Golf Blenheim is part of the TPOL Down Under Trip Report.
The last time I was in New Zealand, I played golf in one of Auckland’s top courses, the Gulf Harbour Country Club. It was a breathtaking course overlooking the ocean.
This time I learned about a golf course in Blenheim where golf only cost $20 a round. The course is nice enough given the price but it’s obviously not, nor is it intended to be, a ‘must play’ international course. It served the purpose of satisfying my golf urge.
Rentals
Rentals are $20 which is probably how much the clubs are worth. The president of the club said that they were 30 to 40 years old. I had some fantastic shots with the 3 Iron, Screwdriver, and the Big Bertha, the club of choice decades ago.
Course Set Up
They drive on the left in New Zealand. I never got used to that and had some close calls when crossing the street. This backwards set up was also on the golf course. In order to get from hole five to six, I had to cross through hole 7. There’s a sign warning golfers to look to see if someone was teeing off. That was on multiple holes.
The course is also a nine hole with separate tee boxes for the front nine and back nine.
9th Hole
After a few holes, I was over golfing. I didn’t come all the way to Marlborough to golf on a course I could find at home. Nevertheless, I wanted to finish nine holes. The ninth was a 180 yard par 3 with trees on both sides creating a narrow corridor. For the photo, I broke out Big Bertha and without using a tee, drilled the ball over the fairway. It landed only a few feet from the hole. Factoring in the distance, degree of difficulty, and antiquity of the club, this was the best shot of my life. It made the golf experience worthwhile.
Hospitality
The course director gave us a ride back to the hotel and gave me a copy of the latest rules of golf.
Overall
If you’re looking for the Pebble Beach beautiful golf experience with views of the Sounds, this is not the course for you. If you’re moving to Blenheim and want to join an affordable course, for 400NZD annually, this can be your home.
