In a recent review of the Jack’s Point website I couldn’t believe the prices…

and in New Zealand dollars, too! Click here for the Jack’s Point link. “Explore Jack’s Point” leads  to “Golf” then “Golf info” or “Golf Rates.”

The 7th at Jack's Point

Don’t miss playing this course on your next trip and visit the showhomes at nearby Fletcher Living Queenstown. This is a top-notch golf club with well-known and respected John Griffin NZPGA, GM on hand to give a warm welcome and offer the best equipment if you didn’t bring your clubs. And did I mention this is one of my favourite golf courses in all of New Zealand?

My putting suffered in this setting!

Why? Because it’s shiny and new; the fairways are picture perfect and the rock hazards are really craggy;  and best of all, the price is reasonable for the experience of golfing in such a beautiful setting. As well as great green fees in New Zealand dollars, look for accommodation and golf package specials connected with extraordinary Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments.

My book “Birdies, Bogeys and Kiwis: Golfing around New Zealand” has more information on Jack’s Point, including interesting history on how this amazing area got its name and on plans for the future with preservation at the top of the list.  I admire the Jack’s Point developer’s motto: “5% settlement; 95% preserve; 100% life.

Driving the high country Crown Range Road in Central Otago we soon find ourselves on what was once a Maori trail that later seemed to be paved in gold…Along the way we pass what, at first, looks like Tibetan prayer flags strung out on a wire fence alongside the road. A second look defies belief.There are as many women’s brassieres as a lingerie store clerk would ever see in a lifetime – all colours, all shapes, and all sizes. And all flirtily flapping in the morning breeze.

Pondering this unusual exhibition, I review a brochure for activities in the area. It’s the site of the Monster Mountain Rally. There’s a circuit for kids to race 50cc Suzuki Quadmaster bikes, but more to the point in my investigation, there’s an Off-Road section for big guys giving “a full speed, high-octane rally experience with all the grunts and thrills of a World Rally Stage.” The big dudes get to slide sideways on gravel, get briefly airborne, then get wasted in water all in a Subaru or Mitsubishi “evolution rallying beast.” Now the flying bras makes sense. Definitely trophies!

Learn more about New Zealand’s Wild West in the “Birdies” book.

To follow in Chapter Four:

Bungy to Oblivion…

Snuggling Up In Blanket Bay…

The Blue Cork And Lackadaisical Lumps…

Next Port – Antarctica…

Golf Cluster Courses

Reviewers say the “Birdies” book is a good read filled with suggestions for accommodation, dining and side trips to interest the whole family.

ORDER Birdies, Bogeys and Kiwis: Golfing Around New Zealand online at www.wildwestcoastpublishing.com or e-mail info@wildwestcoastpublishing.com for special discounts.

And remember, when golfing in New Zealand all distances are in metres, so add ten percent to the metric length then roughly convert to what is still called “yardage.”

“I’ve been asked to give you a bit of information on our golf club – Hawarden Golf Club here in Hawarden, North Canterbury, New Zealand. We have a very nice and challenging 9-hole course in the sheep farming area of Canterbury.

“The club has a part-time green keeper and he only does about 20 hours a week.* The remainder of the work is done by club members. It is not unusual on club working “bee” days to see a couple of tractors and graders working around the course. Many members are farmers which is a great help. Being a small club with a membership of less than 100 we do have limited resources. For example we don’t have a fairway watering system. Consequently during the time of drought in summer it’s like playing off concrete! The benefits are that even with a duff shot one can usually get enough run to make an awful shot a bit better.

“When I first moved to live in Hawarden after living many years in the city of Christchurch, and after playing my golf at a manicured, 18-hole  town club I had this great conception that my handicap would come tumbling down. My thinking was that as it is a 9-hole course and to play our 18-hole game we have to play each hole twice. So, I thought that this has got to be easy as I would soon master the course with two “goes” at each hole during every round. Oh dear, my handicap and my theory went out the window and my handicap went out by about 3 shots!

“The other feature of our club is the notorious Nor’wester wind that blows across our course. This is illustrated by several trees around the course that are growing at an angle of 45 degrees! It’s an interesting sight when playing during a strong Nor’wester when having a putt, to watch your golf trolley going past under it’s own steam, ‘wind assisted!’

“Our feature hole, in my opinion, is number 4 , also it is number 13 on the ‘back’ 9. This has a spectacular view of Mount Tekoa in the Southern Alps. On the adjoining fairway of #14 is the revered ‘Gin Tree.’ If you play your ball into it you have to buy a G&T for your playing partners! Contrary to popular belief regarding some North Canterbury golf courses, Hawarden doesn’t have its greens fenced to keep animals from grazing and we do not have to round up and move sheep before the day’s play can begin!”

