Over the Bombay hills south of Auckland city. November burst into life with a beautiful summers day. The countryside was dry, tee boxes were a little hard and fairways were on the border of drying out. The rain gods are needed to keep the Maramarua Golf Course in good condition. But today it was just right.

The dry conditions meant the greenkeepers had to top up the water on the greens, we did get caught in a few sprinkler bursts. The greens were okay but a little hairy which made them slow to putt on.

Maramarua Golf Club is in a rural setting, the course has character aplenty. I was an immediate fan – the first was stroke hole 17 a short par four. I started with a par and followed up with 2 more.

The fourth is called Fish or Chip only 302 meters but the tight fairway and encroaching water challenge the tee shot. The pro advice on the website is, ” the smart option is …. blah blah blah.” We know what comes next and it involves an iron from the tee. I hit driver and this was not smart, but it felt good!

The course is a wonderful challenge none more so than the 8th. Stoney Batter ( the 8th) is stroke hole 1, 371 metres par 4 with a small lake protecting the front of the 2 tiered green.

The New Clubs

This was the first day that I had the full complement of new clubs in my bag. Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal Pro irons and Titleist T2 driver and hybrid. They were flying me along today. 2 over the card after 9, a birdie on 7th helped. The guys at the clubroom fitted me well for these clubs, I am loving having them in the bag.

My good scoring started to slip going into the back nine. Due to sunstroke, thirst, tiredness, old age, new golf swing, and a full heavy bag. I required some concentration to keep the round under 80. 3 closing pars got me home in 79 on the par 71 5,574 metre course.

I passed down my old clubs to my boy who used them well today and even secured a 2 on the par 3 14th. Another golfing milestone for him.

What I like about Maramarua Golf Club is the quiet setting and the interesting touches around the place. They have gone with a stand-up rake for the bunkers – a nice touch of class.

Fish or Chip maybe one of the top hole names in the land. The hole naming committee didn’t take an easy road here. There was no Elbow or Westward Ho to be seen.

Easy Away, Long Fellow, The Sniper, Deception are some of the classy titles. Thank you for making some creative effort!

You will enjoy your day out at Maramarua Golf Club, so if you are south of the Bombay hills drop in for a round.