Created with the international traveller in mind
Ohope International Golf Club
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty
Five of the Finest without costing you a fortune
Given that I'm a Scotsman with a passion for links golf courses and who resents paying over $NZ 200.00 (Somewhere around $US 135.00) I've chosen five of the finest except for one that's a wee bit more than that.
The golf scene has changed since I first arrived here very many years ago and the new ones which are now internationally recognized are way above what I am accustomed to paying..
In my youth I played many of Scotland's finest and was accustomed to playing them at a reasonable cost. Suffice to say I played the Road Hole when it had the original coal sheds and you wouldn't believe me how little it cost (mind you it was winter rates).
This web site is built with the international traveller in mind who also wishes to see some sights and the Bay of Plenty has lots to offer and so I've started my Finest Five with Ohope which is near the tourist mecca of Mount Maunganui and the even closer-by the internationally famous White Island which is an active volcano.
The golf scene has changed since I first arrived here very many years ago and the new ones which are now internationally recognized are way above what I am accustomed to paying..
In my youth I played many of Scotland's finest and was accustomed to playing them at a reasonable cost. Suffice to say I played the Road Hole when it had the original coal sheds and you wouldn't believe me how little it cost (mind you it was winter rates).
This web site is built with the international traveller in mind who also wishes to see some sights and the Bay of Plenty has lots to offer and so I've started my Finest Five with Ohope which is near the tourist mecca of Mount Maunganui and the even closer-by the internationally famous White Island which is an active volcano.
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Muriwai Golf Links
Have you ever gone to a foreign country to play golf and when you got back a friend says something like, "What! You were up in the north of Scotland and you didn't play Cruden Bay?"
Be warned, should you have some time while in Auckland and you don't play Muriwai then you run the same kind of risk. And especially if you've never played a links-style golf course.
It's on record that, "The Muriwai clubhouse stands on the highest point of the course and boasts some of the most spectacular views of any clubhouse in New Zealand and it's the perfect place for post-round refreshments."
What wasn't said is that it's a good idea to go see the gannet colony before or after golf.
Be warned, should you have some time while in Auckland and you don't play Muriwai then you run the same kind of risk. And especially if you've never played a links-style golf course.
It's on record that, "The Muriwai clubhouse stands on the highest point of the course and boasts some of the most spectacular views of any clubhouse in New Zealand and it's the perfect place for post-round refreshments."
What wasn't said is that it's a good idea to go see the gannet colony before or after golf.
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Wairakei International Golf Course
Near Lake Taupo
Near Lake Taupo
"The nearest thing to Gleneagles, Scotland that you'll find in the Southern Hemisphere."
I've lost count of the times I've written that in my blog posts and now I must add, I recommend that you visit Golf Club Atlas and see their review and wonderful photographs which capture a feel for this very fine golf course.
Like Gleneagles it's the serenity that makes Wairakei something special and more so now that it is also a wild life sanctuary.
I've lost count of the times I've written that in my blog posts and now I must add, I recommend that you visit Golf Club Atlas and see their review and wonderful photographs which capture a feel for this very fine golf course.
Like Gleneagles it's the serenity that makes Wairakei something special and more so now that it is also a wild life sanctuary.
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Arrowtown Golf Club
Chances are you'll either love it or if not quite hate it, choose to play the more expensive courses in the Queenstown area. As for me, I love it and I'm not alone. According to Tom Doak the world famous golf course architect, "Arrowtown – it's so short some people won't give it credit but it's unique and on my list of favourite places in New Zealand." Tom also called it,“The North Berwick of New Zealand.”
Once upon a time, Arrowtown would have been described as a 'hidden gem' but not now thanks to the growing popularity of Queenstown as a tourist destination and the exclusive Hills course, Millbrook Resort, Jack's Point becoming world-renowned golf courses.
Once upon a time, Arrowtown would have been described as a 'hidden gem' but not now thanks to the growing popularity of Queenstown as a tourist destination and the exclusive Hills course, Millbrook Resort, Jack's Point becoming world-renowned golf courses.
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Courtesy of Holden Golf World
Jack's Point
Recalling my reservations for paying over $NZ 200.00 (Somewhere around $US 135.00), Jack's Point is my exception although it can be played May to September for less than $NZ 200.00.
