Central Otago golf trail a winner

By Neville Idour

Where else could one play several excellent golf courses in perfect weather with beautiful scenery and in relaxing solitude?

Central Otago is synonymous with it’s now world famous rail trail, cycled by tens of thousands of people every year. Of course there are other cycle trails now, which are proving popular, especially the recently completed Dunstan cycle and walking trail.

However there is another trail that can be enjoyed by golfers which follows a route close to the Otago Central Rail Trail. We decided to play seven of the excellent nine-hole golf courses that dot a round trip of approximately 400 kilometres from a Dunedin base, depending on any sightseeing detours taken.

Waikouaiti

The first leg of the journey takes us to Waikouaiti Golf Club which is now in it’s 87th year. Members are able to play the links-type course every day of the year because of the microclimate and sand based surface which gives the club an all weather course. Different tee blocks for each nine are an attraction as they give an 18-hole feel to a round.

Some of the alternate tees change some holes quite dramatically. The second hole, a par five, becomes a par four 11th, hole three is 40 metres longer the second time round while No 4 is 60 metres longer and No 6 is 50 metres shorter. There is a cute 90-metre par three to enjoy twice on what is a mainly flat walk and not long. The white tees play 5114 metres and the yellow tees are 5073 metres.

Waikouaiti Golf Club. Phone 027 465 7129. Green Fees $20.

History

Waikouaiti started as a “gentlemens’ club in 1935 when several Dunedin residents who had holiday homes there decide to form a golf club. The club has shifted several times, initially to privately-owned farm properties. In 1963 the club shifted to it’s present site near the beach.

Ardleigh

A 10-minute drive takes us to Palmerston where we leave SH1 turning left on to SH85, otherwise affectionately known as the Pig Route. It was first a track travelled by miners in the 1870s called the Pig Root, so named because of its harsh, mountainous, bleak environment. Our second course is a few kilometres along this road inland from Palmerston at Ardleigh Golf Club. The layout is very interesting and quite challenging although not long at 5492 metres.

It simply follows the undulating contours of the land, always a plus for variety which Ardleigh certainly has. The first two holes are relatively straight forward although two slopes right to a gully near the green.

Hole three is an excellent par three of testing length at 162 metres, over a steep gully to a green with a bunker right. Don’t be short. Hole four is a tree-lined par four dogleg right while number five is undulating to a long green. The par three sixth, over a gully, steeply rises to the green.

Number eight is a long challenging 486 metre par five. The fairway falls away on both sides and a large tree guards a right side approach short of the green. Nine is a par four to a wide fairway with a dogleg left and short, very steep climb to the green. Definitely need enough club for the approach shot.

Overall a very pleasant experience with many trees to add to the appeal and well maintained fairways and greens. In recent years the club has had a paid greenkeeper and the results are obvious. Visitors speak glowingly of the course condition. Of course he is assisted by many volunteers. The club has a thriving membership.

Ardleigh Golf Club.

Phone 03 465 1448. Jeff Grubb 027 634 0138

Men 5492m Par 70. Women 5034m Par 72.

Green fee $15.

History

In 1932, golfing enthusiast G R Hudson was finding the Dunedin course he played rather arduous so he purchased land in Palmerston and set out a nine-hole golf course for himself and called it Ardleigh. He offered the club rights to play his course with certain conditions of maintenance. On August 1, 1961, several members with “little more than stones in their pockets'' were sent to an auction to buy the farm which is the current venue. Canvassing members and the community produced enough finance to arrange a mortgage. The last game was played on tje ``Old Ardleigh'' on November 4, 1961. Working bees were held to lay out the course, form greens and plant trees. However, the greens and trees had to be fenced off to keep the sheep out. Grazing sheep was necessary to service the mortgage. It was a great day when the fences and the mortgage were removed. It is fitting the first hole is called Hudsons.

The clubhouse, the original farmhouse, has been renovated and modernised over the years and serves its members well. Ardleigh is a tribute to the many willing volunteers over the years.

Maniototo

We leave Ardleigh and head along SH85 for the Maniototo region and Ranfurly where we will find the Maniototo Golf Club. It is 70kms away and the ever changing landscapes are quite breathtaking at times. Whatever the weather the landscape takes on a persona to fit. At times one feels alone with the land as there are areas of no habitation, especially when the distinctive schist rock common on the Maniototo weaves its patterns.

In less than an hour we arrive at the club. When we first played the course a few years ago we were greeted by two life members, Neville Wahrlich, who was also the greenkeeper, and Gavin Weir, his assistant. These two were real characters and put in a mountain of work to keep the course looking so good. After enjoying a few laughs as they recounted some of the history we were invited to use the motorised cart which was gratefully accepted.

