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— Explore New Zealand 18 Holes at a Time —

Nelson Golf Club
Nelson, South Island, New Zealand

Length & Par: 
        Par 72, 6889 yards (Blue tees)
        Par 72, 6546 yards (White tees)
        Par 72, 5987 yards (Ladies' tees)

Open & Playable Year Round
Greens Fees: NZ$30 (approx. US$16/round for guests

NELSON GOLF CLUB HOLE NUMBER 6--
WHERE HITTING IT 'ON THE BEACH'
MEANS HITTING IT ON THE BEACH!
Photo © HOME AT FIRST

Club Rental: YES - NZ$40 (about US$22)
Motorized Carts: YES - NZ$25 (about US$13)
Pull Cart (Trolley) Rental: YES
Caddies: NO

Location: Bolt Road, Tahunanui, Stoke, Nelson (by the Nelson Airport).

Bookings: Tel: 011 64 3 548-5028 from the USA
              Fax: 011 64 3 548-5006 from the USA
OR reserve a round through HOME AT FIRST as part of your holiday in New Zealand!

Minimum Handicap Required: NONE--OPEN TO PLAYERS OF ALL LEVELS

Nearest Home at First lodgings:
      Nelson City -- 10-15 minutes driving distance
      More information about HOME AT FIRST's NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL PROGRAM

        The Nelson Golf Club is a prime example of these truths of New Zealand golf. The course is set in the flat flood plain between the Nelson airport and the Tasman Bay, a deceptively calm body of water sheltered from the often churning waters of the Tasman Sea and the Cook Strait. Nelson city is little more than a driver and a 3-iron away from the course. It is a small city (population under 30,000) on the north coast of New Zealand's South Island, and a mere 35-minute flight due west of New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The city is blessed with the sunniest climate in the country, and is tucked between some notable mountains and a fabulous coastline (especially at the Abel Tasman National Park). Despite its small size, the city offers some of the best dining in New Zealand, being the primary urban center of the South Island's wine-producing region which has recently taken on world class status.

        The course bills itself as a links, and, given its sandy subsoil and three seaside holes (numbers 2, 6, and 14), there is fair justification for the billing. However, most of the course is not of the flavor of Scotland or Ireland links courses. Instead, once away from the sea edge you might think the course is primarily parkland, for there are plenty of low hills and mature trees defining most of the course. But on a windy day, a stiff sea breeze will affect every hole on the course, forcing shot makers to keep the ball trajectory low between the windbreaks of tall trees.

        The most talked-about hole is certainly number 6 (The Corner), a short (162 yards from the whites) par 3 edged on the right from tea to green by a shingle beach and the Tasman Bay. This narrow hole requires exact shot placement, a shot made much more difficult with any sea breeze.

        But the course layout doesn't let you apply a singular strategy to any two holes. Par 4 number 5 (the Devil's Thumb) is a tight tree-lined dogleg right capped with an elevated green that backs into unexpected dunes. Par 4 number 7 (Wakatu) is a long, open grassland hole, leading away from the sea into a cluster of undulations and trees.

        The mix of topography and challenge at Nelson Golf Club speaks typically of the constancy of surprise in New Zealand. Visitors here should expect each hole to have a new character, present a new challenge, and to keep interest level high. The course is good, full of surprises, and the price is low and the pace is steady with rarely a wait. These are the truths of New Zealand golf. That's great news for golfers. The great news for all visitors is that these same truths may well be applied to New Zealand, too.

Want to learn about other courses throughout New Zealand including some of the greatest tests of golf in the world? See our NEW ZEALAND COURSE GUIDE for more information: