Kia ora – Welcome to the Bay of Plenty
2026 Barfoot & Thompson Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic
Monday 19 – Friday 23 January 2026
On behalf of Mount, Omanu, Omokoroa, Tauranga, and Te Puke Golf Clubs, welcome to the 2026 Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic presented by Barfoot & Thompson.
This year marks the tournament’s 31st hosting of New Zealand’s longest-running multi-course challenge.
The Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic attracts over 350 golfers to the region, including many local players and loyal returnees. The lifelong friendships that evolve from the event are clearly evident. It is also a hugely popular format, attracting new golfers to the region to enjoy a true ‘feast of golf’ – playing five rounds over five days!
Barfoot & Thompson has confirmed its continued sponsorship of the prestigious Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic, a premier golf event that showcases the very best of golfing in the region. As a longstanding pillar of New Zealand’s real estate market, Barfoot & Thompson is deepening its roots in the Bay of Plenty, marked by the establishment of branches in Whangamatā, Waihi Beach, Omokoroa, Mt Maunganui, and Tauranga.
The event not only highlights the exceptional golfing opportunities in the Bay of Plenty but also underscores Barfoot & Thompson’s dedication to supporting local communities through partnerships that enhance quality of living in the region. This commitment has been a major driver in securing Barfoot & Thompson’s continued support through to 2028 –
and hopefully beyond!
The managers of the five host clubs note this superb partnership: Barfoot & Thompson is New Zealand’s largest privately owned real estate company, proudly serving customers for over 100 years. With a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and community, Barfoot & Thompson continues to lead in residential, rural, and commercial real estate across the nation.
Everyone – the club managers, their staff, the many volunteers from each club and PaR nz Golfing Holidays –warmly welcome all competitors to the 2026 Barfoot & Thompson Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic. We wish you a fantastic week of golf in one of New Zealand’s premium golfing destinations. Enjoy the Bay, and if you’ve travelled from afar, perhaps even consider making it your home.
There’s plenty on offer during the week—see you there!
Best golfing to all.
Denise, Kim & Nicky
Denise, Kim and Nicky PaR nz Golfing Holidays www.parnz.co.nz
PaR nz Golfing Holidays www.parnz.co.nz
Phone +64 275 662 385 or +64 21 373 502 or +64 27 329 9020
Further info and entry details go to www.parnz.co.nz or email nicky@parnz.co.nz
Entries open now
• Early bird offer – enter on or before 1 November 2025 and pay NZD $460 per player
• Entries after 1 November 2025 pay NZD $510 per player.
• All local players – members of the five host clubs – pay NZD$360 per player.
Te Puke
Omanu Mount
The 5 Course Classic:
31 Years of Summer Golf, Community, and Barfoot & Thompson Spirit
Dear Golfers and Spectators,
Every January, the Bay of Plenty transforms into the beating heart of New Zealand’s summer golf scene. From the 19th to the 23rd of January 2026, more than 350 golfers—local enthusiasts, national competitors, and international visitors—will descend upon the region to take part in the 5 Course Classic, proudly sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson.
Now in its 31st year, the 5 Course Classic has become more than a tournament; it is a summer pilgrimage. Players test their skills across five of the region’s premier courses, each with its own personality and challenges, while soaking up the long, golden days of a Bay of Plenty summer. The atmosphere is electric—tee boxes alive with anticipation, fairways lined with camaraderie, and clubhouses echoing with laughter and stories shared over cold refreshments.
Barfoot & Thompson is honoured to sponsor this prestigious event, further cementing our growing connection with the Bay of Plenty. Just as the 5 Course Classic showcases the best golfing experiences, our team is committed to offering the region a world-class real estate experience.
Over the last 2 years, Barfoot & Thompson has expanded its footprint into the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it the same professionalism, integrity, and community focus that has made the company a trusted name in New Zealand real estate for over 100 years.
Our branches in Mount Maunganui, Cherrywood, Omokoroa, and Waihi Beach are led by passionate managers who know their communities inside and out. Each office represents a hub of energy and service, connecting people with their property
dreams—whether it’s a beachfront escape, a family home in a growing neighbourhood, or a rural lifestyle block.