Men’s day: Saturdays at 12:30 pm

Ladies: Tuesdays at 9:30 am

Twilight is Wednesdays at 5:30 pm

There’s an “honour box” at clubhouse front door for the nominal green fees.

Tim’s description of Hawarden in drought conditions is similar to those on our 9-hole course. Spoiled by playing on manicured courses, many find it difficult to play on “concrete,” and as well cope with sloping fairways on what was once a grazing pasture in the 1960’s. No cattle nor sheep now, but those free-flying Canada Geese make a heck of a mess around the ponds and wetland areas. For all the challenges would we change our little course with all its “hazards?” No way!

And for those who would like to visit and perhaps overnight in the area, Tim recommends Hanmer Springs, an alpine township about 40 minutes from Harwarden and about 1.5 hours from Christchurch. Nice walks, scenic golf course, trout rivers and at Hanmer Springs, a uniquely-designed thermal pool complex for all the family to enjoy. Avoid holidays and weekends for a less crowded visit. A few area websites are: www.hurunui.com –  www.alpinepacifictourism.co.nz - www.hanmersprings.co.nz – www.hanmersprings.co.nz/thermal/pools.

*A recent update from Tim states that “the green keeper is now……..me! I do one day a week, usually Fridays with one other member. It does not pay much but keeps me in beer!”

Tim’s tips on local digs:

“Accommodation is limited in Hawarden apart from some very basic cabins at the back of our local pub. (A great meeting place on a Saturday afternoon for local golfers). I also have a Dutch couple of friends (Rein and Gertuud) who run a home stay operation just out of Hawarden. Their place is called ‘The Dutch Station.’ They’re a nice couple and have ‘Dutch golf’  which is fun to play. It’s a bit like pitch and putt but the clubs are sticks with a clog on the end and the balls are about the size of tennis balls. Fun and games only 3 minutes from the golf course too. Their web site is www.thedutchstation.com.

“There’s also ‘Tulloch Glas,’ a two-unit motel in a small place just 8kms from Hawarden. The phone number is (03)3144931 and the place name is Waikari – the terminus of the Weka Pass Railway.”

WEKA PASS RAILWAY

Like many other railway lines destined for dereliction around the world,  a group of dedicated volunteers have preserved the Weka Pass Railway as part of New Zealand’s rail heritage. Restored locos, cars, coaches and track have recreated a unique treat for passengers – a train ride that takes them back to a long-ago time through the picturesque Weka Pass.  

In the early 1880’s many men worked tirelessly to move tons of clay and limestone by hand to excavate all the cuttings and construct large embankments. Amazingly the Pass was completed in just over two years.

During our planned visit to the South Island this year my husband and I will ride the historic Weka Pass Railway along its 12.8 km scenic line. As a steam train buff, Geoff hopes rather than ride the vintage diesel-electric, we’ll once again enjoy the chuff, chuff, chuff of a vintage coal-fired steam locomotive – the 1909-built “A” Class “Pacific” number 428 – the only one of it’s type still operational..

From Waipara the loco will puff contentedly through gently sloping farmland passing a large irrigation reservoir alongside row upon row of thirsty vineyards. When #428 begins to strain along winding track leading into high country the crew will raise full steam to climb grades as steep as 1:50 (2%).

The Frog Rock

In the heart of the Pass we’ll look for Frog Rock and Seal Rock, limestone rocks affected by constant weathering. And because these lands were once under the sea, perhaps we’ll see marine fossils and shells imbedded in the cutting walls. Then at Waikari the loco will turn around for the return trip to Waipara – No runaway trains on the down grade please! 

Thanks to Tim for the great map of the area showing other interesting destinations: The Star & Garter Pub, the Historic Hurunui Hotel and Pub overlooking the rushing Hurunui River and the Canterbury House Winery which is now known as “The Mud House.” It still has a restaurant and makes wine but under “The Mud House” label. So there you are – a comprehensive rundown on touring the Harwarden to Hamner Springs area. And thanks again, Tim for taking time out from fishing!

The purse will be upped to $175,000 at the second annual Women’s New Zealand  Open. Decision to play again at Clearwater Resort is uncertain at this time.

