Golf links one of Bay's hidden gems

Golden Bay is full of hidden gems, but finding a wellmanicured golf course at the end of a long and winding gravel road has to rate as one of its more unexpected treasures.

Nestling between the estuary and the beach, Ōnekakā Golf Links enjoys a stunning location with panoramic views across the Bay.

On a sunny afternoon in late April, the owner and president of the club, Chris Castle, is waiting outside his home, aka the “clubhouse”, ready to give The GB Weekly a tour of the course.

As he expertly pilots the electric golf cart from tees to greens, Chris recounts the history of the links, which is as fascinating as the course itself. He explains that, shortly after purchasing the property around 20 years ago, he created a single-green chip-and-putt area just a short ball-toss from the house. The subsequent journey from that initial green to the 18-hole course took another five years, but in 2009, the club was officially formed. The appointment of greenkeeper Richard Barham (a qualified superintendent ex Gleneagles and St Andrews) the following year signalled the start of a long programme of course enhancements that continues today. “We’re always looking to make improvements,” says Chris.

Over the years, the club has flown a little under the radar, but Chris is now ready for it to adopt a higher profile. “People think it’s a private course, but it is open to public – they just need to book in advance. We’d really like to have more people come and play the course.”

In return for their green fee, golfers get exclusive use of the links (only one group is on the course at any time), a personal guide, the use of an electric golf cart and two electric trundlers, plus complimentary after-round drinks and snacks.

On the whistle-stop ride along fairways and around the greens, it’s clear that this compact course utilises every square inch of its sandspit and clifftop environment. Subtle contouring of greens, revetted bunkers, and blind tee shots, means distance control is critical. Add in the tricky winds and you have 18 memorable holes with no easy shots. It's no wonder that only a handful of golfers have ever played to their handicap on this challenging par 64 links, where eagles and albatrosses are rarer than their natural namesakes.

But the rewards of tackling the unique course are revealed in the glowing online testimonials from those who have played the course, including several professionals from New Zealand and overseas. And if the links isn't tough enough for top golfers, the new Mountain Course offers next-level difficulty. The 18 unforgiving holes share the same footprint as the Links Course but allow even less room for error.

At the end of the tour, Chris parks the cart at the edge of the putting surface that started it all. He explains that Estuary Green, as it is known, has been enlarged and enhanced over the years and now serves as the 18th hole – thus marking both the beginning and end of what is a pocket gem of a course; proof that good things really do come in small packages.

The green fee is $240 for 18 holes, for a group of up to four. Bookings must be made two weeks in advance, by emailing chris@widespread.co.nz or texting 021 558 185.

WIN A HALF-PRICE GREEN FEE!

You and up to three guests could play 18-holes for $120 instead of the regular price of $240.

Just answer the question below:

According to the Onekaka Links Golf Club website what is the women’s course record for the Links Course? Answers