Queenstown Golf: New Courses, Old Favorites, and One We Might Lose

April 6, 2026 admin

There’s a new course in town down at Gibbston Valley, where the first grapes were planted back in 1981, like promises buried in stoney terroir. What started as a few vines has become a place where wine lovers and valley lovers set up home among the vines. The whole valley is now covered in wineries from start to finish – you can’t swing a sand wedge without hitting a Pinot Noir.

Traditionally, it was Gibbston and Chard Farm as the two main operations, but the valley’s grown up since then. Now there’s a tavern, restaurants where you can listen to live music on a Sunday afternoon (the kind that makes you forget what day it is), and a cycle trail that lets you weave and wobble your way through vineyards sampling the local delights. Top it off with a wood-fired pizza at the Gibbston Valley Tavern, and you’ve got yourself an afternoon that golf can’t quite compete with – though it tries. At the gateway to the valley stands the original bungee bridge, opened in 1988. As a monument to the peculiar human desire to throw oneself off things for entertainment.

The addition of a luxury housing estate called “The Reserve” came with Gibbston Valley Golf Club, nine holes that materialised like an afterthought to wealth. The original plan was to keep it private, for residents only, the way some folk like to keep nice things to themselves. There’s a lodge and spa club and other such amenities if you’re into that sort of membership, but here’s the thing – the golf course is now open to the common golfer. After a brief private opening (long enough to let the champagne go flat), it’s available to anyone willing to part with $95 for nine holes. That’s steep country for your average hacker, the kind of green fee that makes you think twice about where that tee shot’s heading.

I haven’t made it there yet, but I will when the moment seems right and my wallet feels brave. Word is there are no distance markers – you’ll need a friend with a rangefinder or a very good eye for lies, both the ones on the ground and the ones you tell yourself about club selection. There are a couple of shared greens too, which suggests they were working with what space they had, squeezing golf out of a valley that already had other ideas. But it’s good to have another course in the collection, another place to lose balls and find excuses.

Now, as I introduce the new to you, I must apologise for forgetting the old. The Royal and Ancient Frankton Golf and Country Club Resort International – a name longer than some of its holes – sits in Frankton, cuddled up next to the airport like a dog waiting for its owner to come home.

It’s got a driving range with what used to be the best little golf shop in the South Island, until a small fire recently sent it into temporary exile in a portacabin. Still, you can get a bucket of balls and hit them without any technical wizardry telling you how far they went, which is merciful, really, when you’re just trying to work out the knots in your swing. There’s something honest about hitting balls without the numbers judging you.

The nine holes here run short and long, some taking you down the side of the airport where there usually is, and always will be, an aeroplane taking off or landing during your round. If you’re a plane lover, it’s paradise. If you’re not, it’s still golf, which is its own kind of heaven and hell combined. I’d recommend playing Frankton when you’re in Queenstown – it won’t take long, the views down the lake are the kind that make scorecards irrelevant, and it’s a fine little nine-hole course that deserves more attention than it gets.

Here’s a thought: if you’re heading to the airport, arrive a couple of hours early, hit some balls, play nine holes, then stroll across to your flight. I’m fairly certain the fellow in the shop would look after your luggage. He seems the type.

I’ve moved to Queenstown full-time now – lucky me, lucky Queenstown, I suppose. I’m a member at Arrowtown, which happens to be the first golf course I ever played in New Zealand, back when it had no fairway watering and before anyone thought to call it one of the country’s finest. Some wags call it “Narrowtown” on account of the fairways being tight as a miser’s grip, and the driving holes demanding the kind of accuracy that most of us only dream about after three pints. But don’t let that put you off – it’ll be the rough that gets you if you stray.

I’ve added some photos of playing Arrowtown at dawn, when the sun rises and the course reveals itself like a secret told slowly. It’s a magical spot, make no mistake. We’ve got 2 courses at Millbrook nearby (which recently hosted the Open again), The Hills and Jack’s Point, and Queenstown Golf Club, but Arrowtown should be on your list if you’re choosing where to play in these parts. The club’s a proper golf club where members love their golf and each other’s company in equal measure – the kind of place where the 19th hole matters as much as the first.

I’m up to 31% of New Zealand’s golf courses played now. Things are going well, which is to say I’m running out of excuses not to visit the far-flung corners of this golfing nation. Being in Queenstown helps – courses cluster around here like moths to a flame – and it’ll accelerate my journey toward all 387 golf courses that now exist in New Zealand. That’s a revised number.

I squeezed in a round at Lake Hawea not long ago – a nice flat track for holiday makers, just outside Wanaka. Worth stopping for if you’re passing through that beautiful, achingly beautiful part of the country.

A quick message to those at Pegasus: I see the course is closed. I’m not sure what the future holds, but I hope an investor with sense and money swoops in and saves it. I’ve never played Pegasus, which bothers me more than it should, and I sincerely hope you can keep it open – if not for New Zealand’s golfing population, then at least for me and my foolish quest.

There are rumours that other golf courses are opening in this region and beyond, so the current tally stands at 387, I believe. If you need the full list, it’s right here on the website, waiting like a challenge you didn’t ask for but can’t ignore.

Happy golfing, golfers. If you’re ever in Otago visiting Queenstown, I’d love to have a hit. The rounds are long, the views are longer, and the stories afterwards are longer still.

Otago

On the Corner of Paradise

September 14, 2025 Ken Orr

At the top of Lake Wakatipu is the town of Glenorchy. The television people came here to film their drama series “Top of the Lake”. Two rivers, the Dart and the Rees, flow into this lake with the enthusiasm and icy water – a local legend suggests even the fish wear beanies around here.

The journey from Queenstown to Glenorchy takes precisely forty-five minutes if you are the sort of person who measures such things. This drive time isn’t precise if you stop for photographic opportunities. Every corner of the 45-minute drive unveils a new view of the lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. I chose the meteorologically perfect day to make this trip, with perfect blue skies, not a breath of wind and fresh snow on the mountains.

The 9-hole course is in the town and shares its premises with the racecourse and the rugby club. One solitary group preceded me on the course, brave souls indeed. The temperature had dropped below zero overnight, which in Celsius means something different than in Fahrenheit (for our American viewers). I strategically chose to play in daylight hours, sound judgment indeed, with a warm sun and still conditions, it was perfect.

There are no particularly long holes at Glenorchy Golf Club, it’s a flat affair with limited rough. A course for all comers and those who hadn’t played much over the winter months. I was a little winter-weary, like an old abandoned bicycle, I might have grown rusty. The first tee offers views of surrounding hills that would inspire poets, assuming poets played golf, very inviting and with plenty of space for a rusty opening drive.

Considering the time of year, the course was in good condition, and even the greens were palatable.