Read all about it at www.press.co.nz – www.nzherald.co.nz and www.thecanadianpress.com – click on sports and dig a bit –  pictures, too.

circa 1908

Long sought after, at last New Zealand Golf succeeds in staging the inaugural New Zealand Women’s Open Championship to be held on January 30th to February 1st at the beautiful Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch. The purse of $150,000 is made possible by the Women’s Golf New Zealand Fund which was established in 2005 during the amalgamation of Women’s Golf with the New Zealand Golf Association. This Open is the first professional golf tournament for women in the country since 1975 and is drawing top golfers Laura Davies and Katherine Hull to name but two.

A graduate of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, Australian Katherine Hull was the first world-class player to sign up for the Open. Greg Ford of the Sunday Star Times, the country’s national newspaper, reports that “Hull ‘fell in love’ with the South Island while on a road trip with her sister this year and needed no convincing when promoter Bob Tuohy asked if she’d return with her clubs. ‘It’s my favourite place on Earth,’ she said. ‘I’m serious. I hiked the Milford Track, visited Christchurch, Queenstown and Greymouth. New Zealand is beautiful. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to come back.’”

Katherine Hull - 2008 Canadian Women's Open Winner

Katherine wowed them at the 2008 CN Canadian Women’s Open at the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club in August when she increased her lead to two strokes over threatening Yani Tseng then maintained her lead for a one-stroke victory over Se Ri Pak who challenged from behind to finish second with back-to-back birdies.  In her fifth year on the world’s richest tour for women this win was a breakthrough proving her determination to top the leaderboard. Katherine’s final score: 68-70-68-72=278, -10.

More world-class women golfers are lining up to participate in this inaugural event. “There’s no doubt,” says New Zealand Golf CEO Bill MacGowan, “the profile of women’s golf in New Zealand will benefit as a result and…will attract players from the Australian, European and US Tours, many of whom will be visiting New Zealand for the first time.” 

As well, the New Zealand Women’s Open championship will now be part of the Australian Ladies’ Professional Golf Tour, a four-tournament schedule which includes the New South Wales Open, the Australian Women’s Open and the Ladies Masters reports Christchurch City Libraries. And thanks to CC Libraries for the grand photograph of Kiwi, Miss Cowlishaw competing in the fashionable style of the day at Christchurch Golf Club’s Easter Tournament held at the Shirley Links in April 1908.

About Clearwater Golf Course and Resort

Extract from “Birdies, Bogeys and Kiwis: Golfing Around New Zealand“

A member of the prestigous The Best of Golf New Zealand, Clearwater Resort is only a fifteen-minute drive from Christchurch city and about seven minutes from the airport. This par 72, 6526-metre 18-hole course is playable 12 months of the year. Tee times are much in demand so it’s wise to book ahead. The course meanders around several spring-fed lakes and streams that teem with wild Brown and Rainbow trout. Designed by John Darby in consultation with Sir Bob Charles-World Golf Hall of Fame 2008 inductee, the cunning design manages to give players uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps. Fly fishing, tennis, cycling and strolling the Resort’s trails are all terrific alternatives to challenging this impressive golf course. 

Remember these dates and be part of this inaugural event: 30 January to 1 February 2009. Get tickets from www.ticketdirect. co.nz.  

To order my “Birdies” book go to www.wildwestcoastpublishing.com and click on “Order Here.” PayPal available.

View from the 16th

The Terrace Downs Resort and Golf Club has developed a superb 18-hole, par 72 championship course on the banks of the Rakaia River Gorge at the foot of the Mount Hutt ski-field. It’s a member of Best of New Zealand Golf  Resorts where only the best in hospitality, luxurious accommodation and a finely manicured golf course qualifies for membership.

Terrace Downs pushes the limits of believability with a 6,440-metre-long course that incorporates 11 lakes and 70 bunkers – plenty of obstacles to challenge the most experienced player. Thankfully there are four tee options at each hole to cater to all golfing abilities.

‘The underlying philosophy of the course development,’ explains Manager of Golf Operations, Nigel Davis, ‘has been to assure its integration into the natural environment…The captivating views remain a constant challenge for players to keep their eye on the ball! The Resort is approximately 450 metres above sea level and due to the higher altitude, the ball travels about one club farther in distance…Most golfers who venture out to Terrace Downs will play regardless of circumstances, but it’s always best to check the weather forecast before coming out to the Resort. Throughout the Spring equinox season the wind tends to increase in strength…’

Only a fifty-minute drive from the Christchurch airport I’d say there’d be a good temptation to drive over to Terrace Downs anyway, even if the weather is acting up. The resort’s restaurant is known as one of the best places on the Downs for a superb dining experience, especially while watching the world blow by.

