New Zealand
Golf Courses: Clearwater Resort – Christchurch

The par 72 championship layout is already turning heads in the golfing world.  Designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend, Sir Bob Charles, the course combines elements of links golf inspired by the great Scottish courses with parkland golf, more reminiscent of Florida.

Clearwater is aptly named.  Its fifteen hectares of lakes are fed by an abundance of natural springs and crystal clear streams, teeming with trout.  Water comes into play on fourteen holes and if the lakes don’t catch errant balls, then the acres of tussocks and marram grasses will.

A true challenge of golf, Clearwater has been awarded the highest rating of any course in the country by the New Zealand Golf Association.  At 76.8 off the black or championship tees, it ranks as the toughest course in New Zealand.  But there are four other tee positions to suit players of all abilities.