The second is a nicely framed 143 metre par 3, with a public walkway next to the tee. A rambler came by and insisted on watching my tee shot. Not a particularly interesting sporting moment from the day. The rambler by nature walks for pleasure and feels compelled to offer unsolicited advice; he suggested I was a club or two short; he was right, but goodness only knows why he had to tell me. He rambled away, as ramblers do.

The 3rd is an interesting dogleg 218 metres, but you are not cutting the corner, a strategic lay up to the corner and a pitch should yield a par. The green was shaded from the sun by the bank of trees, that created the dog leg. I found out after I lost my ball that the green was still frozen, and my second shot, albeit precise, bounded with the enthusiasm of a bouncy ball down an airport runway into the bushes.

I enjoyed the 6th hole up to the racecourse finishing line; it was narrow, but I managed a par for the first time today, so I was a winner by a nose on the day… of the imaginary race that I wasn’t in.

The course here is in such a lovely setting that I ignored my poor performance and the rustic nature of the conditions. Glenorchy is a course to turn up, play, and drink in the surroundings and a few beers. The Lord of the Rings has many movie sites close to Glenorchy where the trilogy was filmed. If you drive up to aptly named “Paradise”, you will be guided to some impressive backdrops for your Instagram.

The 7th is the only longer hole here, a par 5 of only 407 metres. a chance for a birdie if you get off the tee and avoid the road hugging the right-hand side of the fairway.

The 8th had a unique bunker protecting the front of the green on the 97 metre par 3, though guarding what from whom remains philosophically unclear. It shouldn’t really be in play on this target hole, but I enjoyed the bunker shot I played out of there.

I departed having had what the happiness industry would term “a great day out,” though whether greatness can be measured in lost bouncy balls, magnificent scenery, unwanted commentary, or frozen greens remains a question for greater minds than mine. I love Glenorchy golf course, as it has put me back on track to achieve a full house of New Zealand golf courses. I am now over 30% complete on my mission.

Bay Of Plenty

WOW Wairakei International – keeping the predators at bay.

August 3, 2025 admin

A dedicated five kilometre ‘Xcluder’ fence circles the entire course perimeter. At 2 metres tall, the fence is a defence against all types of predators to protect the wildlife inside the sanctuary. Wairakei International Golf Course is an amazing wildlife sanctuary that also doubles as a golf course. Inspiration from New Zealand’s largest fenced eco sanctuary, at Maungatautari Mountain Sanctuary, spurred the owner to create this unique place to help protect our Kiwi population. There is a Kiwi Burrow on site that hatches the latest batch of our beloved Kiwi. The SAVE THE KIWI team have been dedicated to successfully growing the population of our favourite bird.

This place is unique and outstanding. Some people consider the course their favourite in New Zealand; the greens are definitely the best I’ve played on. There are a plethora of top-class golf courses in New Zealand, I would say Wairakei is up there on the LIST of NZ’s Best?

You know you are at a top golf course when there is a wee pyramid of balls on the practice range for you to warm up with. Add a selection of outdoor art sculptures to feed your soul, golf here is already awesome before you get onto the 1st tee.

The starting hole is the self-titled album ” Wairakei” – a par 5 that is very pleasing on the eye. A nice pond with water trickling in front of the tee box, takes your ear and an impressive bunker covering what feels like 90% of the fairway pokes you in the eye. You do need to piece your way up this fairway, if you don’t land in the bunker off the tee, there are plenty more to catch your second shot and don’t forget the 5 bunkers around the large 2-tiered green. A par 5 to start should make life easy, but it didn’t for me, as I overthought the strategy.

There is no doubt that when the course designer took on the golf course , there was a fire sale on bunkers; 108 bunkers must be the most in New Zealand. It is a shame that all that beautifully manicured fairway turf was dug up to create all these deep holes with sand in them. But seriously, the bunkers are positioned across the course to keep your brain on alert on each and every hole.

The first par 3 is the 2nd hole, “Awaawa” ( gully) is straightforward, unless you are off the Black tees ( 215 metres from there). Then off to the 3rd, a second par 5 in the opening 3, “Karapiti” – this is the name of an impressive local blow hole – which blew so hard that it collapsed into itself in 1987. I was going to have to blow hard to get this 500 metre hole under control. The good thing here is that there are only 3 bunkers. But the cranky old course designer put a pond up the right side of the fairway.

The “Old Oak” behind the 4th is a great looking part of the course, the hole is a shorter par 4 with a wee creek crossing the fairway well short of the green. It does creep up to the edge of the green and combine with a bunker to keep you honest.

The beautiful 5th is a 135 metre par 3, and it looks stunning, 3 pot bunkers at the front of the green are outdone by a meandering creek that follows you up to the green. I liked this hole, there is a bank at the back of the green, so overclubbing a little is sensible.

I may be trolling through each hole in this story, that is because they are all so very worthy of mention. I wished I was playing better to get full value from the course, but it didn’t matter. This golf course is bloody awesome and this was under lined on the 6th tee, “Rawhiti” is an elevated tee box with a great look at Mount Tauhara. If you have the fitness and desire, a jog up to the top of Taurhara is a trip you should make when in Taupo.

Now at some point, a “Devil’s Elbow” needs to be introduced into a round of golf. The clever folks of Wairakei called theirs “Farmer’s Folly” – if you haven’t played here before, look closely at the Flyover on the website. I wish I had. There is a pond on the right at the point of a sharp dogleg to the right, aiming straight and short up to the fairway seemed logical. I took on the pond and never saw that ball again. Our group had wagered that anyone coming home with the same ball as they started with would win a nice bottle of wine. The cork is still in the wine after the first nine. What a fine hole this is, I would be happy to include it on my list of favourite holes in the country.

Holes 11 and 12 are thinking golfers’ challenges, your driver needs to sit down on these shorter par 4’s with educated hazards to test your top 2 inches.

Now I have added the “Farmers Folly” to the list of best holes in New Zealand, a second addition to the illustrious list is the ” The Rogue.” A great name for a golf hole and no less than it deserves. You need to challenge the fairway bunkers off the tee, otherwise you’ll never make it! The elevated green in the distance is intimidating if you can find a spot to land your second shot. There are more bunkers in all of the perfect places to put your second to afford a decent shot at this green. The green is skinny from front to back, of course. Good luck playing this Rogue.

tire tracks from the deer
the deer
not real deer

“Paenga Tui” is the last – a par 5 to mirror the opening par 5. No let up in the fairway bunkers to find your tee shot, plenty of water on the right, a creek short of the green and water left of the green. It all looks amazing, you should be pleased to find a par on the last.

To sum up my day at Wairakei International Golf Club, I had some great company to share the experience with, my golf was disappointing, probably because of the eagerness to play one of the legends of New Zealand. The course is magic, the challenge changes as you traverse the eighteen holes, the condition of the course is immaculate, and the facilities are top-notch. Add in the dedication to preserve the local wildlife, and this equals a true contender for special golf.

