History
Nedlands Golf Club was founded on the Melvista Reserve in 1932 by Cyril Dudley CBE, who was the President for 27 of the first 32 years of the Club.
The course was constructed using crosscut saws, axes and mattocks to clear the trees from the fairways and fences were necessary to keep out straying stock. The effort was considerable, but worthwhile. At that time it became the eighth metropolitan golf club formed in Perth, with Royal Perth being the oldest (1895).
Mr Dudley was a prominent local councilor and passionate about the game of golf. At one time or other he was Club Captain, President and Life Member and it is fair to say that without his enthusiasm Nedlands Golf Club would likely not even exist, let alone have become one of Western Australia’s best-loved clubs.
It was only fitting that it was Cyril who drove the first ball at the grand opening of the Club in May 1934. His dream was to have a club to “foster golf”, where the only qualification you needed was to be “a good bloke” and “a good sportsman”.
This ideal is still the cornerstone of the Nedlands Golf Club, whose hospitality and sportsmanship is the envy of many and where, from 1947, the club hosted the Nedlands Masters, continuing a championship tradition that truly lived up to Cyril’s dream of “fostering golf” to many of Australia’s top professionals.
Establishment
The clubhouse was (and indeed still is) a grand two-storey building. There was, however, one thing that set it apart from many others: an illuminated bathing pool set on the southern side of the building that was “for swimming carnivals”.
Nedlands was the only club in WA that had its own swimming pool. In the 1940s, soldiers stationed at an anti-aircraft gun emplacement and searchlight site across the road used the pool to cool off after a hard day of training.
The first recorded competition was held on the 12 May 1934 when 48 members played a round of bogey (Par). At that time membership was 375, and play on the course heavy, so an attempt to purchase more land to extend the existing 9 holes into 18 holes was presented to Nedlands road board. Unfortunately the request was rejected.
However this setback did not deter the Nedlands members, who set about making their nine-hole layout into a championship course that has tested many of the great names in Australian golf over the past eight decades and more.
The Associates Opening Day was on the 16th May 1934 and the Captain Mrs. Maude Weston, recorded the following – “I have pleasure in submitting my first report to you in my position as Captain. The Club season was opened on the 16th May 1934, by Mrs. Temperley, President of the L.G.U. who drove the first ball. The ceremony was performed under ideal conditions and the day was most successful all round. The ball was rescued and has been given an honoured place in our Club Room.”
By 1939 Associates had established themselves to the forefront in administration, both Club, social and charity. There is no doubt that our Associate members played a very important role during the first ten years of the Club’s existence. Their fund-raising activities were highly commendable especially when problems associated with the Great Depression followed by the World War are considered.
Early Champions
Members
J.W. (Jim) Young was our most outstanding golfer in the 1930’s, winning five of the six Club championships before this event was excluded from the golfing calendar during the war — 1940 1945 inclusive – Jim won the coveted title again in 1947 and 1950.
Ken Vincent was the only other prewar winner, while Merv Brooking and Frank Hayman were successful in 1946 and 1947 respectively, both were past Captains and Frank was later to become President in 1954.
Reg Townshend was a worthy 3x champion, being much younger than his predecessors and a keen sportsman in other fields.
Brothers Dennis and Russell Parker were dominant figures from 1958 winning 14 championships between them with the final in 1988.
Post 2000 the successes were shared with multiple members winning one or two, Fletcher Tully securing three and recently Tristan Geerlings winning four in five years up to 2024.
Associates
Miss Rua Christoe is best remembered as our first lady champion, wining it on 5 occasions from 1934.
Mrs. Edith (Topsy) Watts-Smallwood joined Nedlands in 1939 and retired from active play more than 40 years later. During that period she won the Championship four times between 1944 and 1957.
