The era of the need to change course

Phil Tataurangi, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated golfers, first started playing on the Williamson Golf Course in Whangamata when he was seven years old.

“As a family this is where we used to holiday in the 1970s and ‘80s,’’ Tataurangi recalled.

``The folks had a family caravan and then built a bach over at Moana Point. Mum and dad were teachers, so we were here just about every school break or long weekend. I’d ride my Raleigh 20 (bike), with my clubs and stay all day. It was all I wanted to do and certainly heralded the beginning of my deep love for the game.''

Tataurangi is back in Whangamata and he’s back on the old course with fond memories but this time for a very different reason.

`The Willy' is a nine-hole course donated by the founders of the town. However, 44-years after Tataurangi first started playing on it, it is now surrounded by infill housing and many of the residents don’t play golf, and are concerned about their kid’s safety. 

It’s becoming a problem right around New Zealand with many homes now just metres away from the fairways and greens.  

Since stepping away from playing tournament golf, Tataurangi has pursued an interest in golf course design and construction and is consulting several clubs around New Zealand.

Along with Greg Shaw of GroundVision and with the help of golf club member volunteers, Tataurangi is moving the second green back 30 metres and away from the houses.

The old second hole was a long par three and one of the members favourites. But, with the risk of injury and damage the insurance bill is increasing. Also, Golf New Zealand is recommending clubs evaluate, and if necessary, take measures to mitigate the potential for serious injury to occur. 

Tataurangi is currently working with six other clubs around New Zealand which are in similar situations.

“I empathise with clubs that are having to go through the process of assessing their courses and in some cases change some holes but this is a different era and there are many factors contributing to the issue,” he said.  

“The view that the course was here first doesn’t wash in society nowadays. There is a duty of care for golf clubs to operate responsibly and no one is comfortable with residents or golfers being in harm’s way.”

The Whangamata Golf Club has accepted that and is now looking to evolve the focus of the club towards golf-based entertainment for year-round fun interest for locals and visitors, rather than just traditional golf.

Future activities could include mini-putt, screen golf and golf stimulators, along with modern café and bar options in renovated clubrooms. And for a time-conscious public, perhaps a smaller purpose-built par three course.

Fortunately, Williamson had a spare green, so with a lot of volunteers' help they just rolled up the old one and re-laid it. The club is hoping by Christmas the green will be settled and in play.