Canterbury golf
Canterbury is blessed with a diversity golf courses ranging from those with fenced greens to prevent sheep disturbing the putting surface to world-class resorts with breathtaking scenery.
Two recent additions to the Canterbury circuit have thrust the region onto the international stage as a popular destination for luxury golfing holidays.
..The beauty of both Clearwater Resort and Terrace Downs High Country Resort is not only the standard of the courses and five star facilities, but also the host of other activities that are available on their doorsteps.
The Clearwater course was designed by Canterbury’s favourite golfing son and 1963 British Open Champion Sir Bob Charles. It was designed to challenge the good golfer, while also making it enjoyable for the average handicapper.
It’s the site of the annual New Zealand PGA Championship, part of the down-under leg of the US Nationwide Tour.
From the back tees, the course plays 6500 metres with extended water carries and difficult pin locations, while four other tee positions allow golfers of lesser ability to enjoy a round at one of New Zealand’s premier courses. Water comes into play on fourteen of the holes, while tussock and marram grass can be just as severe on wayward shots.
Sir Bob says Clearwater has both a European and American flavour by including features of Scottish links as well as American water courses.
Clearwater International Ambassador and Tiger Woods’ caddie Steve Williams says the course rates very highly on the world stage with its great mixture of holes along with a five star hotel and outstanding Lakes Restaurant. “Tiger would enjoy Clearwater as his favourite type of course is a links course and Clearwater has a feel of a links course despite not being by the ocean.”
Another Canterbury golfing resort that is a must to visit is situated amongst some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery less than an hour from Christchurch city.
The only down side of playing golf at Terrace Downs High Country Resort is keeping your concentration on your game rather than admiring the spectacular views of the Rakaia Gorge and Mount Hutt.
This course is also designed for all levels of golfer with varying tee placements. The back tees measure 6440 metres with eight lakes and 70 bunkers. The fairways are wide, but failure to hit them can lead to severe punishment from the long rough.
Terrace Downs also offers luxurious accommodation in the form of Terrace Villas and Fairway Chalets, while high country cuisine and an award winning wine selection are available in the Clubhouse Restaurant.
Although Clearwater and Terrace Downs are the obvious destinations for the avid golfer, their proximity to other attractions is an added bonus.
Clearwater is 10 minutes from central Christchurch, making it the perfect base from which to explore the city between rounds.
Likewise, Terrace Downs is in a region that offers a huge range of seasonal outdoor activities. These include skiing at Mount Hutt and jet boating and fishing on the Rakaia River and Lake Colleridge.
These resort locations allow Canterbury to offer a unique holiday experience. They cater for golfing fanatics, those who like to mix their golf with other activities, and even those who have no interest in the sport but enjoy luxury accommodation that’s close to the action.
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For further information:
Terrace Downs High Country Resort