Pat Higgins could have chosen between hockey and golf, luckily for Nedlands it was the latter. Among her achievements was:
- Nedlands Champion 7 times between 1954 and 1962
- State Junior Champion 1952 & 53
- WA Champion of Champions 1961
- Represented WA 7 times between 1953-59
Mrs Mavis Glaskin became an Associate member in 1955 joining from the sandgreens of Yelbini Golf Club. Mavis was a pennant player for 20 years and won the Club Championship 10 times. Notably the only Associate to appear on the Club’s Honorboard in the position of President, Captain and Club Champion.
Life member Deirdre Duncan was able to surpass Mavis’ record to win the title on 12 occasions between 1980 and the final one in 1996.
Not to be outdone Cath Bellemore is the most successful female golfer in our history with a current tally of 17 titles and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon!
Coourse Changes
During the first 50 years of the Club’s existence the course was lengthened by 354 metres, from 5454 metres to 5808 metres in 1984. Both greens and tees were extended to a point where little scope remains for further course lengthening.
Greens
The greens remained unaltered until a major change took place to No. 1 green in 1953. The green was relocated to its present position giving the hole an extra 40 metres in length – 225 metres to 265 metres. The green was positioned on sloping ground, much like the existing No. 6 green, giving a downhill run onto the green which was banked at the back, presumably to stop balls running over the green into heavy, bush undergrowth. A severe infestation of “seg’ during 1964 saw the green remade in 1965. The grass was poisoned by gas and covered with polythene sheeting after which 1000 cu. metres of sand was deposited on the sheeting This resulted in an elevated green some 30 metres in diameter with a fall of about 300mm towards the fairway. The hole length increased marginally to its existing length of 271 metres.
In 1982 the green was lowered and contoured to its existing shape and size, employing a new type of bent grass 50% pencross and 50% peneagle replacing the agrostis polusterus which had served the Club well for 50 years. The Club now had a green which is modern in concept, with an interesting aspect, offering a greater challenge for golfers in this and the following decades.
The Club policy of course improvement continued with greens No. 2 and 3 being rebuilt in 1982 and 1983 respectively and No. 4, 7. 9 and 5 in 1984, 1985 and 1987 respectively. The same modern contouring and bent grass selection used on No. 1 green was very much in evidence.
NO. 3 Green
Prior to 1982, No. 3 green had been relocated in 1968 from the nursery near its present site. At the same time No. 4 tee was moved and extended from its par 4 location (now ladies No. 4 tee) to beside the cricket ground practice wickets.
The move, made without consultation with the City of Nedlands, apparently caused a mild stir in the City Chambers at the monthly meeting when a certain lady councillor enquired as to what was going on in the bushland at the back of the bowling club. “Trees had been chopped down and sand fill has replaced them” reported. No one at the meeting could give her an explanation.
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bill Armstrong, who along with the Mayor Charles Smith, had given long and outstanding service to the City of Nedlands asked Golf Club President Tony Fogarty. “What is going on near the bowling Club?”
“Oh” said Tony, “we have relocated No. 3 green to obviate the destruction of those beautiful gum trees which are encroaching on to the 35 year old green.” Bill remarked that the had taken over was ear-marked for a parking lot for the bowling club members. Tony responded by pointing out that it had been passed down from President to President over the years that the untidy piece of bushland “Belonged” to the golf Club and his committee felt that by resiting the green we would beautify the area and at the same time save the gum trees from being savagely cut back. Tony Fogarty has been proven right on both counts.
As the golf Club had no boundary drawings and Bill Armstrong could find none in the Council, no delaying action was imposed on the Club and the work proceeded. Before his untimely death in 1981, Bill had our course surveyed and produced the boundary map which clearly defined our area of terrain and this map shows the 3rd green as being part of the golf course. President Fogarty was reminded in the friendliest manner that any changes to course, club house or fixtures must be approved by Council before any work is commenced.
