We are pleased to see New Zealand again punch well above its weight in the latest Golf Digest Top 100 (outside the USA). While close rival (and much larger) Australia lists ten courses, New Zealand has attracted the attention of the GD staff in 2022 and ranks five of its own great golf experiences!
Our question: Where is Te Arai Links?
We suspect at the time of printing that the new Coore-Crenshaw build has not been seen by many people since it was came on the scene. Te Arai is a public course which sits adjacent to Tara Iti. Expect great things in the near future!
Rankings for 2022 Include:
2) Tara Iti: Behind only Royal County Down GC in the world's top rankings, Tara Iti deservedly belong at the top of any world rankings list. Designed by Tom Doak, since it was introduced in the world in 2015 this course has attracted players from around the world. The issue? It's getting harder to play unless you are a member. In 2022, after years of not allowing people into the country, members from outside New Zealand will rightfully want to play the club, and will thus occupy tee times for months beginning in December.
- Please reach out to a member of our team if interested to visit Tara Iti. We are happy to provide the latest and walk you through what is realistic and possible for the 22/23 golfing season (Oct - April).
21) Cape Kidnappers: No surprise here that Kidnappers is listed near the top in the world. As the first Doak design in the country, pictures of this cliffside golf course tell all the story one needs. Staying on site is a 5-star experience in itself, however a trip or accommodations in nearby Hawke's Bay are also a great piece of any New Zealand trip.
26) Kauri Cliffs: Having moved up almost 20 places since the last time Golf Digest took at lok at its world rankings, Kauri Cliffs is the sister Robertson property to Kidnappers and a gem at the very top of the North Island.
62) Jack's Point: Located outside of Queenstown Jack's Point is a must-play for anyone visiting the South Island. While it's location on the lake is amazing, we find the nearby chain of mountains, The Remarkables, probably the most visually stunning piece of this course. Carts are needed, as it is long and has tons of elevation change!
66) Kinloch GC: Probably the most technically challenging golf course in New Zealand, this Nicklaus design is located in the heart of the North Island on Lake Taupo. Paired with the incredible Wairakei Sanctuary, this piece of New Zealand is known for the beauty of the lake and its geothermic activity.
In the future, we predict that New Zealand will have more additions to the Top 100 list. Te Arai alone with have two courses for the Golf Digest team to consider in 2024. However, we would hope that classic designs like Paraparaumu and Titirangi would get a look as well. These courses hold great history for golf in New Zealand and go back to the Golden Age of design.
Source: Golf Digest