Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture Discussion Group => Topic started by: Grant Saunders on April 26, 2008, 05:51:53 PM
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On Wednesday of the previous week, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Ash Towe and his wife Chris and playing the Arrowtown Golf Course. We were presented with perfect weather and some of the most amazing seasonal colour changes I have ever witnessed. This coupled with great company and thought provoking discussion led to one of the most enjoyable games I have had in a very long time.
The Arrowtown course is situated approx 20 kms from Queenstown and is nestled in at the base of the Crown Ranges. At a total of par 70 and 5409 metres(approx 5950 yds) it is never going to be touted as a championship venue but what it lacks in length it makes up for in fun and overall enjoyment. Many of the holes wind through rock valleys and it possesses some of the most natural green sites you may ever come across. With a greenfee of NZ $30 ($23 US or 11.30 GBP) it surely is one of the best value for money courses in the country.
The course engages you from the minute you stand on the 1st tee. When you see the downhill par 3 with part of the green obscured by a large rolling landform you realise that this place is a little different. For me the highlights include the 2nd shot to the 3rd green, the tee shot from the 7th tee, the tee shot on 9, the par 3 14th, the par 3 16th and just simply standing on the 18th tee. I would rate the course as having the most fun set of par 3's I have ever played. The fast and firm conditions lend themselves to all types of shots and really challenge the player to think their way around.
One of the things that fascinated me about the course was the fact that it took me a good few hours after playing to realise two things.
1: The course has no bunkers
2: The course has 5 par 3's
I put this down to the fact that I was so caught up in how much fun the course was to play and how I looked forward to the next hole every time. Had it not been for the fact that I had work that afternoon, I would have walked off the 18th and straight onto the 1st tee again for another game. The last time I enjoyed a course that much was when I played Royal Dornoch.
I look forward to heaing Ash add his thoughts to this thread and I urge people thinking of coming to NZ to play golf to consider factoring this course into the trip.
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/1sthole.jpg)
1st hole par 3 162 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/2ndhole.jpg)
2nd tee par 5 501 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/2ndgreen.jpg)
2nd green
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/3rdhole.jpg)
3rd hole par 4 310 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/3rdgreen.jpg)
3rd green
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/4thhole.jpg)
4th tee par 4 324 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/4thgreen.jpg)
4th green
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/5thhole.jpg)
5th hole par 4 337 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/6thhole.jpg)
6th hole par 3 133 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/7thhole.jpg)
7th hole par 4 299 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/8thgreen.jpg)
8th green par 4 288 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/9thhole.jpg)
9th hole par 4 290 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/10thgreen.jpg)
10th green par 5 416 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/11thhole.jpg)
11th hole par 4 360 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/11thgreen.jpg)
11th green
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/12thhole.jpg)
12th hole par 3 156 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/13thhole.jpg)
13th hole par 5 459 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/14thhole.jpg)
14th hole par 3 187 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/15thhole.jpg)
15th hole par 4 375 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/16thhole.jpg)
16th hole par 3 139 metres
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/Arrowtown/18thhole.jpg)
18th hole par 4 324 metres
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Grant:
I rode past Arrowtown years ago while going to look at a different piece of property with Julian Robertson, and it sure looked cool from the road ... but we didn't have time to stop. Always wondered whether it was as good as it looked, so I'm glad to see your report. Maybe one of these years I'll get a chance to go back and play.
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Grant
Wow! What a cool looking course. It is so refreshing to see a course where the land does all the talking. I want to play this course! Thanks for posting Grant - it was most enjoyable.
Ciao
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Grant, thanks for sharing those photos. Like Tom, I've driven by on a number of occassions while in the Queenstown area wondering if it is as cool as it looks from the car. Does it play as firm as it looks? Looks like a much better option than Kelvin Heights!
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Mike
It does indeed play firm and fast and the parts you can see form the road are only a hint at how good it is. I have not played Kelvin Heights but from what I have seen of it I would pick Arrowtown over it any day of the week. I would also play there ahead of Jacks Point. At $410 NZ for a yearly membership, I am considering joining which would be the first time in 10 years that I have actively joined a club.
