There is a lot to like about Ohope Beach Golf Links. The Ohope beach is arguably the finest stretch of sand in New Zealand, with white sand and views out to the puffing White Island and Whale Island.

Our campervan trip around the rugged and remote Poverty Bay started in Mahia and took in some stunning New Zealand golf. Crossing over into Bay Of Plenty we stopped at the ocean side campground of Ohope Holiday Park.

Luckily for us, the golf course was right next door. The golf course is situated on a slim sliver of land flanked by water on both sides.

I knew little about the 18 holes I was about to encounter. Arriving into the pro shop and looking out over the course, it was a windless day, my attention was perked.

The first is a short but perfect links par 4. The natural undulations of the fairway framed the first drive and the elevated green gave the gift of a wonderful view over the ocean.

Bring 2 pairs of Trousers in case you get a Hole in One.

I stood upon the 2nd Tee box with a 6 iron in my hand. Enough club to fly the 174 metres I had to the flag. I struck it perfectly, a tiny wee draw and right at it. And for the first time in my life, it went in, a HOLE IN ONE! You little beauty!

I shared the moment with my wife – which was very special that she was the one I was with. I now will never forget Ohope Beach Golf Links.

Calm down son there are 16 holes to play, it’s hard to concentrate when you are pumped up from the excitement of an Ace. The 3rd is the hardest hole on the course dunes all up the right. The green is elevated and missing it leaves a troublesome pitch.

I felt great on these links, I was planning to buy a home here and play every day. Getting a hole in one every week. I stood on the par 3 4th, looking around at the brilliant views. It was a downhill 198 metres. “I am good at these par 3’s” thinking I can put this in.

The 5 iron was a peach – right on target – I was willing it to go in. 20 feet short, nowhere near!

I birdied the par 5 5th with a bit of swagger. This part of the course heads along the Ohiwa Harbour. The 6th also follows the harbour, I began to notice the excellent bunkering the course had. My ball found the deep little pot bunker by the green. Of all the bunkers in all the world, it is quite cool being in a proper links bunker!

The next 3 holes to finish the front 9 are tree-lined and a little bit different from what came before and the back 9 to follow. I had great pride looking at my card for the 9. One over the par 36, it could have been better but I was not caring too much.

The front nine is actually 10, you can pay for 18 or 10 holes here. The 10th is a wicked dogleg with an internal Out of Bounds – like our game isn’t hard enough that you need one of those in your life.

I swept through the next few holes confident and loving the course to bits. The short 11th is 107 metres, a cracking wee target hole. Three bunkers and a two-tiered green make the target feel very small.

I parred 10, 11, and 12. If I could muster a birdie there is a chance I might come home level to the card. Wouldn’t that be something?

Stay in the Moment – Don’t get ahead of yourself.

The 13th was a par 3, I’m good at those and there are back-to-back par 5’s at the 14th and 15th. The chance was right there – 3 bogeys in a row followed – tempering the thought of greatness quickly.

The scoring aside, the last 3 holes are a special way to complete such a great golf course.

The 16th is the classic dogleg that asks you to take on the corner and make the green on the short par 4.

The 17th is the hole of the day for sure – a par 3 over a gully and an impressive dune. The Pacific Ocean and White Island are the backdrops, just spectacular! Onto the Best Holes in New Zealand you go.

The 18th is no slouch, a great view from the tee is worth inhaling. Then smack your final drive as far as you can. The shot up to the clubhouse onto the raised and super tricky green is icing on the cake.

I came home smoking like White Island, equalling my best ever, just 5 over the card. I was very pleased with my work and will always have a place in my heart for Ohope Beach Golf Links. The course has recently rebranded the name, dropped the “International ” ( maybe COVID related?), and added “Beach Golf Links.” It seems a more fitting name, I’m happy with that.

I bought a wee memento from the shop. It will surely give me golfing luck as I take on the rest of the New Zealand golf courses. I’ve just tipped over 20% completed. 314 courses still to go! And some I’ll meet again, Ohope Beach Golf Links will be one of those for sure.