Otago

Central Otago Odessey

February 15, 2025 admin

Central Otago is a scorcher in summer—dry as a bone, almost desert-like in places, with a vast, big-country feel to the landscape. Golf in this area dates back to the early days of golf in New Zealand. Alexandra started life in 1901, and Otago Golf Club, in Dunedin, is where the first shot in anger was fired in New Zealand in 1871. I played a couple of courses on a summer trip to the region.

Dunstan Golf Club – Dam Good Stuff.

In the cracking wee Dam town of Clyde there is a cool holiday vibe, old-time town centre, the start of the Otago rail trail, the legendary Oliver’s, Dam Tours(apologies for the language) and a nine-hole golf course. Dunstan Golf Club is flat but well-bunkered, with receptive greens that reward a good approach.

In central Otago the summer heat is intense, only a fool would tee off at noon in the peak of the season, we teed off at 5 past noon caked in sunscreen. Success in golf has many manifestations, just being there on the first tee is a win. After that you have a laundry list of success you can draw from.

· At least half the holes in par

· A single birdie

· Not losing a ball (or a club!)

· No sunburn disasters

· A couple of up-and-downs

· No double bogeys… no triple bogeys… no three putts …no four-putts

· And most importantly—the clubhouse being open for a post-round beer.

The list is a moving feast, it’s the demon that is golf. The game is deceitful, one minute it is a teenager, a mischievous toddler, your mother, an old man’s last words, and your second cousin. Take from it what you will and enjoy every minute, except losing a club, because you threw it in a lake.

A short par 4 for the 1^st is comforting. I noticed that the fairways are irrigated, I wasn’t expecting that, normally this type of golf course has the ups and downs of the summer heat reflected in its fairways. Not Dunstan, nice firm fairways and excellent greens, that hold an approach well and putt true.

The first few holes all required a fade off the tee. I brought one of them with me. I started hitting fairway after fairway, add that to the list ..100% of fairways hit.. The good thing at Dunstan is that there is limited rough to trouble you if you stray off the tee. Not really a problem for me today, there is good bunkering across the course and a few trees that could trouble the other guy, but not me today.

Clyde is a delightful setting, with a typical gold rush feel with extensive mountain ranges in your eyeline, you have to love Central Otago. The flat course was very welcomed in the heat – especially since we had forgotten to pack refreshments, we had water but not “real” refreshments. The round was going along nicely, pars were flowing and I even had a look at birdie on a couple of holes.

I won’t mention the hole names, but I suspect the naming committee at Dunstan Golf Club needs a bottle of tequila and a brainstorming session to sort this out.

I wonder if there is a front nine hole naming committee and a back nine hole naming committee, are both unionised with no hope of a merger to one name per hole.

The alternate tees are varied enough if you play 18, to add interest, but not to the hole names, which change for the 2^nd nine – that nonsense needs to stop.

I was really enjoying the course, it was giving me a sense of holiday golf, easy walking no drama in front of you and no pretentiousness. I had two serious birdie looks, on the 6th following a perfect 9 iron and then on the 8th off the back of the drive of the day on the longest par 4, I was beginning to frustrate the “a least one birdie” success tick box, but …not a fairway missed…not a ball lost… not an expletive uttered, there was much to be thankful for.

The last is called “Clubhouse” -of course – I was looking for the same rhythm and swing as on the 8th—100% fairways hit and happy days. Instead, wallop—straight into a tree. Success metric re-assessed.

From the rough, I couldn’t see the green, just two big trees between me and my target. The sensible play is to pop it on the fairway 100 out and make the best of the rest. The recovery club chosen, the lie was nice. Whack it through, over or under the trees (quick fact: trees are 90% air ) the ball clipped a tiny wee leaf on its journey to 5 feet from the hole. It is remarkable how some days success is everywhere. Birdie nailed, last tick of the success box was complete.

Clubhouse closed. No drinks for us. Disaster!

Roxburgh Golf Club

Golf on the Rox

The first at Roxburgh Golf Club is the longest you will face on your remarkable round. The road looms large on the left off the 1^st Tee. “First Chance” is a tricky start to this unique golf course. The course is only 4,372 metres and par 68 for the full 18 holes. The suggestion from afar is that this is a chance at breaking 80. Roxburgh isn’t your usual lush fairway affair. It’s rugged, and unpredictable—a golf course that would be at home on Mars, where every shot could ricochet off a rock and rewrite your scorecard.

Complacency is easy. Scoring could be easy. Disaster is most likely.

The first is a test of nerves out of the blocks but a short par 5, I finished at Dunstan the day before with a birdie and started this round with the same, an easy 4 with firm fairways leaving me a shortish iron into the par 5 in two shots. The day before was a flat traditional golf course at Clyde, Roxburgh is none of these things. A hike up from the 1^st green to the 2^nd tee set the scene, elevated tee boxes were the norm. The second was 115 metres with more rocks than fairway, hitting the green was going to be important. I did and landed my second birdie – that makes 3 in a row, I am not sure I’ve done that before.

“Lady Roxburgh” the 3^rd was a 215 metre par 4 asking for you to drive the green, and also asking for you to strike a rock – I was smart enough to pop my tee shot into the area in front of the green. A majestic pitch to 5 feet set up another birdie, and panic set in before the putter took on the ball. I missed by a mile – but okay for a par and sitting 2 under after 3.

A golf hole can be very similar across the country, but there are a few unique and stand-out golf holes in New Zealand. The 4^th at Roxburgh Golf Club is one of these. “Happy Valley” only 126 metres -standing on the elevated tee box looking at a drop of sizable measure down to the green and of course rocks to avoid, I showed no fear. A beauty of a hole that makes you glad to be part of a club that has played this golf course and this particular hole. I wish I had a least pared it after hitting the green, 3 good putts later I disappointed myself.

Time was going quickly due to the short holes but time is relative, every moment at Roxburgh Golf Club was time more valuable than other ways of filling time. An impressive drive down the 5^th (from an elevated tee box looking down at a wide fairway) “Long Valley” was a par 4 of a traditional 336 metres. I landed in the greenside bunker to test the sand, and found the heaviest bunker rake in the land, Osimium rakes must be a local thing. The rakes have never been stolen, according to local legends.

The next hole needed a hike up to an elevated tee to find “Surprise” – 232 metres down to a wee attractive green, with a wicked incline, sloping the green at you. I made a mess of this hole, the heat was asking some questions, but we did elect to tee off at noon (2 days in a row). We stopped for a proper refreshment and took some time to let a friendly Dunedin man play through – we shared an opinion on how the course was a bit quirky, and a great place to play.