The first hole is a slight dogleg right with out of bounds in play. Holle number four is a short par five dogleg left through trees left and right. Number five, aptly named ``Jungle'' is a standout 104-metre par three. Very pretty with trees left and right and bunkers guarding both sides of the green.

Seven, a nice dogleg left with trees either side, typifies this enjoyable, easy walking flat parkland layout. A 467-metre par five brings a nice finish with it’s dogleg right.

A lovely variety of trees thanks to plantings over the years are an attractive feature here. Pines, blue gum, willows and connifers mix and match to provide colour especially in autumn. Another thriving country club, it has 130 members.

The beauty of these first three courses is that depending on your time you can easily play all three in a day if you only do nine on each.

Maniototo Golf Club. Pauline Spratt 027 631 2259

Men 5636m Par 72. Women 5204m Par 72

Green Fee $20.

History

Maniototo Golf Club was opened in 1930 on Crown Land. The club purchased the land in 1936.

There were fences round the greens to keep sheep out. The sheep were donated by farmers as lawnmowers. During lambing, golfers were allowed a unique 15 foot free drop of the golf ball. One can only imagine the fun and games involved in this. In the mid-1960s the sheep and fences were dispensed with and machinery took over.

The clubhouse started out as two army ablution blocks that have been modernised and extended into the current spacious lounge, kitchen and bar.

Naseby and Patearoa

The next course on the trail is Naseby but there are options to consider. If you have the time you can take a left turn at Ranfurly and drive 15 kms to the Patearoa Golf Club and play this nine-holer set in peaceful surroundings. It offers plenty of variety, two par fives and three par threes and measures 5228 metres from the white tees and 5092 from the yellow tees. The club was born in 1963 when some land was gifted to the local community for recreational pursuits and a golf course was the result.

Time of year is a factor in possible choices. During daylight saving, playing 18 holes in a day on two courses is easily achievable because travelling distances are not great. However, if a more relaxing and varied day is wanted, nine holes will allow plenty of time for sightseeing or other activity.

Options for accommodation are many and varied and at this point Ranfurly is a good choice or there is time to drive the 15kms to Naseby or even Wedderburn a few kilometres further.

Driving through the entrance at Naseby Golf Club we are greeted with a delightful scene. The autumn colours on the trees really highlight this lovely secluded setting with the A-frame styled well-appointed clubhouse in the background. Naseby has a healthy membership of 68 but amazingly only six are locals.

The course is no pushover at 5686 metres, with a long 487metre par five to start with. It is an easy walking and flat course in a parkland tree-lined setting. The second hole is a 173-metre par three, tree-lined both sides and rear of the green which requires an accurate shot.

There are some bunkers to avoid before the green on three, five and six, with the latter one of the standout holes. A short 252-metre par four, it features a gentle dogleg right with the bunkers making for a narrow landing line. All in all, another pleasant well maintained course. Yet again greens of a high quality. Note Sunday is club day.

Naseby Golf Club

John Lobb 021 192 1414

Men 5686m. Par 72 Women, shorter, par 72

Green Fee $15.

History

Thanks to the generosity of a farmer, Naseby Golf Club was born in May 1958. The location was up on Blanchards Hill and it was a sight to behold as the group who formed the club gathered — a butcher, teacher, grocer, plumber, draper, carrier and of course Charlie from the pub, to name some. After a few months play was possible in September. Just five holes to begin with but they eventually got to nine, then built a little clubhouse. It was a real team effort with wives and children helping the men make the course.

As can be imagined it was a very social club and Sunday club days, not to be missed, were fun ``up on the hill''. The club was ahead of its’ time with a unisex toilets in those days but ongoing improvements included loos for him and her. A few years went by then there was a major problem! Blanchards land was sold and the new owner didn’t want golf.

A plea was sent to local council for land to lease. Back came the reply “You can use the old racecourse”. There was much delight as it was flat, had lots of trees and views. However an act of parliament was needed and duly achieved to change the land use. So it was back to square one. More hard toil and working bees. Determination won the day and the club started on the new course in 1968.

So today the club is in good heart for a town with a population of less than 100, but which swells to 3000 during summer. Being 2000 feet above sea level they regularly lose 6–10 weeks in July, August and September due to snow covered fairways.

Omakau

Leaving Naseby at 2000 feet above sea level, which is a few kilometres off SH85, we head back on it and it is a 50km drive to Omakau. SH85 is quite remote and undulating between Idaburn and Becks. We take the alternate route turning off at Idaburn that passes through Oturehua, where we enjoy a neat café stop. We then head for our accommodation in the quaint, fascinating historic town of Ophir.

Next morning it is just a two minute drive to Omakau Golf Club, possibly the outstanding experience on this golf trail. This club has a buzzing full-playing membership of 126 men and women. The course follows the contours of the land which rises to a plateau where half of the course lies. It makes for a delightful round of golf while enjoying the stunning views with the Raggedy Range in the background. Even though the layout rises and falls the climbs are not at all taxing.

