Mackenzie — a treat without the frills
Mackenzie — a treat without the frills
By Neville Idour
If you like golf without the frills of New Zealand’s many marquee or resort courses the Mackenzie Golf Club’s course at Balmoral Links, four kilometres from Lake Tekapo in central South Island, is just the ticket.
With tree lined fairways usually of generous width it still presents a challenge. It is a nine-hole layout of 2759 metres from the back tees and 2489 metres from the forward tees.
Green fees are a reasonable $15 for nine holes or $20 for 18 holes. Of course, being 800 metres above sea level and in the heart of Mackenzie country, don’t expect pristine green fairways. One foot placing is allowed from stones, rabbit scrapes and holes, plus other impediments which may be present.
Each hole has a name which reflects each hole’s character — such as Top Hut, Old Man, Mick's Mistake, Boundary Beat and The Long Bow.
The opening hole, First Run, is a gentle drop down 150 metre par three with few gremlins. The second is a dogleg right of 352 metres while No 3 is a straight par four, as is hole four. The course does have changing elevations to allow for.
The fifth is the brilliantly named Mick's Mistake. It is a short drop down 106 metre par three which provides an interesting challenge. Trees both sides to a semi hidden flag, you need to tee as far right as possible and try to draw the ball to the green. A pretty hole, but not if the tee shot is wayward.
Then follow two par fives. The sixth, Up The Gully, is the longest hole at 506 metres and plays slightly uphill to two levels to add to the actual length. The seventh, The Long Blow, comes back downhill and at 418 metres is not a long par five. There are the two levels again to the bottom and then there is a rise to the green. This is a nice hole.
Holes eight and nine are shortish par fours with eight having a dip after 100 metres before a gentle climb to the green which is flanked by trees. The ninth, Tally, does not present a straight shot to the green. A tee shot with a fade is desirable from the rear tee but not needed from the forward tee. The fairway is a gentle rise to a generous round green.
The area is a rabbit’s paradise with their prescence always evident in the tell tale work they leave behind. However, on a nice day it was enjoyable with the variety in the layout making it a fun course to experience. If you time your arrival right in early January you might be able to play in the annual new year 18-hole tournament which is nine holes at The Cairns outstanding course, then nine holes at Balmoral Links. A fun day is guaranteed.