In the short amount of time I’ve been in New Zealand, I’ve managed to play several different courses in Auckland and Waikato. While I haven’t begun to scratch the surface of the 400+ golf courses spread across the two islands of Aotearoa, I have been blessed to play some good ones since I arrived. I recently had the pleasure of playing at Tieke Golf Club in Waikato, and it currently ranks as the best golfing experience of my short time here. From the moment I arrived until the time I left, I was thoroughly impressed by the course, facilities, and overall ambiance of the club.
First and foremost, Tieke Golf Club boasts a stunning layout. Nestled in the picturesque Waikato countryside just outside Hamilton, the course is beautifully designed to incorporate the natural landscape, with rolling hills, lush fairways, and strategically placed hazards. There are no traditional bunkers on Tieke, but there are a plethora of waste bunkers protecting fairway landing areas and greens, so shot placement and club selection is important. The course is a delight to the eyes, and the impeccable maintenance of the greens and fairways only added to its charm.
Tieke is a links-styled course, built on the old Waikato Riverbed, so even during the wet months of June, July and August, there is little to no standing water and the course is firm under foot. One of the standout features of Tieke Golf Club is the diversity and variety of holes it offers. All 18 holes present a unique challenge, ensuring that players of all skill levels are thoroughly engaged. The course strikes a good balance of playability for beginners and difficulty for seasoned golfers. The layout rewards accuracy and strategy, making every shot meaningful and thought-provoking.
The clubhouse at Tieke Golf Club is another aspect that left a lasting impression. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, ensuring a smooth check-in process and providing helpful tips about the course. The clubhouse facilities were well-maintained and had a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for players to relax before or after their rounds. The pro shop was well-stocked with a variety of golfing equipment.
When it comes to singling out a couple of feature holes, this is really difficult. This could be the first time in all my years of golfing where I feel like all 18 holes were features. The par 3s are postcard worthy and the par 4s and 5s were all so different and unique that picking one per nine seems unfair.
On the front, I enjoyed the par 5 8th hole (which interchanges with the 5th as a par 5 and par 4 combo every other week), but if I were to single out one hole, it would be the par 3 3rd hole. The huge undulating green meant you had to be deadly accurate with your tee shot or you could be left with an impossible two putt, a difficult chip shot or a tricky pitch shot across what looks like an unforgiving putting surface. But the 3rd is short (140m/155y), which gives you great confidence on the tee box to be aggressive.
On the back nine, the driveable par 4 10th was a fun risk and reward hole, with trouble all around, but the stand-out hole has to be the par 5 12th, flanked on the left by the Waikato River and on the right by a few established trees and mounds of lush links grass to gobble up stray drives. The green is tricky and well protected, with a large undulating green, but the hole offers stunning vistas and birdie opportunities.
Overall, my experience at Tieke Golf Club was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of a beautifully designed course, friendly staff (and members), well-maintained facilities, and commitment to sustainability made for a truly enjoyable golfing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a challenging round or a beginner looking to hone your skills, Tieke Golf Club in Waikato is a fantastic choice. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a memorable golfing experience in this charming region of New Zealand.
Side note: There is a gun range next door to Tieke Golf Club and on the Sunday morning we played there was a never-ending cacophony guns shots in the air. It did little to ruin our round, but it was a ceaseless disruption of an idyllic setting.