GOLF New Zealand Issue 5 by PaR nz Golfing Holidays

GOLF

NEW ZEALAND

ISSUE 5

• INNOVATION AT NEW ZEALAND GOLF • NEW ZEALAND COURSE OVERVIEWS • NEW ZEALAND GOLF HOLIDAY ESCAPES WITH COMPLIMENTS

PaR nz Golfing Holidays Partners and Associates PaR nz Golfing Holidays is a member of:

PaR nz Golfing Holidays proudly works with:

PaR nz Golfing Holidays Golf Partners

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PaR nz Golfing Holidays – 2019 Best Outbound and Inbound Golf Tour Operator – World Golf Awards 2017 and 2018 Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator – World Golf Awards 2016 Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator – World Golf Awards

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New Zealand's Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator

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PaR nz Corporate Events Limited trading as PaR nz Golfing Holidays, Established August 2000. Office located in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand . Postal address PO Box 331395, North Shore 0740 Phone +64 (9) 486 1077. Directors Denise Langdon & Kim Buckley Contact denise@parnz.co.nz and kim@parnz.co.nz Photos care of Tourism New Zealand and its contributors, and PaR nz’s image collection

GOLF NEW ZEALAND

ISSUE 5

Contents

Jack’s Point, Central Otago

AUGUST 2020

Innovation at New Zealand Golf – To stay ahead of the game

Golf Tourism in New Zealand – Fresh and revitalized

New Zealand Course Overviews

Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay

26 Kauri Cliffs, Northland

28 36

2020 New Zealand Course Rankings

Welcome to New Zealand – more to do than golf.

New Zealand Golf Holiday Escapes

Shotover Jet, Queenstown

Visit our website: www.parnz.co.nz Or call us on +64 9 486 1077

INNOVATION AT NEW ZEALAND GOLF TO STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME

With one of the highest number of golf courses per capita in the world and a reputation for exporting high-quality technology, it’s little wonder New Zealand is at the forefront of golfing software technology that’s helping to usher in the new World Handicap System (WHS) this year. DotGolf, an innovative New Zealand technology company behind the advanced handicapping system used in New Zealand for almost 20 years, is helping golfing bodies across the globe transition to WHS. Though its business operates independently, it is wholly owned by the national governing body, New Zealand Golf. DotGolf has provided the technology to link every New Zealand affiliated golfer, golf club and district with one centralised, integrated handicapping system. The company’s centralised handicapping systems are already being used by golf associations in numerous countries. This year, diverse handicap systems used throughout the world will be combined into a single method that’s very similar to the centralised system Kiwi golfers have used since 2002. By having a leading-edge system already in place, New Zealand was well-advanced to introduce the World Handicap System in April 2020. Now DotGolf’s expertise in software for golf operations, membership, handicapping, financials and customer relationship management is receiving more international recognition than ever as it helps large golfing associations adapt to the World Handicap System. For example, it is helping governing bodies of amateur golf in England, Wales and Ireland to be ready to operate the world system from 2 November 2020. DotGolf Managing Director, and New Zealand Golf Chief Executive, Dean Murphy says: “The introduction of the World Handicap System has spurred others to rethink the way they do things. DotGolf is well placed to help as it has delivered sophisticated centralised handicap systems technology to New Zealand and other golfing bodies for the past 20 years.”

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Cape Kidnappers

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GOLF TOURISM

IN NEW ZEALAND FRESH AND REVITALISED

The game of golf is thriving in New Zealand. The number of rounds played rose by five per cent in 2019 compared with the previous year, and its clubs enjoyed a 1.5 per cent membership boost. From the mountains to the sea, city to remote country towns – there are almost 400 golf courses and thousands of enthusiastic golfers to welcome to their local, provincial and resort-style clubs. As well as being home to some of the world’s best golf courses, New Zealand often astounds visiting golfers with the diversity of its course styles and settings. Opportunities for broader experiences and higher quality levels are growing continually. Award-winning Millbrook Resort near the tourist hotspot of Queenstown in the South Island is constructing an additional nine holes on former farmland. The extra nine designed by Greg Turner Design along with the three existing nine-hole courses will be reconfigured into the new layout comprising two 18hole courses. Players and spectators at this year’s New Zealand Open may have enjoyed a sneak preview during that tournament co-hosted with The Hills in February/March. Visitors to central Nor th Island’s scenic thermal valleys near Taupo will be interested to hear of the popular Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary’s recent major green restoration project. Acknowledged as one of the country’s most beautiful parkland courses, Wairakei has resurfaced, recontoured and sowed its 18 greens with Pure Distinction bent grass. This dense, bright

The Royal Auckland and Grange Club

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green turfgrass is used at the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club as well as well-known US golf courses such as at Cypress Point, Bel-Air and Oakland Hills, and at Adare Manor in Ireland. The club officially reopened with its new greens in April 2020. The historic, members-only Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club (RAGGC) has completed the first stages of its $66 million golf course and clubhouse redevelopment that began in late 2017. A core part of its ‘Project Legacy’ is to redevelop the Grange and Middlemore golf courses into a new 27-hole course comprising the Middlemore, Grange and Tamaki Nines designed by Chris Cochran of Nicklaus Design. The first holes opened in October 2019 and the new clubhouse followed in January 2020. Substantial earthworks and irrigation installation have been done over summer on the remaining holes, practice greens and driving range. RAGGC will have an advanced aeration, moisture removal and root zone temperature control system similar to ones used at top US golf courses such as Augusta National, Congressional, Gleneagles, Pebble Beach, and Winged Foot. The project is due to be completed around April 2021. “And excitement is building over the prospect of two new public golf courses near Mangawhai, north of Auckland. The main investor behind the proposal is Ric Kayne, who developed the much-praised, private members’ Tara Iti Golf Club nearby in 2015. “

Millbrook Resort

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COURSE OVERVIEWS

We regularly put our heads together to come up with a list of what we regard as New Zealand’s top golf courses for travellers. Each nominated course has something special to offer – some are worth it just for the beautiful surrounds, others are memorable for the way they challenge your game. Last year, PaR nz Golfing Holidays’ Denise Langdon was one of a panel of diverse golf industry insiders who were invited to contribute 12 suggestions toward a list of 40 top courses for its 2019 New Zealand Golf Rankings. Here we explore a selection of those courses which have a special blend of risk and reward, playability, layout, design, scenic values, conditioning and ambience. To make it easy to find your way between courses on a map, we start in the South Island and move through to the North.