The Bay of Plenty is also strengthened by the exciting partnership with Whangamata Real Estate, who have joined forces with the Barfoot & Thompson family. This collaboration blends decades of local expertise with the scale and resources of one of New Zealand’s most respected real estate brands, giving clients in the Eastern Bay even greater confidence and opportunity.
Just as the Five Course Classic unites golfers from across the country and beyond, Barfoot & Thompson unites people with places, helping families, investors, and businesses thrive in this remarkable part of New Zealand.
This isn’t just about golf; it’s about celebrating the unique lifestyle that the Bay of Plenty offers. White sand beaches, vibrant local hospitality, and the stunning natural backdrop of the Pacific make this one of the most scenic and enjoyable tournaments in New Zealand. For participants and their families, it becomes a weeklong festival of sport, community, and summer magic.
Enjoy and play well - see you at one of the host clubs or on a fairway soon.
Best regards,
Kevin Coppins Area Manager - Barfoot & Thompson
Your Five Host Clubs
Mount
Situated in Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, just 4 km northeast of Tauranga, the club lies in serene, tree-lined surroundings near the surf beaches of “The Mount”. The course was designed by C. H. Redhead and Harry P. Dale, featuring an 18-hole, par-72, relatively flat parkland layout that’s easy to walk. The club offers a modern clubhouse (renovated in 1998), with panoramic views over the course, an onsite café, fully licensed bar, catering, and function facilities capable of hosting 50–200 guests. A top-tier pro shop, coaching services, club fitting, and hire equipment (clubs, carts, trundlers) are on offer to all competitors.
The club has made significant investments in coaching facilities, including a revamped practice fairway, short-game area, and an indoor teaching facility featuring advanced technical equipment for swing analysis. The new expansive practice green known as “The Dunes” is among the largest in NZ and significantly enhances practice quality and capacity.
Mount Golf has been ranked the 14th best golf course in New Zealand by New Zealand Golf Magazine, climbing from 19th in 2018—a testament to the ongoing improvements in layout, design, conditioning, and ambience.
Thursday 22 January 2026 – The Dunes Experience @ The Mount GC • From 5:00pm • Putting & Driving Competitions • Quiz • Shared Pizza • Prizes • Price: $50pp • Limited to 80, first-in basis
Omanu
Omanu Golf Club is situated on Matapihi Road, Mount Maunganui, just about 15 minutes from Tauranga CBD and Tauranga Airport. The course is an 18-hole championship parkland layout, relatively flat with gentle undulations and high-quality greens. It occupies roughly 45 hectares of terrain at the eastern end of Tauranga Airport’s runway, a short distance from the beach.
Designed initially in the early 1970s (opened 1972), with Harry Dale contributing to the early layout. Additions and refinements followed through the mid-70s. Recent updates under a Master Plan by Grant Puddicombe include updated green complexes, tee renovations, new bunkering, and plans extending to approximately 2030 for full implementation. These changes are around 40% completed as at the end of 2025 and aim to add interest for skilled players while keeping the course friendly for all levels.
Omanu Golf Club has also made big improvements for off-course golf including a new “evening use six bay golf range” overlooking the 1st tee with full ball-flight TrackMan technology installed. These allow players to see the actual full flight of the ball and track its metrics. Additionally Omanu offer a clubhouse based golf simulator facility for practice indoors along with two TM4 golf practice stations (these let you practice/hit any shot with feedback) on the lower level.
Wednesday 21 January 2026 – Golf & Dinner Experience @ Omanu GC
• From 5:30pm • Two-course dinner • Near to Pin Competition – Famous Postage Stamp @ Royal Troon – 2 x $500 cash prizes • Price: $50pp • Limited to 200 (dinner), first-in basis
Omokoroa
Offering one of New Zealand’s most unique scenic golf layouts, Omokoroa is located on the Omokoroa Peninsula, about 15 minutes north of Tauranga city. As such it is a harbourside / coastal setting, with views over the Tauranga Harbour. It combines features of a links style with park and shoreland. Picturesque and relaxing.