The bowling Club members got their parking area and a situation that was a little disquietening for some at the beginning ended up with all parties being happy. The story which has just unfolded is another instance of the friendly harmony that has existed between the City of Nedlands and all sporting bodies in Melvista Park over the fifty years of development. One could say in conclusion “that is why Nedlands is such a nice place to live in” By making the changes, Nos. 3 and 12 holes were increased in length by about 19 and 14 metres respectively. No. 4 hole became a par 5 with a 60 metre increase in length.
Apart from greens 4 and 7 which were reshaped during the 1970’s, alterations to the others were relatively minor, mainly the removal of banks at the back of the greens and the repositioning of bunkers.
Significant greens replacement projects were undertaken in the early 2000’s with an endorsed priority order approved and the Club would progress one green per year until done.
Some remediation of the 1st green was required in 2002 with a quarter of the green replaced. Full replacements commenced in 2005 starting with the 4th, the 5th in 2006 and a complete remodel of the 7th in 2007. The project then ceased with club funds directed to other areas until the 2nd green was reseeded in 2017.
In 2024 the Club embarked on its biggest project with the 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th green rebuilt, as well as the practice green, and the remaining five to follow in in 2025. A new Bentgrass variety, 007XL, was selected being the same as new Lake Karrinyup and Mt Lawley greens.
Tees
The 1934 scorecard showed that each nine holes was exactly the same distance. There were 9 greens and a similar number of tees. During 1936, the Club Captain suggested alternate tees be used on par 3’s. This was readily agreed to by committee and extra tees were promptly built.
After the war, Cyril Dudley, his son Tom, the Robson brothers, (Reg and Bert), along with other members banded together to enlarge and extend all the tees on the course. Each hole would be marginally lengthened (5 to 10 metres) and each tee would be made in such a manner thạt mowing and upkeep would be easier and quicker.
Throughout the decades some alterations have occurred to various tees, some have been raised but most remain in original locations knowing extra distance is unattainable.
Nedlands Masters
The Nedlands Masters was a distinguished professional golf tournament established in 1947. It has became a significant event in the Australian golfing calendar, known for its tradition and the presentation of a green jacket to the winner, reminiscent of the U.S. Masters.
The inaugural Nedlands Masters took place in 1947, with a subsequent event in 1950. After a hiatus, it returned in 1962 and was held annually thereafter. Between 2002 and 2006, the Nedlands Masters was incorporated into the Western Australian Open, further elevating its status and attracting a broader field of competitors.
Notable Champions
Over the years, the Nedlands Masters has seen victories from several prominent golfers:
- Terry Gale: A standout figure, Gale secured multiple wins, including in 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985 and 1992. His 1983 victory was particularly notable, finishing with a score of 268.
- Stephen Leaney: A consistent performer, Leaney won the tournament in 2001, 2002*, 2004*, and 2010.
- Rodger Davis: Achieved back-to-back victories in 1977 and 1978.
- Greg Chalmers: Claimed the title in 1995.
- Stuart Appleby: Won in 1994, adding to the list of distinguished champions.
- Kim Felton: Won in 2003* and 2006*.
* denotes a joint WA Open title.
Life Members
| Men | Women | ||
| 1933 | CG Dudley CBE | 1952 | E Potts |
| 1938 | C Pascoe | 1970 | E Bentley |
| 1963 | F Hayman | 1970 | S Allom |
| 1970 | HO Allom | 1972 | D Northey |
| 1970 | RD Rodda | 1978 | E Smallwood |
| 1971 | AG Fogarty | 1981 | O Acland |
| 1973 | CM Wilson | 1981 | M Eddy |
| 1977 | EM Carew-Reid | 1981 | W Harrigan |
| 1981 | DJ Parker | 1988 | M Glaskin |
| 1984 | AJ Baird | 1999 | F Tompkins |
| 1984 | WC James | ||
| 1991 | RG Parker | ||
| 2012 | JB Duncan | ||
| 2012 | JO Gray | ||
| 2023 | GB Fitzhardinge |
Nedlands Golf Club – Vision &Values