Previously posted Nov 04, 2012
Just in time for golfers thinking of their Christmas shopping list comes, "Country Courses of New Zealand", by Michael Donaldson and Niels Schipper.
According to the article at Stuff, "They (The hidden gems) are not the sum total of New Zealand's best country courses - it took some robust discussion with Mr Golf, Philip Leishman, to whittle a shortlist down to a final, golf-oriented, number of 18."
The RRP $60 may sound somewhat expensive however given there's lots of good photographs by Niels Schipper, also known for his excellent photography in "Fairway to Heaven". It surely is a must buy for Kiwi golfers who are proud of their country and in particular their country courses.
As someone who has yet to enjoy many of the off the beaten tracks in New Zealand it was reassuring, and gave credibility to read that Arrowtown, a course which I have thoroughly enjoyed in the past, is mentioned in Mr Golf's 18.
Can't say that Eketahuna is high on my list of must play hidden gems but was encouraged to read that, "Though the course is covered in sheep and their droppings, it offered moments of pure joy, including firm and true greens and a series of back nine holes that would entertain and torment golfers of all abilities."
Most definitely on my must play list is, "At the end of the country, Ringa Ringa Heights on Stewart Island is only six holes, there's an incredibly steep hill in the middle and the greens are like squirrels - small and furry - but this is a wonderful setting. The views are equal to any I've seen, with the course perched on a finger of land between Halfmoon Bay and Paterson Inlet."
No accurate assessment of hidden gems would be complete without mention of Oreti Sands.
"Further south, there is a course so remote and humble it's a real secret - even the locals don't know it exists. Yet there are Americans and Brits who come halfway around the world to play at Oreti Sands. The first five holes feel lost and wondrous - just you, an expanse of sky, the forlorn cry of gulls carried on the energetic breeze and a truly beautiful links layout. If you love golf you have to play here before you die."
Incidentally a fellow Scot, and famous golf correspondent, John Huggan has this to say. "Oreti Sands was particularly enjoyable and incredibly good value for money. In fact, this remote and dramatic course has the potential to be that ever-elusive 'hidden gem' you read about in glossy travel magazines."
Quote of the Day
"The authors of True Links suggest there’s only 246 true links golf courses, which is less than one percent of the world's 30,000-plus courses and Oreti Sands is one of 9 in New Zealand." - From my post of January 07, 2011
Just in time for golfers thinking of their Christmas shopping list comes, "Country Courses of New Zealand", by Michael Donaldson and Niels Schipper.
According to the article at Stuff, "They (The hidden gems) are not the sum total of New Zealand's best country courses - it took some robust discussion with Mr Golf, Philip Leishman, to whittle a shortlist down to a final, golf-oriented, number of 18."
The RRP $60 may sound somewhat expensive however given there's lots of good photographs by Niels Schipper, also known for his excellent photography in "Fairway to Heaven". It surely is a must buy for Kiwi golfers who are proud of their country and in particular their country courses.
As someone who has yet to enjoy many of the off the beaten tracks in New Zealand it was reassuring, and gave credibility to read that Arrowtown, a course which I have thoroughly enjoyed in the past, is mentioned in Mr Golf's 18.
Can't say that Eketahuna is high on my list of must play hidden gems but was encouraged to read that, "Though the course is covered in sheep and their droppings, it offered moments of pure joy, including firm and true greens and a series of back nine holes that would entertain and torment golfers of all abilities."
Most definitely on my must play list is, "At the end of the country, Ringa Ringa Heights on Stewart Island is only six holes, there's an incredibly steep hill in the middle and the greens are like squirrels - small and furry - but this is a wonderful setting. The views are equal to any I've seen, with the course perched on a finger of land between Halfmoon Bay and Paterson Inlet."
No accurate assessment of hidden gems would be complete without mention of Oreti Sands.
"Further south, there is a course so remote and humble it's a real secret - even the locals don't know it exists. Yet there are Americans and Brits who come halfway around the world to play at Oreti Sands. The first five holes feel lost and wondrous - just you, an expanse of sky, the forlorn cry of gulls carried on the energetic breeze and a truly beautiful links layout. If you love golf you have to play here before you die."
Incidentally a fellow Scot, and famous golf correspondent, John Huggan has this to say. "Oreti Sands was particularly enjoyable and incredibly good value for money. In fact, this remote and dramatic course has the potential to be that ever-elusive 'hidden gem' you read about in glossy travel magazines."
Quote of the Day
"The authors of True Links suggest there’s only 246 true links golf courses, which is less than one percent of the world's 30,000-plus courses and Oreti Sands is one of 9 in New Zealand." - From my post of January 07, 2011
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