ROTORUA GOLF CLUB
Fenton Street, Rotorua, New Zealand

History of Rotorua Golf Club

The first recording of golf in Rotorua dates back to 1902 when a recording was made in the record of the New Zealand Parliament that 'Golf links will undoubtedly prove a source of pleasure to the many visitors and enquiries are being made with a view of establishing them'. From this beginning golf was played on a casual basis at various venues in and around the then small town. It was not until 1906 that the Rotorua Golf Club came to life and has continued strongly to this day. The early years saw the club have three different homes in quick succession until finally arriving at Arikikapakapa Reserve in 1912. The Reserve had been gifted to the Crown, along with other Reserves in the growing town, by the representative of Ngati Whakaue. Arikikapakapa was especially set aside 'for recreation and the medicinal use of hot springs'.

The Arikikapakapa course

By any yardstick, the course is unique and there is a strong sense of pride amongst members, and a resolve to protect what they have and enhance the playing features as time and money allow. The 18 hole course has a variety of features that are worthy of mention. The pumice ground allows for rapid drainage after rain, so golfers are very rarely deprived of play and greens recover in a few minutes after rainstorms. There are a number of bubbling mud pools and steam vents that are to be avoided, especially to the left of the 9th green and a strange sulphur mound to the right of that green. A monster of a thermal crater guards the left of the spectacular 14th hole- descent into which is not advised! Motorized golf carts are available.

Kelly Robertson - Coolabar Senior Golf Professional

Arikikapakapa: Holes 18 - Par 70 - Length 6328 metres SSS 68