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It was great to meet up with Grant at this excellent course. There are not many opportunities to meet up with other GCA'ers in this part of the world.
The day we played the weather was perfect. Crystal clear, cool temperatures and surrounding scenery that has to be seen to be believed.
As Grant mentioned Arrowtown is not championship length but it was about as much fun as I have had on a golf course. It played firm and fast as did the greens. After talking with Grant, one of its appeals is the way so many of the holes are framed by the hills and rocky outcrops. It makes it easy to pick a line, especially from the tees and gives a good perspective when trying to judge distance to the greens.
You have the choice on many holes of whether to use the driver. If you are accurate you can create many birdy chances. If you miss the intended line you will run into problems, not rough but rocky outcrops and other natural hazards. This is one of its great attractions.
The greensites are small but fit into the surroundings. The greens have a reasonable amount of slope in them and you have to choose the speed of putts carefully. The surronds of the greens are quite closely mown and you can be left with some tricky recovery shots if you miss the intended target.
If you are in this part of the world this course would be top of the list to visit. Jacks Point will be open to the public at the end of the year. This is a very spectacular course and well worth playing. Also in the area are Millbrook and the Queenstown Golf Club (Kelvin Heights).
There are many other attractions in the area, especially adventure based activities and wine tasting but golf might be the latest reason to visit this amazing part of New Zealand
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Fantastic images, Grant. Thanks for posting.
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Grant:
From looking at the photos of your favorite shots, I suspect you hit a draw. Some of those holes are frightening for my left-to-right game -- the 14th hole in particular!
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Nice pics and great course, reminds me a bit of Boat of Garten in places.
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Grant,
Thanks for the picture, looks like a lot of fun. What beautiful scenery.
Lance
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Tom
I do indeed hit a draw although it more often than not manifests itself into a vicious hook. The catch is that I do it from the other side of the ball to you being that I am a lefty.
As for the shots I enjoyed, it was more to do with how they are presented to the player in terms of interest, scale and fitting into the landscape. To watch a golf ball travel off the 7th tee and to have the mountain behind the ball throughout its entire flight was really quite something to behold. I cant think of many holes I have played where the ball doesn't pass above the horizon line at some point. I could stand there and watch the tee shots all day.
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Thanks for the pix.
Ash,
NOW you tell me about this course. ;D You were holding out on me. I'm glad to hear you had a great trip down there and this course will be on the itinerary for the next time.
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Ed,
I was told this course was good but I never realised it was that good.
It is not just a hidden gem but actually deserves to be on any list of the best courses in the country.
I also have a couple of other ideas that will be of interest when we have the pleasure of your company and hopefully Cathys.
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I played Arrowtown by myself this afternoon. It's amazing.
Due to congestion, I played the back nine first, and I thought it was pretty good -- but the front nine was just one great hole after another, with the short par-4 3rd and 7th (as well as the 18th) contenders for anyone's eclectic eighteen.
It also puts to rest the question of whether you can build a great course without bunkers. I did not see a single place where a bunker would have added to the course. The greens are defended by knobs, rock outcroppings, trees, drop-offs, and by the fact they're generally on the small side. The fairways are defended just as well; being straight as an arrow from the tee would be a huge advantage here.
The various rankings of N.Z. courses have this course somewhere between 12th and 19th in the country. They must be completely biased against the course because of its length. Hole for hole there can't be five courses in N.Z. that are as good as this.
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Tom,
I'm glad you went there and thought it was as much fun as I did. I walked it four years ago and have been telling people to go there ever since. They all want to play the better known courses in the area but there are no holes in the world like those beauties on Arrowtown's front nine.
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I would love to play this course. The way the holes seem to have been set out on top of the wonderfully flowing land rather than the land moved to make the course. And so much more natural without sand bunkers.
Out of curiosity, what Doak scale rating would it get?
atb
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Tom,
I agree with most of your thoughts however I do think the narrowness of the 2nd hole is ridiculous.
One hole that particularly interested me was the par 3 16th.
