Lakes - Pauanui

Such is the quality of the resort, it is one of only nine (along with the likes of Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers) to be included in the prestigious International Marketing and Promotional group called The Best of Golf New Zealand. The putting surfaces are amongst the best in the country, made from L93 Bent, a very strong, consistent grass developed in Georgia, USA.

The Puddicombe design team created the course (better known perhaps in their native Canada for work at Red Tail Landing in Edmonton) and they made a fine job of routing the course through the type of lush vegetation found only in natural wetland areas.

Golf at the Lakes is all that its name suggests. Ponds, creeks and waterfalls come into play at a good number of the holes – several on the outward half and all of the back nine, to be precise! Water is not the only hazard out on the course though, as a number of holes feature what are described as “beach bunkers” – mini versions of nearby Pauanui Beach!

A feature hole on the front nine is the 385-yard, par four 4th, called “Matata,” which doglegs slightly to the right. The tee shot must flirt with a large bunker at the bend in the fairway to secure the best angle of approach for the second shot. Two greenside sand traps then gather any pulled shots to the green. A wonderful boardwalk connects the green to the next tee, adding a unique ambiance to the course.

One of the best holes on the back nine is the 165-yard, par three, 10th (“Kawau”) which is played from an island tee in front of the clubhouse across water to a green on the far side of the lake with a bunker in front and behind the putting surface. It’s only the start of what many consider to be the best back nine in the country. The 12th to 17th holes, in particular, are really special as they dogleg around streams, native bush and white sand bunkers.

Grant Puddicombe, course architect, commented as follows:

“The design and construction of the golf course required a great degree of sensitivity towards the natural wetlands. The land itself is just above sea level and the main stream that flows through the golf course flows towards the sea during low tide and back towards the course during high tides. Water has become a main focus of the design as numerous lakes retain the mountain runoff prior to discharging into the stream. Construction of the golf course was very difficult due to limited grade in the wetland areas and required significant fill to give the play areas relief yet seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings.

The nature of the design is strategic with a variety of hazards placed at different angles from the multiple tees; this offers an interesting and enjoyable experience for all calibres of player. Each and every hole is unique and has its own memorable character and the players will be called upon to use every club in the bag. We believe the course will improve with age and will indeed stand the test of time.”