“Surprise” and “Golden Run” are 2 short par 4’s I bogeyed one and birdied the other. These short holes give you a sense that you can play scratch golf. The entire golf course is set up for you to score well, a par 68 over the eighteen hole is asking for you to have the score of your golfing life. So, if you are looking for a class pie at the Jimmy’s Pie factory and an opportunity to score well then Roxburgh is the joint for you. My advice is simple, think your way around this course and you will be a legend in your own living room. Try to overpower it and it will spit you out like one of those other pies that have sat in the warmer too long.

Taranaki

In search of Outlook Zero

January 6, 2025 Ken Orr

Taranaki’s southern tip is home to a small coastal town called Hawera. Located on a cliff-top overlooking the Tasman Sea, the town has a stunning golf course.

My long love affair with links golf led me to Hawera Golf Club; I had read about its open-links fairways and cliff-top views. The brand new Huffer golf clothing range I had on, had me feeling smart and ready to impress. Note that Huffer does not sponsor me, I do buy my own clothes, or my wife does it for me!

The only car in the carpark was mine, which I found odd. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, and it seemed like a good day for golf. As one might expect from a coastal clifftop golf course, there was a wee breeze.

“Egmont” – the first hole at Hawera Golf Club. The Hole Naming Committee wasted no time paying homage to that quintessential Taranaki golfing tradition. And no, you couldn’t see the mountain, you can never see the mountain – does it even exist outside of mythical pictures?

This opening hole offers a gentle introduction to the course, sheltered from coastal winds by its tree-lined fairway. But don’t be lulled into complacency – it’s merely a prelude to what lies ahead: a dramatic cliff-top links course that will test you.

By the second hole, “Lupin,” the true character of the course revealed itself. Welcome to links golf in all its glory! While the website modestly warns about the deceptive nature of those wide-open fairways, they’re not kidding – few players here match their handicap, so they say. My own scorecard told that tale: bogey, double bogey, double bogey, bogey before finally securing a par on the fifth. Nice start smart Huffer golf man.

The coastal winds were asserting their dominance on proceedings. The third hole, aptly named “Smoko,” where my full 7-iron on a 123-metre par 3 came up 20 meters short. This wily old Links monster was definitely smoking me.

The wind was relentless – a constant companion that challenged every shot. It fought me face-on as I walked, punished any hint of an open club face -taking balls wherever it pleased, and even blew my greenside chips clean off the putting surface at one point. Up, down, sideways – it was an exhausting mental and physical battle against an invisible opponent.

I’d come to this corner of New Zealand seeking work-life balance. Sean Connery once said something profound about golf – how it demands your complete attention, making it impossible to think of anything else. He called it unfair, obsessive, revealing, yet dignified. Well, here I was in this windy wonderland, watching my golf balls dance to nature’s tune, my mental fortitude crumbling with each swipe and each gust of wind. That much-praised golfing “dignity” blew off into the ocean along with a few choice expletives on the 7^th following by another double bogey.

The setting at Hawera Golf Club is undeniably magical. The course itself is a pleasure to walk, with perfectly crafted humps and hollows. Its layout is challenging yet engaging – minimal rough, sparse trees, few bunkers, and seemingly benign flat greens. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Don’t be fooled. The course’s apparent simplicity is its greatest deception, as evidenced by more misery and my back-to-back bogeys at the turn. You do get a couple of holes of respite at the turn this is the farthest part of the course from the ocean.

The course might have minimal rough, sparse trees, & only a few bunkers – but if you look closely at the tee signs you will see the omnipresent threat of OUT OF BOUNDS. It looks like they bought a job lot of signs with the same hole map on them. I avoided the OB all day mainly by aiming so far to the other side of the fairway, I ended up miles from anywhere most of the time. There are white stakes everywhere you look across the course.

By the time I reached “O’Callaghan’s,” a seemingly innocent 115-meter par 3, I was battle-worn. The wind had rattled through into my bones, my scorecard told a grim tale: six double bogeys, six bogeys, and just three pars. I’d lost sight of why I was here – to escape daily pressures, not create new ones. Standing on the 16th tee, I took a deep breath. Simple enough – flat, 115 meters, just a smooth 9-iron. Just ignore that OUT OF BOUNDS sign. Ten minutes later, another colourful expletive spat into the air, double bogey number seven was etched into the card.

The climb to the 17th tee felt Himalayan. My clubs weighed a ton on my back, my legs protested at coming out, and my eyes stung – from tears or wind, I couldn’t tell. At the summit, I dropped my bag by the tee marker and looked up. The view stopped me cold. Here was the course in all its glory – majestic, vast, and untamed.

Then I saw the hole name: “Outlook.” The irony hit me like a perfectly struck 1 iron. Here, where my office Outlook couldn’t reach me, where emails couldn’t pile up, where meetings couldn’t be scheduled – I’d found true perspective. Just me, the ocean vista, and a chance at redemption. Oh, and that ever-present wind.

My best drive of the day split the fairway, leading to a satisfying par on this hole that had somehow restored my golfing soul.

Hawera Golf Course, Fairfield Links, didn’t give me a victory in the traditional sense. But I’d faced its challenges standing tall, answering its questions with persistence and some swearing. William Wallace’s famous battle cry came to mind, asking whether you’ll fight and die on your feet or cower and live on your knees. As I retreated to my car, fleeing the wind’s relentless assault, I knew I’d chosen the former. Though I suspect even Wallace himself would have welcomed this particular strategic withdrawal.

I will return to Hawera Golf Club, it is a genuine golf course, a good-looking challenge that needs to be tamed. Don’t drive by Hawera without driving into this place, unless you are not up to a fight.

Waikato

Horsham Downs Golf Club – Where the Grass is Greener

March 2, 2024 admin

Top-notch greens are hard to find on a country golf course. In the blazing heat of Waikato, I found just that at Horsham Downs Golf Club. Situated north of Hamilton, near Flagstaff the club is a wee stunner, nine- holes of great golf.

I sat in the car looking out over the Waikato River, a peaceful fast-moving body of water. Peaceful until a jet ski buzzed by. The golf course is on the east bank of the Waikato, it doesn’t really come into play unless you hit a big sliced thin on the 3^rd.

I caked myself in sunscreen from the boot of my car, it was hot and I wasn’t too used to sunshine as yet this summer. There were plenty of folks around on the course and a few were getting ready in the car park. The chap in the shop was a proud Waikato man in a rugby shirt to match his pride. He juggled the shop and bar, he ducked away to serve a couple of beers whilst I was printing my card. He gave me excellent instructions on how to get around the course and set me on my way with a large drink.

The opening hole is an exceptional way to get going, a par three of 167 metres into a beautiful two-tiered green, flanked by a couple of bunkers. A challenge from the get-go for sure with the added bonus of the incoming driveway in front of the green.

The blind drive off the 2^nd is interesting, a short par four of 266 meters. If you know where you are going a well-hit drive up and over the hill might have a surprise eagle putt at the end of it. Or you might just nestle into one of the 2 bunkers sprawled in front of the green.

