THE official letter to Royal Melbourne members from club captain, Ben Hasker, telling them their Hall of Fame course superintendent Richard Forsyth is moving on after 16 years at the top of the tree, is puzzling.
Perhaps he has nothing more to prove after reaching the pinnacle of his craft.
But his resignation is surprising, to say the least, as it comes hot on the heels of a spectacularly successful Australian Open and after Forsyth “engaged in discussions with Council about his and the club’s future.”
Apparently, “as a result of those discussions” Forsyth “advised council of his decision to step down from his role.”
And furthermore, “council supports Richard’s (Forsyth’s) decision,” captain Hasker says.
The club accepted his resignation and thanked him for his “dedication, leadership and significant contributions.”
During the lead op to the Australian Open, Royal Melbourne moved to allay fears the famous composite layout could look and play a little ragged when the eyes of the golf world were upon it for the Australian Open
Richard Forsyth on site at Royal Melbourne ahead of the 2019 Presidents Cup. – Credit: Melbourne Age
Members and the wider golf industry knew of the game’s worst kept secret about the state of the areas around the greens at RM.
The problem began when sections of the fine fescue surrounds at RM sustained damage following an herbicide application last year.
The jungle drums were beating right up to the week before the Australian open suggesting the course would not be at its best.
But Forsyth and his team delivered in spades and got the course up to its usual outstanding condition for the tournament – the first time it had hosted the national open since 1991
In his letter, captain Hasker extolls the list of contributions Forsyth has made to RM during his time at the club. Forsyth will remain in his job until June 30 or until a new Director of Courses begins. It comes at a critical time for the club as it embarks on its new $10 million sustainable irrigation project in which the successful applicant will need to be fully immersed.
During his stellar career at RM, Forsyth has led the course preparations for several big events, including two Presidents Cups, two Women’s Australian Opens, a World Cup and Australian Masters in 2013, two Asia Pacific Amateur Championships and of course the 2025 Men’s Australian Open.
He also worked in conjunction with course architects OCM, to deliver the upgrade to Sandringham Golf Links. He was instrumental in the design, planning and delivery of the upgrade to the Links Maintenance and Machinery Facility in 2016 which provides the Links team with a first-class, compliant and efficient operating environment.
Captain Hasker concludes his missive thus: “Managing and developing his team has been a consistent strength, with many staff now in senior roles at Royal Melbourne and at others leading teams at other clubs. Richard has fostered a positive, high-performance workplace culture built on trust, accountability and respect, where people are supported to grow and perform at their best. His leadership through major projects and difficult circumstances has been critical during his time at the club.”
Which begs the question: why is Forsyth departing? Perhaps he has nothing else to prove. So far he has either not received, or chosen not to return, our messages asking him for an interview.
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