Posted by Evan Bateup on December 12, 2011 0 Comments
While this is supposed to be a golf blog, I cannot resist sending out a mighty congratuations to the New Zealand Cricket team. Affectionately known as the Black Caps, they achieved their first win against the Australians on their home turf for over 25 years.
Even from my office I could hear cheers in the street and around the building as we all followed online or via TV and the radio. Congrats to the team!
On the off chance this is read by one of the team, the Golf Guide team would be happy to provide any team member ten free Golf Guides so they and their friends can enjoy the other great New Zealand summer past-time.
Posted by Evan Bateup on November 21, 2011 2 Comments
During our annual TiPaiPuke cup (played for with the other owners of the NZ Golf Guide) I had the pleasure of playing Kinloch Golf Course near Taupo in the center of the North Island. Only 20 minutes off the main highway, Kinloch is a testiment to the vision of Jack Nicholas. Built in a stunning but otherwise desolate landscape, it provides views of the lake as well as nearby mountains.
The courses underlating fairways and deep rough are only the start of the challenge. The large, sloping greens will prove a test to the best putters amongst you. Be sure to practice your bunker play before playing though, I would of hit a dozen fairway bunkers (the only times that I actually got a drive straight!).
The service that we got at the clubhouse was amazing. The local pro welcomed us personally and gave us a great briefing on the course. Unfortunately there were no carts available (they had let us know this when we booked), but they drove two carts to us on the 10th once they became available. After five hours on the course, they also kindly left the clubhouse open so we could have well deserved beers post the round.
Posted by Evan Bateup on October 14, 2011 1 Comment
New Zealand is currently in the midst of what is (for us) the biggest international event staged here in my life-time. The Rugby World Cup has reportedly attracted thousands of visitors to NZ. As someone who is both rugby and golf mad, I anticipated a real surge in people playing accross NZ. With most games only on the weekend, I thought this would provide plenty of opportunities for our international visitors to enjoy our fantastic golf courses.
Talking to courses around NZ however, the feeling I get is that there has been no noticeable impact. As with a lot of other businesses, they were ramped up for large volumes, only to find it static or in many cases reduced.
My hypothesis is that maybe overseas rugby fans are not golfers and with the increased air fares and hotel rates, our normal golf visitors from asia have been scared off NZ?
Posted by Evan Bateup on September 28, 2011 4 Comments
For me, Manukau rates as one of the best I've played. It may just be I tend to play better there than elsewhere (e.g. The Grange or Gulf Harbour which have eaten me up recently) but it has the right mix of true greens, tree lined fairways and a challenging (but not impossiable) test of golf.
What are your favourites? What makes a good course to you - esp. the difference how you happen to play on the day makes!
Posted by Shopify on September 26, 2011 0 Comments
The 2011/2012 edition of the New Zealand Golf Guide is now available.
With even more discounts and fantastic new courses such as The Grange (regular historic hosts of the NZ Golf Open) on board we are sure you will love the new publication as much as we do!
Of course given the current events in NZ, GO THE ALL BLACKS and WARRIORS!
