Tokoroa punches above it’s weight.

By Neville Idour

Tokoroa Golf Club, situated 10 kilometres south of Tokoroa, is home to yet another great country course we have encountered in our recent travels.

It is easy to find next to state highway one. In the heart of the North Island, halfway between Taupo and Hamilton, the lush green fairways stand out. The 18-hole course is pumice based and with often tree-lined fairways it is playable all year round.

From the white tees it is 5638 metres and from the yellow tees it is 5128 metres.

The course is no pushover as it does have undulations and the trees, while not too intrusive, will penalise a bad shot. However the fairways are open and welcome a good tee shot. There is excellent variety in the design and layout. With four par threes and four par fives there are no unwelcome surprises.

The opening two holes are not long, although one plays up to a dogleg right. The front nine holes are longer overall by about 300 metres.

The back nine is bookended by par fives. From the white tees No 10 is a real challenge at 481 metres. However, there are only two other holes north of 300 metres and three par threes.

Not surprisingly the course garners great reviews with almost 100 percent approval.

“Great course”. “A fun layout.” This writer can not disagree. Importantly the greens are in good condition. People find the staff friendly and, when open, the café food goes down well.

We spoke to Jon Welch who was on duty before we left. Interestingly his ancestors came out from England and arrived in Wellington a week before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

We asked him about membership.

“We have about 300 members including about 25 ladies. We have begun a junior programme recently.”

Caption: The clubhouse at the Tokoroa Golf Club, halfway between Taupo and Hamilton.

Welch said the current site was not the original site which was nearer Tokoroa. The current land belonged to the Department of Conservation and was given for a golf club after World War II.

If you are in the area Tokoroa is well worth playing. Especially on their special $10 Mondays. Ridiculous bargain. Otherwise $25 will not put a hole in the pocket. A limited number of carts are available.

Tokoroa punches above it's weight.