South Island The Hills at Arrowtown is a big course – set over 200 hectares in a glacial valley – with a big reputation for championship golf – and art. The private members club is owned by wealthy jeweller and arts patron Sir Michael Hill, and its sculpture park has been an intrinsic part of the course from the beginning. New Zealand’s John Darby designed the course, which this year was ranked 6th by the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings panel and was nominated for New Zealand’s best at the 2018 World Golf Awards. The course hosted the New Zealand Open in 2007, just months after it opened. In 2020, the 101st NZ Open was jointly held at The Hills and Millbrook Resort. Another big stunner, Millbrook Resor t near Arrowtown was designed by Sir Bob Charles for its opening in 1992, and renovated by Greg Turner in late 2010. Priding itself on always being immaculately groomed, the next chapter in Millbrook’s history will be written when a new Turner-designed 9 holes are opened in late 2020. With tussocks, streams, buildings and trees presenting natural hazards, Millbrook will then become only the second 36-hole venue in New Zealand. The 2020 Millbrook Masters, based here and at Jack’s Point, is on our tournament schedule for October 25 – 31. The astonishing Jack’s Point near Queenstown tied for 7th place (with

Queenstown Golf Club

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presents

2020

MILLBROOK MASTERS Queenstown, New Zealand

Sunday 25 October – Saturday 31 October 2020 Play not only Millbrook but Jack’s Point too at our 18th annual Millbrook Masters sponsored by award-winning Akarua Wines, Millbrook Resort and Titleist. This is not only a premier golf tournament but a luxury golf holiday. Packages include 4 rounds of tournament golf in carts playing both the championship Millbrook and Jack’s Point courses, airport and golf transfers and staying 6 nights at the 5-star Millbrook Resort, New Zealand’s number one golf resort. Packages from NZD$1,665pp or from NZD$2,806pp with a 6-night stay at Millbrook. The social programme with food and Akarua wine matches and list of inclusions is comprehensive. Open to men and women golfers, ages 30+. The competition format is single Stableford and gross over 4 rounds, with fun daily and overall prizes by age and handicap divisions.

Enter online at www.parnz.co.nz Tournament Managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays, contact kim@parnz.co.nz

Above: Arrowtown Golf Club Opposite page, (top to bottom): Millbrook Resort; Jack’s Point.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course) on the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings list this year. Designed by John Darby, we always highly recommend this course to visitors for its exhilarating golf challenges, dramatic setting and distinctive native vegetation right to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. It is 44th on Golf Digest’s latest top 100 of the best golf courses in the world (outside North America), and won the International Association of Golf Tour Operators 2019 Sustainability Award for Nature Protection. Sustainability initiatives led to it becoming Golf Environment Organization (GEO) Certified in 2018. Along with other high-profile courses in the Queenstown area, Jack’s Point has a reputation for superb conditioning. This care and attention paid off when the club hosted the NZ Open Challenge in February 2020 as part of the NZ Open golf week of events for amateurs and professionals. Arrowtown Golf Club is widely recognised as being one of the most affordable top-15 courses to play. Stretching out below the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, and just 20 minutes north of Queenstown, it was ranked 10th in the latest New Zealand Top 40 Rankings, up from 13th in 2016. The club’s original six-hole course was established in 1911 at a different location. Today’s course is the result of decades of voluntary labour bringing to life design layouts by club secretary Reg Romans and 1933 NZ Amateur Champion B.V. ‘Pip’ Wright. The club still retains an authentic charm consistent with its location in one of the country’s most historic and scenic regions. Popular with players in our annual Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic, the course has no bunkers, and rocky outcrops guard its fairways. We reckon it’s a little gem. The friendly golf clubs of Wanaka, Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra are very much well worth a visit on any tour in the Central Otago area. These four, along with Arrowtown host the Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic, of which 2020 will be its 12th anniversary, with

GOLF NEW ZEALAND

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players from around the Pacific meeting for a week-long Otago golf challenge. Wanaka is a treat with two distinctive nines over two opposing pieces of land. The first nine takes you on an undulating trail with many views over Lake Wanaka – stunning on any early morning round! And the back nine, although somewhat flatter doesn’t disappoint with a stretch of inland holes. Queenstown just made the 2019 top 40 list and is an ol’ favourite with many visitors to Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown basin. Sitting opposite the town of the same name, Queenstown is known for its magnificent scenery across many aspects of the lake – you can even book a round and travel by water taxi! Views around the Remarkables Range make this a scenic beauty – that has received worldwide accolades in the past. Don’t miss it! Cromwell and Alexandra are more inland links style courses – both easy walking with tussock lined fairways and minimal penalty areas. One of Cromwell’s hazard areas was in fact an old mine shaft. Dating back to 1903 an impressive $1million improvement programme was completed in 2009. Cromwell was host to the 2019 New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships and the final qualifying for the 2020 New Zealand Open. Alexandra should not be overlooked on any southern visit. The course features a flat, desert type terrain with fully irrigated fairways from tee to green. Narrow fairways mean accuracy is of prime importance if you are to avoid the desert remnants in the rough and the many trees lining the fairways. Of interest, and one reason why golfers find their round at Alexandra appears to go so quickly, is the lack of continuous holes of same par value! Only twice in the 18 holes do you play consecutive holes of equal par! With the high ranges viewable from most parts of the

Above, from top: Wanaka Golf Club; Alexandra Golf Club; Cromwell Golf Club. Below: Queenstown Golf Club; .

