Golf Trip Melbourne to Sydney

[Chanceman]

Just came back from a week or so driving the Princes Highway #1 .

Starting in Melbourne, I played

Kings Cove (Metung 9 holes),

Mallacoota (18),

Tura Beach (Merimbula 18),

Mollymook (Hilltop 18 and Beachside 9).

Great little line up. And some great beaches as well for a dip afterwards.

Next time I'll play Narooma which looks awesome  but had to bypass it unfortunately.

Tura Beach and Mollymook were tough and scenic. Loved them both and would play again.

I believe Tuross Head and Tathra are also nice tracks.

 

[Chanceman]

For anyone wanting a very solid golf itinerary try the NSW South Coast. 
This trip played Narooma and Tathra (9h). Coupled with Mollymook and Tura Beach, you have great golf for about $200 total! Narooma is awesome with that 3rd hole across the watery chasm. Hogan’s Hole. 

[CDM]

90 days roughly on a 2.5 week NZL/TAS/AUS  golf trip.  Have always wanted to play in the Oceania area given all the incredible courses.

[Chanceman]

On 12/17/2022 at 11:05 AM, CDM said:

90 days roughly on a 2.5 week NZL/TAS/AUS  golf trip.  Have always wanted to play in the Oceania area given all the incredible courses.

What’s your itinerary?

[CDM]

Here is the ROTA. 

 

NZL

https://www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz/

https://wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/

https://www.titirangigolf.co.nz/

https://www.taraiti.com/     TBD but working to see if we can get on.

OR

https://tearai.com/     

*If Tara iti is a no go will probably play here… Debating it over $$$ they are asking and what is being said online.

 

TAS 

https://barnbougle.com.au/     (Lost Farms / Dunes plus short course) 

 

AUS 

https://www.peninsulakingswood.com.au/cms/  (North)

http://www.kingstonheath.melbourne/

https://www.royalmelbourne.com.au/cms/  (West) 

 

We have time for one more round in MEL (sort of) but wondering if we will be "dead" by then. 

Optional courses:  https://www.victoriagolf.com.au/cms/  or https://www.metropolitangolf.com.au/cms/ 

 

[Malvern]

3 hours ago, CDM said:

Here is the ROTA. 

 

NZL

https://www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz/

https://wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/

https://www.titirangigolf.co.nz/

https://www.taraiti.com/     TBD but working to see if we can get on.

OR

https://tearai.com/     

*If Tara iti is a no go will probably play here… Debating it over $$$ they are asking and what is being said online.

 

AUS 

 

We have time for one more round in MEL (sort of) but wondering if we will be "dead" by then. 

Optional courses:  https://www.victoriagolf.com.au/cms/  or https://www.metropolitangolf.com.au/cms/ 

 

CDM, presume you have canvassed opinions on where to play. It's been a number of years since I played in Lake Taupo but recall enjoying Kinloch more than Wairakei. Would also play Victoria over Metro when in Melbourne. 

[CDM]

On 12/19/2022 at 6:05 PM, Malvern said:

CDM, presume you have canvassed opinions on where to play. It's been a number of years since I played in Lake Taupo but recall enjoying Kinloch more than Wairakei. Would also play Victoria over Metro when in Melbourne. 

 

We have checked everything, that we can from 8700 miles away 😀 

 

Kinloch was in major consideration but the others wanted to play something "different" if that makes sense.    As it comes to Vic and Metro we know that Vic is viewed as the better course, but we are honestly not sure if we are going to do the "extra" round.  Between all the flights and pretty much non stop over 2.5 weeks we will have to see if we are feeling up to it.

 

I will say everyone we have talked to in AUS/NZL have been amazing can not say enough about the love for golf they have. 

Edited January 9, 2023 by CDM

[Chanceman]

On 12/20/2022 at 8:40 AM, CDM said:

Here is the ROTA. 

 

NZL

https://www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz/

https://wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/

https://www.titirangigolf.co.nz/

https://www.taraiti.com/     TBD but working to see if we can get on.

