Royal Melbourne Legacy
Formation of Royal Melbourne Country Club in Australia
The year 1892, exactly 100 years before our Royal Melbourne Country Club was founded, was a significant golf year in America and Australia. Here Scottish designer C. B. MacDonald finished the Chicago Golf Club, the first 18-hole golf course in the United States. Meanwhile, “Down Under,” The Melbourne Golf Club was formed at Caulfield. The privilege of adding the term “Royal” to the Club’s name was granted by Queen Victoria in 1895. The course was laid out by three members from St. Andrews and two others from Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has moved twice since the original course was inaugurated at Caulfield. The second course and clubhouse were built in Sandringham in 1901, and the third and present Club was established at Black Rock in 1931. The course in Black Rock, designed by famed Scottish architect Alister MacKenzie of the Royal & Ancient at St. Andrews, is the favorite course of Greg Norman.
Course Architecture
Norman’s association with the new Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, Illinois, culminated in 1992, exactly one hundred years after the founding of Royal Melbourne Golf Club and the Chicago Golf Club. Working with California golf architect Ted Robinson and KemperSports designer Bob Spence, the new course incorporated essentials that MacKenzie espoused: two loops with different wind conditions; long par 4’s with a shorter, challenging par 4’s calling for an infinite variety of shots; greens and fairways with very undulating topography, but not severe; minimal blind shots; natural beauty not contrived by man; minimal annoyance due to lost balls; maintenance of excellent course conditions and no overpowering bunkering. MacKenzie would have been proud of the young PGA superstar who was designing only his second golf course, his first in the Continental United States. Certainly, he made James S. Kemper, Jr., KemperSports’ founder, a happy man.
Combining three natural elements, the course was divided into three 6-hole segments. Six were set in a heavily wooded area with mature oak trees, six in a designated prairie-wetlands conservancy, and six around nine ponds attracting native wildlife.
The Club opened on Saturday, September 19, 1992, with a dinner party attended by most of the 225 founding members. In the intervening years, the membership has grown to 325 golf member families and 75 social member families. A mecca for social occasions and golf, racquet, and aquatics, Royal Melbourne Country Club has become the Club of choice for weddings, holiday parties, charity outings, family gatherings, and concerts.
Among our guests have been celebrities from the worlds of sport, cinema, politics and business. Professional golfers have also enjoyed the hospitality of the Royal Melbourne CC membership and staff, including Ken Venturi, Lee Elder, Bruce Fleischer, Tom Purtzer, Lee Trevino, Dave Stockton, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Ray Floyd, Hale Irwin, Ben Crenshaw, Dale Douglass, Bob Murphy, Andy North, Jay Sigel, Charles Coody and Bob Charles. Sports celebrities within the membership include superstar Michael Jordan and 1986 Super Bowl MVP Richard Dent.
Tiger Woods has tangled with Royal Melbourne Country Club’s tough 18-hole layout, the first time in the 1994 Windon Memorial Classic collegiate event when he shot 72-75 at Royal Melbourne CC followed by 67 at Kemper Lakes in the 54-hole event. In classic “Tiger” fashion, he showed strength in the final round, but not enough to overtake Josh McCumber who won the tournament, succeeding the defending champion, Casey Martin.
Club Dress Code
Jeans with holes, tube or halter tops, bathing suits, ‘short-shorts,’ midriff-baring shirts, low-rise pants and sleeveless tee shirts (applies to men) are not allowed in the Clubhouse. Golf caps must be worn in the traditional manner, with bills facing forward. Workout attire is permitted on the upper level, only when participating in fitness classes.
Golf and tennis attire (i.e., long slacks, Bermuda shorts) is proper in the Clubhouse at any time.
Exceptions to this dress code shall be theme parties and other designated events, announced in advance to the membership, at which appropriate costumes or less formal attire is considered acceptable. Current approved exceptions to the dress code are as follows:
- Members should be aware that it is not possible to stipulate the exact types of appropriate clothing, but all Members are requested to abide by the intent of the code and to cooperate accordingly.
- Soft spikes are permitted in all areas of the Clubhouse. Metal spikes are not allowed.
- This dress code is in effect all year ‘round (in and out of Golf season).
GENTLEMEN and BOYS: Sportswear such as golf slacks, Bermuda or walking shorts (4” above knee), shirts with collars, mock turtlenecks, sweaters and sweatshirts are acceptable. Sweat pants, “short-shorts,” tee shirts, tank tops, jeans, jean jackets or shirts, any denim apparel, jerseys, and gym shorts are not allowed on the golf course or driving range. All golf or polo shirts must be tucked in; exceptions will be made only for Hawaiian or Tommy Bahama style shirts. All golf caps must be worn in the traditional manner, with bills facing forward, and head scarves are not allowed.
