Top 10 golf holes to debate at the 19th

By BOB PEARCE


All golfers have favourite holes, usually the ones where they have enjoyed success or pulled off miracle shots.

But some holes achieve much wider reputations, whether it be for scenic beauty, hidden horrors or outstanding design by God or man.

New Zealand professional stars Michael Campbell and Grant Waite probably share an affection for the 18th at Paraparaumu. Campbell clinched an emotional NZ Open win there, Waite holed his second on the par-five on the way to his Open triumph.

Aucklander Rex Fisher, who had holes-in-one on two of the par-threes in the same round at Chamberlain Park, carried happy memories of those holes to his grave.

After some 19th-hole consultation and input from hackers and pros, the Herald has made this completely arbitrary selection of holes in the top half of the North Island that offer something special.

As there are 142 registered golf clubs and several public courses in the area, there is plenty of scope for argument.

* The seventh hole at Titirangi is a 170m par-three off the championship tees. Through an avenue of trees the teeshot must clear a gully before reaching a well-bunkered green. The green is tiered and the putts can mount up if you get above the hole. Former US Open champion Curtis Strange solved that problem by holing in one.

* Wairakei has had its ups and downs since it was established near Taupo, but one constant has been the par-five 14th. On the immaculately prepared modern layout, it stretches to 548m from the tiger tee and features a tree, which comes into play with the second shot. The kidney-shaped green is elevated and has some subtle breaks.

* The par-four third at the Rotorua Golf Club is a real toughie. It can stretch to 384m but there is a stream where a good drive might finish and the second will be a long iron. The elevated green has water to the left and a bunker to the right.

* Mount Maunganui is kind to the over-60s but challenges the guns. The par-four 16th of 365m is a dogleg with skilled players aiming to move the ball from right to left off the tee. The elevated green drops away sharply to the left.

* Stand on the tee of the 13th at Kerikeri and you wonder whether the 120m on the card is measured straight down. A classic dropshot to a green surrounded by bush and bunkers.

* At Waitangi you can enjoy both the views and the golf. The par-four 14th is a 405m dogleg to the left with views to Russell over the Bay of Islands. In a sea breeze, your mind will be on the golf.

* Dunedin professional Mahal Pearce joined many with mixed feelings about the 376m par-four 18th at Auckland Golf Club's Middlemore course. He drove out of bounds towards King's College but still won the NZ Open on the undulating bunker-surrounded green in front of the beautifully restored clubhouse.

* Taumarunui's Tarrangower course is on a majestic site and there are holes to match. The par-five 16th is 477m and in reach of the big-hitters for two but a constant threat is the out of bounds on the road to the right. The big green has two levels and offers some challenging pin placements.

* Clarks Beach is one of the least-known Auckland area courses. But its newly rebuilt ninth hole is a gem. The 168m par-three has the Manukau Harbour to the left, a pond to the right and sand in front. There is only the smallest of openings for those who don't land on the green.

* Gulf Harbour is world-famous for its scenic holes. But the par-four ninth is the one they talk about in the clubhouse. It can stretch to 406m and there is water all the way up the right-hand side. You'll be taking a long iron to the green where the water is joined by bunkers short and left.

* Next week Bob Pearce visits his favourite golf courses around Northland, Auckland and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty