The
Otago Golf Club was established in 1871 and is hailed by some as New
Zealand’s oldest, as well as being one of the oldest in the
Southern Hemisphere.
This is partially correct, as the heavy Scottish heritage in this area did establish a club in 1871 only to see membership falter and resurrect one year (1892) after Christchurch had re-established its own club in 1891.
In either case Balmacewen (BALM-a-Que-En... as it is referred to by the locals) is a historic course. Golfing legends like Gene Sarazan, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player have graced its fairways. Markers on the course provide locations where approaches were made and tournaments won and lost. The course has hosted the New Zealand Open seven times- the first in 1908 and the last being in 1971, which was won by the great Peter Thompson.
Bordered on one side by native bush and on the other by Dunedin’s raised suburbs, the club has views of the city, the Otago Peninsula and the hills of Mt Cargill and Flagstaff. It's a unique blend of links and parkland golf in a beautiful setting. With a fantastic staff and welcoming membership golf's shared passion is palatable here!
