Wisely, the Wairakei International Golf Course owners hired the original architect, Michael Wolveridge, to complete the re-design. Wolveridge worked on the original layout with Commander John Harris and five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson. Wolveridge has added new bunkers, cleared away unsightly underbrush and created more water hazards. It has made Wairakei the finest non-coastal golf course in the country.
The par-5 14th hole here at Wairakei is one of the longest and most challenging in New Zealand. At 548 metres, this hole would be a serious test of golf if it were a straight, wide open fairway with a large, friendly green. But it has a monstrous pine tree in the middle of the fairway that, like one of those giant trees in The Lord of the Rings, seems to come to life by forcing players to go right or left with their second shot. Once that is safely achieved, the third shot is to an elevated, kidney-shaped green protected in front by sand traps. Reaching this green in two is next to impossible and for many who take on The Rogue, as this exceptional hole is called, just reaching it in three is something. It's the number-one-rated stroke hole on the Wairakei International Golf Course.
Wairakei International opened more than 30 years ago but it took the rest of the world time to catch on. It wasn't until 1996 that Golf Digest rated it among the top 20 courses in the world outside of the US. The clubhouse includes a café and bar, but save that for after your round. Your first stop (after paying green fees at the pro shop) ought to be the new driving range.
Check out the New Zealand golf tours that visit the Wairakei International Golf Course:
Auckland & Taupo Region Golf Tour
Rotorua & Auckland Golf Tour
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