The game of golf is on a high. We are hugely lucky on the Shore to have a number of excellent clubs and courses in our communities or right on our doorsteps. Two of these have been rewarded as New Zealand’s best in recent years. Many new ‘Shore’ players have found golf in the past few years - Channel Mag’s Aidan Bennett caught up with four of them during January.
What Golf Club (or clubs) do you play at?
Kay: I am a member at Pupuke and play at a range of courses, including South Head, Waitakere, Huapai, Helensville, Omaha and Warkworth.
What made you decide to take up golf and join a club?
I joined Pupuke as it’s only three minutes’ drive from home, and I was returning to golf after many years. Lowey, the Golf Operations and marketing manager at Pupuke, gave me great encouragement. Lowey loves golf; she encouraged me to participate, and I became a member.
How often do you play?
Once or twice a week.
What do you enjoy about the game of golf?
It allows me to let go of work stress, and it’s a great way to exercise – especially Pupuke’s hills!
What do you find are the most challenging things about golf?
Every game is different. Every game is a challenge to improve, or at least play to my handicap or lower.
Do you have a favourite course other than your home club?
I do enjoy South Head’s big fairways.
What advice would you give to others thinking about taking up the game?
Give it a go. It’s a great way to meet new people, and my husband has also taken the game up to play with me. We try to play regularly, and Pupuke has welcomed us, involved us and encouraged us to participate.
If you were going on a golfing holiday, where would you go?
We have been to Bali and played at Bali National and Kuta. In Australia, I have also played at Burleigh Heads, Redcliffe and Bribie Island. I am looking forward to packing the clubs and doing more trips, both overseas and around New Zealand.
Do you have a favourite golfer or someone you follow for golfing tips?
Obviously, Lydia Ko - she is an ex-Pupuke player.
Complete the following: A satisfying round of golf for me is…
To finish with a rosé from hole 19 with friends – Kathy will have one on the bar cold for when I get in the door!
What Golf Club (or clubs) do you play at?
Mark: Waitematā.
What made you decide to take up golf and join a club?
I fix guitars part-time (theguitarworkshop.co.nz), so I can squeeze in nine holes around doing that and walking the dog. Joining a club means greater opportunities to book tee times, access to coaching, clubrooms and discounts. Brad Shilton is Waitematā club’s wonderful professional. He’s approachable, capable and generous with his time. The people working there are all lovely too. Ange, Dennis, Ranger, the dog and everyone else.
How often do you play?
I try to play nine holes twice a week.
What do you enjoy about the game of golf?
It’s so difficult and I’m not very good at it. So there are endless opportunities to improve. No matter how bad your last round, there is always the next one.
What do you find are the most challenging things about golf?
Driving, hitting irons, chipping and putting – the lot!
Do you have a favourite course other than your home club?
No, I find Waitematā perfect for my golf.
What advice would you give to others thinking about taking up the game?
Give it a go. It’s great fun playing with friends and meeting new people. You can accomplish your daily step goal on a beautiful course, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and maybe hit a good shot or two. What’s not to like?
If you were going on a golfing holiday, where would you go?
London. It’s my other hometown so I would play golf with all my old buddies.
Do you have a favourite golfer or someone you follow for golfing tips?
I used to watch YouTube golf channels, but the information can be conflicting and complicated to execute. On the course, you can find yourself not even knowing what you are trying to do, let alone how to do it. My suggestion is to get coached by a single person, don’t watch YouTube and ignore all the advice given by other people. It’s also useful to video yourself swinging a club. You may find that you don’t look like what you think you do!
Complete the following: A satisfying round of golf for me is…
Good company and keeping a seven off the card.
What Golf Club (or clubs) do you play at?
Madison: I am a member of North Shore Golf Club and mostly play there, however, I do like to get out and try other clubs around Auckland.
What made you decide to take up golf and join a club?
I started playing golf when I lived in Dubai. It was during the Covid period, and golf was one of the ways we could get out of the house. My husband and I both got lessons together and from then on, we were hooked. Coming back to New Zealand, we decided we wanted to join a club so we could play regularly. North Shore is close to us, and having 27 holes makes it perfect for variety.
How often do you play?
I play at least once a week, usually on a Sunday. During summer I try to play more often and make the most of the daylight after work.
What do you enjoy about the game of golf?
The challenge of it, but also that magical feeling when you hit a good shot and the ball does exactly what you want it to. It is a great way to get outside and a fun way to spend the day with friends.
What do you find are the most challenging things about golf?
Absolutely everything!
Do you have a favourite course other than your home club?
The courses in Dubai are just incredible. But I also love Royal Wellington (in Upper Hutt) and Muriwai.
What advice would you give to others thinking about taking up the game?
Just do it! But also get lessons first. There are so many elements to the game, and getting lessons really helped me master the basics.
If you were going on a golfing holiday, where would you go?
I would love to play some of the famous courses in the USA. A trip back to the UAE to play golf would also be great.
Do you have a favourite golfer or someone you follow for golfing tips?
My favourite golfer is Nelly Korda.
Complete the following: A satisfying round of golf for me is…
When the sun is shining, I'm out with friends and hitting the ball reasonably well. Finishing up with a nice cold beer at the clubhouse is always best!
What Golf Club (or clubs) do you play at?
Marija: I play at Waitematā Golf Club and Titoki Golf Club in Whangamatā. These offer great, relaxed courses, and plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people.
What made you decide to take up golf and join a club?
I decided to take up golf about 18 months ago to spend more quality time with my husband, Kirk, and to challenge myself in a new way. Golf is the perfect mix of physical activity, mental focus and social interaction, which really appealed to me. I joined Waitematā Golf Club first and later Titoki Golf Club in Whangamatā, as they’re both fantastic clubs that make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.
How often do you play?
I try to play a couple of times a week, fitting it in around family life and other commitments. It’s a great way to unwind and spend time outdoors.
What do you enjoy about the game of golf?
I love the mix of challenge and relaxation that golf offers. It’s an opportunity to spend quality time with my husband and friends, sharing laughs and creating wonderful memories on the course. Being out in nature, focusing on improving my game, and enjoying the social element of golf makes it so rewarding. Every round is a chance to grow and connect.
What do you find are the most challenging things about golf?
Patience and consistency are the most challenging aspects for me. Golf really teaches you to stay calm and focused, even when things don’t go as planned. The mental challenge of the game is just as important as the physical one, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding when you see improvement.
Do you have a favourite course other than your home club?
Titoki in Whangamatā is my favourite. Whangamatā is such a special place for our family, and the sense of community there makes it even more meaningful. The course is beautiful, relaxed and welcoming, with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Playing there always feels like a treat.
What advice would you give to others thinking about taking up the game?
Don’t hesitate to start! Golf can feel intimidating at first, but with good coaching and practice, you’ll quickly find your rhythm. It’s such a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, challenge yourself and meet new people. I’d say, just take the leap - you’ll be glad you did.
If you were going on a golfing holiday, where would you go?
There are so many incredible destinations, but I’d love to play in Scotland, the home of golf. Some of the amazing courses in the US are also on my bucket list. That said, New Zealand has world-class courses as well, and a couple of weeks in Queenstown would be an unforgettable golfing holiday.
Do you have a favourite golfer or someone you follow for golfing tips?
Brooks Koepka is someone I really admire. His strength, focus and ability to handle pressure are incredibly inspiring. I enjoy following his career and learning from his game.
Complete the following: A satisfying round of golf for me is…
One where I can maintain a consistent game, enjoy the social aspect of being with great company, and have a laugh along the way. It’s not always about the score; it’s about the fun, the challenge and the time spent with others.
