NZ Golf Rankings team
Andrew Whiley has enjoyed a distinguished career in the golf industry spanning more than four decades. A member of the New Zealand Professional Golfers' Association (NZPGA) since 1984, he served on the NZPGA Board from 2008 to 2024 and is a past President of the Association. He was also the Head Professional at Chisholm Links in Dunedin from 2003 to 2015.
Beyond golf, Andrew has made a significant contribution to local government, serving as a Dunedin City Councillor from 2013 to 2025. During this time, he chaired the Economic Development Committee from 2022 to 2025.
Andrew began his professional golf career as Assistant Professional at Miramar Golf Club before taking on the role of Golf Professional at Te Awamutu Golf Club. He later moved to Northern California, where he pursued his ambitions as a touring professional and worked as a caddie at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.
His international experience also includes three years in Canada, where he worked as an Assistant Professional in Calgary and at the iconic Banff Springs Golf Course. Returning to New Zealand, Andrew spent three years as Golf Professional at Whanganui Golf Club before relocating to Canada again for a further seven years, holding a variety of roles within the golf industry.
This extensive experience, both in New Zealand and overseas, has provided Andrew with a deep understanding of golf course design, operations, and the wider golf tourism landscape.
A keen golf tourism enthusiast, Andrew has always appreciated what makes New Zealand such a special golfing destination. From spectacular resort courses to exceptional local member clubs, the country offers remarkable variety and quality. Andrew has personally played 37 of the 40 courses included in the rankings, giving him firsthand insight into New Zealand's finest golf experiences.
In 2012, Andrew took over the coordination of the New Zealand Golf Rankings after observing that many existing rankings were being compiled by assessors with little firsthand knowledge of New Zealand's golf courses, especially the outstanding courses found throughout the regions. His goal was to create a ranking system based on genuine local expertise and experience.
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Paraparaumu earned our unique pick for offering a true links experience, combining championship pedigree with raw coastal beauty you won’t find anywhere else.
Tara Iti is our unique pick for its world-class design, surreal coastal setting, and the kind of golfing experience that feels almost otherworldly.
Explore the best golf courses in New Zealand
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New Zealand Golf Rankings also wants to acknowledge the great work that golf clubs across the country do to present their golf courses in outstanding condition.
For many, it is a ‘labour of love’ and even though a course may not be in the ‘Top 10’, you will know why it is worth playing and what makes it so enjoyable.
Please use these rankings to get out and play as many of New Zealand’s great golf courses as you can. It will be worth your while!
