The pond and waterfall to the left of the green are visible from the tee, making this an eye-catching par 5 finishing hole, and leaving you no doubt as to the challenge that lies ahead. Bigger hitters may be tempted to go for this green in two, but the risks are clear. As you stroll across the footbridge to the green, take a moment to reflect on your round and appreciate the holistic experience that is Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary; Wairakei’s skilful integration with the natural landscape makes it a truly remarkable golfing experience.
Another blind tee shot, a ball drifting right of centre will usually miss the fairway. The last of Wairakei’s narrow greens necessitates a well struck approach to get the ball over the false front, while stopping the ball from falling off the back of the green. Every aspect of this hole demands a strategic approach.
Savouring the incredible view of Mount Tauhara, the fairway's slope and the blind landing area require an assured shot from the tee. Attempting to over-power this hole is met with great risk; play your approach from the centre of the fairway to grant yourself the best look at the large green.
Starting from the southwestern-most part of the course, wind conditions and pin placement must be considered on this long par 3. The green sits atop a large gully, and a left pin position will make this hole play longer than it appears.
One of New Zealand’s truly iconic par 5s, this hole offers no let up from tee to green. Start with a long tee shot threading the fairway bunkers, opening up the fairway and providing a panoramic view of the large, elevated kidney-shaped green. Position your second shot thoughtfully to grant yourself the best angle into this severely sloping green; any putt from above the hole requires extreme care and a delicate touch.
Surrounded by native bush, a solid drive between the fairway bunkers is required off the tee of this long par 4. The greenside bunkers both left and right pose a challenge, demanding pinpoint accuracy for your approach. Pay attention to the pin position; the green becomes thinner, and falls away on both sides, the further back you go.
Your tee shot on this short par 4 involves a decision; lay up into the wide section of the fairway or take on the creek. Your second shot is played uphill to another narrow green, and aiming anywhere right of centre will likely finish further right on the lower tier. The waterfall cascading from the hillside back left adds another dimension to the beauty of the hole.
The 11th hole is the first of consecutive short par 4s that emphasise precision over power. Be cautious of the pond in front of the green, whether from the tee or during your lay-up. The green itself is particularly narrow from the left through the centre, demanding correct club selection and controlled ball striking.
An extra club might be required for the elevation of the green on this mid-length par 3. Don't let the large pond distract you from your tee shot. The two bunkers at the front of the green add to the aesthetics while requiring precise ball striking to navigate the narrow entranceway.
Although it isn’t the longest par 4 on the course, this hole often plays as though it is. Embrace the gentle dogleg to the left, favouring the left side of the fairway to avoid the three bunkers on the right. A left pin position is well protected by a large greenside bunker. Take note of the length of this green when choosing a club for your approach.
