Welcome to the latest edition of our New Zealand listings which were first published in 2015. We’ve featured a Top 50 in the four previous iterations of this chart but this time we feel we have enough reliable data from our new panel to push that out to a Top 60 national chart.
Together with a regional Top 50 for North Island and a Top 25 for South Island, we’re now bringing to attention a total of 75 courses across the entire country.
There were nine non-movers within the Top 10 in the 2021 version of the Kiwi rankings but this time only two courses stay in the same position within the entire chart, which gives as good an indication as any that there’s been quite a shake up!
Three layouts drop out from the old standings, there are thirteen new entries, seven move up and thirty-eight drop down, all of which confirms the volatility of the new chart this time around.
Tara Iti
One of the two courses to retain its position is the national #1 at Tara Iti on the east coast of the North Island, close to Bream Bay. Designed by Tom Doak, this 18-hole layout occupies what was previously a densely forested coastal site, with players enjoying uninterrupted views of several nearby islands from the fescue fairways.
Review comments from last year include: “a truly unique looking course and superb, friendly club… yes it’s expensive and you have to stay but worth it for sure… no weak holes, just brilliant fun throughout… absolutely stunning and there isn’t a single blade of grass out of place… hard to focus on the task in hand given the 360-degree jaw-dropping views”.
Incidentally, for anybody wondering about the only other NZ non-mover, it’s the 2-time New Zealand Open venue at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch (still at #15) which first entered the standings at #15 nine years ago so it’s holding up rather well in our national table.
Te Arai
The highest two new entries for New Zealand appear in tandem at #2 and #3 and they’re both located just a short 15-kilometre drive south of Tara Iti at the same new golfing destination of Te Aria. The brand-new Tom Doak-designed North course (pictured above, courtesy of Jacob Sjöman) arrives in our listings at #2, with holes on this layout taking golfers on a tree-lined journey from the coast to the forest then back to the seaside on both nines.
The slightly older South course at Te Arai (pictured above, courtesy of Ricky Robinson) is our new #3 and this Coore & Crenshaw production has already attracted reviewer comments such as “great mix of par 3s… you’ll struggle to find any fault with this wonderful, beautiful, fun course… the whole way round, you are treated to visual delights and brilliant holes”.
Millbrook
The Coronet course at the Millbrook Resort (new at #12) is the latest 18-hole layout to emerge from this popular 36-hole venue in Arrowtown, where the New Zealand Open has been played since 2014. Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson fashioned the Coronet layout by adding nine new holes (the 6th to 14th) to nine existing holes, with this track now outstripping its older Remarkables 18-hole stablemate (currently #22) in the rankings.
Tieke
Another high-flying new entry is the recently developed course on the Tieke Golf Estate outside Hamilton (new at #15) from PGA Tour winner Phil Tataurangi and Brett Thomson of RBT Design. It’s a total redesign of the eighteen holes that were formerly in play at Lochiel Golf Club – before this club merged with The Narrows in 2014 – with fescue fairways and bent grass greens now in play.
Christchurch
One of the few courses rising up the charts is the 18-hole layout at Christchurch Golf Club (up five to #20), where Brett Thomson and shaper Blake Lindsay have recently been involved in upgrade work (on the 9th hole in particular) which a reviewer feels is giving Christchurch something of a “quasi-links feel” and making it “an extremely playable golf course for all abilities”.
Ohope Beach
Located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, the seaside course at Ohope Beach Golf Links – realistically rebranded from its original appellation of Ohope International – is the biggest climber on the chart, advancing twelve places up to #33. Established in 1972 with a 9-hole track, the club was proud to mark forty-five years of operation by hosting the New Zealand Senior Championship in 2017.
Further down the chart, massive regional jumps propel a couple of North Island courses into the national chart.
Waitara
The first of these big leaps is made by Waitara Golf Club on the Taranaki coastline (rising from #43 to #24 in the North Island chart, which also sees it debut in the NZ rankings at #34). Described by a reviewer as “a no-frills country golf club experience,” Waitara is, in that person’s opinion, “Kiwi golf in its purest form”.
Mahia
The second impressive upward move is made by the 9-holer at Mahia Golf Club on the Mahia Peninsula in Hawke’s Bay (soaring from #45 to #27 in the North Island chart, gaining it a new national ranking at #38). The club was formed in 1974 but the course is ten years younger, following a move from the original site. It’s already been touted by one of the leading golf magazines as one of the fifty best 9-hole courses in the entire world.
The Hills
One other course deserving mention is The Farm at The Hills in Arrowtown which enters the South Island listings at #12 and the national chart at #40. It’s a par three short course designed by writer and golf consultant Darius Oliver who describes it as “an elastic, ‘choose your own adventure’ style layout, with a flexible design that allows golfers to choose from multiple tee locations, distances and angles of approach”.
For those who may be interested, the other two new entries in our NZ listings are Waihi [#49] and Te Puke [#52] whilst the four chart re-entries are Taupo (Centennial) [#55], The Dunes – Matarangi [#56], Napier [#58] and Invercargill [#60].
The three layouts dropping out of the Kiwi listings altogether are [with previous national ranking in brackets]: Gulf Harbour – NOW CLOSED [#15], St. Clair [#47] and North Shore (Red) [#50].
If you have any comment to make on the above article then please use the “WRITE A RESPONSE” link at the bottom of this page.