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2021

CENTRAL OTAGO AUTUMN GOLF CLASSIC

Monday 12 April 2021 – Friday 16 April 2021 Now in its 13th year, the hugely popular Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic is now open for registration. This tournament is one of New Zealand’s largest amateur golf tournament with entries limited to 448 on a ‘first come’ basis. The course line-up features Alexandra, Arrowtown, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka over a weeklong programme. We welcome back naming sponsor Mount Michael Wines who will be part of the welcome ‘wine tasting’ and farewell awards functions. Extensive packages include entry, accommodation, extra golf, rental cars and buses along with added tourism activities

Enter online at www.parnz.co.nz

Event Managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays, contact kim@parnz.co.nz

course golfers find this is a most scenic as well as challenging course. Dating back to 1871, Otago Golf Course in Dunedin can boast of being the oldest course in New Zealand. The picturesque 18-hole layout is renowned as one of the top golf courses in the South Island. Greats that have played and are represented on the many clubhouse walls include Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Peter Thomson, Bobby Locke, along with New Zealand’s Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, Frank Nobilo, Phil Tataurangi and Greg Turner. The spectacular St Clair Golf Club is nestled on the cliffs above Dunedin’s beautiful St Clair Beach. The course offers world class views of the Pacific Ocean and its beaches. Host to numerous International and National Events, come and play one of the most challenging club courses in New Zealand where International golfing stars like Sir Bob Charles, Seve Ballesteros, Johnny Miller and many more have graced its fairways. Clearwater Golf Resort on the outskirts of Christchurch has been voted best New Zealand golf course at the World Golf Awards on four occasions and Oceania’s top course three times. Designed by New Zealand’s Sir Bob Charles and John Darby, the course features sparkling spring-fed lakes and waterways and is surrounded by large conservation and recreation areas. Clearwater, which sits at a respectable 20th on the 2019 New Zealand Top 40 Rankings, has hosted many international professional tournaments since it opened in 2002. One of the most remarkable was in 2013, when Lydia Ko became the first Kiwi to win the New Zealand Women’s Open, a European Tour sanctioned event. Two years later Ko posted a course and career-record low score of 61 at Clearwater in the second round of the 2015 NZ Women’s Open. However, we are not all blessed with Ko’s talent, and one of the joys of Clearwater is that it is so user-friendly to players of diverse abilities – offering six tee choices. With its spectacular views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and the sea, Gleniti Golf Club will be a fantastic host for the New Zealand Women’s Autumn Foursomes in 2020. The friendly club welcomes players to join their weekly club competitions all year round. Below: Otago Golf Club, Dunedin. Right: Clearwater Golf Resort, Christchurch

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North Island The first New Zealand golf club to be awarded royal status, in 2004, Royal Wellington will again host the ANNIKA Invitational Australasia tournament, for the region’s most promising young women players, in 2020. It was also home to the 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. One of the country’s oldest private members’ parklands courses, Royal Wellington was established at Heretaunga near Upper Hutt in 1906. Championship greens were rebuilt to Sir Bob Charles and John Darby designs in 1992-93, and a new course built to a masterplan redesign by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson was officially opened in 2014. Sustainability initiatives led to it becoming Golf Environment Organization (GEO) Certified in September, 2017. The New Zealand Top 40 Rankings places Royal Wellington at 11th. Six New Zealand Opens have been held at the club since 1912, including the 1954 event won by 18-yearold Bob Charles, the youngest player and first left-hander to win the championship. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club on the Kapiti Coast nor th of Wellington is an inviting, undulating traditional links course formed on natural sand dunes a stone’s throw from the Tasman Sea. The New Zealand Top 40 Rankings panel couldn’t separate it from Jack’s Point, and ranked it equal 7th among New Zealand’s best. 128 ladies from around the country played in the 2019 New Zealand Women’s Autumn Foursomes hosted by PaR nz Golfing Holidays. Currently occupying the 65th spot on Golf Digest’s top 100 in the world, the present course was built in 1949, interestingly by the head greenkeeper, Jack Hunt, to plans drawn up by golf architect and former Australian Open champion, Alex Russell. It went on to host many of the country’s leading golf tournaments, including a record 12 New Zealand Opens, and frequently makes world top 100 rankings. Golf architect and critic Tom Doak, in his Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, described Paraparaumu as ‘probably the best links course in the southern hemisphere’. A for mer Environmental Leaders in Golf Award-winner, Cape Kidnappers at Hawke’s Bay was placed in 4th spot in the latest New Zealand Top 40 Rankings, and was nominated for New Zealand’s best Below: Royal Wellington Golf Club. Right: Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Kapiti Coast.

