Royal Auckland - North Island - New Zealand

Middlemore, as the Auckland Golf Club is better known, was originally founded in 1885. The club moved twice before settling on the present location in the suburbs of Manukau City, one of the four cities that make up the conurbation of Auckland. The new course, originally a nine-hole layout, opened for play in 1910 and it was designed by F.G Hood and within two years it was extended to eighteen holes.

The new course at Middlemore was soon to see some real action and the first of numerous New Zealand Opens was held here in 1914. The course is laid out on gently undulating ground and, although the soil is predominantly clay, the course remains dry and playable thanks to extensive drainage improvements over the years. The golf at Auckland is truly excellent, it’s an interesting parkland layout with stands of pine trees separating some fairways.

Measuring close to 7,000 yards from the tips, Auckland is a tough test but when the course is set up in its competition livery it’s a daunting challenge. The last New Zealand Open to be held at Auckland Golf Club was in January 2003 and fittingly New Zealand's Mahal Pearce won the tournament for his first professional title.

A spectacular new clubhouse has replaced the homely wooden building, which stood for so many years, and the members now enjoy world-class facilities. Talking of members, you’ll need to befriend one to get a game here. Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most private golf clubs.

In 2011, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, granted Auckland Golf Club “Royal” status.