Carterton Golf Club has a rich history

ByNeville Idour

Carterton Golf Club in Wairarapa is another gem of a course with a long and rich history to boot. Our visit there was most rewarding.

Established in 1911, the club at Clareville in Wairarapa is set against the foothills of the stunning Tararua ranges.

The history is a fascinating read and justifies a brief look. In 1911 Saturday mornings were working time, but at noon it was time to pick up the canvas golf bag with probably five hickory shafted clubs and play on the two paddocks at Howard Booth’s farm. In 1913 the club was granted permission to use the Carterton Racecourse for five pounds per annum. It cost one shilling to play the nine-hole course.

In 1930 membership was limited to 100 because it was too busy on weekends. Amazingly there were 58 women and 42 men. During the World War II operations pretty much went into recess. Following the war a new course was sought and property was purchased at Chester Road. So the Carterton Golf Club course as it is today was incorporated.

The course was officially opened on May 31, 1947, with 13 holes ready for play. Fairway mowing was done by sheep until 1950 when a tractor with a seven-foot mower was purchased. Eighteen holes came into play in 1952 and in 1953 a full-time greenkeeper was employed.

On April 14, 1964, a decision was made to build a clubhouse. The new clubhouse was officially opened on the August 1, 1965. In 1969 men's and ladies' changing rooms were added.

The course itself has undergone many changes since 1979 with holes being lengthened, and/or renumbered as the layout was changed. A computerised irrigation system in 1985 was a significant step forward. So today the course is in excellent condition and the greens have been rated highly.

So to the course itself. The par 71, 5612-metre layout from the white tees is reasonably flat, but still provides a challenging round in tranquil and picturesque surroundings. A unique feature is the two par three holes 12 and 15 which are very memorable and will have you coming back.

The first hole at 495 metres is long and straight with a big green. Nos 3 and 4 are doglegs requiring well placed tee shots. Trees are in play on six and nine while doglegs again require accuracy on seven and eight.

No 12 is the first memorable par three. It is a brilliant 124-metre hole with just a 10-metre gap between the trees to negotiate. The choice is go high and hope you clear the trees and don’t go out of bounds, or thread the needle to the green. Great stuff.

There are bunkers to avoid on 13 and 14. Then we have the 118 metre par three which mirrors 12 with trees to negotiate. The 18th, a 485 metre par five, provides a challenging finish. Stay right or the trees will block sight of the green. So ended a most enjoyable round on yet another gem of a course.

Before leaving we spoke with the club secretary Janet Pincock who has been associated with the club for 18 years. This is her second stint as secretary. She said membership numbers about 250 and “it is the best club in the Wairarapa.”

“It is not a large female membership but we are getting a lot of new young players. We do have a junior programme.”

Pincock speaks enthusiastically about the club days which are a little different to the normal but very successful.

Caption: The narrow gaps that leads to par three 12th hole at Carterton.

“On Saturday we have a club day which is a little unusual. Members rock on up, put their discs in to the starters and then at 12.30 there is a shotgun start from the different tees. It is a mixed club day with all members welcome. No more men’s and women’s days. Then they all come in to the clubhouse and enjoy the prizegiving along with delicious food and pies.

“On Tuesday we have another club day which is called the vets day but anyone can play. All are welcome. We also have an 11-hole twilight in season teeing off from 4.30 to 5.15. At the conclusion they can all enjoy sausage and chips and everyone gets a prize. The last two placegetters are on dishes, but get a lollypop for a prize (much laughter).

“Then on Friday at midday we have elevenses playing the same 11 holes. So you can see we are a very social club. One of the best things about our club which we have noticed this year is that it has very good drainage. When other clubs have been closed because of weather or no carts are allowed, we have been fully open.”

As for tournaments the club has a charity event and a business event each year.

Pincock: “We also have a bucket tournament on Labour Saturday when the holes are as big as buckets but shallow. So if you hit too hard the ball will roll out. That is popular.”

Carterton Golf Club certainly punches above it's weight with a quality course plus a membership that enjoys innovative club events on a regular basis. If you are in the area don’t miss it with it's pair of unique par threes.