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LEISURE
Golf in New Zealand
■ Story by New Zealand Golf
When it comes to golf, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ is among the most accessible
and affordable in the world.
There are 393 golf courses throughout New Zealand
(population around four million) which is the second
highest number of courses per capita in the world. Scotland
has the highest, with 543 courses for over five million people.
Golf in New Zealand is very affordable. Green fees at public
courses start at the unbelievably low cost of NZ$10 (less than
US$8) and you can also tee off at some of New Zealand’s best
courses for under NZ$100 (less than US$80).
The national average green fee for non-affiliated members is
$24, while for affiliated members it is $18.
Golf in the New Zealand landscape has been transformed
dramatically in the past 15 years with a number of world class
quality courses added to the huge quantity of courses that can
be played at low cost.
Championship courses like Cape Kidnappers, rated the 41st
Best Course in the World by Golf Magazine, the Jack Nicklaus
designed Kinloch and Kauri Cliffs, (both voted inside the
Top 100 in the World for 2011), Wairakei International, Jack’s
Point and The Hills in Queenstown ensure that New Zealand
has some spectacular layouts that are ‘must play’ courses for
all visitors.
The golf landscape in New Zealand is unlike any other in
the world. The vistas from many of the courses throughout
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LIVING AND PLAYING THE NEW ZEALAND WAY
the country offer spectacular scenery with a combination of
dramatic landscapes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, mountain
vistas, picturesque valleys, gorges, lakes and a variety of farmlands,
making it unique in the world of golf.
This has been recognised by the international golfing community
when New Zealand won the 2009 Golf Destination of the
Year at the IAGTO awards for Asia and Australasia.
Golf is the highest participation sport in New Zealand (it is
the number one sport for men and the number two sport for
women) with 482,000 adults over 18 years playing golf each
year.
Approximately seven million rounds of golf are played in
New Zealand every year and the country has 125,000 affiliated
members.
Because New Zealand is a small country with a large number
of golf courses, you never have to drive more than 45 minutes
to play a round of golf – in most instances travel time would
be substantially less.
Depending on your experience and the type of golf challenge
you are looking for, New Zealand has something for everyone.
All golfers will find that their desire to continue playing in
New Zealand will be well-rewarded in one of the world’s best
golfing destinations. ■