A journey of 40 minutes north of the Harbour Bridge will land you on the Hibiscus Coast and into the township of Whangaparaoa.  Known as the “bay of whales” it is a fantastic place for a golf course. On this Saturday afternoon, a stiff breeze populated the Whangaparaoa peninsular. My coach, Ross, said practising your new driver set up would be fine on a windy day. “It adds to the challenge.” He didn’t know I was going to Whangaparaoa Golf Club.

Situated out on the peninsular the course is not for the weak walker. I’d suggest a cart here may be a decision worth taking. There is a nice parkland feel to the area without an overabundance of trees. 

The first 3 holes can trick you into a false sense of what will lie ahead. A straight forward start to the round should be capitalised on. This course needs a precise driving day, the fairways are tight. Not particularly small targets but miss at your peril. Housing, Out of bounds and wetlands threaten to take you ball at the first sign of weakness.

The 4th is the start of these mind games. Wetlands all down the right side of the fairway, from the tee it is daunting as you have to drive over the corner of the wetlands. Don’t drive too far or you’ll shoot through the fairway. Miss the green and the steep slopes will make you pay.

Fitness Challenge Ahead

” Long Haul” is number 7, a full 448 metres uphill, mentally challenging physically challenging and a bloody long way. There is another hole coming called “Upward Struggle”, but only after you’ve faced “I’ll be Damned”, even the hole naming committee knew what this course was all about.

Even, “Looks Easy,” the 11th  isn’t that easy. But don’t worry Coronary Hill is the 12^th a wonderful looking hole if you can see through the sweat weeping from your brow.

Now you may get a sense that Whangaparaoa Golf Club is not for the faint-hearted. You need some internal fortitude to stand on tee after tee wondering what will be thrown at you next. The 13th is called “Roller Coaster”, they certainly know how to name a hole around here. 

The signature hole here could very well be “Splash” the 14^th, over a lovely lily pond to a green protected by a bunker. It is a nice rest bite as you make your way around this course.

Whangaparaoa shares a fence with Gulf Harbour Country Club, my partner briefly played Gulf Harbour following a wayward tee shot. A more affordable neighbour, green fees are manageable at Whangaparaoa. The course is great value for money and in a stunning location.

The course is in good condition and looks well-frequented. Play with a member if you are heading this way. Local knowledge will increase your enjoyment of the challenging layout.

I was confident all day to put my recent accelerated practice into play. But the course is not for those between swing changes. I would not enjoy this golf course as my regular haunt. The focus required off the tee would drive you mad. The wind was substantial today and this just added another dash of doubt.