The two mounds with the small angled and crowned green seemed like a brilliant way to create interest on flat land.
Have you or anyone else seen this type of hole before? If not, is the concept worthy of replication?
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Wow, thanks for posting those photos Grant. I know it was 5 years ago. It kinda reminds me of the Pit in Pinehurst without bunkers? It has been 18 years since I played the Pit and I could be way off, so don't burn me to the stake. Boy would I love to live in NZ.
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Tom,
Glad you enjoyed Arrowtown so much. I agree with you when you say because it is not a championship length course it does not receive the kudos it deserves. It is one of the most fun courses I have played and can be enjoyed for the princely sum of around $40. It is so beautiful there at the moment with the autmn colours being so vibrant.
If people visit the area, Arrowton should be at the top of their must play list.
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I would love to play this course. The way the holes seem to have been set out on top of the wonderfully flowing land rather than the land moved to make the course. And so much more natural without sand bunkers.
Out of curiosity, what Doak scale rating would it get?
Thomas:
I try not to put a rating onto courses for a month or so after I've seen them, to see what I remember of them (and also so I can make some comparisons to others I've already rated). If I had to do it this minute, I would give the course a 7. My wife heard this number and thought it wasn't that great ... she doesn't understand the Doak scale :)
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Tom
Does the course have as many nuances as the photos show, if not more? This course is so cool, a man would have to travel the whole US to find something half as cool. Man, I would love to live in NZ!
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I played Arrowtown by myself this afternoon. It's amazing.
Due to congestion, I played the back nine first, and I thought it was pretty good -- but the front nine was just one great hole after another, with the short par-4 3rd and 7th (as well as the 18th) contenders for anyone's eclectic eighteen.
It also puts to rest the question of whether you can build a great course without bunkers. I did not see a single place where a bunker would have added to the course. The greens are defended by knobs, rock outcroppings, trees, drop-offs, and by the fact they're generally on the small side. The fairways are defended just as well; being straight as an arrow from the tee would be a huge advantage here.
The various rankings of N.Z. courses have this course somewhere between 12th and 19th in the country. They must be completely biased against the course because of its length. Hole for hole there can't be five courses in N.Z. that are as good as this.
Tom
Good to hear you got to see Arrowtown.
Did you see or come across anything that you would try and use on another site? You said the 3rd hole is a highlight (it is a great hole) but would you try and recreate that green given a chance? I think there is probably about 3 pin placements on it. I guess these things work where the number of rounds per year isn't huge.
Here it is form another angle.
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj232/Leftynz/P1110800_zps7064942b.jpg) (http://s273.photobucket.com/user/Leftynz/media/P1110800_zps7064942b.jpg.html)
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Grant:
You never know where you'll find a place to use an idea you've gathered elsewhere.
I did love the 3rd green, and am glad I played the course so that it could get the better of me in person. I hit a good drive safely up the right, which means you've got to come in over the little knob at the front, not up the valley from the left as shown in your last photo. It was playing downwind, so my approach landed pin high [flag near where it is in your picture] and went up to the back of the green ... leaving me with a HUGE breaking putt that would inevitably run 5 feet past. You really have to drive it up the left side there so the angle of approach will go straight up the slot of the green, if you're going to have a chance at a putt from behind the hole; not sure I would have noticed that if I hadn't seen it in action. Great stuff!
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Yikes, not only Saltzy is bumming around these parts, TD is tramping the territory as well!!
I explained to Grant on IM that my golf is over for this trip. I would have risked divorce and exhausion had I been able to catch up with TD to play a venue like GRant and Ashe describe here, with them. ;) ;D
But descretion is the better part of valor, and it will have to be left for another time...
I'll get ahold of you back home TD personally, for a proper thanks for your assists!
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I am a fan of the course, but it might be time to admit to some self interest. Greg Turner, myself and a New Zealand golf course construction company called TIC redesigned the 9th green a couple of years ago. Grant was the lead shaper. We were all delighted that we had the chance to help the club build a new green, as each of us had been captivated by this course which breaks many of the 'rules' of golf course design yet is a invigorating, attractive and an immensely interesting place to play.