From the 3^rd tee, you can see a glimpse of the Waikato River, but it shouldn’t be in play on this 143-metre par 3. The back of the green is all out of bounds so the pressure to not thin your tee shot is the biggest worry. I was very impressed with the greens at Horsham Downs Golf Club, they have put a great deal of effort into maintaining top-quality greens at such an unlikely course. You can have the confidence to fire at the flag and know you’ll get a receptive surface.

I started with a solid three bogeys in a row, my frustrated gate made it to the 4^th tee box and was delighted to view another par 3 down into a bowl of green below.

I felt my fortunes improving as I stood over the shot into the classy green which was 144 metres away. A quality strike and 2 indifferent putts secured my first par of the day, and at the last of the par 3’s on the course. It is unusual to have 3 of the first 4 holes as par 3’s.

I nailed a drive up to a blind and narrow 5^th fairway and bowled up to my ball swigging most of my drink, it was hot and the fairways were baking. As Winton Peters might say, “The drapes don’t match the carpet “– the fairways are typical Waikato country course fairways, with limited irrigation they are at the mercy of the weather. Not poor just not up to the standards set on the greens.

My shot from the middle of the 5^th fairway was down into a green some 40 metres below, a little daunting with the driveway behind. Another par secured I moved across to the 6^th – the longest par 4 at 383 metres with a road all down one side. My ball is still bouncing down that road…triple bogey later I needed more liquid.

The only par 5 is the 7^th only 423 metres, if you know where the fairway was on this hole – it is an easy drive, and you can really let loose. A large bank on the left side of the fairway almost guarantees success, if you don’t go too far left, your ball will make its way onto the fairway. The green is a monster – I found that out when I got there in 2 mighty hits and took 3 mighty awful putts to make par.

With only 2 holes to go I could see the clubhouse from the 8^th tee and knew there was beer there. The final two holes are unique for sure, both have two greens, one for the front nine and one for the back nine. Normally you will find different tee boxes so this was unusual. All holes have 2 flags one for each nine so encouraging you to go around twice. The issue I uncovered on the 8^th fairway was that the distance marker in the ground didn’t tell you which of the two greens you were 135 metres from, an added challenge for sure.

When I was heading down the 9^th – having avoided the OB on the right – I felt very satisfied with my outing. Only 258 metres, the last is a hole that could be a Wrecker if you take a swing to get there in one blow. The OB might get you or the tree in front of the green if you are on the wrong angle.

The green I was shooting for was small and sloping steeply towards me. I played a safe 4 iron up to a good spot to attack the hole. That I did and came off the last with a tap in par.

It is difficult to pick a hole of the day, I reckon the 1^st just pips the rest. The amphitheater beginning to a 2-tiered green is a great opening challenge. The guy in the shop likes the 7^th – because it is a hole with no danger on either side of the fairway. He said to me when I was enjoying a beer on the outdoor deck that he would challenge any small course in the country to compete with their greens. Who am I to argue? Horsham Downs Golf Club is up there as one of the best nine-hole courses in the country, just for their greens alone. Add in the target golf of the three excellent par 3’s, the risk-reward of the short par 4’s, and the quirky double greens on the 8^th and 9^th they must be a contender.

Southland

Invercargill Golf Club: Where Golfing Heritage and Pristine Greens Collide in the South.

January 6, 2024 Ken Orr

Across the picturesque landscape of Southland, there are six 18-hole golf courses. Invercargill Golf Club is the jewel in the crown and is the oldest. Established in 1900 it has a reputation as the best in the South. The New Zealand Open was hosted here in 1960 and the way back in 1934 Eugenio Saraceni as his birth name goes, played here. Gene Sarazen was 32 years old when he trod the Links of Otatara and famously proclaimed that these links had the best fairways in New Zealand. Thanks Gene, but I will be the judge of that!

A year later Gene was at the Augusta Masters and hit his second shot, a four wood, into the hole at the par 5 15^th – the albatross helped him win the tournament. He went down in history and went on to be a legend of the game winning all 4 majors.

I was looking forward to playing at Invercargill Golf Club, I chose a windless and warm day to make the trek to the linksy course just 6 minutes out of Invercargill city centre. The course is halfway between Invercargill and Oreti beach, where Burt Munro roared on his famous World’s Fastest Indian. I wonder if he was a member of the golf club. If you haven’t seen the movie, go to the video shop and rent a copy, it is awesome.

Preparing for my round putting on my shoes I encountered a wee rip in the side. I pondered the possibility of playing with a hole in my shoe, it was dry so no worries there. As I walked to the golf shop, I could feel the side of my shoe coming apart. Bugger, I will need to invest in new shoes. The lady in the shop was very helpful and I picked up some Ecco shoes that looked smart. I saw this as a lucky omen, the last time I had a successful pre-round shoe purchase and low score combo was at Cromwell Golf Club. Superstitious or not, the choice infused me with a sense of buoyancy for the round ahead.

There is a charming putting green in front of the clubhouse, I used it to test out the shoes. I didn’t stay long as I was eager to get into the course proper. Looking around at the lay of the land, it may have been built on links land, with a sandy bottom but there was more of a parkland feel with more trees and native New Zealand bush than I expected. There was good undulation to the look of the course which pointed it towards a links feel. The bunkering across the course underscored this links point alongside the shapely greens.

The scorecard I had didn’t have hole names on it, but there was a second scorecard that did provide this missing narrative. There was simple wooden hole numbering on each tee, with no hole names on the course. The first hole is a short par 4 at 290 metres – “the Nest”. The course isn’t overly long, a tad over 6,000 metres with 3 par 5’s and 3 par 3’s. A smart play off the first tee is a long iron and focus on the approach to the lovely setting in the undulations of the first green.

It is wise to research Invercargill Golf Club before visiting, this is not a course where you pull the driver from your bag on every hole. A good strategy and a calm head will minimise the effect of that inconsistent loop in your backswing. Unfortunately, the driver was needed on holes two and three, they are long, with a stroke index of 3 and 1 respectively. The 3rd 402 metres, is called “Rushes” – don’t rush – the tee shot needs a long and accurate shot to a narrow fairway. And then get up to an elevated green surrounded by deep bunkers.

The par 3’s are excellent, only three of them, so enjoy every moment. “Schoolhouse” the 4^th is 139 metres and flat, seemingly simple enough except for the protective bunkers and the narrow green. The Takitimu mountains are a majestic southland feature seen from many golf courses and that usually leads to a hole name with this signature. “Takitimu” the 6^th is well placed next to the clubrooms if you have forgotten to put a drink in your bag.

I do like an “Elbow” – the dogleg 7^th hole is 327 metres and about 200 metres up to the bend of the elbow. A nice wee hole.

