Our History
est. 1926
A journey through the key moments that built the Portsea Golf Club.
1923
1923
Melbourne businessman and Portsea homeowner Arthur Relph comes across a block of land that he describes as “magnificent golf links country”. Work begins to establish the Portsea Lands Company in order to acquire the land, and, having witnessed his excellent work at Riversdale Golf Club, Relph commissions Jock Young to design the preliminary nine-hole layout at Portsea.
1926
Portsea Golf Club is established on January 1st, with Arthur Relph as the Captain and Harold Armytage, owner of Delgany Estate, as President. The club leases 91 acres from the Portsea Lands Company, incorporating the nine-hole golf course and a modest temporary clubhouse. Sadly, Armytage dies within twelve months of the Club’s inception.
1926
1929
1929
The club approaches the Portsea Lands Company to buy or have a long-term lease on the course to secure its future. After exploring options, the club accepts an offer from the sisters of Harold Armytage for them to buy the land and lease it back to the club, with an option to purchase it after 21 years at the price they paid.
1930
Alex Russell, Australian business partner to world-renowned course architect Dr Alister Mackenzie, is commissioned to provide plans for new and remodelled greens and additional holes. Two extra men are employed to assist with alterations.
1930
1931
1931
The Armytage Cup played for the first time. A 22-hole open event with a solid silver trophy being a gift from the Armytage sisters.
1932
The course is extended to 12 holes and would remain the same for 25 years.
1932
1939
1939
The Army occupies part of the course for the duration of WW2, leaving limited holes for play. This puts the club's financial position under strain. With support from loyal staff, Army personnel and the Armytage sisters foregoing rent payments, the club survives.
1950
The club buys the land from the Armytage sisters, but sadly, Arthur Relph passes away just prior to the completion of the transaction. An Associates Committee is created, which heralded the beginning of regular womens' competitions.
1950
1957
1957
The course is further upgraded and extended with 35 acres of land leased from the Government. A.W. (Gus) Jackson, who in 1927 had played in an exhibition match with Ivo Whitton at Portsea, was commissioned to redesign the course and extend it to fourteen holes.
1965
The course is extended to eighteen holes with an additional 32 acres leased from the Government. Sloan Morpeth, who had retired from Commonwealth Golf Club, had been appointed to review the existing layout and totally redesign it and worked with curator Jack Howard to bring it to life.
1965
1976
1976
The club adopts the seahorse as its club emblem. The first New Year’s Pro-Am conducted with the winners being Peter Thomson and Steve Caldow.
1977
Women, known as Associates, are granted playing rights on Saturdays. The first Spring Tournament, incorporating the Arymtage Cup, is held.
1977
1979
1979
The inaugural Open Amateur tournament, with Ivo Whitton status, is played and attracts 72 single-figure handicap golfers. Young member Alan Bullas wins and then he goes on to win the first of 20 club championship titles.
1985
Equal opportunity laws are passed by the Cain-led State Government. The majority of Associates transfer to full membership and become eligible to play at any time on the Saturday timesheet.
1985
1987
1987
The club installs its first automatic green and tree watering system.
1993
A new clubhouse replaces the original temporary clubhouse built in 1926 that had undergone multiple upgrades and additions.
1993
1997
1997
A member since 1975, Jenny Jeffreys wins a record 12th club championship title.
1998
Further alterations to the course are made in line with a master plan developed with input from Michael Clayton. This laid the foundation for the course as we know it today.
1998
1999
1999
The club acquires the leased 67 acres of land from the State Government after it had been transferred from the Commonwealth in 1988.
2002
Installation of satellite tees and greens watering system.
2002
2004
2004
The club hosts the Australian Interstate team series. The Delgany Estate is redeveloped. In potential business discussions with the developer, the club advises that it will not sell or compromise any part of the golf course.
2008
As part of the water security strategy, a desalination plant is commissioned. The first Portsea Legends ProAm is also held.
2008
2013
2013
The last Portsea New Year's ProAm is staged, bringing the 38 year event to a close. The club relocates to the new clubhouse, financed by the sale of land. A new routing for the course is implemented together with hole alterations.
2020
The global COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on operations and finances, including periods of closure. Maree Smith is elected as the club's first female President.
2020
2021
The club chooses not to proceed with merger discussions with Sorrento Golf Club
2021
2022
A 19th hole is added to the course layout.
2022
2023
2023
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After a 10-year absence, the Portsea New Year's ProAm is reintroduced. Alan Bullas wins a 20th club championship title.
2024
The club makes a significant investment in water security with new dual desalination plants, additional water storage tanks, bore water licences, and new irrigation lines.
2024
2025
2025
After considerable work but with minimal disruption to members, the course irrigation system covering tees, greens, and fairways is completed.
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