Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: Located on an active sheep ranch, Waverley is one of the most charming golf courses in the world. The routing is pure, the natural terrain is engaging, and the black sand is alluring. Don’t expect conditions to be great, but this course stands as one of the best values in the world and is an experience you will never forget. Grade B+
Quick Facts
Designer: Ernie Southerden 1965
Cost: $40 NZD Click for current rates
Phone Number: 021 055 0631
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Waverley Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 155 Ihupuku Road, Waverley, Taranaki 4591 – NEW ZEALAND
Photos: See additional photos of Waverley Golf Club
What to Expect: A course that is developing a cult following, Waverley in New Zealand is the definition of a hidden gem and an experience you won't soon forget. Designed by Ernie Southerden and located 2.5 hours up the western coast from Paraparaumu Beach, the course is laid out over bold, undulated land that is a live sheep ranch. The decision wasn't to be conventional here, it was to take what the land gives you and let the dunes and contours dictate play. The result is a course that feels discovered rather than constructed and features blind shots, punchbowl greens, and bold features that add up to one fun round of golf. It’s a course that refuses to chase trends or polish away its edges, which is exactly why golfers who make the pilgrimage here never forget it. There is no over-reliance on bunkers since the natural humps, hollows, and contours provide all the strategic intrigue most golfers could wish for. This is golf as nature intended; unmanicured in places, beautiful in others, and dramatic in all of them. The greens are well cared for while the fairways rely on the sheep to keep the grass trim; which they do well, but won't be pristine like other courses chase after. It is truly one of the treasures of golf and an experience you'll be anxious to tell everyone about. And the cost? One of the best deals anywhere!
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men (Blue) | 72 | 6055 | 68.5 | 109 |
| Ladies (Yellow) | 72 | 5164 | 69.2 | 112 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 12th Hole – 328 Yard Par 4 – The most talked about hole at Waverley is the famous Tom Thumb hole, a short par four with a small green squeezed between a pair of dunes. The hole pretty much plays straightaway with a prominent tree on the left side setting the boundary that you want to stay right of. The rumpled fairway drops to a low point before quickly ascending to the greensite. The second shot is the heart of the hole with a tiny putting surface to attack and a beautifully natural setting to enjoy. Missing the green creates a demanding up-and-down to navigate and creates a difficult par for a short hole. Plan on plenty of sheep looking on as you take on Waverley's famous Tom Thumb hole!
Best Par 3: 16th Hole – 177 Yards – All of the one-shotters at Waverley feel natural and are a joy to play, but the final one may be its best. Named "The Wrecker," the green is tucked below a series of dunes which impedes the view of a portion of the putting surface. A large evergreen behind the green marks the spot you don't want to get left of, otherwise you'll find your ball tumbling down to a chipping area that will test your medal on grinding out a par. It is a wildly natural and enjoyable hole to play late in the round.
Best Par 4: 3rd Hole – 350 Yards – Players get to the most easterly point of the golf course on the 3rd hole, and are also introduced to one of Waverley's most inviting views. From the tee players are given an expansive view of the surrounding farmland and a feeling of seclusion that is so enjoyable. The fairway is extreme with a tiered grading that has a low fairway on the left and a raised fairway on the right. The approach shot plays to a green that is built into the side of a hill with a kicker plate on the right side standing ready to help feed balls back towards the putting surface. The hole doesn't play long, but it requires some exacting shots to walk away with par.
Best Par 5: 15th Hole – 476 Yards – The 15th hole at Waverley is a perfect example of what this course is all about. The fairway takes the lower ground between two dunes, doglegging hard to the right and tempting players to take their chances cutting the corner. The fairway then ascends up to the high ground on the right while a playing corridor is offered in a narrow valley on the left side where the grass is less groomed. The plateau green has falloffs on each side which can test your short game if you don't find the putting surface with your approach shot. It is rugged, natural, and feels like it has been there for over 100 years; exactly what Waverley embraces.
Birdie Time: 9th Hole – 437 Yard Par 5 – This feels like cheating. I have no idea how many par fours I've played that measure longer than the par five 9th hole at Waverley, but it is a lot. With just 437 yards to cover, players should be able to approach the 9th green with a low-mid iron and have a good look at eagle. The landing zone is slightly obstructed from the tee and the green has a small false front, but if you just trust your yardages and attack this hole, I like your chances of walking away with a birdie.
Bogey Beware: 14th Hole – 514 Yard Par 5 – While it could just as quickly be considered a birdie hole, the longest hole at Waverley also has some teeth to contend with. The biggest challenge right off the bat is getting a decent lie in the fairway that has more lumps than three day old oatmeal. Players trying to reach the green in two may find their ball sailing wayward due to the challenging lie, while players that lay up aren't guaranteed a great result either. With the green tucked into the tree line, there is a penalty for missing long or left too far. This hole is all about adapting. If you can deal with challenging lies the whole way, you'll be fine. If not, a big number could be going on your scorecard.
