The Final Turn: Royal Perth Golf Club Embarks on Phase 3

POSTED ON March 13, 2026 @ 2:09 pm

As it celebrates its 131st year, the Royal Perth Golf Club (RPGC) is preparing to break ground on the third and final stage of a historic course transformation. Following recent local Council approval, the project’s concluding phase is scheduled to begin in June 2026, marking the climax of a multi-year vision to modernize one of Australia’s most storied golfing venues.

A Masterplan for the Modern Era

The project, a collaboration between world-renowned course architects Clayton, DeVries & Pont and Kruse Golf, focuses on the central area of the Labouchere Road reserve. This follows two high-impact stages in 2024 and 2025 that saw the overhaul of holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18.

General Manager Craig Ridge noted that this final chapter is the most ambitious yet.

“The scope of Phase 3 is considerable and largest of our three phases, with several holes being repositioned or fundamentally redesigned to address many safety risks on the compact 33-hectare site,” Ridge explained. “This is a considerable milestone for the Club, which has occupied the reserve since 1908.”

Environmental Restoration: Beyond the Fairway

A core pillar of the transformation is a massive ecological pivot. The Club is moving away from traditional high-maintenance landscapes toward a “native woodland community.”

Key Environmental Targets by 2028:

- Turf Conversion: 29,000 square metres of mown turf transitioned to native vegetation.
- Replanting Ratio: A committed 6:1 ratio for any vegetation lost during safety re-designs.
- Total Plantings: Nearly 19,000 native species, including 308 trees and over 10,000 native grasses.
- Wildlife Support: Installation of fauna boxes and natural habitat concepts in partnership with local groups.

Balancing Tradition and Change

The project has required the removal of 39 non-endemic trees and invasive Casuarina species to achieve safety outcomes on the tight site. However, the Club remains focused on its long-term legacy as a land steward.

“The Club has been the custodian of this reserve for over a century and is passionate about enhancing the vegetation opportunities on site,” said Ridge. “Whilst this may mean some initial loss… a replanting ratio of 6:1—fully funded by the Club and our members—is a very positive step towards a bright future.”

The Club is sourcing its stock from local nurseries in South Perth and Rockingham, ensuring the new greenery is perfectly suited to the local climate. Additionally, 8,000 plantings are planned for the nearby Melville Parade corridor to benefit the broader community.

Looking Ahead

With the final phase set to conclude in January 2027, Royal Perth Golf Club is positioned to cement its status as one of Australia’s premier playing experiences—balancing a challenging layout with a proactive, sustainable footprint.