Omarama: A friendly club in central South Island

By Neville Idour

Omarama Golf Club is ideally situated in the centre of the South Island and is the perfect stopping place for a drive from Christchurch to Cromwell or Queenstown.

The club invites mobile home and campervan members to play a round then stay for a maximum of two nights. One full green fee must be paid and the vehicle must be self-contained certificated.

Omarama is known as the place of light and visitors pay $20 green fees. They are also welcome to join for club days or twilight and just pay the entry fee.

The seeds for a golf course were sown at a meeting on September 7, 1974, arranged by two keen local golfers Prue Aubrey and Ada Patterson. A committee was formed to investigate the possibilities. Several sites were looked at and the current site was the preferred option with access to water an important factor.

Warwick Smith, with committee input, designed the nine-hole course and work commenced. In a novel move nine families each assumed responsibility for a hole and so materials, machinery and debentures were sought locally. Opening day was held on March 6, 1976.

Fund raising activity was prolific with raffles, housie, produce stalls, catering, balls and luncheons held. The first clubhouse, a small two-room hut, was purchased on February 20, 1976, for $500 in preparation for opening day. Occasional floods set back progress, however, work on an irrigation system began on January 30, 1977. Dick Wadell’s sheep were still grazing on the course.

Then the present clubhouse was purchased on April 28, 1977, for $7000. The old clubhouse was sold after a short lifespan at the club. Mrs A F T Munro gave the club a piano plus $200 to tune it later that year.

Holes were given names in February, 1978, such as Clay Cliffs, Flagstaff, Mt Benmore, Old Man and Twin Peaks. The first tractor was purchased on November 10, 1979, for $700.

The club is in good heart with various events held throughout the year. Annual subscriptions are a gift at $260. New members joining online pay only $200. Members can play for free at sister clubs Otematata, Kurow and Waimate and enjoy four free rounds a year at Ben Ohau.

As for the course, it is a typical New Zealand nine-hole country layout. Not too challenging but of good length. Red tees are 5608 metres and the yellow are 5200 metres. Second time around the first six holes in particular have changes, some significant to provide variety for the 18-hole round. An example is the par four fifth becomes a par three 14th.

The course is a clever clover leaf design, so each three holes go past the clubhouse which is very convenient, especially on a hot summer day when a refreshment break is a necessity. At all times the Southern Alps provide a spectacular backdrop to enjoy, especially when the golf is not.

Comments from visitors give a good picture of what to expect.

“Nice nine hole course, well kept and grass isn’t too long.”

“Good nine hole course. Greens in good condition. Very friendly members who are obviously making improvements.”

“Good course, amazing people, great tournament.”

There are many other activities to enjoy in the area. The Omarama Hot Tubs are a must. There is great fishing, water skiing, canoeing and swimming (in summer). So there we have it. Another of the nine holers to enjoy on a southern road trip.