A collection of par 3s to rival any course.

Nestled within a sleepy beachside town lies Paraparaumu. Not blessed with land and space, Russell routed the course excellently to provide a great all-round golfing experience, not likely found elsewhere in New Zealand/Aotearoa.

The greens are shaped and contoured to offer a challenging short pitch or chip if missed with an approach. I played in early spring when the greens were running pure and true. I was told by other staff members that the course does become more burnt out, like a traditional UK links, in the summer. However, when I played, it was lush and green. A lot of the greens have intense and punishing run-offs, leaving the golfer with options running through their mind. The par 3s, in particular, are spectacular, each one offering a different challenge. The 16th, especially, is special. No real bailout area means an aggressive tee shot is all that remains at the raised green. There is a higher part to the left of the green complex; this offers slight respite for any golfer playing a draw into the hole.

At $110, this is a steal—a wonderful experience. My only negative is that playing so close to the housing at the start of the back nine did play on my mind rather than the strategy of the course as intended.