Here are a couple of photos of the green we built. It is close to the clubhouse and the practice putting green is behind it. The aim was to create a visual corridor through to the clubhouse from the fairway. Strategically, we left a small nose of rock extending out in front of the green on the right front corner of the green so players who hit down the left side of the fairway had a straight shot into the green. Those who hit out to right, and safer side of the fairway (away from the steep bank that runs along the left side of the fairway), would have to play over this small rocky nose. I wonder if the hole plays that way today? Last time I was there, the fairway needed to be mown further left so golfers could get the best angle into the green.
Grant have you been there recently?
View from the left side of the fairway, and the new ideal line into the new green (NOTE– this photo was taken during the crow-in and the flag you can see is the old green. The new green is to the left and in line with the clubhouse)
(http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp85/scott099/arrow%20town/IMG_5010_zps1262b53c.jpg) (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/scott099/media/arrow%20town/IMG_5010_zps1262b53c.jpg.html)
View from the front of the green
(http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp85/scott099/arrow%20town/IMG_6380_zps7b3a1274.jpg) (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/scott099/media/arrow%20town/IMG_6380_zps7b3a1274.jpg.html)
The view from behind the green (looking back down the fairway)
(http://i400.photobucket.com/albums/pp85/scott099/arrow%20town/IMG_6382_zpsc2b5fbec.jpg) (http://s400.photobucket.com/user/scott099/media/arrow%20town/IMG_6382_zpsc2b5fbec.jpg.html)
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Hey Scott, hope you are keeping well.
I haven't been to Arrowtown for about 3 years now as I haven't been back to Queenstown apart from our wedding. I wasn't able to get much golf in on that trip but did have a round at Millbrook with Blair and Ryan Irwin. It certainly is on the cards when I head down that way next as its just one of those courses that I don't think I could ever tire of playing.
Did you ever get through to Cromwell to see the finished product?
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Grant,
Nice to see this thread brought back to life.
Where have you been working recently.
If you would like a game in Auckland let me know.
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Hi Guys,
I played the front nine on Sunday. Love that place.
Having a few beers in the club house I suggested to Rick the Course Super about joining the putting green to the 9th green for a laugh. He wasn't so sure :P
Hope you had some good weather Tom, we had snow and hail while the NZ Open was on and it was COLD.
I only took a couple of photos, one of 7 and one of 9. I need to take my DSLR around one day instead of the phone.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img546/8273/fq0f.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img513/2885/y1dq.jpg)
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Grant,
Nice to see this thread brought back to life.
Where have you been working recently.
If you would like a game in Auckland let me know.
Hey Ash
It is nice to see this thread up again. Playing Arrowtown for the first time was so much fun and those pictures are some of my favourite golf course ones I have.
These days I'm in Ashburton and not playing much golf. Next time I am in Auckland and have my clubs I will definitely try to catch up for a game.
Dane
The putting green and 9th are actually all built as one big green and it was one of the design ideas that potentially a pin could be placed in the putting green for the 9th on special occasions. The whole area has a gravel layer and the same profile. It would simply be a case of mowing he area between the 2 areas shorter.
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Hi
Grant is correct with what he says about the construction of the 9th green and putting green, but I cannot imagine the day I would advocate that the hole for the 9th be cut on the practice green – it would make the 9th hole brutal (green sloping away from the line of play) and jeopardise safety (as the car park is just to the right of the practise putting green (see photo).
Scott
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Rather than start a new thread I thought I'd just add photos to this thread which was off to a great start. I recently visited Arrowtown and have to say I loved it. It's awesome and was one of the nicest surprises on my tour of NZ. Without further commentary an image or ten are worth a few words. Go.visit.Arrowtown!
