A staple of the Melbourne Sandbelt, Metropolitan has crafted a dynamic history. Another club to relocate – from the suburb of Malvern to Oakleigh South 113 years ago – it then underwent further change at its current site when part of the second nine was acquired for the construction of a new primary school. And in more recent years, boundary issues on the club’s 13th hole necessitated further redesign work, which took multiple attempts to perfect.
While change has been a constant companion for the club, there is one aspect ‘Metro’ has preserved throughout: a reputation for supreme conditioning. The playing surfaces appear tournament-ready on seemingly any day of the year. The club also brought to life a time-honoured practice of mowing greens right to the edge of the greenside bunkers, leaving no fringe grass in a look that amplifies the distinction between sand and target.
Metropolitan, much like its Sandbelt brethren, is a popular tournament venue. It is the scene of multiple Australian Opens and PGAs plus the 2001 World Golf Championships–Match Play and 2018 World Cup of Golf.
THE DETAILS
Metropolitan Golf Club
Ranking in 2020: 14th
Prior rankings: 13th (2018), 13th (2016), 13th (2014), 10th (2012), 7th (2010), 7th (2008), 6th (2006), 6th (2004), 4th (2002), 4th (2000), 3rd (1998), 3rd (1996), 3rd (1994), 7th (1991), 8th (1989), Second Ten (1986)
Where: Golf Rd, Oakleigh South VIC 3167
Phone: (03) 9570 3774
