Eric Apperly

Born in Sydney in 1889, Eric Langton Apperly lived and died for the game of golf. Taking up the sport at 16 to improve his delicate health, he quickly made a name for himself despite his unorthodox style and approach.

Apperley's made major inroads when making the final of the 1907 New South Wales Amateur Championships. A year later, he made the state team-a position he kept for 20 years. He would later claim the NSW Amateur title on five occasions, while his greatest feat was victory at the 1920 Australian Amateur Championship.

Apperley enrolled at the University of New South Wales, majoring in architecture. Going on to build various buildings around his hometown, he would foray into golf course design in 1926. Apperly had an appetite for holes with "thrills and interest." This became clear to him when realizing one hole could be both the favorite and least favorite to any golfer. His first course was Avondale, which still sits in Australia's top 100. Considered by some historians as Australia's first trained golf architect, his greatest legacies were at The Lakes in Sydney, the Newcastle, and New South Wales Golf Clubs-all of which have been constants in the Australian top 20.

Apperley married in 1923 and had a son, who would also go on to become an architect. Apperly passed away after playing the final hole at Manly Golf Club in 1951 at the age of just 61. A memorial shield bearing his name is competed for by all metropolitan Sydney clubs.

Golf Courses designed by Eric Apperly

Avondale Golf Club

Pymble, NSW, Australia
Distance: 6133m Par: 71
Strategic, tranquil, and historical, the Avondale Golf Club has hidden away amongst the North Shore suburbs. Despite Pymble and its nearby suburbs being amongst the most densely populated in Sydney, there's an unspoiled atmosphere to this recently resurgent club. Finding itself as a top 100 Oceanian course and in the top 15 of New South...

New South Wales Golf Club

La Peruse, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Distance: 6245m Par: 72
The private New South Wales Golf Club is situated on the northern headland of the historic Botany Bay, approximately a 20-minutes drive from the Sydney CBD. Located in the suburb of La Perouse, it is flanked by the rugged cliffs of Henry Head and the prominent headland of Cape Banks. A links-style course featuring couch...

The Lakes Golf Club, Sydney

Eastlakes, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Distance: 6210m Par: 72
The Lakes Golf Club is one of Australia's premier golf course and is located in Eastlakes; just 10 minutes drive from the Sydney CBD. Although a private club, limited visitor access to the serene environment and outstandingly presented playing surfaces is available. The club was founded in 1928 when a group of local golfing purists...

*Mandatory Fields

  • Name
  • Email
  • I am a: Please choose one from Buyer, Renter, Agent/Realtor/Broker

  • Sign Up To Receive Your Free eBook

    Thank you for your interest in Golf Property.

    Please provide the requested information below and we will forward our eBook as soon as possible.

  • Hidden

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter

    Thank you for your interest in Golf Property.

    Please provide the requested information below and we will forward our Newsletter as soon as possible.

  • Hidden