Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club

Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club is a private member’s golf club that is definitely worth playing if the opportunity is offered.  Located approximately 20-minutes from downtown Auckland or just ten minutes from the airport, this a place where heritage, architecture, and modern standards combine to offer a truly premium golfing experience.

The 27-hole layout was developed after the merger in 2015of the Royal Auckland and Grange clubs. The redesign, led by Nicklaus Design /Chris Cochran, turned two good courses into a remarkably versatile facility. There are three nines—Grange, Tamaki, and Middlemore—each with its own character. The Grange nine is undulating, with notable elevation changes and large trees. The Tamaki nine offers scenic water features and dramatic shots across the Tāmaki Estuary. Middlemore delivers traditional parkland with stately trees and more sheltered holes.  

Although close to the city, the course is open in parts and often influenced by coastal winds from the Tamaki Estuary. The Tamaki and Grange nines can play longer or shorter depending on the wind direction.

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From a playing-perspective, what you get is variety and challenge. Different tee combinations allow for varying lengths and difficulties: you can play a long championship eighteen or more modest rounds. The fairways are sand-capped, so you have particularly good drainage, consistent playing conditions, and excellent turf to play off.  Approach shots must land softly or short, and release.  The bunkers are generally deep, well sculpted, and strategically placed, so try and avoid short-siding yourself as otherwise, you will be faced with a difficult recovery shot.  The multi-tiered greens are generally firm, fast and challenging due to the SubAir system.

As in keeping of the “Royal” status everything about Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club is superb.  The driving range, putting complex, and short-game area are world-class.  With the fast and true greens, warming up is vital. The new modern clubhouse is a wonderful spot to unwind after your game, especially if you have a chance to relax on the clubhouse terrace over looking the course.

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