Rottnest Island Golf Club
65 Years On - 65 Years Strong
Early Beginnings
The new Island Manager in 1959 was Des Sullivan, a highly decorated wartime pilot. His passion was playing golf. He loved the game and thought a golf course on this favourite holiday destination was a must. It took some time to convince the Rottnest Island Board. On February 3, 1960 approval was given to go ahead. An inaugural meeting was held and Committee Members elected. It was resolved to form a public golf course with a private club within it and for men and women to be equal members.
The official opening of the club was scheduled for August 20, 1961, and two West Australian Newspaper identities Paul Rigby and Bernie Kirwan Ward were invited to open the course.
The Rottnest Island Golf Club was born.
Our club has evolved from the days when the people that worked on the island resided on the island. A comprehensive history of the club is contained in the book, “Rottnest Island Golf Club & Country Club 50 Years”, that was published for the club’s 50th anniversary in 2010, and is available on this website.
All current and prospective members are urged to own a copy.
By agreement with the Rottnest Island Authority, the Rottnest Island Golf Club holds events over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of four weekends per year.
Membership of the club gives preference to play in these events, which include the RIA Chairman’s Cup, Rottnest Classic, Rottnest Cup & Ledger Plate, President’s Trophy and Elgar O'Mahony Memorial event.
Membership of the golf club does not imply special privileges at Rottnest Island Country Club at any other times of the year.
Membership of the club is at a premium and completion of a membership application does not guarantee membership to the club; all applications will be scrutinised by the committee at regular meetings throughout the year, with the outcomes of all applications advised by email once decided.
The club holds memberships with GolfWA and Golf Australia, and its members are holders of GolfLink cards. All club events require players to hold an official GolfLink handicap unless agreed otherwise.