It says boldly on the Tuatapere Golf Club welcome signage, “Southlands Best 9 Hole Golf Course.”
Only time would tell as I continue to enjoy the tour of Southland. It was Christmas Day and what a great gift to myself to have 2 hours out on this much loved rural golf course.
Located near the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a local attraction along with the Clifton Limestone Caves. Tuatapere township is 10 kilometres up the road. A little town that was gaining a reputation as a tourist hotspot. The Hump Ridge Track is a catalyst for this growth.
Tuatapere Golf Club is a flat parkland course, looked after by the members, it is in very good condition. Mature trees, a water hazard and an artistic sculpture make for a pretty place to be. The sculpture is obviously a nod to “the Hills” in Queenstown- Tuatapare for sure will be much better value for money.
I played here a long long time ago, but I am certain that the green fees were $10 way back then. The honesty box is probably the same and signage suggests there has been no price gouging here in the South.
Bellbird Terrace is nice par 4 at the far end of the course, at one with nature and the bird song was there right on cue. 308 metres with a marvellous closed in fairway due to the hedgerow.
Long Drop
A good on course toilet is not easy to find. But here on Tuatapere Golf Course at the 8th hole, you’ll find a classy wee loo. A fresh smelling long drop with deer horns on the outside.
Number 8 was named after the local river, Waiau, a par 4 with the stone and metal sculpture behind the green.
The front nine and back nine tees have a good variety. None more so than the 6th/15th, 118metres on the front directly over the water and 165 metres from a different angle on the back nine.
I got the ultimate Christmas present of a birdie 4 on the last hole. A Par 5 443 metres staring down the clubhouse. A special day for me as I headed away to enjoy a Christmas family dinner.
What makes Tuatapere a contender for the top 9 holes in Southland? It is certainly well looked after and the variety of front nine and back nine go a long way to getting the crown.
The course has a nice flow with a layout of 5,501 metres over the 2 sets of nine holes. A par 72 – 2 par 5’s and 2 par 3’s.
Is it the master of Drummond Golf Club? I’m not sure it is. I may have to return to the South to play both courses on the same day. A sort of shootout, finale, last chance to impress, best foot forward, head to head session.
I’ll be back to Tuatapere one day soon to put my money in the slot. A wonderful place to play a round of golf. Definitely one of the Best Nine Holes in New Zealand.