Originally a 9-hole course; expanded to 18 holes around 1978. Designed by Harry Dale – the course is essentially flat, easy to walk with a good mix of fairways and some coastal exposure. The layout isn’t overwhelmingly difficult but demands accuracy off the tee because of placement of bunkers, water or harbour edges in some holes.
Omokoroa is undertaking significant clubhouse and course renovations and enhancements and some facilities may be ‘temporary’ for the 2026 tournament but as always the team and volunteers have plans in place to make your day at Omokoroa a joy whatever!
Tauranga
Tauranga Golf Club has a unique setting – amongst the grounds of the Tauranga Racecourse Reserve in Greerton, Tauranga. The course is an18-hole championship challenge – parkland, tree-lined with some undulating terrain, more slopes in particular, on the front nine.
Tauranga hosts the Carrus Tauranga Open, part of The Charles Tour with a history that spans back over 100 years.
The club was officially established on 18 April 1904 on a course at the Tauranga Domain. In 1914 it relocated to its present site at the Racecourse Reserve. The first proper clubhouse was built later in 1938. Over the years, the course layout has been modified multiple times. here were some quirky early holes – e.g. one called “The Drop” which involved playing over a field of turnips. Major modernisation programmes took place, including a clubhouse upgrade completed in 2002
Te Puke
There has been a golf club in the Te Puke area since 1921, but over the years it occupied several locations. In 1978 the club purchased its current site (an old dairy farm) and relocated there. The course opened at that site in 1979. All but one of the trees on the current site were planted from scratch after the move, turning what was farmland into a matured, park-style course.
Designed by Harry Dale (1904-1995), a noted New Zealand golf course architect who designed many courses in the North Island. More recently, a 20-year development plan has been prepared (by Denis Clark) to guide future improvements.
Te Puke is a par 72, 18-hole championship course. The fairways are fully irrigated, and the course rewards accuracy. Narrow fairways and seasonally heavy rough make wayward shots costly.
Omokoroa
Programme & Overview
The tournament takes place over five days, with play on five championship courses: Mount, Omanu, Omokoroa, Tauranga, and Te Puke.
Mount is ranked among New Zealand’s Top 40 courses. Along with Te Puke, Tauranga, Omokoroa, and Omanu, these clubs regularly host national events:
• Te Puke hosted the NZ PGA in 2021.
• Tauranga and Mount annually host NZ Charles Tour events.
• Omanu has hosted the Golf NZ Men’s & Women’s Mid-Am.
• Omokoroa has hosted the Golf NZ Women’s Autumn Foursomes and numerous national veterans’ tournaments.
The competition format is Stableford, played over five rounds. Under the World Handicap System, handicaps will be updated daily. Daily prizes are awarded, with overall prizes by gender and
The Programme:
• Monday 19 January 2026: ROUND 1
• 10:30am – 12:00pm Tournament registration at your Round 1 Course
• Complimentary welcome morning tea
• Tee times and courses as per rotation
• Clubhouses open pre-golf and lunch after golf (own care)
• Tuesday 20 January 2026: ROUND 2
• Tee times and courses as per rotation
• Clubhouses open pre-golf for morning tea and lunch after golf (own care)
• Wednesday 21 January 2026: ROUND 3
• Tee times and courses as per rotation
• Clubhouses open pre-golf for morning tea and lunch after golf (own care)
• 5.30pm Omanu GC – Golf & Dinner Experience (2-Course Dinner & NTP Competition) Wednesday night @ NZD$50pp
Organisers
across multiple handicap divisions at week’s end.
The field is limited to the first 360 entries. Players are drawn into three equal groups and play a different course each day. You may nominate your playing rotation and list travelling friends on your entry form, and we will do our best to accommodate group requests.
The week features not only great golf but also lively social activities, all set to bask in the Bay of Plenty’s best summer weather.
Eligibility: The event is open to men and women golfers from clubs across New Zealand, as well as international players from Australia, the Pacific, and beyond.