Tough start early in the morning with this tricky little drop shot 3.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/yHSVBS.jpg)
The second holes offers some reprieve as it looks much wider than it plays. To be fair it's short, quirky and cool.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/V5LNQs.jpg)
As the sun comes up so too does the body warm up. However, the course doesn't get wider here, I had to double check if I had enough room for the backswing.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/UUnw3P.jpg)
And behold this jewel
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/923/QyIaNC.jpg)
The next hole equally as fun
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/jgOkVL.jpg)
Left side is the implied safe side but it's a challenging approach even with a clear strategy.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/kxpd36.jpg)
Any thoughts? I'll take a break and let everyone catch their breath. If there is enough interest I will continue.
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Please continue! I stayed in Arrowtown and Queenstown twice but only played Jack's Point. Have friends in Arrowtown and thinking of heading back this winter (UK winter). How does it compare to the other local courses...? I need this on my bucket list!
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Please continue! I stayed in Arrowtown and Queenstown twice but only played Jack's Point. Have friends in Arrowtown and thinking of heading back this winter (UK winter). How does it compare to the other local courses...? I need this on my bucket list!
Andy:
Arrowtown is much much different than the other big-time courses in Queenstown. It's shorter and narrower and less pretentious; it's built by New Zealanders for New Zealanders, so there was very little earth moved.
I have tried to convince NZ Tourism that they should feature it alongside [or above] the other Queenstown courses, but they worry that visiting Asians and Americans would find the conditions or atmosphere to be not up to their expectations. [sigh] I would have thought NZ Tourism would be more proud of something that feels authentically New Zealand, but perhaps they are just putting on a haka show for the visitors.
Anyway, Arrowtown would be my first stop for golf in the south island. Perhaps when it is the first course in the front of Volume 5 of The Confidential Guide, my feelings will be made clear enough.
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Please continue! I stayed in Arrowtown and Queenstown twice but only played Jack's Point. Have friends in Arrowtown and thinking of heading back this winter (UK winter). How does it compare to the other local courses...? I need this on my bucket list!
I have tried to convince NZ Tourism that they should feature it alongside [or above] the other Queenstown courses, but they worry that visiting Asians and Americans would find the conditions or atmosphere to be not up to their expectations.
Please refrain from doing this...:)
Amazing picture Grant!
Thanks for the bump David.
I played it just over a year ago and the course and holes were so engaging I had completely forgotton how spectacular the backdrops were of the surrounding terrain and mountains. Hard to bellieve considering my drive home was to the top of that mountain so prominent in the background of hole #2.
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10-15 games at Arrowtown v 1 game at The Hills? Let me think about that for about 1 second.
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Still one of my favorite places I've ever played, thanks for bumping this thread and posting these photos.
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Thanks for the comments can't say I disagree with any of them.
As you can see another short 4 with some great fairway movement. Left is the play here. Out of bounds fence is on the right.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/924/gfPbIn.jpg)
One of the interesting things about this green as you can see is that ideally it's approach from the right side, however if you drove the ball to the right side of the fairway down below and managed to stay in-bounds you would have a blind approach into this green. This is why Tom mentioned earlier in this thread that this hole sets up good for someone that draws the ball.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/7xwblR.jpg)
To me the next hole fits a fade and the photo looks like these trees encroach on drive already at the tee box. I don't think it was quite as bad as it looks but IMO they could be removed. Otherwise a really unique hole, again very impressive natural land movement.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/QuUGeG.jpg)
The view from this ridge is almost ideal for the flag position but I was surprised at how narrow the space was and that somehow I managed to end up here. Incidentally we played a 5 ball which I've never done. 3:45 hours so not too bad given they were telling us the history of the course and surrounding area and Arrowtown on every hole.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/RMUyVa.jpg)
Another wonderful example of the land they had to work with. For the record, I HATE the fact that the cart path is there. In fact, there shouldn't be any cart paths on a course like this IMO, it's a walking course. Still a great little hole.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/sqvEpY.jpg)
As others have mentioned the front 9 really has a wonderful set of 9 holes, every one is very interesting. This lovely par 4 lets you choose what club you want to take off the tee. A decent drive has your ball up around the second bend headed to the green and leaves about a 8-9 iron for the approach.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/922/g4OYJc.jpg)
Given photos hardly do a place justice in most cases imagine how good this course is in person!!!
