Sorry for the bump but I have just joined up.
Very good list, except it’s missing my course The North Shore Golf Club
Changes I would make.
The Cape and Kauri are a coin toss for me. Both are stunning. I prefer the natural browntop of The Cape over the ryegrass at Kauri. I was lucky enough to see Kauri Cliffs at different stages of construction from farm land to a masterpiece. If it was life and death I think I would make Kauri as number one as I’m born down the road at Kerikeri.
I have yet to play Paraparaumu. When Tiger played there during the NZ Open I watched it on TV and didn’t think much of it. I have seen recent photographs and Course Manager and ex Superintendent Leo Barber has made some huge improvements. I can’t wait to play it.
I would have Jacks Point ahead of Kinlock. Jacks Point has the best quality turf of any course in the country and its views at the top of the course are fantastic. It would be interesting to play the course in 20 years to see how it is with all the houses around it developed. I fear they will ruin the site.
The Kinlock is very good and maybe the hardest course in the country. I would rate it higher but I had a slight dislike for the 6th and 8th holes. It has some very strong par threes when the wind is up. The 18th coming home is a little strange with the lake but it’s fun to have a go at the green in two.
The Hills is good. I really liked the hole between the cliffs with the waterfall into the bunker. It has lots of potential and most likely to be home of PGA for years to come.
I would place Wairakei above Titirangi if it had USGA greens and pure browntop fairways. It’s been my favourite course to play for a long time. It is fun to play off the white tees, yet it’s totally different off the back. Upgrade the greens and fairways, get some more fescue areas and it will jump up the list.
The rest of the list is pretty fair. Carrington could be higher and I'm sure it will be when some of the extreme green mounds are sorted. Best Kikuyu fairways in the country. Royal Wellington may jump up the list next time if the upgrades are finished. It's looking really good from the photos I have seen.
Im also excited to see from another post Tom Doak is in the country soon to look at designing a new course. A links course in the North Island? Browntop greens and fairways please!!
Dane Hawker