Review

When you arrive at the Hagley Golf Club, the first thing you will notice is the wonderful setting. Hagley Park is truly massive and this golf course easily manages to sit comfortably in just a small section of it. There are long, flowing fairways, lined by huge trees that look especially spectacular during autumn, although you won’t be enjoying it much if you have to look for your ball amongst the leaves. The course is generally in great condition and you won’t find many hazards other than a smattering of bunkers and a pond that will only come into play with a horrendous slice off the first tee. It’s quite a popular course but never overly crowded so you won’t have to wait more than five or ten minutes to tee off.

The first hole gives you a chance to start your round off with a bright start. It’s a generously distanced par four, with around 300 metres to the pin. You’ll want good numbers off this and the second hole because the third is where things first get nasty. It’s one of the more memorable holes, running alongside the road and a large row of trees. Hook it left and you’ll end up on the wrong fairway but slice it right and you (and unlucky joggers) might be in even more trouble. Just because they can, there’s also another huge tree planted right in the middle of the fairway. So there you have it, just hit it long, high and straight and you’ll be fine.

Get through the next three holes and you get your first chance at a par five. Making a good score on this hole relies on a good drive that will set you up for a chance at reaching the green in two. Don’t get greedy though, because there’s a group of bunkers protecting the green, just waiting for novices to under hit that second shot. After a couple of relatively easy holes, you’ll finish out the front nine with a deceptively long par three that looks 150 metres but is actually 176 metres long.

The back nine starts of with a tee shot alongside the clubhouse. It’s a wide open par five that will test some nerves as park patrons stroll leisurely along, often unawares of golf balls hurtling around them. If you don’t trust your drive, it’s best to wait for a break in the traffic. The next 3 holes are separated from the rest of the course by the main Hagley Park pathway. They finish up with a fun par three that you direct straight at the clubhouse but hopefully leave short and on the green rather than the clubhouse roof.

From here you head back to the first tee to play then first six holes again, albeit from different tee locations. It’s always a little bit of a letdown that you don’t get 18 original holes but there’s not much chance the council is going to dig up Hagley Park just because some Sunday golfer wants six more holes . It does however give you a chance to get revenge on any of the first few holes that caused you grief the first time round.

Overall

Hagley Golf Club is a great course for a casual round of golf and will appeal to those on holiday just as much as those who take their golf more seriously. There’s a lovely, relaxed atmosphere that goes well with the surroundings and you’ll sometimes feel that you’re going on a gentle stroll through the park rather than playing a round of golf. Comprehensive club hire and very reasonable green fees are another plus that will add to an enjoyable, and truly Christchurch golfing experience.

Location

Hagley Park, Christchurch, New Zealand.

 

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