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Given photos hardly do a place justice in most cases imagine how good this course is in person!!!
Thanks David for your photos and wonderful memories - it is indeed a Gem.
I remember saying to my golfing partner a few years back when we played it - if I was given a choice between Arrowtown or Pebble Beach for my last game of golf - I would choose Arrowtown in a heartbeat. It brought me so much fun and enjoyment.
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this tour has shamed me! I've been to Queenstown three times and only played jacks point...
Absolutely nailed on for my next visit where I shall repent my sins.
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The landforms are exceptional, the routing extremely imaginative, the green sites fascinating, and the scenery spectacular. Can't want more than that.
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The landforms are exceptional, the routing extremely imaginative, the green sites fascinating, and the scenery spectacular. Can't want more than that.
All yes to that and the first course I've played without a bunker.
And the weather can be nice too.
I showed up yesterday as a single and managed to play in the Arrowtown v. Queenstown matches.
Good people and good fun.
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what are you doing in the southern hemisphere Joe Perches?
Are you crossing the ditch on this trip? (crossing the Tasman Sea to Australia).
James B
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what are you doing in the southern hemisphere Joe Perches?
Are you crossing the ditch on this trip? (crossing the Tasman Sea to Australia).
James B
Unfortunately, no. Not this trip. Just on holiday with friends that don't golf. I did get one day to play on the trip and chose Cape Kidnappers. Arrowtown was a delightful bonus round after our friends went off across that ditch to visit family in Melbourne.
I played 2 rounds at Kidnappers (with 20+ knot winds and 6 lost balls) at ~1000 NZD total, and 1 round at Arrowtown, (just with 1 ball) at ~100 NZD, both locations with hire clubs.
While Kidnappers is spectacular, looking only at fun/$, I'd play at least 10:1 at Arrowtown.
I hope to go on a golf specific trio to your country soonish. Cheers, Joe
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I was going to start a new thread because we played Arrowtown the other day. But then I found this thread. I have nothing to add to the positive reviews so I encourage people to read the thread. One interesting note: they reversed the nines a few years ago so the then fabulous and sui generis front is now the fabulous and sui generis back.
Ira
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Arrowtown is one of the courses that The Confidential Guide has helped to bring some business, and I couldn’t be happier about that.
I don’t know if they have made me an honorary member, but they put me on their members’ email list, so I receive regular updates about the condition of the course, weather closures, etc. it’s an excellent reminder of what golf is supposed to be.
One of my favorite parts is when they solicit members for “working bees” to help with a particular project on the course or in the clubhouse.
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Greg Turner took me there years ago and said "you have to see this place." It's just down the road from his house and it's a unique course - in the true sense of the word.
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Please continue! I stayed in Arrowtown and Queenstown twice but only played Jack's Point. Have friends in Arrowtown and thinking of heading back this winter (UK winter). How does it compare to the other local courses...? I need this on my bucket list!
Andy:
Arrowtown is much much different than the other big-time courses in Queenstown. It's shorter and narrower and less pretentious; it's built by New Zealanders for New Zealanders, so there was very little earth moved.
I have tried to convince NZ Tourism that they should feature it alongside [or above] the other Queenstown courses, but they worry that visiting Asians and Americans would find the conditions or atmosphere to be not up to their expectations. [sigh] I would have thought NZ Tourism would be more proud of something that feels authentically New Zealand, but perhaps they are just putting on a haka show for the visitors.
Anyway, Arrowtown would be my first stop for golf in the south island. Perhaps when it is the first course in the front of Volume 5 of The Confidential Guide, my feelings will be made clear enough.
Tom,
Your post recalls a conversation I had years ago with Dee Lawrence. Dee and her husband Joe owned the one home that sits on the Ballybunion Old course property.
I expressed that I kind of missed Ballybunion circa 1980s, but Dee scoffed at my comments making clear her belief that Americans expected luxury. As Dee put it: “not everyone is like you and Neil” (referring to Neil Regan).
Maybe it is better that the New Zealand tourist board didn’t highlight Arrowtown. IDK.
Tim