It plays longer in places than the metres indicate and there are several holes that must be mentioned. A lovely 143m par three second hole demands enough club over a lake and uphill to the green. Trees left and rear frame the setting. Hole five is a nice layout with a lake 70m short of the green on the right side of the fairway. Six, Tiger Hill, is a longish par four with typical rock formations dotting the landscape on the plateau.

Seven is arguably the signature hole being a quite spectacular downhill par three of 141m. This presents a superb challenge with its two sentinels guarding the smallish green, leaving the narrowest of entries. There are big rocks left and right there is a big bunker. Add to this, the green slopes gently down and left. If the not so perfect shot lands on the wrong slope before the green it can run many metres off the green, leaving a tricky chip up.

Hole number eight is a very interesting uphill 331m par four with unusual contours. The first half of the fairway plays to a left-sloping gully so it requires a tee shot right of centre. From here the last 135m to the green are like a long snowboarders' halfpipe. The green is sloping and has two levels. Better to be below the pin.

Hole nine concludes with a gentle downhill 467m par five. This writer certainly plans to return and play 18 holes.

The club pays a casual greenkeeper. The fairways are generally excellent, but placing was allowed on the whole course when we played it. Very generous I thought. Yet again a country course in great order. The greens were as good as you will find anywhere. The club is fortunate that the course has watering on tees, fairways and greens. The second hole is the only one with two different tees.

The annual playing subscription of $200 is ridiculously low for a course of this quality. The club offers clubs and trundlers for hire and has four carts available which are well used.

Omakau Golf Club

Carolyn Brown 021 0222 0704

Men 5431m. Par 70. Women 5084m. Par72

Green Fee $20.

History

Memory says Omakau Golf Club first surfaced on what was a racecourse in the 1930s. It was situated north of the town and obviously was a flat course. As with many country clubs, Omakau went into recess during the war but started up again soon after. A farmer who owned the current site offered to swap it for the club’s land which, being flat and more fertile was more suitable for the farmer. So today the club thrives in every way with a particularly strong ladies’ membership, some of whom are involved in ongoing fundraising ventures which benefit the club’s finances. The group are involved in catering for specific events in the district.

Dunstan

Leaving Omakau it is a short drive to Clyde and the Dunstan Golf Club. We take a short cut turning off SH85 at Springvale. However, if a larger town is needed, the slightly longer route via Alexandra is an option. Once again, depending on time, Naseby, Omakau and Dunstan could easily be played once in a day.

One of the older golf clubs in New Zealand, the Dunstan course has an appealing setting with its parkland layout. The condition of the fairways and greens was exceptional and right up to the best standard of any main centre courses. Add to this the attractive landscaping throughout and you have a delightful golfing experience.

There is nice variety in the contour. Another feature of this course is the change of tee positions for the second nine. On four of the holes the changes are significant and present completely different challenges. The first hole is a generously short dogleg left 226-metre par four. However, trees can present a problem for off line tee shots and three bunkers around the front of the green demand an approach shot of precise length. Second time around the 10th tee presents a straight fairway nine metres longer.

Hole number two offers trees 100 metres out to narrow the approach to a generous up-sloping green. Number three is a long 180m par three with a ridge to watch for before the green. As the 12th it is 145m. Number four is a par five with bunkers protecting the green while five is a relatively straight forward par five which becomes a 100 metres shorter par four as the 14th.

Six is a 116-metre par three, well bunkered, and has a completely different line for the 15th tee. Seven is a longish par four to a green protected by three bunkers. It reverts to a par five as No 16. Eight is a kind par four while nine presents a tee shot that must negotiate accurately between trees 150 metres out.

A round here will not disappoint and the ladies we met at the club made it obvious that members are proud of the standard of the course and the facilities.

Dunstan Golf Club

Phone 03 449 2729

Men 5570m. Women 5124m.

Green Fee: $25

History

Dunstan Golf Club began in 1904 at the present venue in unusual circumstances. Doctor Hyde, the medical superintendant of Clyde Hospital, would walk into Clyde to see his patients. He would take a golf stick (club), as it was called back then, and play on the land on the way to see them, so there was evidence of a course of sorts.

In the early days it was a short 18 holes. As was often the case it went into recess during the World War I. It remained an 18-holer when restarted until World War II when the club again went into recess. After the war it was developed into the nine-hole layout it is today. The course is fully irrigated and the benefits of this are obvious.

The first clubhouse was an old fowlhouse on the course. A second clubhouse replaced this after the war but burnt down in 1980. The current one is a fine facility. The club has a full time greenkeeper who is assisted by volunteers who help with with the upkeep and development of the attractive garden areas.