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golf course at the 2018 World Golf Awards. Kauri Cliffs’ southern sibling, it ranks 22nd on Golf Digest’s current world’s top 100 list where it was described ‘not a links, more like a stratospheric Pebble Beach’. The layout created by architect Tom Doak invites players to negotiate cliff-edge fairways, deep chasms and clifftop bunkers 140 metres above the sea. This quality course with spectacular marine views from every hole has caused a lot of jaws to drop since it opened in 2004. Over in the Hawke’s Bay region on the east side of the North Island, Hastings Golf Club is impressing at 16th in the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings, shooting up from 29th in 2016. Another heritage club, Hastings is the region’s quintessential, must-play championship course – and extremely popular during our annual Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay 4 Course Golf & Wine Classic in November. Hospitality must be its middle name, as the club has hosted every major New Zealand championship since the present course at Bridge Pa opened in 1912. It has come a long way from the days when it was a ‘howling wilderness of sand and pumice’. Today its impeccable championship course conditions mean it consistently rates as one of the country’s top club courses. Golfers can experience two other Hawke’s Bay member courses in the annual Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Golf & Wine Classic. Along with Hastings, Napier and Maraenui have partnered up with PaR nz Golfing Holidays to stage this annual four course classic, 2020 will be the 4th. Napier enjoys the green’s stewardship of one of New Zealand’s few female green keepers. Maraenui also hosted the 2019 New Zealand Mixed Foursomes Championship. The Mount Maunganui Golf Club in the Bay of Plenty region has maintained the same general course layout for the past 60 years thanks to an army of members and volunteers. The club itself began in 1935 with the view of developing modest golf links next to the pristine sand dunes. Today, the club has a permanent welcome mat for visitors and a busy tournament programme. A firm national favourite, and ranked 19th on New Zealand Top 40 Rankings. The parkland style course at Omanu Golf Club prides itself on its high standards and will present a test to entrants in the New Zealand Men’s and Women’s Mid Am in early 2020. Rotorua Golf Club will be the venue for the last New Zealand Golf event of 2020, the Women’s Senior Foursomes in late November. Arikikapakapa reserve was gifted from Ngati Whakaue to the people of New Zealand and the active thermal areas make this stunning golf landscape truly unique. Te Puke Golf Club is located equidistant from the three main metropolitan areas in the Bay of Plenty; Whakatane, Rotorua and Tauranga. Their website describes playing golf at Te Puke as ‘Golf in the heart of paradise’, an experience that will not be lost on those entering the New Zealand 9 Hole Masters in 2020. Littered with signature holes and with beautiful, sweeping views of Lake Taupo, The Kinloch Club is the only Jack Nicklaus signature course in New Zealand. With a perfect balance of risk and reward typical of ‘The Bear’, in our opinion it presents one of the country’s greatest golfing challenges. The New Zealand Top 40 Rankings panel concurs, with a second-place ranking this year – and adding to the international accolades, including Travel and Leisure’s 2007 award for top new course outside North America. Free-draining pumice soil is an unusual characteristic of this course, and one of the reasons behind its outstanding year-round condition. Kinloch has been further recognised on the world stage with a reentry in to Golf Digest’s ranking at 94th.

Omanu Golf Club

Mt Maunganui

The Kinloch Club

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2020

HAWKE’S BAY 4-COURSE GOLF & WINE CLASSIC New Zealand

Monday 2 November – Friday 6 November 2020 Explore New Zealand’s premier wine region and Art Deco Capital playing in our 5th annual PaR nz Golfing Holidays Hawke’s Bay 4-Course Golf & Wine Classic. Entry fee NZD$599pp. Limited to 216 golfers, play 4 rounds of golf over 5 days, including World Top100 Course, Cape Kidnappers in carts. Complimented with great local experiences at Hastings, Napier and Maraenui Golf Clubs. Open to men and women golfers, ages 20+, maximum handicap limits of 36.0 apply. The competition format is single Stableford and gross over 4 rounds, with an added super seniors and teams divisions. Fun daily and overall prizes by handicap divisions.

Enter online at www.parnz.co.nz Tournament Managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays, contact kim@parnz.co.nz

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary north of Taupo in the Bay of Plenty region was the most popular golf course overall in the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings survey, included in all 21 panelists’ lists and noted for its blend of science and ambience. Wairakei was recently awarded the GEO Certified ecolabel because of its extensive efforts to operate environmentally as a harmonious sanctuary and golf course in collaboration with the wider community. It was nominated for New Zealand’s best at the 2018 World Golf Awards, and our team certainly believes it’s one of the country’s most beautiful parkland courses. It is impeccably maintained and home to more than 25,000 native trees and a host of wildlife. Officially opened in 1970, it was one of our first courses to gain international fame and it consistently makes lists of top New Zealand courses. The architecture is attributed to English designers Commander John Harris and Michael Wolveridge along with Peter Thomson, a five-time British Open winner. Our advice: watch out for the 548-metre 14th hole. It’s called The Rogue for good reason. Located close to the Taupo township, the Taupo Golf Club compliments Kinloch and Wairakei and is a welcome addition on a golf trip to the area. Situated in a mature park setting among thermal activity under the eye of Mt Tauhara, the club hosted two New Zealand Women’s golf events in 2020; the Senior Match Play and the Trans-Tasman. Top New Zealand golf courses Windross Farm, Muriwai Golf Links, Titirangi and Gulf Harbour feel miles away from the bustle of downtown life, though they are all within Auckland City. Titirangi Golf Club is one of four courses in the southern hemisphere designed by the acclaimed British golf course architect Alister MacKenzie, along with Royal Adelaide, Royal Melbourne and the Jockey Club in Argentina. MacKenzie is most noted for his design of Augusta National in Left: Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary. Right: Gulf Harbour Country Club. Below: Muriwai Golf Links.

