Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course has hosted 12 New Zealand Opens and has long been regarded by many as the spiritual home of New Zealand Golf. Located just one hour north of Wellington, once you’ve played it, you’ll understand just why golf played at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course is such a great links experience.

‍

Some of the biggest names in the sport have graced these fairways, from Gary Player and five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thompson, through to Corey Pavin, Michael Campbell and in 2002 the world’s ‘Number 1’ golfer, Tiger Woods.  Five-time Open Championship winner Peter Thompson was quoted as saying "I loved it instantly. We had nothing like it in Australia!”.

Paraparaumu Beach is not long compared to some modern championship tracks, but its challenge lies elsewhere. Firm, fescue-lined fairways, steep bunkers, strong wind, and small, well-protected greens demand accuracy off the tee and finesse with approach shots and around the greens.  Some holes are blind; many reward strategic risk-taking. Signature holes include the par-3 5th (known for its exposed plateau and tricky run-offs), the dramatic par-4 13th (“Russell’s Ravine”) with its slope-filled terrain and demanding approach, and the split-fairway 17th which forces decisions off the tee and approach.

Wind is a constant factor — it changes the character of many holes from day to day. In calm conditions you can swing freely, but when the breeze picks up, what was once a reachable par 4 becomes a stern test.

Designed in 1949 by Alex Russell, whose design credits include the world-famous Royal Melbourne golf course, Paraparaumu Beach is a regular inside the World Top 100 Golf Course lists.  It is considered by golf purists from all around the world as one of the best links courses in the Southern Hemisphere.

‍