nz golf rankings
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Here are the most frequently asked questions we recieve about NZ Golf Rankings.
Many other rankings of New Zealand golf courses are compiled either by international panels that have played only a limited number of the country’s courses, or by enthusiastic local golfers who may not possess extensive course-rating experience. A credible ranking system benefits from a balanced panel of assessors with diverse golfing backgrounds, varying levels of experience, and broad geographic representation. This diversity provides a more informed and objective perspective, while also allowing the NZ Rankings team to stay current with course conditions, recent improvements, and how new developments are maturing over time.
The rankings were compiled from submissions by 25 panelists representing more than 850 years of combined golfing experience. The panel included PGA professionals, accomplished amateur golfers, golf industry professionals, course superintendents, and experienced club golfers from throughout New Zealand.
It is important to note that rankers are not allowed to rank golf courses that they are member of or work at now or in the past. This is important as it takes away personal bias.
NZ Golf Rankings has been working using this approach since 2012, so it has great consistency. The seven elements allow rankers to review the golf course with a 360-degree approach. This approach ensures that when you visit the golf course you will have a good indication of what your golfing experience may be like.
Every two years is the ideal time from talking to international ranking experts. This allows the rankers to get out and play over many of the courses and check their rankings from their previous submissions. We also have seen some good jumps in rankings from golf courses having improved their design and conditioning along with new golf courses getting noticed quickly. So, two years works, ensures consistency and is generally fair.
No, I do not rank courses, I only coordinate and collate the NZ Golf Rankings. This ensures that I avoid personal bias as to which golf courses should be where in the listings. In the last 12-months, I have played or toured 16 of the golf courses in the rankings, so I do stay across what is happening with New Zealand Golf Courses. Over the years I have played 37 of the Top 40 golf courses. My personal favourites – I’m a big fan of Te Arai South, Kauri Cliffs and of course Chisholm Links where I used to be the Head Golf Professional. I will also disclose I am a member of Otago Golf Club and it is also a great place to play. Andrew Whiley, NZ Golf Ranking Coordinator.
New Zealand is one of the world's great golf destinations, offering an extraordinary variety of courses packed into a relatively small country. From dramatic cliff-top layouts and championship parkland courses to remote alpine settings and true links golf, visitors can experience an incredible diversity of golf within a single trip.
Before planning your itinerary, spend time reviewing New Zealand's top-ranked courses. Rankings provide a useful starting point, but remember that New Zealand's golf strength lies not only in its elite courses but also in the outstanding quality of courses ranked 20–40.
Many international visitors focus solely on the headline courses and miss some of the country's hidden gems.
Feel free to get in touch any time you would like local advice about playing golf 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!
