The north's top golf clubs: Whangamata Golf Club

By BOB PEARCE

Play golf in Whangamata and you have a better-than-average chance of having a hole in one.

The Whangamata Golf Club runs two courses. There have been 20 perfect tee shots in the past three years at the 18-hole Titoki course. The nine-hole Williamson layout with its six par-threes offers even better odds.

They are both extremely busy during the summer when the population explodes with holidaymakers. The club has more than 900 members, many of whom own holiday homes in the Coromandel resort.

The Titoki course, which stretches to 5562m from the championship tees, provides a good test for experienced golfers. It is comparatively flat, with an outlook of native bush and forests.

Chances are you'll catch a glimpse of the colourful rainbow lorikeets and kingfishers, which have taken up residence.

One of the features is the Wentworth Stream, which comes into consideration on 13 holes. Members refer to their ball retrievers as their 15th club. But well-hit shots will not find trouble and, though this is not a links course, the fairways are generally quick-draining.

The 293m par-four 16th gives a taste of Titoki's character. From an elevated tee with views over the rest of the course, the tee shot should cross the stream to the fairway. The second should cross the stream again to the unbunkered green.

Most of the holes are in a valley and they are often sheltered from the wind, which can be such a factor on coastal courses.

The club employs five greens staff and the quality of its courses has drawn plaudits from the many refugees from the city, who appreciate the chance to play in such idyllic surroundings.

The club regularly hosts top golfers for its tournaments from the championship tees and the par 70 proves a challenge.

Secretary-manager Warren Fletcher describes the nine-hole Williamson course as ideal for casual and learner golfers.

It is also very popular with veterans, with the oldest regular player 93 and several over 80s.

Coromandel has its share of fine courses.

The Bob Charles-designed Matarangi course near Whitianga is one of the newest; Paeroa is about to celebrate its centenary and Waihi is nominated by many as the best in the area.

But Whangamata deserves to be recognised at this time of the year for the quality of its golf courses rather than the mindless revellers who grab the headlines.

* TOMORROW Ohope