As regards any comments I make, I reserve the right to change them... especially if they are a year old. (Heck, I usually change my views 3 times a day!)
So, now it's 2011, my favourite courses in NZ are;
#1 Cape Kidnappers
#2 Paraparaumu Beach
#3 Kauri Cliffs
#4 Titirangi
#5 Millbrook
#6 Wairakei
#7 The Hills
#8 Kinlock
#9 Oreti Sands
#10 Harewood (old Course)
#11 Gulf Harbour
#12 Jack's Point
#13 Arrowtown
#14 Remuera
#15 Russley
#16 The Grange
#17 Christchurch
#18 Royal Auckland
#19 Otago GC
#20 Chisholm Park
#21 Manawatu
#22 Royal Wellington
#23 Napier GC
#24 Cromwell
#25 Nga Motu (New Plymouth)
The Pro from Chisholm Park is currently working to compile a list of NZ best courses, and contacting a raft of people. It will be interesting to see what the results are. The above ranking was my contribution.
Greg Turner and I are working at Royal Wellington. Progress is good, and we are very happy with early results. I hope it will elevate the course this wonderful Club plays on into NZ's top 3. Or, is considered the best Club course (not resort) in the country with PBGC.
The golf scene in Christchurch is a quickly changing thing. Shirley (Christchurch GC) has been damaged by the Earthquake (more Clubhouse than course), as have a couple of others like Avondale) Russley are making changes (possibly to as many as 9 holes due to a new road cutting off a corner of their property), Harewood is about to open is fully renovated new Old Course. (by TMGD, and we are very proud of this work), Clearwater may be the new home of NZ Golf, Pegasus is puffing out it's chest and wanting to be known, and there may be a new course coming designed by Kristine Kerr (Pegasus) and Boffa Miskell.
Speaking of great sites, Greg and I looked at an amazing site a few years ago. Sadly it never panned out. It is one of those.... 'oh what could have been...' dreams. Tom, I welcome any work you may bring to NZ, and if it comes together I will be the first to cheer.
regards,
Scott