Let's cut to the chase: Jack's Point - The MUST play golf course in New Zealand.
So why is it New Zealand's must play golf course? Well for starters in this Scotsman's never humble opinion it's the jewel in Queenstown's crown of golf courses and none other than Peter Dawson, ex-Chief Executive of the R&A who should know wee bit about golf courses said, “Jack’s Point was simply unforgettable. I haven’t seen such an exciting layout for a very long time and the condition of the pure fescue fairways is unmatched in my experience.”
The video does well to capture the magnificent scenery and challenging holes but I must add the course is usually much greener than portrayed on the video.
Let's cut to the chase: Jack's Point - The MUST play golf course in New Zealand.
So why is it New Zealand's must play golf course? Well for starters in this Scotsman's never humble opinion it's the jewel in Queenstown's crown of golf courses and none other than Peter Dawson, ex-Chief Executive of the R&A who should know wee bit about golf courses said, “Jack’s Point was simply unforgettable. I haven’t seen such an exciting layout for a very long time and the condition of the pure fescue fairways is unmatched in my experience.”
The video does well to capture the magnificent scenery and challenging holes but I must add the course is usually much greener than portrayed on the video.
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Courtesy of Queenstown Golf Club
Queenstown Golf Club
aka Kelvin Heights
aka Kelvin Heights
"Should've been in your five of the finest," I hear the Kiwis cry.
Well as you know that in golf as in life there's time you have to make a tough call and live with it.
Before Queenstown become known as, “The Adventure Capital of the World" there was Queenstown Golf Club better known to the Kiwis as Kelvin Heights. The Cut golf magazine informs us that, “Queenstown is flush with golf courses. If you’re seeking one that is affordable and one of the most scenic in New Zealand, you can’t do better than the Queenstown course at Kelvin Heights.”
If you think you haven't the time then keep in mind that just like northern Scotland, here the sun sets quite late in the summer and there's always time for at least nine holes.
Well as you know that in golf as in life there's time you have to make a tough call and live with it.
Before Queenstown become known as, “The Adventure Capital of the World" there was Queenstown Golf Club better known to the Kiwis as Kelvin Heights. The Cut golf magazine informs us that, “Queenstown is flush with golf courses. If you’re seeking one that is affordable and one of the most scenic in New Zealand, you can’t do better than the Queenstown course at Kelvin Heights.”
If you think you haven't the time then keep in mind that just like northern Scotland, here the sun sets quite late in the summer and there's always time for at least nine holes.
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And now for more
Courtesy of Holden Golf World
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
"Tiger Woods takes a bath at 2002 New Zealand Open
Driving rain was blamed for Woods' lacklustre performance, although he barely stayed under par even when the sun shone during the four-day event." - Andrea O'Neil at Stuff
Yes it's a tough course even for Tiger but well worth the challenge and maybe you beat Tiger who four-putted the testing par-3 second hole.
Whilst the previously listed Muriwai is a links-style course "Paraparam" is one of few the true links golf courses in the world.
According to Golf Club Atlas, "The other southern hemisphere golfing giants South Africa and Argentina don't have a course as good as Paraparaumu."
Driving rain was blamed for Woods' lacklustre performance, although he barely stayed under par even when the sun shone during the four-day event." - Andrea O'Neil at Stuff
Yes it's a tough course even for Tiger but well worth the challenge and maybe you beat Tiger who four-putted the testing par-3 second hole.
Whilst the previously listed Muriwai is a links-style course "Paraparam" is one of few the true links golf courses in the world.
According to Golf Club Atlas, "The other southern hemisphere golfing giants South Africa and Argentina don't have a course as good as Paraparaumu."
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Courtesy of Waitangi Golf Club
Waitangi Golf Club
Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
"We spend the European winters in Paihia and one of the reasons is this gorgeous golf course. The views are absolutely stunning, watching the cruise ships down in the bay on the back nine, lovely nature beside the river on the front, it's full of bird life and generally uncrowded, easy going and friendly, and pretty cheap! A great way to spend some time if you're visiting the area and a course not to be missed if you're into your golf."
- Trip Advisor reviewer
Need I say more why you should play Waitangi?
- Trip Advisor reviewer
Need I say more why you should play Waitangi?
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To be continued - Meanwhile some illustrations which hopefully will be of interest to you