Te Arai Links Golf Club - South Course

This Coore/Crenshaw design is certainly challenging, especially when the wind is blowing (like when

I played). Choose the right tees, have a good caddy, and you will have a wonderful day. The greens are big, but not as undulating as the North Course. The views are scenic. If you want something at the turn, be sure to call it in on the ninth tee and they will bring it to you on the tenth. Be sure to enjoy The Playground, a massive putting complex in front of Ric's restaurant.

Starting off in the pine trees and then making your way down towards the water on beautiful 4th.

Generous open fairways and tricky greens.

Very enjoyable.

I've played over 500 courses in my life and Te Arai broke into the top 5!! This is my first ever review of a golf course - I friggin' loved this course! The bottom line - the views are breathtaking with the majority of holes having ocean views. Yes, the land is astonishing in and of itself, but Coore / Crenshaw took advantage of it and maximized its beauty. For example, the par-3 5th hole tee shot is positioned looking directly at the Hen and Chicken Islands 10 miles off the coast - you can't believe how extraordinary it looks. I also loved the fairness of the course - when I made a little mistake I got a little penalty. When I made a big mistake (like pulling an easy wedge approach shot) I got a big penalty - a greenside bunker with a 10 foot lip. I deserved to be in that bunker pulling that stupid wedge! Bottom line: if you're in New Zealand of course you have to play Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs, but put Te Arai in there - you'll thank me. :)