Lives
Rangiora
Handicap
15-19
Skill
Intermediate
Plays
Once a week

Review Statistics

Average Rating

4.0
4.0
Total 1 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

1 Reviews
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Recommended Courses
1
Not Recommended Courses
0
Helpful Votes Count
0
Not Helpful Votes Count
0
First Review
07/28/2016
Last Review
07/28/2016

Reviews Map

Reviews

4.0
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Review has

Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club

Played On 07/16/2016
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Excellent weather
Walked

A gem of a country course

A golfing gem rated as a success:
Having played at the Waimakariri Gorge Golf Club since 1993 I have now more than ever relished the significance of country golf.
Upon arriving at the golf course, it is different, inclusive, where everyone talks to everyone. Around 50 players teed it up. After a few jokes and very little warm up everyone was out to their starting tees.
Waimakariri Golf Club is typical of many small, country-style golf courses in that it has one green keeper and lots of volunteer help. The course has a nice design with a good mix of holes with a challenging par four to start with and later a testy par five up the hill. The ambiance of the 18-holed course with the views, park like surrounds, only two bunkers with the varied terrain makes for a nice walk. However, what I really enjoyed was the clubhouse spirit after golf. It reminded me of what golf was like in many clubhouses around the country 20 years ago. The community spirit, banter, active bar with volunteers and chatter from table to table was great to see. With the kitchen, providing country style food of fresh sandwiches and savouries after golf was simply superb. Like every club around the country, there is concern about drink-driving limits yet three hours after golf at least half the field was still there. The reason why, is because they enjoy each other’s company. Now, what I am writing about may be what many of the smaller clubs experience week-to-week but many of the city clubs seem to have lost this atmosphere. People don't linger in the bar and socialise as much as they used to. Some may blame the alcohol and driving limits, time constraints, and family commitments but really, I think most clubs have lost a lot of social atmosphere. In my opinion, why some of the smaller clubs seem to succeed in the social arena versus the big clubs is that they mix the draw. Everyone plays with everyone from week to week no matter what your age or handicap. You don't know who you are playing with until you turn up and you get to know everyone. A successful golf club is one where all members are included. Any club is only as successful as the weakest members are. The key question is how do you change this? Actually, the answer is simple - include all members. Mix the draw up, show all members they are equal and have some fun. If you don't know what I am talking about take a road trip with some of your golfing mates and head to the Waimak. Make sure you play with the locals and enjoy their company afterwards and you will have a memorable time.

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Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
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