Waimairi Golf Club thriving after rebuild

By Neville Idour

Waimairi Beach Golf Club in Christchurch, which was devastated by the earthquakes in 2010-11, has re emerged almost unrecognisable as a modern thriving place to enjoy both golf and social interaction.

The rebuilding of the course was a huge undertaking along with the resiting of the wonderfully appointed new clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant/café.

The current golf boom has not bypassed Waimairi with strong membership growth ongoing. However it has reached a point where the membership must be protected from saturation. So the numbers are going to be managed at around 730.

Caption: The new clubhouse at the Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch.

We spoke with Kristine Kerr of Kura Golf Course Design who was tasked with the design and rebuild of the course. We asked how her involvement came about.

“The 2010 earthquake caused some course damage then in 2011 the clubhouse was damaged beyond repair,’’ Kerr said.

``The golf contractor and I approached them with a concept to re-lay the course and put the clubhouse in a more central position so we could reconfigure the course around it. We also spoke to hydrologists about liquefaction and what it causes to ground levels.

“We would raise the golf features, particularly the greens and tees and also the fairways. Then leave the low areas as waste and wetlands so they could be sacrificial in the event of another earthquake.

``Because there were beautiful sandy soils we were able to re-route the course quite easily and affordably by moving the dirt just once. So we were able to build the 13 holes in record time of about a year. The whole process was quite seamless.

“So in making a presentation to the members at the AGM I think all who attended were in favour and we were able to get on to it quite quickly. Nine holes were kept open the entire time.

``We finished 13 new holes with five remaining. Over the next two seasons we did two more holes.”

At that point Kerr felt that the members just wanted 18 holes to play and the re-design of the remaining three wasn’t that important as long as they were repaired and playable. The manager at the time of the work was excellent to work with.’'

The end result is a links' style layout, which although not long, has enough challenges to keep any golfer aware of the importance of good course management. An excellent variety of lengths and design together with some ominous obstacles to avoid, such as the wetland areas, hazards and well placed bunkers, make for an interesting round. There are four tee blocks. The longest is 5,693 metres and the shortest just 3005 metres, perfect for learners.

Caption: One of the new holes at the Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch.

The variety in design is quite striking. Some of the standout holes are No 2, a par four of 325 metres from the white tees which features a fairly sharp dogleg left with bunkers each side of the green. Hole six is another par four of 346 metres with fairway bunkering left to avoid and a large bunker partially protecting the green.

The 13th, a 414 metre par five, is a triple dogleg, initially significantly right, requiring good positioning of tee shot. Then it gently doglegs left before finishing with another gentle dogleg right to the green which has a large bunker protecting the left half of the green. A very clever layout that will retain your attention.

The 17th is a not inconsiderable 158 metre par three to a slightly raised green with water to clear and/or avoid.

The closing 18th hole, a par five, is the longest hole at 457 metres from the blue tees and the second longest by a metre at 426 metres from the white tees. It is a nice finishing hole with very gentle twists, a couple of bunkers off the fairway and some gnarly rough on the right approaching the green. All in all a course to be enjoyed no matter the standard of golf.

With a driving range and two practice putting greens, players are well served before play. Green fees for 18 holes are $45 affiliated or $70 not. Carts are $40 for visitors. The club professional Andy Sams offers a wide range of golf gear in the pro shop and does individual and group coaching sessions.

Caption: Another view of the newly constructed Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch.

The club is also known, especially locally for it's hospitality. The excellent clubhouse café is open to the general public and is usually abuzz with those enjoying their coffee and food along with panoramic views of the course. The facilities at Waimairi are perfect for functions, conferences or meetings. Yes Waimairi is certainly thriving.