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Hole #1: Matuku Moana (White Faced Heron)
Hole #1 sets the pace with a comfortable starting hole, this short par 4 is
guarded by a massive fairway bunker on the left side with ample fairway to the
right. The elevated green sets up very well from the fairway and is protected
in the front left with a small greenside bunker.
Hole #2: Ruru (Morepork)
Don’t be fooled by the length on the card of this challanging par 4. This hole
plays uphill all the way and a level lie will be hard to find. Grass hollows,
sand bunkers and a creek crossing await those that stray. The green approach is
well guarded and deceiving, the advice on this hole is play one club more than
you think.
Hole #3: Tuturiwhatu (Dotterel)
A scenic short downhill par 3 that plays across water from the back tee. This
green is large and receptive if the ball lands on the front portion of the
green but DO NOT BE LONG! A portion of the green slopes back and a deep pot
bunker and steep slope await shots that are too aggressive.
Hole #4: Matata (Fernbird)
The first of many holes entering the natural wetland area. From the tee, the
ideal shot should be placed as close to the fairway bunker on the right as
possible to ensure a good angle for the approach shot. The setting of this
green is second to none, framed by Duck Creek with native trees in the
background. Two large greenside bunkers help to contain stray balls from
entering the creek on the left.
Hole #5: Koekoea (Longtailed Cuckoo)
After coming through the wetlands on the boardwalk, the players are treated to
an uphill hole playing back towards the development. Fairway bunkers guard both
sides of this demanding par 4, narrowing up the landing area. A careful
approach shot is required as out of bounds lurks close to the left of the
green. A bump and run shot up the right side is the safe option.
Hole #6: Torea (Oyster Catcher)
This long par 3 is well protected by bunkers and sets up for a right to left
shot, ample room is available to roll the ball onto the right side of the
green.
Hole #7: Koreke (NZ Quail)
The first of back to back holes with water down the right side. This long par 4
allows you to hit everything, the further you hit the ball the less trouble
lurking. The approach shot is demanding as it requires you to fly the ball over
a shelf and onto the shallow green. Watch for the big beach bunker to the right
of the green.
Hole #8: Kotare (Kingfisher)
This par 5 requires placement shots, a generous area rewards a well struck
drive however, and the second shot requires decisions. A series of bunkers
guard the left approach to the green and there is water down the entire right
side. Keep the bunkers out of play and play a lay-up second shot leaving a 100
meter shot to a large green.
Hole #9: Kahu (Harrier Hawk)
A short but interesting par 4 playing back into the spectacular backdrop of the
clubhouse. Club selection will be important on this green as the approach is
guarded on both sides by sand and a creek runs behind the green.
Hole #10: Kawau (Black Shag)
One of the many signature holes, this par 3 over water will provide excitement
for those viewing from the clubhouse deck. Ranging from a peninsula tee playing
153m over water to a forgiving 94m alongside the water, this hole will provide
drama for all, pay attention to what the wind is doing!
Hole #11: Kakariki (Parakeet)
A demanding par 4 playing straightaway to a peninsula type green, the only hole
on the course with no sand but the narrow fairway and water make up for that.
Hole #12: Moho-pereru (Banded Rail)
The tee shot on this par 4 must negotiate a large fairway bunker on the left
and the creek on the right. The green is situated adjacent to the creek with a
backdrop of lush native trees.
Hole #13: Tauhou (Silver-eye)
A great par 4 playing out of a chute with a target bunker on the left side of
the fairway. Play the tee shot towards the bunker in order to get around the
slight dogleg and get a clear shot to the green. The second shot must be played
over the creek to a green surrounded by grass depressions.
Hole #14: Kereru (Wood Pigeon)
A long par 4 that plays over the creek with fairway bunkers and strategically
located native trees testing the tee shots. The green is located in a clearing
surrounded by dense native vegetation, a very peaceful setting.
Hole #15: Korimako (Bellbird)
The longest hole on the course starts from the most secluded part of the
property. This three shot par 5 plays over the creek on the third shot to a
well guarded but small green.
Hole #16: Parera (Grey Duck)
A scenic par 3 that plays into a backdrop with the creek and its lush
vegetation. Club selection will be important on this well protected hole. The
green is two tiered with a large bunker guarding the front right of the green
and a pot bunker and grass hollows on the left that lead down to the creek.
Hole #17: Riroriro (Grey Warbler)
One of the most interesting par 5’s anywhere, this is a great risk/reward hole
with water and sand coming into play all the way through. Those gambling on
going for the green on their second shot need to consider the creek crossing in
front of the green. Again, just watch out for the three big beach bunkers on
the right.
Hole #18: Putangitangi (Paradise Duck)
The finishing hole gives the player one last chance to “drive for show” as the
fairway is very generous and wide. Things tighten up a little on the approach
with the green hugging the lake on the right and a bunker on the front left.
The clubhouse behind the green will make one thirsty and will provide the
perfect setting to add things up and reflect on the experience.
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