The north's top golf clubs: Turangi Golf Club

By BOB PEARCE

Word of mouth suggests Turangi has the friendliest clubhouse in the North Island, and it's not difficult to see why.

The town and the club owe their existence to the Tongariro power development, which was built over 20 years from the early 1960s.

The family atmosphere that prevailed among the workforce has continued now the area has become a tourist centre serving Lake Taupo to the north and Mt Ruapehu to the south.

Barry Campbell came to Turangi as an engineer in 1964. The township was built between 1964 and 1966, and he was there when the club was formed in 1967 without a course. Two years later, members formed nine temporary greens and in 1971 the full 18 holes were opened.

At the peak of the hydro works, Turangi had 6000 people. Now it has 4000 and the club has a membership of 200.

Campbell had a brief spell away working at Huntly but he chose to retire in Turangi and is a regular on the course.

For thousands of motorists the Turangi Golf Club is one of the first signs of civilisation after the rugged drive north from Waiouru, but many don't realise the quality of the course they are passing.

Geoffrey Harris has been greenkeeper for close on 25 years. He manages to keep up the standard while still playing off a four handicap.

His wife, Ollie, works part-time in the clubhouse and exemplifies the family nature of the club. Born and bred in Turangi, she hated golf until she met and married her husband.

Now she plays off 14, sons Geoff (handicap 5), Adrian (10) and Tuma (28) are keen players and 8-year-old daughter Hope is learning to play.

"I think we're the friendliest clubhouse, because that's us, that's the way we are round here," she says. "You'll always find someone happy to play with you.

"The course is fairly flat, with only a couple of small hills, and there are plenty of trees but only about half a dozen bunkers. You could say it was friendly and forgiving, too."

Taupo is well served with courses. Top of the line is the recently upgraded championship course at Wairakei. There is also a short nine-hole layout opposite the hotel.

The Taupo Golf Club has two 18-hole courses. It has hosted national championships and in April will stage the New Zealand men's amateur championships.