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the United States. The club opened in 1909 on a former Auckland Golf Club site, and the MacKenzie-designed course opened at today’s New Lynn site in 1928. Chris Pitman, a leading course architect and disciple of MacKenzie’s principles such as minimising blind shots, drew up a masterplan for the club in the late 1990s, helping to return the course to its halcyon days. Prominent golf architect and critic Tom Doak, in his Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, describes Titirangi as ‘a tight parkland layout over severely undulating terrain showing certain touches of the MacKenzie genius’. NZ Golf Digest ranks it 14th, and it was a nominee for New Zealand’s best golf course at the 2018 World Golf Awards. Muriwai Golf Links is a championship course north-west of central Auckland built on rolling black iron sand dunes along the rugged Tasman Sea coastline. The club opened for play in 1960 and was redeveloped between 1999 and 2003. The course ranks number 12 on the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings, and is clearly winning hearts for its quality challenges and setting. Though howling winds often challenge players at Muriwai, competitors in the 2017 World Masters Games were treated to benign playing conditions and the sight of beautiful surf rolling onto the neighbouring beach. The club participates in the GEO Foundation’s On Course programme, indicating a commitment to continually improving environmental sustainability. Windross Far m Golf Course in Auckland was thrust into the international spotlight during the LPGA Tour 2017 McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open only a year after opening. Designed by Brett Thomson in consultation with former PGA Tour player Phil Tataurangi, the course is one we’d recommend highly to Auckland visitors. Both nines are of similar length but varying design elements and the influence of wind direction mean they play differently. The wetlands and four large lakes interlaced provide loads of character and interest. The course debuted at 21st on the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings. It has special meaning for our PaR nz Golfing Holidays team, as we hosted our annual Motor Neurone Disease Charity Day again there in December 2019. A past NZ Open venue and host of the 1998 World Cup of Golf, Gulf Harbour Country Club is Lydia Ko’s home club. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, the course is frequently ranked among New Zealand’s best. It sits at 15th in New Zealand Top 40 Rankings. Serious about sustainability, the sensitively sculpted course participates in the GEO Foundation’s On Course programme. Tom Doak designed the brightest star of New Zealand’s golf courses, Tara Iti, near Mangawhai north of Auckland. After entering at number six on the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses last year, Tara Iti had the highest debut on any of Golf Digest’s various course rankings and has sensationally been promoted to second in the 2020 world list. A coastal course with expansive views of the Hauraki Gulf, sand is a beautiful natural feature but, remarkably, there are no bunkers. Its sustainability initiatives led to it becoming Golf Environment Organization (GEO) Certified in July 2018. New Zealand’s first-ever American-style private golf club has dominated the charts almost from the week it opened in 2016, and once again holds the top spot on the 2019 New Zealand Top 40 Rankings for New Zealand’s best golf courses. Kauri Cliffs at Matauri Bay, is the third-highest ranking course in New Zealand Top 40 Rankings top 40. Its extraordinary series of holes high above the Pacific Ocean and forced carries over deep gorges impress visitors and locals alike. The late Dave Harman designed and built

Above: Kauri Cliffs. Right: Windross Farm.

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the coastline course in 2001, and golf architect Rees Jones gave it a makeover in 2013. It was a worthy nominee for New Zealand’s best golf course in the 2018 World Golf Awards and is consistently ranked in Golf Digest world’s top 100 list, placed 43rd in the new 2020 rankings. A visit to Kauri Cliffs is an unrivalled day out, in our view, and that’s why we’ve made it an integral part of PaR nz Golfing Holiday’s annual Bay of Islands 4-Course Classic. The historic Waitangi Golf Club near Paihia at the Bay of Islands region is on land leased from the Waitangi National Trust Board, close to where Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. The original course was formed after the then Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe and his wife purchased and donated land in 1932. Remodeling was framed by New Zealand golf course architect Kristine Kerr and her Kura design team around 2011. The course is notable for its peaceful coastal setting and surprise challenges. Placed at 37th on the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings, participants in PaR nz Golfing Holidays’ annual Bay of Islands 4-Course Golf Classic sing its praises. The Bay of Islands Golf Club in Kerikeri and Whangaroa Golf Club complete the courses for the Classic, offering two different but excellent challenges. The latter prides itself in being a small country club with a big heart and its undulating terrain is fun yet demanding for entrants. The Bay of Islands Golf Club is set in picturesque surroundings and the subtropical climate provides a wonderful golfing experience for all levels, all year round. American golf course designer Matt Dye designed the Carrington Golf Course to take in sweeping ocean views and hillside vineyards on the Karikari Peninsula, in Northland. This Doubtless Bay course secured an impressive 13th ranking on the New Zealand Top 40 Rankings.

Left: Waitangi Golf Club. Below: Bay of Islands Golf Club.

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2021

BAY OF ISLANDS 4-COURSE GOLF CLASSIC

Monday 24 May – Friday 28 May 2021 Join PaR nz Golfing Holidays in New Zealand’s ‘winterless north’ playing in the 3rd annual Copthorne Bay of Islands4-Course Golf Classic. Entry fee NZD$525 pp or from NZD$921 pp with a 6-night Copthorne Hotel package. Limited to 200 golfers, play 4 rounds of golf over 5 days, including World Top 100 Course, Kauri Cliffs in carts, complimented with great local experiences at the Bay of Islands GC, Waitangi GC and Whangaroa GC. Open to men and women golfers, ages 20+, maximum handicap limits of 36.0 apply. The competition format is single stableford and gross over 4 rounds, with fun daily and overall prizes by handicap divisions.

