's best holes, played from an elevated tee and eventually taking you up to an elevated green in front of the large, luxurious, Mediterranean clubhouse.
All here is excellently maintained and presented, not least the sometimes seriously sloping greens. The middle five holes of the Brindabella-nine provide a contrasting and less tree-lined golfing experience. On more open but still undulating terrain, a links-style golfing challenge awaits, as well as pleasant views onto the Brindabella mountain range.
Royal Canberra is a private club. Outside visitor play is restricted. Overseas and interstate visitors should contact the General Manager to determine playing possibilities.
Walking permitted at all times. Golf carts available for hire.
Good
Until 1962, Royal Canberra was based in Acton alongside the Molonglo River. The Club moved to its present home in Westbourne Woods when the river was dammed to create Lake Burley Griffin.
Royal Canberra is one of eight golf clubs in Australia honoured by exercise of the Sovereign's royal prerogative. George V conferred the Royal title on the club in 1933. The eight Australian 'Royals' are (in order of gaining Royal status): Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland, Adelaide, Hobart, Fremantle, Canberra and Perth.
The Club has hosted many top level tournaments including several Australian PGA championships.
Australia's 29th best course (Australian Golf Digest, 2024/25).
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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