A Golf Course Design Blog: November 2009

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club - Kapiti Coast, New Zealand

After experiencing my first 4.1 earthquake at 7:30 in the morning (apparently NZ has over 500 per year), we were off to Paraparaumu Beach, our final stop on the golf course architecture tour in New Zealand.

Green surrounds with tightly cropped turf created challenging and interesting approach shots. A near miss could easily mean a lost stroke.

Kinloch - Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Golf Course Designer: Jack Nicklaus

Despite the rain, Kinloch was my favorite course of the New Zealand tour. Each and every hole memorable, great strategic options, wonderful undulating greens, bunkers that fit into the landscape, and an overall character of rugged vastness.

At tee time, the rain was just starting to fall, by the fourth tee it was moderately heavy and by the eighth green it was a downpour! Luckily I had my rain-gear.

A subtle clubhouse.

By the twelfth hole, the sun was starting to come out and the rain-gear was being shed one piece at a time.

Kari Haug - USA, David Krause - President, European Institute of Golf Course Architects, Peter Klerkx - Holland

Monday, November 16, 2009

Wairaikei - Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

So winds are gusting to 60 mph? No problem, we still fly.

I think I can see for 100 miles from here.

Clockwise: Christoph Stadler -Germany, Peter Klerkx -Holland, Christine Kerr -NZ, Kari Haug -USA

The clubhouse was modest and classy, and reflective of the of the landscape as it was historically used as a sheep farm. Some old farm implements and equipment were used as furniture in the clubhouse.