The expansive greens of Manly Golf Club, located in Fairlight, holds more than 100 years of history. Found a few blocks off the iconic white sandy Manly Beach, this site has hosted many historical sports events, including the Women’s Australian Open in the late ’70s.
Manly Golf Club is one of Sydney’s oldest foundation clubs. Its 18-hole layout has undergone a few changes, redesigns and redevelopments over the decades to support the demands of the times.
Where It All Began
In 1901, brothers Harris and Cam Woods turned part of Fairlight home into a golf club with three holes. They frequently had their friends, George J Wilkinson and Arthur Hilliard, come over to play at the small grounds.
Soon, the Woods would welcome more than 12 regular players at their golf games. By this time, the golf course has expanded to six holes. With a solid group, the 12 players decided to name their club as Manly Golfers.
The club was officially accepted into The Australian Golf Union in 1905 and changed their name to Manly Golf Club.
Adding Female Members and a Clubhouse
It didn’t take long for the Manly Golf Club to accept female members. By 1906, there were 16 avid women golfers joining the regular games.
Eventually, as the club grew, the founding members bought more land to the west of the original Fairlight property, which has now become the current 18-hole golf course. Over the years, this course was tweaked and redesigned so that it would be more cohesive for playing. However, the original layout was quite twisted and challenging, and was, in fact, one hole short of its 18-hole plan.
In 1924, Manly Golf Club erected its Georgian Mediterranean clubhouse designed by architects Eric Apperly and Arthur Wright. With fully air-conditioned function rooms and a gorgeous panoramic view of the golf course, the clubhouse is also a favourite wedding and events venue.
Major Redesign
From 2009 to 2012, Manly Golf Club underwent a massive redevelopment on the fairways with esteemed golf course architects Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett at the helm. Adding new greens, bunkers and water hazards, the modern golf course was a welcome makeover.
The clubhouse has also been refurbished but the architects were careful not to alter its grand Georgian Mediterranean design, which has been regarded as one of the finest Sydney landmarks.
Notable Golfers
Among the famous golfers who have shot holes at the Manly Golf Club include Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Billy Dunk, Eric Apperly, Jim Ferrier, Jan Stephenson, Debbie Austin, Harry Hattersley, Winifred Tregloan and Enid Clements.
Manly Golf Club is consistently ranked in the top 100 golf courses in Australia.