Middlemarch

Leaving Clyde we retrace our steps and head back about 90 kms to Ranfurly. Fifteen kilometres further we turn right at Kyeburn onto SH87 and drive 50kms to our final course on this golf trail, Middlemarch, famous for its annual singles' ball.

Appearances can be deceiving. The course is in great condition with greens of good enough quality to match most city courses. The reason for this was clear when we met Pat Suddaby the ``greenkeeper'' who receives a very modest payment for his work. More a labour of love.

The results are amazing when you find the club has a tiny membership of 33 and operates on an equally tiny budget boosted by green fees and bar takings. A big factor is the debt free status.

So to the course and a generous first fairway to a flat green. Two is a short par three with out of bounds left and a narrow sloping uphill green. Three is a long par four with out of bounds left and a big pine tree approaching the green right.

Five has a wide fairway to a bunker left of a sloping green. A nice hole.

Seven, an very interesting par three (172m men,127 women). There is out of bounds left and a big gum tree guarding the left third of the green 50m out. It requires the right shape of shot to make the green. Not a hole for faders.

Eight has out of bounds and trees. Nine is an excellent finish. Trees line the fairway left and the left front of the green presents a large clump of tussock which must be avoided. One feature of the course is the strategic placement of large and smaller rocks around the course. An excellent variety of trees makes for another pretty parkland stroll. While no pushover, Middlemarch was the perfect relaxing end to our golf trail.

As we reflected on the seven courses, the overriding feelings were it was time well spent playing these well maintained quality layouts in a superb, quiet environment. No big name designers involved on any of them but to be frank they lacked nothing. What they all had in spades was passion, pride, enthusiasm and a willing volunteer spirit.

Middlemarch Golf Club

Club Captain. Stacey Atkinson 021 366 310. Secretary: 022 020 1300.

Green Fee. $20

Men 5698m. Ladies 5084m.

History

Middlemarch Golf Club was born in 1926 when several families decided to knock up a course on farmland one kilometre from the present site. About 10 years later they bought the present site from a farmer as it was more suitable and so a new course was made.

In the 1950s the club bought an old railway house for the clubhouse, refurbished it and added to it to make a good venue.

In about 1970 the course was redesigned and during the 1980s a tree planting programme was undertaken resulting in what we enjoy today. About 11 years ago new greens were made and these are a jewel today.

More than just golf

The route of our golf trail presents many options for those who may want more than just golf from their trip. So we thought it would be good to briefly retrace our journey and offer some of the many attractions available.

Three or four nights on the trail would allow sufficient time to enjoy some of them. A brief stop in Palmerston and a look at some of the quaint little shops that have sprung up may be worthwhile. On to Ranfurly and the Art Deco Gallery, Maniototo Early Settlers' Museum and The Curiosity Shoppe are worth a look. Check out the great cafes for that coffee and food fix. While driving in this area of the Maniototo make sure you take a photo of the distinctive flat topped Hawkdun Mountain Range, a subject of artist Grahame Sydney. Driving in this region is always fascinating with its, at times, stark ever-changing tones. After playing at Naseby Golf Club going the few kilometres into the town is a must.

The whole town shopping area has been classified as a museum as so many shops are empty, but still maintained. A walk through the town and a visit to the museums themselves is called ``a walk through time''. You may want to have a go at the ancient Scottish Ice Sport at the famous Naseby Curling Rink which is open all year round.

Back on SH85 you may want to go a few extra kilometres and visit the historic gold mining town of St Bathans where the unique Blue Lake can be found and the reputedly haunted Vulcan Hotel and post office attract visitors. The main street is definitely a step back in time.

If we backtrack a little from here and go through Oturehua we should take a trip down memory lane and explore Hayes Engineering Works and Homestead where the famous Hayes' wire strainer was invented. Walking through the factory areas it is as if the workers have downed tools for their meal break. Amazing. Take time to enjoy refreshments in the neat café.

In Oturehua have a look at the historic Gilchrists General Store where you can buy just about anything, amongst all the memorabilia.

On to another historic gold mining town, Ophir with its working 1857 Post Office/Museum. Many other buildings there reflect its mining days. Between Omakau and Clyde horse trekking is available.

On to Clyde and a stay here would open up many windows. There is a luxury 42 seat cinema with bistro for the evening. Face the day with a choice of a cruise on the Clutha River to Doctors' Point Goldmine, a visit to one of the historic museums, a scenic flight, a wine tour or simply walk the historic town and enjoy a café fix.

This is also the perfect place to cycle a part of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Hire the gear and do a day excursion. Alternatively the recently opened Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail is proving a winner. It follows the fascinating landscapes as it journeys alongside Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau and Clutha rivers. It is an engineering masterpiece of 39 kms from Clyde to Cromwell. So there we have it. A golf trail with a smorgasbord of delights! Golf and more than just golf on tap at every turn.