Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

The Takeaway:  The second course built at Te Arai, the North course is more challenging than its sister course due to more extreme terrain, several long par 4s, and featuring some of the wildest contours around greensites Doak has ever built. The entrances to most greens aren’t inviting and are quick to repel shots off their desired line, but being creative in using the contours can be satisfying.  Grade A-

Quick Facts

Designer:  Tom Doak 2023

Cost:  Varies Click for current rates

Phone Number:  +64 9 883 4600

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Te Arai Links (North)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 11 Te Ara Whenua Miharo Kotiti, Tomarata  0975 – NEW ZEALAND

Photos:  See additional photos of Te Arai Links (North)

Similar Course:

• St. Patricks Links at Rosapenna Golf Resort

What to Expect:  Tom Doak’s creation at Te Arai, known as the North course, is the second of the two courses at New Zealand’s famed resort destination. Located on the east side of the Northern Island on sandy terrain that traverses from the trees to the beach, Te Arai occupies a special property for golf. Tasked with creating a golf course that is distinctly different than the course he designed at Tara Iti in 2015 as well as the South course designed by Coore & Crenshaw, the North accomplishes the feat with radically different green sites, variations of hole lengths, and by delivering the most difficult test of the trio. While the South course affords views of the Southern Ocean multiple times throughout the round, the North course mainly traverses up into the trees where the terrain is more extreme before enjoying an unveiling to the ocean late in each nine. The walking-only course features fescue grass on a sandy base that creates firm and fast conditions that links golf courses are famous for. This allows for the ground game to be experienced at full capacity, however some of Doak’s green sites are so extreme and uninviting that flying the ball is often the most realistic solution. Depending on the pin position, there are creative ways to use the contours around the green to get the ball close to your target, but too often the mounding in front of the green acts to repel shots rather than encouraging the ground game. Those that have been to St. Patrick’s in Ireland should be familiar with this design style that contrasts the more fun and inviting style of green sites Doak designed earlier in his career. Much more inland than the South course, the fairways are still generous and the North course, like Pinehurst No.2, becomes more of a second shot course. Half pars are the call of the days with several long two-shotters as well as a pair of drivable par fours. Players aren't going to over-power Doak's creation, they will need their imagination and patience to score well. While the South course is more enjoyable and visually impressive, the North course feels like there is more to discover each loop; a cerebral test which can be aided by caddies. As a side note, the original routing of the holes changed prior to the official opening. After hole six, the course was going to continue traversing along the forest line and deeping into what is now the back nine, however that was altered. What was 7 is now 10, 8 is now 11, 9 is now 12, 10 is now 13, 11 is now 14, 12 is now 15, 13 is now 16, 15 is now 7, and 16 is now 8.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Championship	71	6931	73.6	127
Back Combo	71	6655	72.2	122
Back	71	6413	70.9	120
Middle Combo	71	6060	69.6	119
Middle	71	5828	68.4	116
Forward Combo	71	5449	66.4	108
Forward (Ladies)	71	5003	68.6	109

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  16th Hole – 315 Yard Par 4 – An absolutely stunning hole that is only trumped by the exhilaration of trying to drive it! Downhill the whole way and playing directly towards the ocean, the 16th begs players to reach back a little further on their backswing and uncork one towards the green. Deep bunkers and tight lies surround the green and stand ready to test your short game if you don't successfully find the putting surface, but laying up requires deft touch with a wedge and knowledge of the green contours to pull off a successful approach. Whatever you decide to do, it will be memorable and a chance to bust out your camera.

Best Par 3:  17th Hole – 166 Yards – A postcard one-shotter that utilizes the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, the 17th is as scenic as it is demanding. Perched on a small cliff, the green quickly gives way on the left to the native foliage and beach sand where par saves are rarely found. With full exposure to the wind, one-third of your clubs could come into play depending on what Mother Nature has in store that day. The long and narrow putting surface demands accuracy and the shaping on, and around, the green makes for some demanding chips and putts. It is a beautiful hole and a fantastic penultimate offering.

Best Par 4:  8th Hole – 395 Yards – After crossing the road between the 7th green and 8th tee, Doak's routing unveils a beautiful setting with the ocean creating the background for a slight dogleg left par four. The generous fairway is framed by sand on each side, but a drive that favors the left will open up the best angle into the green with a backstop that will help feed balls back towards the flag. The elevated green is framed by natural sand and wild marram and boasts multiple tiers and internal movement, making two-putts anything but guaranteed. It is a stunning hole that is a pure joy to play.

Best Par 5:  11th Hole – 572 Yards – The 11th brings players next to the prominent ridge of the property with a scattering of trees on the left and dunescape on the right. The waste bunker on the left side is one of Doak optical illusions and appears closer than it really is, so unless you can bust one 330 yards from the tips, that bunker isn't reachable, nor is the pot bunker beyond it. The same thing stands true with the sand on the right which is well out of reach for most players, but can cause them to pucker a bit rather than just swinging away. The green is raised above the fairway and slopes off all sides, demanding players to be precise on their approach shot and often repels efforts from players trying to reach the putting surface in two. With a domed green complex and bunkering pinching the entrance from the right, it feels like a hole you'd experience at Pinehurst No.2.

Birdie Time:  1st Hole – 311 Yard Par 4 – There is a gentle handshake to start a course off with, and then there is this; a birdie opportunity with a drivable par four that should have players licking their chops. Hopefully you went to the driving range first and were able to get warmed up, because the inviting fairway should encourage players to be swinging away in an effort to chase one as close to the putting surface as possible. Unlike other greensites at the North course, the opening hole features a welcoming entrance and contours that will feed balls towards the center of the green and yield some good looks with the flatstick. Similar to the memorability of Doak's opening hole at Streamsong Blue, but with a better birdie opportunity, even those laying up face a simple wedge shot before tackling the more difficult holes.

Bogey Beware:  4th Hole – 482 Yard Par 4 – The warmup is officially over when you arrive at the 4th hole which is a brute in every sense of the word. Not only is it 482 yards, but the green is just silly with how crazy it is. The rippled fairway features dunes on the right and trees on the left with very few flat lies awaiting your tee shot. The green is tucked below the higher fairway surface and was shaped by Doak. The putting surface is beyond bold with tons of movement and very few scenarios where you feel confident in rolling a putt in, or even getting an approach close. There is a fine line between entertaining and silly, and this green crosses it while virtually guaranteeing bogies, or worse, for most players.

Recommended Accommodations

The Hideout - Located just 15 minutes from Te Arai Links, The Hideout is an amazing escape to the forest in well-appointed cottages that are nothing short of a pure delight to stay in. Oozing with charm throughout, the cottages feature quality finishes, a hammock on the deck, and access to the large pavilion for gatherings. Tucked into the trees, visitors get to feel close to nature and enjoy all the sights and sounds that come with it. Truly one of the most unique and enjoyable accommodations on New Zealand, The Hideout is the perfect place to stay before or after a rounds at Te Arai Links. Don't be surprised if it is one of your most memorable highlights of your vacation. Contact: 022 6499864 or mangawhaihideout@gmail.com