Chisholm Links, Dunedin

 www.chisholmlinks.co.nz

White tees par 71
Yellow (ladies) tees par 72

The 11th hole sweeps downhill with views of Dunedin in the distance

The ninth tee overlooking Tomahawk beach

Southlands (Oreti Sands), New Zealand

Paraparaumu Beach, North Island, New Zealand

 www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz

Red tees par 71 (4714m)
White tees par 71 (5485m)

The first course we have played in New Zealand!  Paraparam, as it is nicknamed, was founded in 1949 and is one of only four courses designed by Alex Russell.  It lies a short drive north of Wellington on the undulating dunes of the Kapiti coast.  Paraparaumu has hosted many New Zealand Open championships and the course record of 62 is held jointly by Bob Charles, Maurice Bainbridge and two others. 



Paraparaumu lies on true links land

After a friendly welcome we played the course on a cloudy but warm day with light winds.  This is a true links courses winding through sand dunes.  The greens were hard and true but tricky with run-offs around most which punished an inaccurate shot.  The bunkers were tough punishment for the errant shot as they were filled with volcanic sand which is quite different from normal links sand. The start is particularly tricky and the par threes would test any level of golfer.  The 17th is a true risk and reward hole with the more difficult route to the right off the tee being rewarded with an easier approach shot. The 18th is a dog leg from left to right to a raised green and a welcome rest in the clubhouse!

Worth playing? Yes, it is a tough test of golf and the only links experience in the North Island



The view of the 18th from the clubhouse