OR

https://tearai.com/     

*If Tara iti is a no go will probably play here… Debating it over $$$ they are asking and what is being said online.

 

TAS 

https://barnbougle.com.au/     (Lost Farms / Dunes plus short course) 

 

AUS 

https://www.peninsulakingswood.com.au/cms/  (North)

http://www.kingstonheath.melbourne/

https://www.royalmelbourne.com.au/cms/  (West) 

 

We have time for one more round in MEL (sort of) but wondering if we will be "dead" by then. 

Optional courses:  https://www.victoriagolf.com.au/cms/  or https://www.metropolitangolf.com.au/cms/ 

 

I guess Cape Wickham &/or Ocean Dunes on King Island is the glaring omission. You must have decided against for a reason?

[teeituphigh]

Happy to help here:

If you can - Skip Wairakei and play Te Arai. Dont go all the way to Wellington just to play Paraparaumu if you are under time restraints. 

I would do Tara Iti, Te Arai, Kinloch and then Cape Kidnappers. Or it would be easier to stay in the top of the North Island and play Tara Iti, Te Arai, Kauri Cliffs and Titirangi.

[tad950]

On 1/1/2023 at 11:07 AM, teeituphigh said:

Happy to help here:

If you can - Skip Wairakei and play Te Arai. Dont go all the way to Wellington just to play Paraparaumu if you are under time restraints. 

I would do Tara Iti, Te Arai, Kinloch and then Cape Kidnappers. Or it would be easier to stay in the top of the North Island and play Tara Iti, Te Arai, Kauri Cliffs and Titirangi.

Thank you. Your reply to CDM reminded me that I had considered Titirangi for a pre/post round for my golf trip to Australia and New Zealand in March. I had just changed my flight back to the U.S. I happened to look on Te Arai’s website again and it indicated that lodging and tee times were available to the public. I had inquired a couple months ago. But there was no response. Te Arai finally responded. And I booked a stay and play. I’m sure I’m not the clientele that they are targeting. When I asked about transportation from Auckland, they offer shuttle service and helicopter service. The shuttle service is reasonable. But it’s just me. And I don’t think their clientele is interested in ride share.

 

Anyway, I have an early afternoon tee time at Titirangi. Before I head North to Te Arai. I’m either going to have to learn how to drive on the left hand side of the road. Or hope that Uber is available. Or public transit.😄

[teeituphigh]

2 hours ago, tad950 said:

Thank you. Your reply to CDM reminded me that I had considered Titirangi for a pre/post round for my golf trip to Australia and New Zealand in March. I had just changed my flight back to the U.S. I happened to look on Te Arai’s website again and it indicated that lodging and tee times were available to the public. I had inquired a couple months ago. But there was no response. Te Arai finally responded. And I booked a stay and play. I’m sure I’m not the clientele that they are targeting. When I asked about transportation from Auckland, they offer shuttle service and helicopter service. The shuttle service is reasonable. But it’s just me. And I don’t think their clientele is interested in ride share.

 

Anyway, I have an early afternoon tee time at Titirangi. Before I head North to Te Arai. I’m either going to have to learn how to drive on the left hand side of the road. Or hope that Uber is available. Or public transit.😄

I flew in via Helicopter the other day - its was SENSATIONAL. 
The drive isnt too bad from Auckland. Just take it easy and you'll be fine.

[CDM]

On 12/21/2022 at 2:00 AM, Chanceman said:

I guess Cape Wickham &/or Ocean Dunes on King Island is the glaring omission. You must have decided against for a reason?

 

Time, only reason.   If we had skipped going to NZL which was a discussion we would have gone to King Island.  

[CDM]

On 1/1/2023 at 12:07 PM, teeituphigh said:

Happy to help here:

If you can - Skip Wairakei and play Te Arai. Dont go all the way to Wellington just to play Paraparaumu if you are under time restraints. 

I would do Tara Iti, Te Arai, Kinloch and then Cape Kidnappers. Or it would be easier to stay in the top of the North Island and play Tara Iti, Te Arai, Kauri Cliffs and Titirangi.