Enter online at www.parnz.co.nz

Event Managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays, contact denise@parnz.co.nz

2020 NZ COURSE RANKINGS

Golf Course

2020 Ranking

2018 Ranking

World Top 100*

Tara Iti

1st

Jacks Point Golf Course

2nd

T 7th

The Hills

3rd

6th

Kinloch

4th

2nd

Cape Kidnappers

5th

4th

Kauri Cliffs

6th

3rd

Paraparaumu Golf Club

7th

T 7th

Wairakei

8th

5th

Millbrook

9th

Titirangi Golf Club

10th

14th

Carrington Resort

11th

13th

Muriwai Golf Club

12th

Arrowtown GC

13th

10th

Mount Maunganui Golf Club

14th

19th

Hastings Golf Club

15th

16th

Royal Wellington Golf Club

16th

11th

Gulf Harbour Golf Club

17th

15th

Manawatu Golf Club

18th

17th

New Plymouth Golf Club

T19th

T 23rd

Clearwater Golf Club

T19th

20th

Terrace Downs Golf Resort

21st

26th

Christchurch GC

22nd

Omaha Beach Golf Club

23rd

T 32nd

Pegasus Golf Resort

24th

27th

Harewood Golf Club

25th

38th

Windross Farm

26th

21st

Wanganui Golf Club

27th

Hamilton Golf Club

28th

Mangawhai Golf club

29th

T 23rd

Whitford Park Golf Club

30th

29th

Otago Golf Club

31st

25th

Poverty Bay Golf Club

32nd

Cromwell Golf Club

33rd

28th

Queenstown Golf Club

34th

40th

Chisholm Links

35th

39th

Nelson Golf Club

36th

35th

Wanaka Golf Club

37th

Invercargill Golf Club

38th

36th

Greenacres Golf Club

39th

Russley Golf Club

40th

* Golf Digest World Top 100 Courses (January 2020)

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34th

Play the best Based on the current 2020 NZ Top 40 rankings by NZ Golf Magazine, Tara Iti is clearly the best golf course in New Zealand, based on the rankings, and it is also recognised in the international golf ‘world’ as being our best place to golf. Yes, the golf course is quite private but it is truly something special and if you are ever given the opportunity to play there, then you should jump at it! The course is in an amazing setting, well-designed with a layout that blends with the environment. How the course plays is also unique and memorable. Right from the time you drive through the gates, through to holing your final putt on the 18th green; it is absolutely magical! How The Rankings Were Created The rankings have been compiled from 27 “rankers” submitting their Top 12 courses in the Nor th and South Islands. The 27-member ranking panel has nearly 1,000 years of combined golf experience, with “rankers” from Invercargill through to North Auckland. They are a diverse mix consisting of professional players, experienced amateur players, golf industry professionals and some club players with extensive playing experience here in New Zealand and internationally. These golf industry ‘insiders’ have ranked their top 12 golf courses in the North Island and the South Island. The rankers were: Phil Aicken, Michael Baltrop, Leo Barber, Robyn Boniface, Barry Brown, Blair Dibley, Stuar t Duff, Susan Farron, Simon Forshaw, Peter Fowler, Michael Glading, Doug Holloway, Denise Langdon, Richard Lee, Josh Longney, Dave Mangan, Trevor Marshall, Nigel Merrett, Willie Moore, Grant Moorhead, Tony Nowell, John Sanders, Dominic Sainsbury, Brad Shilton, Duncan Simpson, John Spraggs and Fraser Wilkin. The ranking system is based on seven criteria that cover the key factors that are essential in good golf course design and criteria for what is important to the golfers that play these golf courses. This includes: Risk/reward, playability, layout, design, scenic values, conditioning and ambience. A maximum of five points

was awarded per category thus the maximum points any course could receive was a total of 35 points. The points awarded were totalled up and then divided by the number of rankers; the average was then calculated providing the overall result. The last New Zealand Top 40 Golf Rankings, coordinated with NZ Golf Magazine, were compiled in December 2018. With the rankings due to be reviewed later this year (2020) it was brought forward due to the opportunity that the pandemic lockdown provided with golfers sitting at home and having plenty of time to consider their views of their favourite golf courses. Both Royal Auckland and Riverside (Lochiel) were not considered for ranking due to the courses being under renovation. Once again, as in previous rankings, there are some “hidden gems” that were mentioned by some rankers, but which didn’t quite make the final Top 40. This included such courses as Ohope, Waverley, Kaikoura and Roxburgh Golf Clubs which all have some great features that make them fantastic places to stop and play a round. Golfers were also asked about their favourite 9-hole course and the best place for an after-golf beer. Walton (Waikato) and Tai Tapu (just outside of Christchurch) were popular 9-hole courses while Muriwai, Cape Kidnappers, Royal Wellington and Millbrook were the most popular 19th holes! It is also important to note that no ranker was able to rank a golf course where personal bias or conflict of interest could be a factor; meaning that they could not rank a course where they were a current member, where they were employed, or with which they had any other direct affiliation. It is important that this ‘personal connection’ related to the rankings is removed from the judging process, which is also why such a diverse group of golfers were involved in the rankings. Geographically, it was also essential that there was fair coverage of rankers from both the North and South Islands, so that all golf courses were able to be judged on their merits. Each courses had to be ranked by a minimum of four rankers, with Paraparaumu being the most popular golf course overall, having been ranked by 25 rankers.

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WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND If you want to take home more than scorecards from your next golfing holiday in New Zealand, then here are a few suggestions for making the most of your time off the golf course.

AUCKLAND We recommend at least two or three nights in New Zealand’s largest city to explore the possibilities of its 29,000 kilometres of coastline and its three expansive harbours – the Waitemata, Manukau and Kaipara. It’s our main visitor gateway, so there’s plenty on offer to cater for your interests. For instance, you might fancy a day trip to one of the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke is a favourite for those partial to sampling great wines and artisan foods. Vineyards and restaurants at Cable Bay, Casita Miro, Mudbrick Stonyridge and Te Motu are popular with ferry-goers. Day or half-day tours around the central city have itineraries that take in the waterfront, the fascinating Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, pretty Mission

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Bay and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. There are stunning views from the region’s many sacred volcanic cones, or maunga, and from the lookout at historic Bastion Point. A trip up to the top of the Sky Tower in the heart of the central city will help you get your bearings and discover why Auckland is sometimes called the City of Sails. If sailing or gazing at boats is your thing, spend some time wandering along the marinas, waterfront restaurants and parks in the city’s Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. Preparations are in full swing for the prestigious America’s Cup sailing event in 2021 and it’s a fascinating place to relax over a coffee or to sample top quality, modern New Zealand cuisine.