• Maximum handicap: 36.0 for men, 40.4 for women
• Minimum age: 20 years
Thursday 22 January 2026: ROUND 4
• Tee times and courses as per rotation
• Clubhouses open pre-golf for morning tea and lunch after golf (own care)
• 5:00pm Mount GC – The Dunes Experience (Putting & Driving Competitions, Quiz & Shared Pizza) Thursday night @ NZD$50pp
• Friday 23 January 2026: ROUND 5 & PRIZE GIVING
• Tee times and courses as per rotation
• Clubhouses open pre-golf for morning tea and lunch after golf (own care)
• 3.00pm Prize giving with light lunch @ Mount GC (Drinks own care)
The team from PaR nz Golfing Holidays will again be tournament directors and event organisers. The PaR nz Team are multi-course specialists and will be bringing a high level of professionalism to this long-standing great tournament.
Course Rotation
This year, the field will be divided into three equal groups, rotating across the five courses during the week. This is a change from previous years, when there were four groups. Each group can take a maximum of 120 players and spots will be filled on a first-in basis. You may select your preferred group when entering please ensure that those travelling together choose the same.
2026 Course Playing Rotation (3 courses daily)
Costs and Inclusions
INCLUSIONS
• Tournament entry to the 2026 Barfoot & Thompson Bay of Plenty 5 Course Classic
• Five (5) rounds of golf
~ Mount Golf Club
~ Omanu Golf Club
~ Omokoroa Golf Club
~ Tauranga Golf Club
~ Te Puke Golf Club
• Entry into the Titleist PRO V1 2s Competition
• Barfoot & Thompson Player Gift
• Complimentary morning tea at Registration on Monday 19 January 2026
• Light lunch at Prize Giving on Friday 23 January 2026
• Extensive prize list valued over NZD$24,000, including ~ Daily individual winners
~ Closest to the pins
~ Overall individual winners by gender and multiple handicap divisions
• EARLY BIRD OFFER – Enter before 1 November 2025 and pay NZD$460 per player
• Enter after 1 November 2025 and pay NZD$510 per player
• All local players – members of the five host clubs pay NZD$360 per player
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
(not included but please pre-book with your entry)
• Quality FootJoy polo shirt with tournament logo @ NZD$78
• Cart (seat) pre-booked at each course @ NZD$28 per person per day shared
• In case of an over subscription, and where the number of carts is limited, priority will be given to those with a valid medical reason who may be asked to produce a medical certificate.
• Trundlers (push trolleys) pre-booked at each course @ NZD$12 per day
• Practice rounds at each course, contact the golf clubs direct – green fees apply
• Omanu GC - Golf & Dinner Experience (2-Course Dinner & NTP Competition) Wednesday night @ NZD$50pp
• Mount GC - The Dunes Experience (Putting & Driving Competition, Quiz & Shared Pizza) Thursday night @ NZD$50pp
• Trinity Hill Wines will be on sale at special tournament prices NZD$36 per twin pack – to be collected at Registration
Tauiranga
Tournament Hotel
For those golfers needing accommodation during the tournament week of January 2026, we are offering special rates at apartments in the QUEST Mount Maunganui – which is a great central location to the golf courses, shopping and restaurants. Please note January is high season for hotels in the area so don’t delay booking your accommodation.
QUEST Mount Maunganui
2 Rata Street, Mount Maunganui
• Studio Apartments @ NZD$310per night (King Bed - 1 or 2 sharing)
• Studio Apartments @ NZD$355per night (Twin Beds - 1 or 2 sharing)
• Two Bedroom Apartments (2 or 3 or 4 sharing) – limited availability / upon request
• Optional extras – parking NZD$15/day and breakfast NZD$20pp/day
QUEST Mt Maunganui Hotel Payment and Cancellation Policy
• Hotel bookings are secured with NZD$150 deposit paid online with your entry
• An invoice will be issued for the full amount to be paid by 1 November 2025
• Hotel bookings may be cancelled for any reason up to 1 November 2025 we will refund your deposit less 10%
• If you cancel your hotel booking after 1 November 2025 all deposits and balance amounts are non refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• All cancellations must be in writing.
Te Puke
Selling your home is about more than a move, it’s about freedom. Freedom to upsize into a family home. Freedom to move closer to a great school. Freedom to downsize, travel, explore new passions, or spend more time with the people who matter most.
At Barfoot & Thompson, our network of 88 branches and 1,800+ salespeople connects your property with thousands of buyers, giving you maximum exposure and creating more opportunity.