Top 10 Golf Clubs
TE PUKE | Te Puke Golf Club
A par 72 and off the back tees (6600mtrs) one of the longest in the Bay. Subtle updates to this course with bunkers and some fairway shaping has made a big improvement here. In the growing seasons the rough can be punishing so accuracy off the tee is essential.
MT MAUNGANUI | Mount Maunganui Golf Club
A very pleasant well kept usually smooth quick greens golf course, the home of many top ranking New Zealand Tournaments over the years. Tree lined fairways dictate a level of accuracy off the tee here, but once in the fairway good iron players are going to score well. Close to a great beach so pack the togs for a great day out.
TAUPO | Taupo Golf Club Centenial
Another good test of golf here, some very strong par fours, a links feel to this course but with trees added to the mix. The complex has another course available the Tahara, a little short but still a good test.
WHAKATANE | Whakatane Golf Club
This course is a real test off the back tees, with its abundance of red flowering Pohutukawa trees and views of Whale Island fish and bird sanctuary on one side and Mt Edgecome on the other. Again a links course with trees, with fairway watering this course can play very long, club selection is the key on this course, its not always a driver and judging the second shots from the flatter fairways not easy.
HAWKES BAY | Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
Currently ranked 41st best golf course in the world says it all, built on a spectacular piece of land this truly is a great modern marvel in golf. From the amazing drive into the property to the luxury locker rooms you will be wowed at every turn. If you died and went to heaven and this was the only course you had for eternity you would be happy. Just play it!!
OHOPE | Ohope International Golf Club
A self rated International! But this is a little gem a course, built out of the sand dunes this tricky little course will get under your skin, some great holes especially into the sea breezes. Another great spot for a course with the sea on one side and the Ohiwa Harbour on the other, great hospitality from the friendly locals.
TAUPO | Wairakei International Golf Course
Just north of Taupo lies New Zealand’s first internationally rated Golf Course, listed in the world’s top 100. A Peter Thompson designed course set in the beautiful Taupo forest. It has recently been converted to a wildlife sanctuary with perimeter fence for protection. My personal favourite course with not just one signature hole, but many. Check out the 14th, amazing par 5 called the Rogue. The course is always in great condition and is another must play course.
ROTORUA | Rotorua Golf Club
Just 10 minutes from the airport and just seconds from your accommodation, Rotorua Golf Club or Arikikapakapa ( the gentle sound of plopping mud) is a must play golf course. A unique thermal experience with carries over hot streams, steaming lakes and plopping mud pools. This is not a long course at 5800 mtrs and a par 70, but a real test with rippled fairways and large greens. A beautiful setting on the edge of the city, with a backdrop of the Redwood Forest.
PAUANUI | Lakes Resort Pauanui
This is one of the country’s leading Championship courses, great surroundings with the natural ecology providing a wonderful experience. Nestled in a unique valley setting with natural native wetlands and lakes this is a great test of golf. Beautiful fairways to play from, once you have avoided the lakes. large undulating greens of the highest standard will test the best players.
TAUPO | Kinloch Golf Club
New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus designed course, voted in the top 10 new golf courses in the world 2007. A terrific test of golf surrounded by majestic views of Lake Taupo and surrounding countryside. This course will test every aspect of your game. Off the back tees the fairways won’t be easy to find, your approaches to the green can be brutal and the slopey greens will test the best putters amongst you. I love this course, in nature it is very much a links course, where the elements play a big part in what’s written on your scorecard.