Drive 30 minutes west out of Auckland and you will be in the Waitakere ranges, native bush surroundings and awe-inspiring Kauri trees. Waitakere Golf Club is in the middle of the forest where public access restrictions are in place to keep the Kauri dieback at bay. The disease is common to only the Kauri and is threatening the existence of these majestic trees.
Waitakere golf course has an excellent topography and a great native bush feel. It may also be under the threat of extinction. Towards the end of a blistering summer made for dry and hard fairways and greens of varying condition. It was not pleasant playing conditions.
I played this course in 3 hours in a massive rush, rock hard fairways was a bonus for my self-esteem – like driving up an airport runway. I drove the 10th par 4 ( and promptly 3 putted)
Standing up on the first it is blind tee shot over a hill, that drops 50 metres down to the green. Note to self – remember to research the course before you venture out. I am finding that not knowing the course layout is costing me a few rookie shots.
I broke 80 for the 1st time this summer, the easy driving conditions and lady luck won the day. 9 over with a course handicap of 12.
The setting is lovely exceptionally undulating. Most greens provide a tricky approach shot. Even though the par 5’s were nearly drivable in 2 hits the greens were a bugger to get on, even close in.
The 9th is a cool hole imposing trees to avoid from the tee and a straight up the hill second to the elevated green. I enjoyed the challenge of the course, the back nine especially. The 16th took a bit of effort hazards on both sides of the angled fairway. The green is skinny and has two large pines framing it.
Waitakere’s signature hole is number 6. The tee box was up in the trees and you play off a driving range pad no grass. I thought that odd until I got to the 14th and could not find the tee box (it’s behind the 13th green) 20 metres into the trees. Another hidden tee box again off a driving range pad.
You get what you pay for, really cheap round of golf at $25, not many members, no money in the pot – a beautiful place to be for 3 hours I was exhausted when I finished and wished the bar was open and welcoming to draw me in. – No such luck.
