Hmmm, I feel compelled ti take part in this thread... but where do I start?
Let's start with the Top 10 golf courses in NZ as ranked on the Golf Digest Website (
www.golfdigest.com/golf-courses/100-greatest-golf-courses) that came out earlier this year.
1= Cape Kidnapers (CK)
2= Kauri Cliffs (KC)
3= Pram Beach
4= Titirangi
5= Wairakei
6= Kinloch
7= Millbrook
8= Jack's point
9= Gulf Harbour
10= The Hills
Both lists feature exactly the same 10 courses, but in a completely different order. Indeed, not one course is in the same position on either list! If I had to agree with one list more than another, the Golf Digest better reflects the current ratings.
Before I continue, I must declare my hand. I am a New Zealander (most of you know this), and active in the design business in NZ. I grew up playing at (and for) Paraparaumu Baech GC, was co-redesigner of Millbrook and Oreti sand (Southland GC) with Greg Turner, worked on-site for Thomson Wolveridge and Perret when they renovated Wairakei in 1997/9. Greg and I are also hoping to start work to redesign Royal Wellington in the next few months.
There are only 3 courses in that top 30 list which I have not played.
Ran, I am with you PBGC should be in the top 3. It has, what I describe as, 'perfect scale'. The relationship between the sand dunes and the playing forms is perfect for golf. I didn't appreciate this when I was playing there as a kid, it is something which has only struck me on my return visits as I see more and more (links) courses around the world. Yes, it is a bit short now, and that may mean the NZ will fail to return there in the future, but for the average golfer this is truly exquisite test, a golf course that should be played by all fans of links courses. (Note, Leo has got the course back to it's best condition for at least 15 years, and with the couple of extra fairway bunkers, the course is better than it has ever been)
13th Hole at PBGC
As regards Millbrook. It is hard to know if the course has been ranked/rated since the changes GT are I have come into play? The new nine holes opened in May, but 4 more have not opened. The course will have 27 holes when fully opened, and the 3 loops of nine holes can be alternated as desired by the Resort. Till al the holes are open (maybe in the next couple of months), any rating of this resort is premature. (Note, the Millbrook website does not currently show the new course. It will do very soon I am told)
7th Hole on new Nine at Millbrook
Ran- as regards 'Invercargill', are you talking about Oreti Sands (aka- Southland GC)? If so, it is in the list at number 21. Invercargill has 4 golf clubs. There is another Club called the Invercargill GC, and it is very nice parkland (type) course about a 5 minute drive from the Oreti sands links.
New 17th Hole at Oreti Sands
This new list for me is almost a perfect list of the golf courses with the best views. i.e. If you were to play these courses in the prescribed order you would get the most outstanding views of the sea, lakes, valleys, cliffs, mountains etc. PBGC cannot compare to the likes of Jack's point on this factors, but beats it hands down on routing, strategic merit, challenge and fun – factors which I believe must have greater weighting in an overall ranking.
Being honest I struggle to separate CK, and KC (and I find amusing there initials are a mirror image of each other). CK has one of the best nine holes in the country. The front nine is superb. I returned to play it last year and really enjoyed it. My only disappointment is the last hole. I would have preferred to see the green up on the left of the punchbowl, where it is viewable from the tee and so a miss-hit shot rolls into the basin. The approach shot for me, rewards luck more than skill (sorry Tom).
18th approach shot & Clubhouse at Cape Kidnappers
As for KC, I enjoyed this course more the second time too. I didn't play the back nine (just the front), but I found the course more interesting than I had remembered and less intimidating. Both the 9th and 18th holes play back up quite a step hill to the Clubhouse which is not ideal, but it is a good course with a playing and visiting experience that is enhanced by the Julian Robertson attention to detail. NZ has benefitted considerable from his investments, and it has made everyone else pull up their socks – like PBGC & Millbrook.
Titirangi are doing a really nice job renovating their Mackenzie course. They have 2 holes to complete, but in general the course is very enjoyable and challenging. The 10th hole is a stand-out.
I love the Kinloch area. I used to holiday there before Nicklaus ever knew about the place. The new course is very well made. I say that with some knowledge. The main shaper worked with me in St Andrews (Scotland) before emigrating to NZ. The main construction involved with the job have since helped us at Millbrook et al, and they have some excellent staff – one of whom posts on here (Grant Saunders). As for the course, it's OK. The main distraction is an over contouring of the greens.
If I had a week in the Taupo area, I would play Kinlock, but Wairakei is a more enjoyable experience – and uniquely 'kiwi' with the Punga faces in the bunkers.
10th Hole at Wairakei
If you are the type of soul who is captivated by ranking, I would reason that there is little value in rating anything more than the top 10 course in NZ. While there is about 450 (which put's it about 1st equal with Scotland for courses/head of pop), there is a marked drop-off in quality once you move beyond the first 10. I might add they there is probably a marked drop off in green fee cost too. e.g. CK might be about NZ$350 (??), Kinloch about $150, PBGC $100 and Oreti Sands (Southland) $20.
NZ is a country to that is best absorbed by osmosis. Quick visits are of as much good as quick swings. Take your time and play the little places - e.g. New Plymouth, Arrowtown, Chisholm Park....
Chisholm Park
... and use this latest ranking as a coaster for the beer or nice bottle of wine afterwards.
PS- Joel- I might be in NZ in Feb. If you make it to Wellington, think of making contact.
Regards,
Scott
PSS- All photos taken by me.