The stretch from the 8^th through the 11^th offers some good scoring opportunities. A couple of par 5’s and shorter par 4’s. I enjoyed the elevated outlook off of the 10^th tee box, aptly named “Outlook” which has an attractive opening shot to a fairway with a ridge that needs taming.

The next part of the course was very enjoyable, the 12^th – a testing 183 metre par 3 – was easy on the eye, a shapely green with a rotten-looking deep bunker in front. My hole of the day and now added to the best holes of New Zealand List.

Your eyes will water on the 13^th if you attack the last par 5 on the course. A full 500 metres with water, OB, and boasting the name “Eastward HO” – confronting all the “Westward HO’s “across the country. I haven’t met this polar opposite name to date.

The run home from here was a pleasure, undulating fairways and great bunkering stood out, I thought that “Pines” -the last – was an appropriate final challenge to find a spot on the narrow fairway just in the right spot to avoid the rows of tall pines.

The course has impeccable maintenance which ensures an enjoyable but challenging test. The layout incorporates thoughtful design, the varying fairway undulations, deep bunkers, and strategic hazards require a clever golfer to navigate.

My new shoes performed well on the sandy-bottomed ground; I got off the course on my playing handicap for the day. A testament to picking a windless day, the rough here is not particularly punishing but there is plenty of danger if you stray. The greens are the best in Southland so there are no excuses on the putting surface.

With only half a dozen Southland courses remaining on my checklist to complete, the allure of Invercargill Golf Club will pull me back for another round. It is the best in the region, it is storied with history and undeniable quality making it an irresistible destination for your golf in the South.

Southland

Gore and a little bit more

December 3, 2023 Ken Orr

The Tour of Southland is a historic and popular local cycle race. I was oblivious to its existence as I headed to Gore Golf Club on my own tour of Southland. I met the Tour on the road from Winton, they were going at a great lick through the Southland countryside. A marshal was holding traffic in front of me to allow the Tour to speed on, he told me they were headed for a finish line in Gore. I assumed their speed and the extra energy in the Tour today was fuelled by the excitement to get to Gore to secure an afternoon tee time at Gore Golf Club, one of the best courses in the region.

I managed to get around and ahead the Tour, arriving at Gore Golf Club on a pleasant southland day. Gore Golf Club has a rich history dating back to 1903, I was intent on making the 120-year-old course proud of my effort to get across to take it on. Southland has 24 golf courses, and only six of them are a full 18 holes. Gore is reputedly one the best in the region.

I got on my bike and sprinted to the start line, the first hole, “Hokonui.” A par 5 at only 431 metres but stroke hole 4 – be suspicious when you see that little matric. Hokonui is a small town in Southland, a radio station, the hills in this region and the name of a famous Moonshine, which was no doubt present at the opening day of the club.

There is a creek 40 metres short of the green on the 1^st – which is invisible to the unsuspecting. A clever hole to get you underway, 2 big blows will get you there, but the smart golfer will start with a lay-up in two and focus on an accurate pitch.

There had been a bit of rain lately in the region and this made the course soft but still in good condition. The greens at the outset were flat and quite slow, most likely because I was playing at the start of the summer season. The course is parkland and tree-lined on most holes with wide fairways. Across the 18 holes, it is predominantly flat with limited bunkering.

The first par 3 of the day, number 4, was a roadside hole of 184 metres, in the heavy conditions it required a full carry to get up to the green. “Croydon” was a flat a simple hole if you can blank out the road all the way down the right. The name of the hole is a nod to the area of Gore the course sits in, the course is often referred to as Croydon Links.

Inevitably, a Southland staple, there was a Whisky “something” in the hole names. The 5^th was “Whisky Creek” a short par 4 that you can attack – your approach to a small green that tilts towards you, needs some attention. Up to this point, the greens were flat, from here on in there was nice undulation and the greens were quickening as the sun burned through the damp. The south is a region with much Scottish heritage, settlers from the motherland took to farming, making whisky, and playing golf from the early years. There is a Moonshine Museum and some great stories of early times of whisky making. Check out more here.

When I walked off the 5^th the group of 4 in front were sitting on the 6^th tee box enjoying a beer. Waiting for me to play through. They were from Island Park Golf Club on a weekend annual jolly. Gore Golf Club, followed by Invercargill Golf Club and back home via Milton Golf Club.

The 6^th is an uphill par 3 of 155 metres “Mokoia” needed an extra club to get up to the small green, I was advised by the group. I hadn’t been playing well to this point and was a bit nervous about hitting a 5-iron into the green. I was given the seal of approval when I dropped the ball 6 feet from the hole.

I had two more groups of Island Park men in front of me, following the par 5 7^th another short par 5, 410 metres – I worked out that the creek in front of the 1^st would have been in a similar place to the front of the 7^th – I laid up and popped the approach to a few feet. The group in front had stopped to let me through (or to have a beer)

I got off the 8^th and through the 2nd group in good spirits, the sun was drying the course, the golf was getting better, and the surroundings were very pleasant. The 8^th finishes at the clubhouse “Tuturau”

The 3^rd group of I.P.G.C Clansmen let me through on the 10^th – following a nice short par 3 of 123 metres. I was on the 9^th green, one of the men shouted “If you don’t f*#k about too much over that putt you can play through!”

A nice drive, in front of them off the 10^th was greeted with congrats and civilities. I was beginning to rack up a few pars and missed birdie putts. The 11^th is a par 3 to a sloping green, a pretty wee number, “The Gully” I notched up another missed birdie putt and swiftly got onto the 12^th – a real slog up hill to a soft fairway and it played all its 410 metres.

On the 13^th a group of 6 men drinking Speights were not going far or quickly, they let me play through. The 13^th tee shot is over a deep gully up to a small green, par 4 at 217 metres. I didn’t know how to approach the hole. I grabbed the driver and swung for dear life to get out of the way of the 6 men out for a drink, with the odd golf in between. The ball came to rest 2 feet from the hole! There was a collection of well-dones and the like. They had no idea I had struggled to hit a straight drive all day to this point. I tapped in for an eagle, quickly tidying up the scorecard!

I was certainly enjoying the course a lot better following a flat uninteresting start. 14 – “Dusky” was a nice driving hole and it had an excellent looking green with a dangerous tiering in the front and an OB road behind. I hit a lovely iron onto the back edge, my game was working just fine now.

The 15th, “Old Clubhouse” was a short par 4, 302 metres back toward the old clubhouse, another chance to keep the momentum going. I didn’t take it as no one was watching anymore. The same story of capitulation on 16^th “Mount Wendon” which had the largest green on the course.

I was pondering my hole of the course nominations, trying to not pick the 13^th because of my epic tee shot. The 17^th “Fishers” was in contention, 142 metres, road on the right, a deep bank on the left and attractive sloping green. I parred well after missing the green.

I would say the 6^th was my top pick of the course and is fairly placed on the best in NZ list.

