Wairakei GC unfortunately suffered herbicide damage from earlier in 2019. The problem is that going into the winter season, grass was unable to fill in so the shape of the course continues to be a problem heading into the golfing season.
Beginning November 3 renovations will take place and an alternative course has been marked with temporary greens. The course anticipates players to be back on the main greens early March 2020.
Improvements Coming
This project will mean that Wairakei greens will be resurfaced, reshaped and re-planted with a bentgrass (Pure Distinction). This strain of grass "produces a smooth and true putting surface that has exceptionally strong resistanceto diseases, heat, cold and wear." Pure Distinction has been installed at at Cypress Point and Bel-Air CC (Los Angeles) with great results and the greens at Wairakei should provide a ncie surface no matter the month.
Schedule for Wairakei for the 2019/2020 Season:
· Closed for earthworks – 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th November and 2nd, 3rd December.
· Provisional course will be in play from Wednesday 6th November until mid/late March 2020.
· Provisional course will have 18 temporary greens and 2 temporary tees.
· Provisional course will be similar length to existing course.
· The temporary greens will be fairway grass mown to green height.
· Provisional course will not be NZ golf rated, therefore rounds will not qualify for handicapping.
· Green fee rates effective October 2019 until 29th February 2020 as follows:
We look forward to changes and the improvements at Wairakei. For those who have not had the opportunity to play this course, it is home to some of New Zealand's rare species of flora and fauna.
Additional pin placements and reworked green complexes will bring a great experience to golfers in the future! However, it likely means that for clients traveling to New Zealand for a top-notch golfing experience, Wairakei may not be in the cards for all intents and purposes.
