Rose Bay, 1909 – 1920
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Following the 1908 championship meeting hosted by the Australian Golf Club, it was recognised that neither the Rose Bay nor Kensington courses were long enough, and in addition layout and hazards could be improved. Accordingly, upgrade was undertaken by the Green Committees of both clubs.
Historically, new layouts at RSGC were completed in anticipation of hosting the Open Championship meeting; records show significant change prior to the 1911 Open, again won by Carnegie Clark.
The major changes to the outward nine were to establish a hole which corresponds to the current fifth, played from the location of the current Ladies’ tee; and a new short sixth hole was built, consistent with the style of James Braid, the noted Scottish champion golfer and course designer, in its present location.
On the back nine, apart from non-specific improvement, a Scorecard of the period identifies lengthening of holes 13, 16 and 17, the first named in the same location as the current fifteenth.
Not only were additions to the Clubhouse made, but a tree-planting program was also initiated, mentioned in the 1912 Royal Sydney AGM.