WAITIKIRI GOLF CLUB
Waitikiri Drive, Burwood, Christchurch, New Zealand
Welcome to Waitikiri Golf Club - one of the premier courses in the South Island of New Zealand. From its immaculate greens to its stunning surroundings, Waitikiri offers the perfect environment for golfers of all levels.
Location
Waitikiri Golf Club is situated on Waitikiri Drive, opposite the lovely Bottle Lake Forest in Christchurch's east. Situated only 5km from the city centre, Waitikiri is close to the city's beaches, with the surrounding rural and forest environment providing an attractive location for the championship golf course.
The Course
The Course Today There are two features of Waitikiri, which will strike visiting golfers
and has made it one of the most attractive natural settings golfers know today. One is the
serene beauty of the parkland setting which is at its best in early spring. Secondly, the
extraordinary variety of trees, both young and old, distinguishes Waitikiri from all other
courses in Canterbury.
Designed and built around 1937-39 it is clear to see that A.R. Blank had a distinct liking
for the dog-leg. He considered dog-legs the golfer's best friend or worst enemy, whichever
way you prefer to look at it. There are no fewer than thirteen dog-leg holes of which
seven are particularly challenging.
Universal acclaim is also held for the four par 3 holes. Both 3 and 9 require similar
shots - a flying drive dead straight into the green. Nos. 12 and 17 require subtle pitches
to clear obstacles in the way.
The par 5s too are unique. The tenth represents an easy five and the barreling long
eleventh also presents many difficulties.
There are over thirty bunkers on the course. Some are shallow; others like craters that
are judiciously placed and not always obvious from the tee.
The greens are kept to a fine quality and they are truly superb.
The present course length for men is 5870 metres par 70 with a standard scratch of 70.1
(white) and 71.4 (blue). From the ladies' tees the course measures 5433 metres with a par
of 74 and standard scratch of 75.
About Waitikiri
Established about 1900 for E. Reece, the estate was soon taken over by Charles Dalgety (of
stock and station fame). The fine old house, built of black pine, was the central focus of
the 80-hectare 'Waitikiri' property. Both Windsor and Waitikiri golf courses are now sited
on this land. The original homestead, although added to since, still serves as the
clubhouse.
Waitikiri is a comparatively new course, not established until 1937. A.R. Blank was the
driving force behind its formation and envisaged tennis and swimming facilities as well.
Although the latter were never completed, five holes were built, and with the attraction
of the nearby Bottle Lake picnic area it became very popular. Eighteen holes were in
operation by 1939, thanks to public work schemes when the depression was on. One dramatic
occasion occurred during the course construction. Workers had become rather lethargic and
the Minister of Works, Bob Semple, was sent to pay a visit. Semple told the men that if
they managed to shift two barrows of sand a day, then that would represent a dramatic
increase in their output. The men were not impressed!
On opening day in 1938 the first fairway carried a healthy crop of carrots, part of the
original farm. Green fees were two shillings and a full-time butler was still employed.
Waitikiri was already well endowed with trees when it first opened but now has something
like 80 different species. Members in the early days used to marvel at the maturity of
these trees.
The Clubhouse
A new clubhouse is planned for construction as part of a complete upgrade of the course
and facilities. The clubhouse will include a main lounge and bar with panoramic views of
the course and 18th green.
First class dining will be available, catering for events such as weddings, 21st birthdays
and other occasions. In the meantime the existing clubhouse is open 7 days a week and
continues to provide good lounge and dining facilities for members and guests.