LADIES and GIRLS: Sportswear such as casual pants, skirts and Bermuda or walking shorts (4” above knee) and fashion tee shirts are acceptable. Tank tops, tube tops, swimwear, jeans, jeans jackets or shirts, any denim apparel, and midriff-baring shirts are not allowed on the golf course or driving range. All golf caps must be worn in the traditional manner, with bills facing forward.
Parents are responsible for their children’s compliance to the Club dress code. Members are responsible for their Guests’ compliance to the Club dress code.
Persons in bathing attire are requested to remain within the pool area at all times.
Swim suits are not permitted in any part of the Club other than the immediate pool area and pool locker rooms.
RMCC Employee Scholarship
The RMCC Scholarship Fund In Honor Of Jose Morales
The RMCC Scholarship Fund in Honor of Jose Morales was established in 2002 in honor of former Royal Melbourne Country Club Caddie Master, Jose Morales. The fund was established by the membership of the Club, with full cooperation of the management and staff, to show appreciation to all the employees at Royal Melbourne CC for their dedicated service to the Members. It is the desire of the membership and Employee Scholarship Committee to encourage the employees to further their education. The Employee Scholarship Committee was established to maintain the charitable status of the Fund, raise money, administer the scholarship funds and establish the requirements of the scholarship eligibility.
Please see below for more information on eligibility and how to donate. This scholarship is open to Royal Melbourne Employees only.
Letter From the RMESA Committee Chairman:
“I am excited to announce that for over the last 30 years Royal Melbourne’s Scholarship Foundation has delivered 226 scholarship awards with a value of $734,000 to deserving RMCC employees. On behalf of the Scholarship Committee, we are extremely grateful for your generosity and we remain steadfast in our commitment to grow this scholarship program. Last August, with your continued interest and support we awarded over 42 scholarships worth $41,000. Our scholarships are awarded based on numerous criteria including academics, caddie performance, Royal Melbourne seniority and family need.”
Sincerely,
Ed Horwitz, Chair RMESA Committee
Eligibility
Representing the management and Members of Royal Melbourne Country Club, the Scholarship Committee is honored to award scholarships to its dedicated employees. To be eligible for a scholarship, the applicant must provide the Committee with adequate information regarding future plans for education. The committee will establish a weighted system to enhance the decision-making process using the following criteria:
- Academics
- Attitude
- Application compliance
- Attendance
- Expenses
- Need
- Family assistance
- Family income
- Number of siblings
- Student loans
- Savings
- Other scholarships
- Department Head recommendations
Donations
Since the Fund’s inception 30 years ago, members of Royal Melbourne Country Club have raised and awarded over $700,000. The Committee continues to balance the need to build a strong endowment account with its desire to provide significant scholarships to our deserving individuals. By aiding them in furthering their education, you help the employees realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Please make your check payable to the tax deductible. We are a 501C3.
RMCC Scholarship Fund
Remit to:
Royal Melbourne Country Club
4700 RFD, Long Grove, IL 60047
Attn: Ed Horwitz
General FAQs
Membership
What types of memberships are available at Royal Melbourne?
Is there a waiting list for membership?
Some membership categories may have a waiting list due to high demand. Please contact our Membership Director: Michelle McKnight at mmcknight@royalmelbourne.net or 224-543-7561for current availability and options.
Can non-Members use the facilities?
Golf
What are the features of your golf course?
Do you offer golf instruction or clinics?
Are tee times required?
Yes, tee times are required and can be reserved via our Member portal or by calling the Golf Shop.
Dining & Events
What dining options are available at the Club?
Can Members host private events at the Club?
Absolutely. We specialize in weddings, celebrations, business meetings, and golf outings. Our Events Team will assist with every detail to ensure an exceptional experience. Learn more about hosting an event at Royal Melbourne.
Club Amenities
What recreational facilities are available?
Members enjoy access to our har-tru tennis courts, pickleball courts, platform tennis, swimming pool, fitness center, and a full calendar of social events for adults, families, and children.
Is the pool open year-round?
Our outdoor pool is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Platform tennis and other racquet sports continue throughout the winter months.
What is the dress code at the Club?
Appropriate Club attire is required in all dining and recreational areas. The Clubhouse does allow denim. Golfers must wear proper golf attire, and denim is not permitted on the golf course or practice facility.
Guest Policies
Can I bring guests to the Club?
Yes, Members are welcome to bring guests. Guest usage is subject to applicable fees and limitations depending on the area of the Club. All guests must be accompanied by a Member while on property.
How many times can the same guest visit the Club?
Each individual guest may visit a limited number of times per year depending on the facility they are using.