ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
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Course Report
The South Course debuted at #79 on Golf Magazine's 2025/26 Top 100 Courses in the World and #40 on Golf Digest's 2024 World's 100 Greatest, just three years after opening.
About
Te Arai Links South Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opened in 2022 on New Zealand's stunning North Island coastline. This par-72 links masterpiece spans natural sand dunes with fescue turf, offering 16 ocean-view holes and eight directly bordering the Pacific. Ranked among the world's top 100 courses, it blends strategic variety, generous fairways, and breathtaking coastal scenery for an unforgettable golf experience.
Caddie Tip
Choose tees matching your ability—forward tees can be too short and unchallenging. Favor fairway width off the tee but watch wild bunkering and sandy waste areas. On ocean holes (6-9, 15-18), club up for wind and firm turf; aim to keep approaches below the hole on undulating greens for easier up-and-downs.
The Main Challenge
The toughest stretch is holes 15-18 along the beach: par-4 15th demands accuracy over sand, short-but-long 16th to elevated green, precise par-3 17th with water left, and dogleg par-5 18th finishing with a risky approach over dunes. Wind amplifies difficulty on firm, fast turf.
The Good
Golfers rave about the spectacular coastal holes from 6-9 and 15-18, right on the Pacific beach with endless ocean views and natural dunes. Generous fairways make it forgiving yet strategic, while the fescue turf and exposed sand create pure links fun accessible to all skill levels amid world-class scenery.
The Not So Good
As a young course opened in 2022, it will mature with time; early plays noted some inland holes feel less dramatic than beach stretch. Forward tees occasionally placed too short, reducing challenge. Occasional wind gusts can unpredictably affect play, and bunkers may need settling for firmer faces.
Signature Hole:
#
17
The 17th hole is a delightful 120-yard par 3 with an ocean backdrop. Protected by bunkers at the front and water off to the left, hitting the green demands precision. Set against the beach, it's a highlight of the closing stretch, testing nerve amid stunning visuals.
Clubhouse
Modern clubhouse offers dining with panoramic ocean vistas, pro shop stocked with premium gear, locker rooms, and concierge services. Post-round bar and lounge provide relaxed atmosphere with local cuisine and beverages overlooking the course.
Practice Facilities
Expansive short-game area with practice bunkers mimicking course sand. Putting greens replicate fescue speeds. Driving range available with ocean views for warm-up.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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