I stood on the last very pleased to be there at Gore Golf Club, but one big challenge to come 370 metres back toward the clubhouse, “The Gums” was long with no run out of the fairways. I was on a playing handicap of 10 for the course, a solid bogey would put me on 80 for the day and nett 1 under for the par 71.

I was short in 2 and faced a tricky pitch up a ledge in front of the green, I played a percentage pitch and run up to 15 feet for safety. The I.P.G.C. Clan were out front of the clubhouse having beers and a good time. I rolled the putt in with a rattle on the flag stick and got a cheer from the crowd.
Gore Golf Club is not only steeped in history, making it a must-play for golf enthusiasts, it is a quality golf course. The layout of the holes is clever, and challenging and requires mixed skills and some intelligence to find your way around.

Gore deserves a place on the Top New Zealand Golf Courses List, the history, the quality greens and the challenging course layout are what this little game is all about.

Northland

Tapora Golf Club: The Green Revolution

August 6, 2023 Ken Orr

Is This the Future of Rural Golf in New Zealand?

Tapora Golf Club has made a bold move by installing synthetic greens, becoming the first golf course in New Zealand to do so. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some golfers praising the new, consistent playing surface, while others complain that it’s not as “natural” as real grass. Not everyone will agree – when you go against the grain.

So, what does the future hold for Tapora Golf Club? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: they’re not afraid to think outside the bunker.

It was a holiday weekend, celebrating Matariki, it seemed just right for a trip to the most progressive club in the country. The essence of Matariki is:

Reflection: reflect on the past and learn from these experiences. Tapora Golf Club is 59 years old, it has seen its share of ups and downs. But the community club has taught me that golf is good for everyone!

Remembrance: time to gather and share stories and memories. After our round, Wally took us through the history of the Cowbell Cup, which Tapora retained this year. A competition between Pararoa Golf Club, Mangawhai Golf Club, and Tapora.

Celebration: The abundance of the land, has provided New Zealand with 383 golf courses. What else is there to celebrate?

New Beginnings: Who better than Tapora Golf Club to look forward to our future with their revolutionary greens?

My Ponsonby tractor enjoyed the drive to Tapora – especially the final stretch of unsealed road. It arrived in the car park looking not too out of place with the local Utes. The local legends, Wally and Edith were in the clubrooms looking after the crowd with food and beverage on the holiday weekend.

I printed a card on the new card printer, with an NZ golf booking registration screen and eftpos facility on site. This is an additional feature in the last few months.

Before I dig a bit deeper into the synthetic greens and how they play, a word of warning, this golf course is tough. The combination is long holes, undulations, narrow fairways, and elevated two-tier small greens. All add up to a course of 5,990 metres and a nightmare waiting to happen if you let it happen to you.

The Nine holes have been expertly designed to give you a different challenge from the varied tee boxes when you play the full 18 holes. There are 2 flags on each of the greens, red for the front and blue for the back.

A wide target greets you on the 1^st tee, for a par 5 to start, which is a welcome site. “Kia Ora” – take advantage of this hole it is a gift compared to the rest of the collection.

My first glimpse of the opening green was a buzz for sure, mesmerised, and desperate to find out if my perfect approach would hold the surface. I never found out on the 1^st as I missed the green. I chipped onto the green with unknown outcomes of how that would go. Fairly normal to be honest.

Is the grass greener?

Health and safety tip – If you hold your putter onto the surface as a wee brace as you bend down to mark your ball it will slide along the green propelling you forward.

My first putt was a poor effort at an up-and-down par, all me, nothing to do with the surface. The greens run true and are slower than I thought you would get.

2^nd Hole is back towards the clubhouse a long par 4. The fairways are good well drained but they don’t offer much run, lengthening everything somewhat.

The drive at 3 is tricky to the very narrow fairway which does have banks on each side to help. The green is a nightmare up to a pedestal 2-tiered delight.

The 4^th gives you some water worries off the tee and a very small green to hit. I’d given all of my handicap to the course by the end of that hole. It rained hard for a minute or two, we were next to the clubrooms and a warm beer would have been a blessing. But we gamely pushed on to see the clouds part once again.

“The Pricker”, the 5^th, is exactly that up to an elevated green, with a large slope out front, so coming up short is not an option.

The 6^th is “Mt Hopeless”, an incredible undulating fairway in front of you from the elevated tee box. And again a two-tiered green elevated for your delight. I bagged my first par of the day here. I was getting used to how the greens performed, if you hit a good putt with good direction and good weight it will pay dividends. Not unlike any other green in the land.

There are some great golf holes but you will have to wait until the last of the nine to confront the god given golfing hole of the day. You will most likely arrive there in tears after shooting at the 179-metre par 3 over water to a teeny wee green.

The Hole of the Day

The ninth hole from the top tee is formidable and beautiful. ” Hazard County” dares you to fly over the hazard on the right without going too straight into the other hazard through the fairway. The view from up here is magical. Happy Matariki! Reflect on your decision to cut off more than you should have done. Remembrance of the new Titleist you took from your bag. Celebrate a perfect second attempt just to prove that no matter how useless you are there is always the potential for New Beginnings.

It’s still too early to say whether Tapora Golf Club’s decision to install synthetic greens will be a success. However, it’s certainly an interesting experiment, and it could have a major impact on the future of golf in New Zealand.

If synthetic greens prove to be a success, it could lead to more golf courses in New Zealand making the switch. This would have a number of benefits, making golf more accessible all year round in areas with harsh climates.

Local volunteers would certainly be on board, as they see their greens destroyed by the never-ending weather events. The surfaces are more than acceptable for any golfer, and much better than the majority of rural courses. It looks to me to be an excellent investment.

There is something special about Tapora Golf Club, the revolutionary greens are well worth your time to play on this New Zealand first. But there is more at play, the challenging golf course, the amazing surroundings, and the warmth of hospitality in the clubhouse.

Northland

Kerikeri – So good they named it twice.

July 15, 2023 Ken Orr

The township of Kerikeri is populated with over 8,000 souls, the largest town in Northland. A town steeped in history, with the oldest building in New Zealand as a testament to that. Mission House has just turned 200 years old and is a great place to visit when in the area. Kerikeri is the fruit bowl of New Zealand. Abundant with Citrus, Kiwi fruit, Feijoas, Tamarillo, and plenty of avocados.

There are many reasons to visit this part of Aotearoa, but none more so than the golf courses of this region. “Winterless North” is the tagline often used, so a game or two in the colder months of the year is still on the cards.

The Golf course in Kerikeri, Bay of Island Golf Club, is one of the premier courses in the region and recognised New Zealand-wide to be of top-class pedigree. But before we journey down these fairways, I want to highlight a 9-hole course just 15 minutes out of town.