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Northland and the Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is named for the area’s cluster of more than 100 islands – an amazing sight no matter whether you approach it from the land, sea or air. A simple pleasure is to take a passenger or vehicle ferry across the bay from Paihia to historic Russell, and perhaps enjoy a drink on the deck of the Duke of Marlborough Hotel. It’s hard to believe this town was once full of rowdy whalers and traders. If you have the time, there are comfortable cruise options to venture out to The Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett Lighthouse, and to catch sight of dolphins, whales and other marine life. The historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Te Kongahu Museum of Waitangi is significant to Kiwis because it is where indigenous Maori chiefs signed a treaty with the British Crown in 1840. For those who want to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand, there are authentic cultural performances that convey the meanings behind Maori protocol and culture.

The Hole in the Rock, Bay of Islands.

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Taupo and Rotorua Rotorua is the place to head if you wish to feel more revitalised and refreshed. Its natural geothermal activity can be enjoyed while strolling by a natural bush-lined stream, through a dip in a hot pool, or at a luxury spa complex. It’s also the place to experience bubbling mud pools and geysers up close, walk through a cool forest, or enjoy a Maori cultural evening. The geothermal Kuirau Park is only a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town, and you can venture further afield to places like the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. It’s possible to take a day trip from here to see the wonderful

glow-worm caves of Waitomo, or to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, which is the scene of various shots in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. This is a popular international attraction, even for those who are not avid fans of the films or JRR Tolkien’s stories. At Taupo, you’ll find conservation areas with protected birdlife such as kiwi, and more oppor tunities to explore geothermal attractions such as Orakei Korako and the Wairakei terraces. A charter boat ride around Lake Taupo is a popular option, along with sightseeing at the dramatic Huka Falls.

Above: Redwoods Treewalk, Rotorua. Below, clockwise from top: Kiwi at Rotorua; Huka Falls, Taupo; Hells Gate, Rotorua.

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Hawke’s Bay The Hawke’s Bay region is a premium wine-growing area of New Zealand known for its hearty reds and finely-balanced chardonnays. While winding through vineyards and boutique wineries, you can also follow the gourmet trail to discover cheese, honey, olives, chocolate and other treats. Napier’s distinctive art deco precinct is always recommended,

and every February there’s an Art Deco Festival in which the whole city and thousands of visitors embrace the glitz and glamour of the 1930s. For nature lovers who want to witness the 25,000-strong gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, the best time to arrive is between September and the end of April.

Above: Cape Kidnappers, Below, left to right: Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail; Craggy Range vineyard. Opposite page, top: Wellington City and harbour; bottom: Kelburn Hill, Wellington.

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Wellington and Kapiti Coast At the souther n tip of the Nor th Island is windy Wellington, dubbed the world’s coolest little capital for its vibrant arts scene and active outdoor lifestyle. The national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, is a popular choice for visitors and locals, as are the delightful waterfront walkways from the city to Oriental Bay. The Wellington Cable Car is one of the capital’s most recognised symbols. This funicular railway was opened in

1902 and rises 120 metres above the city. It’s well worth the ride, and you can tack on a tour of the Zealandia sanctuary at Karori, a wander through the Wellington Botanical Garden, or a visit to the Space Place at the historic Carter Observatory. If you arrive in between September 26 and October 13, you might be in luck to book a seat at the wacky World of Wearable Art (WOW) awards show.

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Queenstown and Central Otago Queenstown is the gateway to Central Otago and the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most-southern wine region. There are about 200 vineyards within a 40-minute drive of the town centre. Pinot noir is the signature wine of this region, and many local wineries offer cellar-door tasting. We suggest at least four nights in Queenstown, and PaR nz Golfing Holidays often include a day tour to the spectacular Milford Sound for visiting golfers. Make sure you include a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship or

a modern vessel, or choose a jet-boat ride through the Shotover River canyons for a more heart-racing experience. A meander through the historic goldrush village of Arrowtown is definitely worthwhile, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an impressive array of shops and eateries. For history buffs, the partially restored Chinese Village from the 1880s is a poignant reminder of the thousands of Chinese gold miners and business people who once lived in this region.

Above: Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Below, left to right: Rippon Vineyard, Lake Wanaka; Cycling at Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. Opposite page: The Shotover Jet, Shotover River, Queenstown.

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Christchurch and Dunedin Like Queenstown, Christchurch is an international gateway and a tourist destination in its own right. Since the devastating ear thquakes of 2010 and 2011, the city has re-emerged with amazing street ar t, innovative projects, a booming hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture. This is also the place for exploring Antarctica in total comfort. The International Antarctic Centre near the airport is the only specialised Antarctic attraction in the world, and the Canterbury Museum houses the largest and most diverse collection of Antarctic memorabilia in the world. A drive along the Otago Peninsula, a wildlife cruise, or a wander through the Botanic Gardens are great options for

unwinding in Dunedin. However, it won’t be long before beer lovers notice there are three breweries in town – Emerson’s, Speight’s and Steamer Basin – that offer tours and tastings. Speight’s is one of the few gravity-fed breweries left in the world. Wherever your golfing adventures around New Zealand take you, you can expect big, bold, beautiful landscapes, and the best coffee in the world. The team at PaR nz Golfing Holidays would love to be your hosts. See you on the fairway! The PaR nz Golfing Holidays team www.parnz.co.nz

Above: Tunnel Beach, Dunedin. Below, left to right: Christchurch City, Canterbury; Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin.

