Commonwealth\u2019s origins can be traced to a small group of golfing enthusiasts who, for some time prior to 1914, had laid down six holes in what was known as Flatman\u2019s Paddock extending from Murrumbeena Road to Koornang Road Carnegie, as Murrumbeena Golf Club.<\/p>\n
It was in 1914 just before the outbreak of war that negotiations were commenced to lease land east of Darling Railway Station extending across towards Ashburton. Eighteen holes were laid down by the professional, Sam Bennett by 1915, and the Waverley Golf Club was established.<\/p>\n
The fourth and sixth holes were played across a deep cutting of the old Outer Circle railway line between the present Alamein and Ashburton stations. With the revival of golfing activities in 1919 the Club began to expand, and, with the expiration of the lease in sight, efforts to secure a suitable freehold property were commenced. A new club, Commonwealth Golf Club, was constituted in April 1920 and land, regarded as scrub country and comprising only 89 acres, was purchased near Centre and Warrigal Roads, South Oakleigh.<\/p>\n","image":"https:\/\/commonwealthgolf.com.au\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/History-1934-GM-16th-hole-original-clubhouse-in-background.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"split_content","text_content":"
From Vision to Fairway: The Course Takes Shape<\/span><\/h6>\nThe first holes were laid out by the club professional, Sam Bennett, and play commenced in February 1921. By late 1923, early 1924 eighteen holes were in play. Charles Lane, Captain of the Club from 1923 \u2013 1933, travelled abroad in mid-1926 studying golf course architecture, including with Harry Colt, a former partner of Alister MacKenzie, returning to put the finishing touches on greens and bunker design.<\/p>\n
Much of this work literally was carried out by Charles Lane himself, often being found out on the course stripped to the waist digging out bunkers. Then, in a three-year programme completed in 1938, all 18 greens were redesigned and returfed, a completely new system of greenside bunkering was implemented, many fairway bunkers were altered and new teeing grounds were constructed. This work was planned and supervised by Sloan Morpeth, Secretary\/Manager of Commonwealth for 33 years, 1930 \u2013 1962.<\/p>\n","image":"https:\/\/commonwealthgolf.com.au\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Enhanced-aerial-1932_rm.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"split_content","text_content":"
A Stage for Champions: Redesign and Tournament Legacy<\/span><\/h6>\nIn subsequent years, additional purchases of land and changes to the course layout have been made. Significant changes were made in the mid-1960\u2019s when the 10th and 11th holes were redesigned by Sloan Morpeth as Course Architect. The new 10th hole was opened just in time for the 1967 Men’s Australian Open, which is the only Men’s Championship played over Commonwealth\u2019s layout. It was a windy week in Melbourne for the event, with Peter Thomson a master in these conditions, scoring 281, 11 shots under par, defeating Colin Johnston by seven strokes.<\/p>\n
Other major tournaments include: the Women\u2019s Australian Open in 2010 and 2011, the Victorian Open in 1961 and 1972, the Australian Amateur in 1957, 1983, 2013 and 2025, the Australian Seniors Amateur in 1986, 1991 and 2007, the Australian Amateur Interstate Series in 1957 and 1997, and the Victorian Women\u2019s Open in 1988 and 1989.<\/p>\n","image":"https:\/\/commonwealthgolf.com.au\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/History-110205_935-scaled.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"split_content","text_content":"
Course Restoration: 2021 and beyond<\/span><\/h6>\nWith guidance from Tom Doak, and under the watchful eye of Brian Slawnik from Renaissance Golf Design, the Club set about restoring some lost features whilst improving the golf course conditioning \u2013 replacing all putting surfaces and profiles, bringing back the \u2018firm and fast\u2019 that the Sandbelt is known for.<\/p>\n
These architectural works, supported by landscape enhancements, with a focus on plants belonging to local Ecological Vegetation Classes, has returned Commonwealth to a must play Sandbelt experience.<\/p>\n","image":"https:\/\/commonwealthgolf.com.au\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Commonwealth-25-Hole-11-scaled.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"full_width_content","content":"
Centenary Book<\/h3>\n
In subsequent years, additional purchases of land and changes to the course layout have been made. Significant changes were made in the mid-1960\u2019s when the 10th and 11th holes were redesigned by Sloan Morpeth as Course Architect. The new 10th hole was opened just in time for the 1967 Men’s Australian Open, which is the only Men’s Championship played over Commonwealth\u2019s layout. It was a windy week in Melbourne for the event, with Peter Thomson a master in these conditions, scoring 281, 11 shots under par, defeating Colin Johnston by seven strokes.<\/p>\n
Other major tournaments include: the Women\u2019s Australian Open in 2010 and 2011, the Victorian Open in 1961 and 1972, the Australian Amateur in 1957, 1983, 2013 and 2025, the Australian Seniors Amateur in 1986, 1991 and 2007, the Australian Amateur Interstate Series in 1957 and 1997, and the Victorian Women\u2019s Open in 1988 and 1989.<\/p>\n","image":"https:\/\/commonwealthgolf.com.au\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/History-110205_935-scaled.jpg"},{"acf_fc_layout":"split_content","text_content":"
![\"100](\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthgolf.com.au\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/100-Year-book-web.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n