A wee gem: Tirau golf course

By Neville Idour

Tirau, a North Island town with a population of about 900, is one of my favourite stops for a body refill whenever on a northern road trip.

Situated south of Hamilton this attractive Waikato town also boasts a wee gem of a golf course. This time we decided to check it out.

Typical of the Waikato it is lush green and picturesque with trees to add character. The club celebrated it's centenary in June, 2021.

Formed in 1921 membership subscriptions were set at five shillings for gentlemen and two shillings and six pence for ladies. The following year they skyrocketed to one pound and one shilling for men (sorry, gentlemen) and 10 shillings and six pence for women (sorry, ladies). Oh how times have changed.

The course was nine holes and membership was a healthy 36 men and 39 women.

The first hole was a classic. They hit over Parapara Road then over a tree and hedges before reaching the first green.

After a few years the club went into recess, reopening in 1934 on the Saleyard course. World War II saw the club in recess again until 1947 when a course on the Bailey farm was used. The club prospered there for 25 years as facilities were continually improved and membership almost topped 200.

In 1974 the time was right to secure land for their own 18-hole course and so they did. The first nine holes were opened for play in 1976 followed by the second nine a year later. Various improvements to facilities and the course have been ongoing.

We spoke with general manager Ron Macdonald who is in reality a semi-volunteer. They have a paid greenkeeper and members help him out when needed. Current membership is around 167.

The club is hoping to get a junior programme started so has circulated the schools to encourage this.

Macdonald said: “We run several events a year including a charity tournament. We also have nine golf carts available for hire.” Cart hire is $40. Green fees are $30.

So to the course itself. There are two tee blocks. From the blue tees the course is just 4651 metres. There are seven par threes, 10 par fours and just the one par five which measures 439 metres. The yellow tees present 4268 metres in length with eight par threes, seven par fours and three par fives.

The first hole, a 324 metre par four, requires a well placed shot to a tricky green and the thought this course may be no pushover. The fourth hole is a neat drop down 125 metre par three with a pond on the left short of a sizeable green. A lovely hole. There is excellent variety in the design and challenge from hole to hole.

The 15th is a straight 257 metre par four, however, trees either side make for a narrow access to the green so a pull or a fade will bring tree trouble. This would be one of the most difficult holes.

The finishing hole is a reasonably amenable 330 metres from either tee to a wide fairway with a back to front slightly sloping green. Overall a most enjoyable experience. In good condition this is a fun course and a must play if in the area.