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Arrowtown Golf Club

New Zealand Golf

Holiday Escapes Queenstown Highlights 8 days / 7 nights / 5 golf Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s premium tourist destinations, with picturesque mountain vistas, stunning lakes and streams, world-class wineries and restaurants, and home to Lord of the Rings movie sets. Queenstown is recognised as an action adventure centre along with some of the best golf that this country has to offer. This package includes world-class championship golf at 5 top resorts and clubs – a 5-Star package! The five courses offered include Jack’s Point, two rounds at Millbrook over their 27 holes complimented with rounds at Queenstown and Arrowtown, or Cromwell or nearby Wanaka. These are a mix of resort type courses and memberships clubs, presenting a range of challenges and scenery. The best in the region is arguably, The Hills – a private member

Millbrook Resort

course that can be included in this tour. This course is always prepared to an exceptionally high standard. The Hills is always in the top 10 courses in New Zealand – current ranking 6th, as published in 2019 by a panel of New Zealand Golf experts and identities (Including PaR nz’s Denise Langdon). The Hills is offered as an optional 6th course. We include in this package quad-share accommodation in the 5-star Millbrook Resort in Deluxe 2-bedroom suites – both having their own bathroom and bedroom, with breakfast included. A rental car seating four is included but alternative transport options can be included such as transfers with set times and a driver. NOTE: All courses offer replay rates that can be added to the base package.

Jack’s Point

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The Kinloch Club

North Island Special 14 days / 13 nights / 8 golf Golf and New Zealand are now synonymous with world class facilities and our North Island has no shortage of golfing greats. This 14-day package includes golf in Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Taupo, the Hawkes Bay, finishing on Wellington. We propose starting in Auckland with accommodation at an inner-city hotel, and golf on Windross Farm – Auckland’s latest course that hosted the 2017 New Zealand Women’s Open. Two days in the Bay of Islands is recommended with golf at Gulf Harbour on route (a past NZ Open venue and host of the 1998 World Cup of Golf). A round at Kauri Cliffs ranked New Zealand’s 3rd best course! Kauri Cliffs has again made the Golf Digest 2019 Top 100 list. We then suggest 3 nights in Taupo – travelling by car (or you could swap for a domestic flight). Two exceptional golf fairways

Windross

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await – Jack Nicklaus’s only course in New Zealand, The Kinloch Club and Wairakei International Golf & Sanctuary. Wairakei is a special treat playing in and around numerous protected bird and wildlife in this predator-free, fenced private course. Cape Kidnappers is a must before heading to Wellington to finish with Paraparaumu Beach Links and Royal Wellington. Paraparaumu, host of many New Zealand Opens including the infamous 2002 Open where Tiger Woods just made the cut in, gives you a unique links challenge. Royal Wellington has been recently renovated, hosting the 2017 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship and the 2018 Annika Sorenstam Invitational. A sensational 2 weeks that allows times for sightseeing and leisurely travel.

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Paraparaumu Beach Links

New Zealand Golf Adventure 20 days / 19 nights / 10 golf Golf in New Zealand is now synonymous with staying in world class hotels, visiting unique tourist attractions and playing World Top 100 Golf Courses. Discover for yourself why New Zealand, from north to south, is such a popular destination for the avid golf traveller. We have links, alpine, parkland and resort golf courses designed by some of the greatest legends of the game – Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thomson, Tom Doak, David Harman, Robert Trent Jones Jnr and Sir Bob Charles to name a few. Our 20-day golf adventure of New Zealand starts in the ‘City of Sails’ Auckland with 3 nights accommodation right in the city on the harbour. Your first round of golf is on Windross Farm – Auckland’s newest course, host of the 2017 LPGA New Zealand Women’s Open. Windross Farm has just been voted New Zealand’s 21st best course – the first time it has been in this prestigious list. Three days in the spectacular Bay of Islands is recommended with golf at Gulf Harbour on route (a past NZ Open venue and host of the 1998 World Cup of Golf). Enjoy a cruise to see the famous Hole in the Rock and a round at Kauri Cliffs ranked New Zealand’s 3rd best course! Kauri Cliffs again made the Golf Digest 2019 Top 100 list. We then suggest 3 nights in Taupo – travelling by car or plane. Two exceptional golf fairways await – Jack Nicklaus’s only

course in New Zealand, The Kinloch Club and Peter Thomson’s Wairakei International Golf & Sanctuary. Wairakei is a special treat playing in and around numerous protected bird and wildlife in this predator-free fenced private course. On your days off choose between a visit to Rotorua, our thermal wonderland or Hobbiton Movie Set (Lord of the Rings). Cape Kidnappers is a must before heading to Wellington to finish with Paraparaumu Beach Links and Royal Wellington. Paraparaumu, host of many New Zealand Opens including the infamous 2002 Open where Tiger Woods just made the cut in, gives you a unique links challenge. Royal Wellington has been recently renovated, hosting the 2017 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship and the 2018 Annika Sorenstam Invitational. Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s premium tourist destinations, with picturesque mountain vistas, stunning lakes and streams, world-class wineries and restaurants, and home to Lord of the Rings movie sets. Queenstown is recognised as an action adventure centre along with some of the best golf that this country has to offer. Enjoy staying in luxury at Millbrook resort and playing Jack’s Point, and Millbrook Resort. These 3 leisurely weeks of sensational golf allows time for sightseeing and adventure activities if you fancy.

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