The golf course between Kerikeri and Kaikohe is Okaihau Golf Club, it sits and presents itself in an ancient valley. Step into this history of rural golf where a mere nine holes beckon your adventurous spirit. Born in the year 1928, the club still goes strong today. I just pulled up to play, no fear that the course would be too busy to let me on, I was right with only a few cars in the car park.

A rural offering of 2,647 metres for the par 36 nine holes, not long by any means reflected in my low playing handicap for the day.

First, the opening hole is a modest par 4 at 276 metres. Your drive needs to traverse over a gully with a road on the left, no need to fret, the fairway’s wide open, so even on the first swing of the day you should be fairway bound. The shot up to the first green needs to be confident due to the hill, 2 extra clubs for the distance introduced me to the soft and true surfaces. Seems like an easy way to start if you stick to the simple plan. I had a 7, not part of the simple plan.

The second hole, another short par 4, 283 metres, but a challenge indeed. A blind tee shot, and I released that the lack of local knowledge may hold me back today. It was an enjoyable run through the first holes in a rural setting with some cows watching my every move across the fences. If they only knew I had used up my handicap strokes on the first 3 holes they may have turned away in shame.

The 5^th was again blind but a stripped pole pointed the way, or didn’t really it seemed to mark the middle of the sloping fairway, so a local may tell you to be right of the pole. Luckily for me, the power fade was out in force and left me in a great spot.

The sixth hole is a beautiful par 3 shooting over a gully to a target with two bunkers guarding the green and a view of the clubhouse. This was my favorite hole of the day, maybe because I had steadied the wobbly ship with a couple of pars.

I had a triumphant moment as I lasered my tee shot at the 111-metre par 3, excited for a moment that I would be closer than I was.

Onto the seventh hole, which took some detective work to find, across the car park. It’s a short par 5, a mere 411 meters, with some mighty fine trees on the left side. I made a birdie here, sending a peach of an approach toward the downhill green.

The course is not very well marked with hole names or maps, but it is a functional country course with a short and well-maintained rough. The fairways are wide, and the greens are good. And the bunkering across the course is attractive.

The onsite toilet was well-signposted and delightful.

The final shot to the ninth hole under the clubhouse is a nice way to end the round, with an American pine overlooking the green.

The American Pine stood tall observing my final endeavours on the last – following the birdie on 7^th I was back on track for a on handicap round. But two solid bogies to finish put me right back in my box.

Okaihau Golf Club surprised me a little, with the $25 green fee you can play all day, in a lovely setting, with a well-thought-out golf course.

Bay of Islands Kerikeri

Announcing itself as a premier 18 holes in the region Bay of Islands Golf Club, is a must-visit when playing in Northland. As the sun peered timidly over the horizon, I headed off for an early morning encounter with the Bay of Islands Golf Club in Kerikeri.

I arrived and was greeted warmly in the shop, the gent was watching the Masters. Amidst the excitement of the Masters, the genial gent greeted me, willing to share his wisdom with a first-timer like myself. Taking time out from the Masters madness, he provided me with invaluable tips and a printed map of the course. Ah, the camaraderie of golf, where a bit of knowledge and advice can make all the difference. It is nothing much to stop and give your customer a bit of knowledge before they set off. I also was told to have a putt on the practice green to get a feel for the true and firm, but not lighting surfaces.

A straightforward par 5 first hole was welcome as I dusted off the sleep in my body. First out on a course is a treat, all mine to grapple with, awesome! The fairways immediately felt up to par, on volcanic underbelly these would be dry and very playable year-round.

A simple wee shot into the first green was received well and I stood over a birdie putt to start my round with just me and the course to know, despite missing a birdie putt, the greens proved delightful—firm, yet not excessively slick. I tapped in for a par and saw a man on the course many holes ahead of me. Geeze, he must have started an hour before me. My special moment alone with the course exposed for what it was, just another player to grace its fairways. Oh, and there over a hill I saw another group ahead of me.

Out and back to the clubhouse for 1st and 2nd and then off to the renowned 3rd hole. Following the advice I had received in the shop, I approached the challenging par 5 with care, navigating its 492 meters, complete with a dogleg left and three tiers.

A strategic hole with the playful name of “The Big Cheese,” it perfectly encapsulated the course’s delightful naming etiquette. The approach to The B.C. was well framed with bunkers and water, a very challenging and attractive hole.

A strategic hole and beautifully named, “Ken’s Folly,” the 4^th is stroke hole 1- for a 282 metre par four -how unusual. The voice of the bloke it the shop rung in my ears, 4 iron off the tee get in position and take 2 more clubs to get fully up to the green. I did both those things and made green in regulation, easy peasy = 3 putted, of course.

I was enjoying Bay of Islands Golf Club, a mature and well-cared-for course for sure. While I didn’t achieve an ace on the par 3 5th hole aptly named “The Ace,” the subsequent stretch of holes showcased the course’s consistent quality. The bunkering across the course stood out, although I skilfully managed to avoid them until now.

The 9^th is meaty but lovely 354 metre par 4 back up to the clubhouse. A thoroughly enjoyable front nine and by now the sun had warmed the course and me. A quick drink stop in the clubrooms to check the Masters progress and onto the back nine. The 10^th tee had 3 guys on there, who didn’t offer me a place to play through, not cool. I had to push passed them as they had teed off, I was on a mission to get around in under 3 hours.

I was sizzling around the back nine until the 13^th, as is always the case the 13^th is the signature hole. It made me stop for breath and appreciate its beauty.

A par 3 of only 110 metres, but with a downhill drop of over 20 metres to beautiful little green surrounded by 3 bunkers and an adorable pond. These shots are very difficult to judge if you have never played the hole before. A bit like the 7^th at Pebble Beach – I had played that on the simulator at the range once, so I was all ready for this challenge.

It was stroke hole 18, obviously because the locals had worked out which approach to take, and so did I thanks to the simulator. A three quarter 56-degree wedge did the job and got me out of there with a missed birdie putt for par. This hole and the 3^rd might appear on the BEST GOLF HOLES IN NEW ZEALAND LIST.

The tee shot from the 14^th back in the trees is a nice touch and I liked the 15^th, “Timewarp” – the name was enough. It is a 281-metre par 4, tempting you to a bomb of a driver to the narrow green around the slight dogleg or drop a 5 iron into the fairway and nail the approach. I took the sensible route.

When I reached the 17^th they had started club day as a shotgun start, which meant a ridiculously slow final 2 holes. This left me a tad disappointed, and I met a local man filling out his card who had the same worry, if you can’t finish your round without others getting on the course it is not ideal.

My Kerikeri adventure was a positive one, Okaihau Golf Club was an unexpected treat, would it make the Top 10 Nine Holes in New Zealand List? and Bay of Islands Golf Club certainly presented itself as a standout golf course.

Check out the Top New Zealand Golf Courses List to see where Bay Of Islands slots in.

A Slice of NZ Golf