Windy #16

And blow it did on the day my friend and I played Terrace Downs. Coping with the wind was quite an experience but I was determined to play the short par three 16th. Definitely a signature hole with dramatically beautiful views across to the Mount Hutt range and across the Rakaia River Gorge.

More news to follow as Terrace Downs heads into its most exciting year ever with golf tournaments galore, exciting new activities like jet boating down the Rakaia River Gorge, the luxury of pampering at The Spa and special event holidays in the High Country. Congratulations to the new management and the fine and supportive staff at Terrace Downs. I’m coming back in March – wind or no wind – what a great place!

15th view to clubhouse

The above are extracts from my “Birdies” book. To purchase go to www.wildwestcoastpublishing.com and click on “Order Here.” PayPal available.

Russley Golf Club has hosted many major tournaments over the years. Proudly several members have held their own against some of the world’s best golfers — Australia’s Peter Thomson and Ken Nagle, Kiwi Sir Bob Charles and Americans, Tom Watson and Corey Pavin to name just a few who’ve received a good challenge from the locals. General Manager, Rod Gordon shares some information about Russley’s early days from their anniversary book, Russley Golf Club, The First 75 years, 1928-2003.

To develop a golf course from what was once bare riverbed country took some doing. For a very long time, members made it a practice to pick up stones and place them in heaps before playing a round. A labour of love?

Junior programme breakthrough…

Junior development was a long, slow process, too for in the early days, young boys and girls were tolerated only if they kept well away from adult members. But finally, in 1955, 15-year-old Ray Atkinson was invited to play in the Saturday field, although complaints were many. Mark Holdsworth reports:

“By the following year (Ray) was on a 7-handicap and set a new course record, for that time — 72 off the stick: out in 30, home in 42, nett 65.”

Now there are over 100 boys and girls in Russley’s junior programme with a waiting list for the boys.

Women’s woes…

The women didn’t have it easy either, especially during the 1800’s. For a long time at most Clubs, they were restricted from entering men’s inner sanctum on the nineteenth. And those were the days when ladies wore hats that, to me, looked like tragically collapsed souffles. From what I read, the neck-to-ankles attire did not deter the fairer sex from big hits. And part of the equipment, a length of elastic to prevent the hemline of the lady golfer’s skirt from fluttering up on a breezy day, is so far removed the styles of  today. If a bit of ankle was unseemly and off-putting for serious and sensitive male partners in the olden days, what would they think of today’s poster gals in short shorts and low-cut shirts! My how things have changed.

Russley’s Helen Shirlaw recalls the days when those hemlines were shortened a bit but well before trousers were in fashion and acceptable attire:

“…hats or berets were worn to complement the tweed skirts. As we all carried our clubs, none with full sets of matched clubs, we were very happy with the leather attached to a belt which hung over the hip to protect our woollen skirt from the wetness of the golf bag.”

I’d imagine the pongy, unpleasant smell of leather did nothing to attract admirers on their bus ride back home.

A weird burial…

And who could forget this particularly unusual incident? Greenskeeper of the time, Bill Warwick remembers:

“…two strange women were digging a hole in the bunker in front of the 16th green…to ‘bury my husband’s ashes’ one of them explained. It appears her husband was from Canada on sabbatical at the university and (when he died), that was his wish! At the request of the (then) Secretary/Manager, I dug them up and (we held) a short service under a shrub behind the 10th tee.”

I’m especially pleased they moved the ashes because nor’west winds are known to blow bunker sand all over the place. This dear man’s ashes could have been scattered across the green, attached themselves to my ball, and ended up returning to Canada in my golf bag — certainly not the pleasant resting place he’d planned.

A peaceful place

 With so much history and tales to be told, nothing could be more interesting than to stop by the 19th hole to eavesdrop or even join in a conversation with the locals. Perhaps you’d hear the one about the time Russley had an illegal bar. Ben Mair recalls:

“It was operated with care to avoid complaints to the police, but for some years we had the advantage of a member being one of the Force. He had an arrangement to give us the nod to shut up shop when things hotted up at the police station over liquor at some clubs. Then after two weeks or so he would give us the all clear. The extension of liquor licences to sports clubs was a relief.”

No doubt!

Nowadays, this respectable, law-abiding par 72, 6074-metre 18-hole course is one of the finest in the country. It’s easy walking through park-like settings, but difficult water hazards tend to alter an otherwise good golf score. Only five minutes from Christchurch airport and minutes more from the city centre, what a great place to play a round. 

Photos contributed by Russley Golf Club

The above is an extract from my “Birdies” book. To order go to www.wildwestcoastpublishing.com and click on “Order Here.” PayPal available.