Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

The Takeaway:  An absolute gem of a golf course in terms of design, flow, and esthetics, Coore & Crenshaw’s South course is in the discussion of New Zealand’s best course. The variety is outstanding, the terrain is engaging, and the views are stunning. Nothing but pure fun and an extraordinary outdoor experience.  Grade A+

Quick Facts

Designer:  Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw 2022

Cost:  Varies Click for current rates

Phone Number:  +64 9 883 4600

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Te Arai Links (South)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 11 Te Ara Whenua Miharo Kotiti, Tomarata  0975 – NEW ZEALAND

Photos:  See additional photos of Te Arai Links (South)

What to Expect:  Located on a dramatic stretch of New Zealand coastline, the immersive Coore & Crenshaw designed South course blends in perfectly with the stunning setting it rests upon. The walking-only course begins inland with a trio of holes that are framed by pines and are compelling designs in their own right, but it is when players get to the 4th tee that they are presented with one of the best par fours in all of golf. This boisterous two-shotter plays severely downhill with an equally dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop that draws your eyes to it along the incredible walk down the fairway. The ocean remains in view from this point forward with its glittering waters and cresting waves providing a wonderful visual and rhythmic experience. The fairways are generous in width with contours that deliver character without being penal. Like all C&C designs, the greens offer plenty of character that are able to welcome double digit handicappers as well as engage scratch players; a difficult balance to pull off. While the North course has a heavy dose of long par fours, the South course counters that with several short par fours that are so fun to play and score well on. However, the most memorable stretch of holes are 15-18 that play contiguously down the coastline and give players the sense of never wanting the round to conclude. The routing offers a nice walk that never feels strenuous but manages to take players on an adventure over compelling terrain that unfolds like a good book. Caddies are available to take on your round and can certainly offer insights to the South's endless number of nuances. If you haven't been to the Southern Hemisphere, Te Arai is a good reason to change that.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Championship	72	6843	73.1	131
Back Combo	72	6628	72.4	131
Back	72	6422	71.2	129
Middle Combo	72	6156	69.8	126
Middle	72	5918	69.0	121
Forward Combo	72	5519	67.6	116
Forward (Ladies)	72	5075	70.3	120

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  17th Hole – 119 Yard Par 3 – Short in yardage but unforgettable in drama, the 17th is a breathtaking seaside one-shotter. The tee sits above the green with the crashing surf delivering a Kodak worthy backdrop. Like the 7th at Pebble Beach that measures slightly shorter and more downhill, it is the wind that becomes the biggest consideration when deciding what club to attack the flag with. Wind swept bunkers frame the sides and demand accuracy when attacking this narrow green, but players that are successful in finding the putting surface are rewarded with a birdie putt without severe contours. Anyone that plays this hole and doesn't take a picture or video misses out on a great opportunity to capture one of golf's most beautiful holes.

Best Par 3:  5th Hole – 169 Yards – The South course's first par three is a jaw dropper with an infinity edge that gives way to the grand Pacific Ocean. The raised putting surface falls off steeply to each side except the left, but from the left players have little hope of saving par with the green surface running away from them on the chip shot. The green is fair sized for a hole of this length, but the recovery options from off the green are extremely demanding. The sharp edges and small bunkers create an intriguing look and stout challenge.

Best Par 4:  4th Hole – 485 Yards – Bar none, one of the best par fours on Mother Earth. Walking from the 3rd green to the 4th tee represents one of the most memorable strolls in golf; almost akin to the walk from the 15th green to the 16th tee at Cypress Point. The tee shot tumbles for seemingly miles down the severely downhill fairway with its bumps and humps providing character and enjoyable movement along the way. Trees can come into play on the tee shot on either side, but the dunescape is the predominant feature outside the fairway. The approach shot goes to a green that doesn't require bunkers to protect it, but rather relies on the overall length of the hole and the crafty contours to defend par. Fours here are a challenge to be sure, and birdies are nearly as rare as a Kiwi sighting. When I played this whole, you couldn't have possibly wiped the smile off my face.

Best Par 5:  18th Hole – 550 Yards – The finishing hole at Te Arai's South course offers a thrilling conclusion to the round and a great opportunity to put one last birdie on your scorecard. The fairway runs parallel to the coast and creates a thrilling setting to finish up on. Players hitting 300 yards from the tips will find the fairway tightens to its narrowest point with the dunescape infringing from both sides of the short grass. Successful tee shots will set up an opportunity to go for the narrow green in two, but balls will need to avoid the waste area creeping in from the left side and short of the green, as well as the natural area bordering the right side of the putting surface if they are going to go under par. Whatever strategy you employ, you can't help but walk off the South course's final green with a smile on your face after experiencing one of New Zealand's best tracks.

Birdie Time:  14th Hole – 317 Yard Par 4 – The final hole before the memorable four-hole coastline finish, the 14th makes players stay in the moment rather than looking forward to what is ahead. Downwind, this hole compels players to take a rip at the green with aspirations of scoring under par, but accuracy will be required to find the putting surface. A small, single bunker in line with the center of the green requires players to go left or right of it when trying to drive the green, so if the flag is behind it, the option to layup and hit a wedge over it on the approach is a worthy strategy. Playing slightly downhill, it is a great scoring opportunity and one that will surely generate some stories from your foursome.

Bogey Beware:  2nd Hole – 444 Yard Par 4 – While the coastline holes offer several scoring opportunities, Coore & Crenshaw use the inland hole to test player's merit; and there are no bigger tests than at the 2nd hole. This dogleg right tempts players to challenge the inside of the bend, but a waste bunker travels the length of it and is quick to gobble up tee shots that get too greedy. The bunkerless green relies on sloping to defend par, and hitting it in regulation can prove to be difficult with the slopes often working balls away from the center of the green. Taking a bogey here is nothing to be ashamed of and you'll have plenty of opportunities to make up for it with birdie holes ahead.

Recommended Accommodations

The Hideout - Located just 15 minutes from Te Arai Links, The Hideout is an amazing escape to the forest in well-appointed cottages that are nothing short of a pure delight to stay in. Oozing with charm throughout, the cottages feature quality finishes, a hammock on the deck, and access to the large pavilion for gatherings. Tucked into the trees, visitors get to feel close to nature and enjoy all the sights and sounds that come with it. Truly one of the most unique and enjoyable accommodations on New Zealand, The Hideout is the perfect place to stay before or after a rounds at Te Arai Links. Don't be surprised if it is one of your most memorable highlights of your vacation. Contact: 022 6499864 or mangawhaihideout@gmail.com