More on New Zealand Golf                                                                Spring, 2000

Golf in New Zealand is really inexpensive and can be even more so for the frugal golfer.  Greens fees are typically about 10 $US, except at the few "premier" golf courses.  The courses aren't as well groomed as in the US, but the greens are usually well tended.

And there are additional discounts to be had.  First, there are those associated with The Golf Guide, a paperback book that provides reduced greens fees at  almost every golf course in the country.  It also doubles as the only guide to NZ golf that you'll need.  The Guide costs about $10, which you get back after using it twice.  It's available at many golf clubs, but you need to ask for it, as it's usually not on display.  It's also available at book stores.  (2001 Note: the price of the Golf Guide is up and the amount of discount is down.  Nowadays you'll need to play several rounds to pay off the Guide's cost.)

Then, if you're going to be in New Zealand for any length of time, you can get additional discounts by becoming a member of a golf club.  A club membership entitles you to Kiwi rates (usually half or less of visitor rates), and with the Golf Guide in addition, it costs about a quarter of the "normal" rate.  These are incredible deals.

Most NZ Clubs offer "Summer Memberships".  These cover the part of the year that's the best time to visit NZ, their summer, our winter.  Most Kiwis travel during the summer, since school is out and it's also Christmas time.  So clubs plan all their Club Championship events for November; by December the golf season is over.  We joined a club for the tail end of the Summer season and only paid a portion of the full Summer rate.  These memberships also provide opportunities to meet people, to belong, and to play unlimited golf at your home course.

Should joining a "local" club not be a good option for you, there are also "international memberships" available for a fee from the Palmerston North Golf Club.  They can be found on the web at http://www.golfguide.co.nz/clubs/PNGC.HTM.  Join their club, buy a Golf Guide (which they'll sell you) and play at 75% off the usual tourist rate!

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