 

Tara iti was something we really wanted to play. I did talk with a few members but sadly none will be at the club when we are in NZL. Tara iti for note is not allowing unaccompanied play going forward, or until further notice based on demand so we could not do the "one and done" approach. 

 

Te Arai was for sure a thought.  They are not allowing "day" play. They require you stay on site for each round played. Running roughly $800 - $900 per round then. (depending on date). We had it on the list still but private discussion with a few who have played it, and we passed. Actually this weekend it was decided.   Since this is a "guys golf trip" and I will be back in the area to see family next year I will see if I can get Tara Iti and Te Arai in.  

 

Kinloch is still on an option as we will be in Taupo for 2 nights.  We may play it in the morning before going up to Auckland. 

 

Edited January 9, 2023 by CDM

[moony_12]

On 1/8/2023 at 5:27 PM, tad950 said:

Thank you. Your reply to CDM reminded me that I had considered Titirangi for a pre/post round for my golf trip to Australia and New Zealand in March. I had just changed my flight back to the U.S. I happened to look on Te Arai’s website again and it indicated that lodging and tee times were available to the public. I had inquired a couple months ago. But there was no response. Te Arai finally responded. And I booked a stay and play. I’m sure I’m not the clientele that they are targeting. When I asked about transportation from Auckland, they offer shuttle service and helicopter service. The shuttle service is reasonable. But it’s just me. And I don’t think their clientele is interested in ride share.

 

Anyway, I have an early afternoon tee time at Titirangi. Before I head North to Te Arai. I’m either going to have to learn how to drive on the left hand side of the road. Or hope that Uber is available. Or public transit.😄

When are you headed to Titirangi? I'm a member there. 

[moony_12]

On 1/9/2023 at 4:05 PM, CDM said:

 

Tara iti was something we really wanted to play. I did talk with a few members but sadly none will be at the club when we are in NZL. Tara iti for note is not allowing unaccompanied play going forward, or until further notice based on demand so we could not do the "one and done" approach. 

 

Te Arai was for sure a thought.  They are not allowing "day" play. They require you stay on site for each round played. Running roughly $800 - $900 per round then. (depending on date). We had it on the list still but private discussion with a few who have played it, and we passed. Actually this weekend it was decided.   Since this is a "guys golf trip" and I will be back in the area to see family next year I will see if I can get Tara Iti and Te Arai in.  

 

Kinloch is still on an option as we will be in Taupo for 2 nights.  We may play it in the morning before going up to Auckland. 

 

Between Kinloch and Wairakei I'd take Kinloch 6 out of 7 days a week. It is by far the better test of golf in Taupo and the wall to wall fescure is a little different to what you find at most NZ courses. Wairakei is a lovely walk, conditioned beautifully and on a windy day much more forgiving. 

[CDM]

2 hours ago, moony_12 said:

When are you headed to Titirangi? I'm a member there. 

As of now March 31st is planned. Course looks excellent.

[CDM]

2 hours ago, moony_12 said:

Between Kinloch and Wairakei I'd take Kinloch 6 out of 7 days a week. It is by far the better test of golf in Taupo and the wall to wall fescure is a little different to what you find at most NZ courses. Wairakei is a lovely walk, conditioned beautifully and on a windy day much more forgiving. 

Interesting part is Wairakei is different then what we play normally, think that is why the others are drawn too it.

[tad950]

5 hours ago, moony_12 said:

When are you headed to Titirangi? I'm a member there. 

I’ll be there March 21st. Early afternoon after my flight in from Napier.  I will be the golfer searching the ferns for my ball. Your home course looks like a definite winner. And being a MacKenzie design is almost always a plus for me.

[moony_12]

@CDMMarch 31st will be a Black Tee Friday, it's a great opportunity to see the course fully laid out and in tournament condition. 

 

@tad950 The course is pretty wide so the ferns don't come into play too often... 

 

Feel free to PM if you guys would like a local course guide. Hopefully our soaked summer will have cleared up by the time you guys arrive.