Summer Golf with a Touch of History

After 120 years Wanganui Golf Club has a lot to celebrate. The view of mountains, sea and city from the clubhouse is outstanding. And New Zealand’s oldest golf course, established in 1894, delivers what it promises – a great game in a superb environment.

“The course has had seven New Zealand opens played on it,” says manager, Keith Stewart. “So it is one of the top championship courses in the country.” The club offers an 18 hole and two nine-hole courses and the smooth, rolling green, studded with a few trees, hosts its fair share of wild life – native birds, ducks, and deer also run the course says long time golf club member Pat Follows.

“It’s about enjoying the whole experience,” Pat says. “We have some lovely views from around the golf course. You only have to walk the first hole and up on the second tee there’s a view right out to sea, but one of the best sights is coming down our 10th hole - you look right out over the city and the river and also see the mountain ranges between here and Hawkes Bay.”

Because an 18-hole game takes about four hours to play the club also offers golfers shorter versions such as 10 holes, twilight golf in the summertime or business house golf. “It’s just a matter of contacting the Club. And anyone is always very welcome to come out for coffee or a glass of wine. You don’t have to be a member.”

“It’s another social outing – on a Sunday afternoon my husband and I will sometimes ring friends and say – let’s go and play 18 holes of golf. We play and chat then have a drink afterwards at the clubhouse. Instead of an evening we’ve had an afternoon together. So it can be as much of a social event as you want it to be. And it’s a really nice way to spend an afternoon.

The modern clubhouse doubles as a function centre and the magnificent setting makes it a popular venue for weddings, business meetings and events. The bar is open Thursday to Sunday and Monday to Wednesday by arrangement and non-members can be signed in.

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