This article takes a deep dive into the best golf clubs in New Zealand, providing readers with valuable insights into the top courses and clubs around the country. From the picturesque greens of Kauri Cliffs to the challenging links of Paraparaumu Beach, we explore what makes each of these clubs unique and why they’re worth a visit for golf enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player looking for a new challenge, this guide has something for everyone.
Golf is a popular pastime in New Zealand, with golf clubs dotted all over the country. From world-renowned courses to hidden gems, there are plenty of options for golf enthusiasts of all levels to explore. In this article, we take a deep dive into the top golf clubs in New Zealand, providing readers with valuable insights into the best courses and clubs around the country.
Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Kauri Cliffs Golf Course is located in Matauri Bay, Northland, and is one of the most picturesque golf courses in New Zealand. The course was designed by David Harman and opened in 2000. It features 18 holes with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Cavalli Islands.
Location and History
The Kauri Cliffs Golf Course is located on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm that was once a Maori pa site. The property was purchased by American billionaire Julian Robertson in 1993 and turned into a luxury resort. The golf course was built as part of the resort and opened to the public in 2000.
Course Design and Layout
The course at Kauri Cliffs was designed to take advantage of the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding landscape. The course features five sets of tees, ranging from 5,114 yards to 7,119 yards, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and features a mix of parkland and links-style holes.
Notable Features and Challenges
The signature hole at Kauri Cliffs is the par-3 seventh, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The hole requires a tee shot over a ravine to a green surrounded by bunkers. The 15th hole is also memorable, with a green that is surrounded by water on three sides.
One of the biggest challenges of playing at Kauri Cliffs is the wind. The course is located on a coastal headland and is exposed to strong winds, which can make club selection and shot-making difficult.
Reviews and Accolades
Kauri Cliffs has been consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in the world by golf publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It has also been named the best golf course in New Zealand by several publications, including the New Zealand Golf Magazine and the Luxury Travel Magazine.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is located in Hawke’s Bay on the North Island of New Zealand. The course was designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2004. It features 18 holes with stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs.
Location and History
The Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is located on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm that was once owned by the Robertson family. The family decided to turn the property into a luxury resort and enlisted the help of golf course designer Tom Doak to build a world-class golf course.
Course Design and Layout
The course at Cape Kidnappers is known for its dramatic coastal setting and challenging terrain. The course features five sets of tees, ranging from 4,934 yards to 7,150 yards, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels.
Notable Features and Challenges
The signature hole at Cape Kidnappers is the par-5 fifteenth, which is known as the “Pirate’s Plank.” The hole requires golfers to hit their second shot across a deep chasm to a narrow green that is perched on the edge of a cliff. The 17th hole is also memorable, with a green that is located on top of a rocky outcrop.
One of the biggest challenges of playing at Cape Kidnappers is the wind. The course is located on a coastal headland and is exposed to strong winds, which can make club selection and shot-making difficult. The undulating terrain and deep ravines also require golfers to be accurate with their shots.
Reviews and Accolades
Cape Kidnappers has been consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in the world by golf publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It has also been named the best golf course in New Zealand by several publications, including the New Zealand Golf Magazine and the Luxury Travel Magazine.
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is located on the Kapiti Coast, just 45 minutes from Wellington. The course was designed by Alex Russell and opened in 1949. It features 18 holes with a mix of parkland and links-style holes.
Location and History
The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club has a rich history, with many famous golfers having played on the course over the years. The club has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times, with winners including Gary Player and Greg Norman. The course is located on a coastal strip of land and is exposed to strong winds, making it a challenging course to play.
Course Design and Layout
The course at Paraparaumu Beach was designed to take advantage of the natural terrain and features of the land. The course features five sets of tees, ranging from 5,207 yards to 6,455 yards, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and features a mix of parkland and links-style holes.
Notable Features and Challenges
One of the biggest challenges of playing at Paraparaumu Beach is the wind. The course is located on a coastal strip of land and is exposed to strong winds, which can make club selection and shot-making difficult. The course also features several challenging bunkers and undulating greens that require golfers to be accurate with their shots.
Reviews and Accolades
Paraparaumu Beach has been consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in New Zealand by golf publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It has also been named the best golf course in New Zealand by several publications, including the New Zealand Golf Magazine and the Luxury Travel Magazine.
Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort is located in Queenstown, in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. The resort features a championship golf course designed by Sir Bob Charles and Greg Turner, which opened in 1993. The course features 27 holes with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Location and History
Millbrook Resort is located on a 500-acre estate that was once a sheep farm. The property was purchased by Eiichi Ishii in the 1980s, who envisioned creating a luxury resort in Queenstown. The golf course was designed by Sir Bob Charles and Greg Turner, two of New Zealand’s most successful professional golfers. The course opened in 1993 and has since hosted several high-profile golf tournaments, including the New Zealand Open.
Course Design and Layout
The Millbrook golf course features 27 holes spread over three different courses: The Arrow Course, The Remarkables Course, and The Coronet Course. Each course offers a unique golfing experience, with varying terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Arrow Course is the longest of the three courses, measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship tees. It features tree-lined fairways and several water hazards, including a lake that comes into play on several holes.
The Remarkables Course is the shortest of the three courses, measuring just over 6,000 yards from the championship tees. It features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and several holes that require accurate shot-making to avoid bunkers and water hazards.
The Coronet Course is the newest of the three courses, having opened in 2010. It measures just over 6,500 yards from the championship tees and features several holes that require accurate shot-making to avoid the deep bunkers and water hazards.
Notable Features and Challenges
One of the most notable features of the Millbrook golf course is its stunning mountain views. The course is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, and many of the holes offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
The course is also known for its challenging layout. Each of the three courses at Millbrook presents its own unique challenges, with several water hazards, deep bunkers, and undulating greens that require accurate shot-making and good course management.
Reviews and Accolades
The Millbrook golf course has been consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in New Zealand by golf publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It has also been named the best golf resort in New Zealand by several publications, including the World Golf Awards and the Luxury Travel Magazine.
Conclusion
New Zealand is home to some of the most stunning and challenging golf courses in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend golfer, there is a course in New Zealand that will offer you a unique and unforgettable golfing experience.
From the breathtaking coastal scenery of Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu Beach to the majestic mountain views of Millbrook Resort, each of these courses offers its own unique challenges and rewards for golfers of all skill levels.
If you’re planning a golfing trip to New Zealand, be sure to add these three courses to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable golfing experience.