Royal Sydney Golf Club

Gil Hanse–reimagined parkland in Rose Bay, raked by 143 bunkers

Royal Sydney Golf Club is a private 18-hole parkland course in Rose Bay, New South Wales, playing to a par of 66 over 6,033 metres. The current championship layout was designed by Gil Hanse and established in 2025, featuring around 143 mapped bunkers across the course. Strategic holes such as the short, choice-laden 1st, the par 4/par 5 2nd, the downhill par-three 3rd, and the dramatic elevated 5th reward careful tee-shot placement around the bunkering. On-site facilities include a driving range, pro shop and restaurant/dining, and the club also offers a separate nine-hole Centenary Course.

As a modern Gil Hanse design, Royal Sydney has quickly built a reputation as one of Sydney's standout courses, and players frequently single out its strategic, choice-driven layout where bunkers come into play on nearly every hole. Reviewers consistently praise the conditioning, describing fairways that play like carpet and fast, true greens that hold up well even after heavy Sydney rain. The bunkering, while plentiful, is regarded as immaculately maintained, with sand many find a genuine pleasure to play from. Holes like the elevated, multi-option 5th and the temptingly drivable 1st give the round a sense of drama and decision-making that keeps golfers engaged. As a private club, access is exclusive, and the broader experience around the course earns warm impressions, though the membership-focused etiquette can feel formal to visitors.