The architect of this renowned Sandbelt course was Alex Russell who, in 1926, formed a partnership with the famed Dr Alister MacKenzie during his visit to Australia. Today, the course remains substantially the same as the original layout and like all great golf courses, has stood the test of time.
The superb greens and bunkers are the highlight at Yarra Yarra and as good as many of MacKenzie’s own creations. Typically large, fast and undulating, the greens feature some of the most extreme slopes in Melbourne, while the bunkers are constructed to blend naturally with their surrounds and are intrinsic to the strategy of each hole.
The course has been the scene of many major tournaments in its history, leading to world-wide recognition by amateurs and professionals alike.
“Yarra Yarra is one of the finest courses designed by the esteemed Alex Russell and stands up extremely well in a neighbourhood noted worldwide for fine and unique golf courses. Mr. Russell surely made the most of an elegant piece of property.” Tom Doak, Renaissance Golf Design
Signature Holes (include description):
A: 2nd Hole - One of Yarra Yarra’s tougher par 4’s, a long tee shot is required to set up a second shot to an elevated green. The difficult second shot, played from a downslope, will require a decision on whether to attempt to carry the bunkers 40 metres short of the green or to lay-up. Bunkers are situated left and right of the green. Golf.com rated the 2nd hole at Yarra Yarra in the Top 500 holes in the world. “One of my favourite holes in golf. Love the little contour that steers a
left-centre drive further left to make you go over the big mound of bunkers with your second.” Tom Doak – Renaissance Golf Design
B: 11th Hole - Yarra Yarra’s signature hole provides one of the toughest par 3’s you will encounter. A long iron approach to a narrow ‘Redan’ style green means nothing but a perfect shot will do. There are three tiers on the elevated green making putting difficult. Peter Thomson once stated that the “11th hole at Yarra Yarra should be regarded as a National Treasure.”
C: 15th Hole - A mid iron tee shot to a narrow green. The green has a big tier running through the middle, so the trick on this hole is to hit the tee shot on the same level as the pin. Depending on the wind and the pin position, this hole can play short or very long. Bunkers guard the front, left and right sides of the green, with no easy up and downs.