Though golf might have looked a bit staid and stuffy in the past, it’s among the top sports that Kiwis wager on in online bookies. Today, golfing in the country is considered pretty cool, with magnificent golf courses like the ones that hosted the New Zealand Open 2020.
The country’s top five golf courses include:
Tara Iti Golf Club
Located along a pristine beach northeast of Auckland, the Tara Iti Golf Club was a pine plantation
that was cleared and native dune vegetation restored outside the fairways. As such, it’s New
Zealand’s first golf course to feature fescue turf on its fairways.
Tara Iti is New Zealand’s best golf course, also ranking second in the international golf scene.
The course is well designed in a fantastic setting, and its layout blends well with the
environment. Additionally, the course plays uniquely and memorably, offering a truly magical
experience.
Point Golf Course
With a 2300-meter vertical backdrop on the Remarkables mountain range, Jack’s Point Golf
course is among the most visually stunning golf courses in the world. The 18 hole course comes
with five tee positions, giving golfers an unforgettable golfing experience and an amazing
challenge.
This golf course is only 20 minutes from Queenstown, and it’s open to visitors all week
throughout the season. Though it's a private course, they also like showcasing this course to the
golfing community.
The Hills
The Hills Golf Club is popular as New Zealand’s most exclusive golf club. Opened in 2007, the
club is set in 250 acres of former deer farmland located on the outskirts of Arrowtown. The
course features native and exotic trees, with ten lakes, several waterways, and ponds.
Since its launch, The Hills has hosted several New Zealand Open and PGA tournaments,
including the 2020 NZ Open together with Millbrook Resort. It’s the ideal place for hosting
major tournaments, thanks to its excellent condition and stunning surroundings.
Kinloch
This world-class golf championship course pays homage to the brilliant courses of the British
isles. Golfers can test their skills against challenges designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus
while enjoying the stunning view of Lake Taupo.
The Kinloch Course is located on North Island, a few minutes drive from Taupo. Many players
term the course as overzealous in bunkers distribution, though that might depend on your skills
and ability to maintain your cool under pressure.
Cape Kidnappers (pictured)
This par 71 golf course measures 7,147 yards wide and can challenge any golfer no matter their
skills. The Cape Kidnappers was completed in 2004, built on a valley and ridge landscape with
stunning views of the sea.
Cape Kidnappers has cliff-edge fairways 140 meters above the sea level, with its surface
remaining fast and firm. It offers holes unlike any other course in New Zealand, with every hole
opening you to a stunning view of the Bay. Some golfers enjoy playing alongside its deep
ravines, though others are intimidated by the sheer drop-offs and deep cliff top bunkers.