Jim McCann
Editor
Top 100 Golf Courses
New Zealand has become the epitome of destination golf travel. With Cape Kidnappers, the golf course was so wild and enticing, the ends justified the means. Since it's unveiling, Tom Doak has added Tara Iti and Te Arai North. Coore & Crenshaw have added Te Arai South. A forgotten Alister MacKenzie has been polished in Auckland at Titirangi by Clyde Johnson. Hidden gems, like Waverley and Wairakei, have made Paraparaumu Beach a less arduous journey with delightful stops to be made there and back to and from Auckland. If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, what are the must sees? What can be left for a follow-up trip or missed all together without regret? The Tom Thumb green at Waverley. It's not just the destination golf that's worth coming for in New Zealand. Photo J Miners The North Island - Golf Heaven If you're contemplating a trip to New Zealand it's probably because you have seen photos of Tara Iti, Te Arai or Cape Kidnappers, If so, the answer is easy, North Island. On the North Island, you have the main international airport along with all the World Top 100 golf courses. Tara Iti, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu along with the newly unveiled Te Arai North and South. North of Te Arai is Kauri Cliffs, the former Kiwi poster child for destination golf before Cape Kidnappers. The same company owns both Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. Cape Kidnappers near Napier, North Island, New Zealand. Photo G Lisbon In Auckland, there is Dr Alister MacKenzie's Titirangi and the newly polished Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. Near Lake Taupo you'll find Jack Nicklaus' Kinloch Club and Waireki. Another must-see golf course is Waverley. Built on black sand, the links is perhaps the best 18-hole, 6000-yard golf course on the planet. Tom Doak's team, in particular Brian Schnieder, put Waverley not the map in the early 2000's. For a golf course that has been established for 100 years, it shows undiscovered gems are waiting to be discovered still today. Top Tier North Island Itinerary If you had one week in New Zealand and were willing to fly internally between plays, you would play Tara Iti, Te Arai North, Te Arai South, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparumu Beach. All five can make legitimate claims to the World Top 100 Rankings. The big three (Tara Iti, Te Arai North, Te Arai South) are also the newest and are an hour and a half north of Auckland. Bolt on Alister MacKenzie's Titirangi, and you've probably seen the best golf in the country and a sensational, rare MacKenzie parkland with a cracking set of greens reminiscent of Pasatiempo. You don't need internal flights, helicopters or a lot of travel to do it. The lodging at Te Arai is world-class, as is the food and amenities. If accompanied by a partner who doesn't golf, a few days in Auckland and at the resort is very well spent. North Island If You Are Willing to Travel If you have time to see golf further afield, it will mean a road trip of 6-8 hours or a flight. Kiwis are quite used to flying short-haul internally as most of the multi-lane roads turn into dual carriageways a few miles outside the major urban centres. The drives are scenic but it's driving - not cruise control road-tripping across a multi-lane freeway in the rurals of America's midwest. If you are happy to drive or fly, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu Beach are within reach. You can drive and play one about one golf course a day... Ultimate North Island Itinerary Day 1 - Land in Auckland and blow the cobwebs out with Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. A modern Nicklaus layout will provide a good opportunity to get over jet lag and sort out the kinks before you get to the bucket list stuff. If you miss it or don't have your best, it'll be fine... it is the starter before the main course. Days 2-4 - Te Arai South, Te Arai North and Tara Iti. Start your trip here or come here after a day in Auckland. It is perhaps the world's best stay-and-play resort for the quality of golf and overall experience. It's still new whilst the courses are complete, construction is underway on some magnificent properties around the site. Te Arai South Photo G Lisbon Day 5 - Titirangi - One of Dr Alister MacKenzie's best parkland designs. The set of greens needs to be seen to be believed. The other option is Kauri Cliffs - it's roughly 3 hours north of Auckland and about the same from Te Arai. It is a trek to get there and about 3 hours back to Auckland but to see the once darling of New Zealand golf some feel it's worth it. If you plan to play Cape Kidnappers later, it may be worth checking it out as there are sometimes offers on playing both... Titirangi Golf Club by Alister MacKenzie. Photo J Miners Day 6 - Waverley - The drive from Auckland to Waverely is about 6 hours. Leave early and play an afternoon round. Bring your camera and get some golden hour shots on some of the best golfing terrain in the country. Black sand links golf is ready to be found on your way to another World Top 100 - Paraparaumu Beach. Waverley Golf Club Photo J Miners Day 7 - Paraparaumu Beach is world-class - rough and ready golf on a rectangular piece of land, surrounded by houses and what appears to be in the valley between two mountain ranges. One of the mountains is actually Kapiti Island. If you want to see a bit of civilisation, Wellington is only a bit over an hour away to the South. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club Photo J Miners Day 8 - If you still have a little gas in the tank, Cape Kidnappers can be visited on the way back home to Auckland. It is the one course you'd probably want to see on the east side of the North Island. If you have a chance to spend time there, the local region is renowned for its wine and culinary delights. My personal recommendation is Craggy Range. Points to Note If you played those courses, you'd pick off the cream of the crop in New Zealand. Played over 8-10 days you'd have enough time for wine tasting in Napier and a day or two rest in some exciting cities or country retreats. Optional courses to add or swap out would be Kinloch Club and Waireki. Unless you added 4-6 more days and were willing to put a few miles on the clock, it's probably best to hit those mentioned... unless you flew internally or by helicopter... which is always an option. New Zealand South Island Golf Courses The South Island is less star-studded than the North Island. The really big names are all on the North but the South may just be the more beautiful of the two. If you do fly south, Queenstown is the destination of choice. Outstandingly beautiful and very touristy, you'll find Millbrook, Jack's Point, The Hills and Arrowtown the cream of the crop here. Jack's Point steals the heart of many but it is Arrowtown that will appeal to the purist. Dubbed the South Island's Waverley, it is a thrill ride over some very enjoyable terrain. If you play Waverley, you'll see more of the same great style of golf here. It's worth coming for if you're already on this side of the world and want to drink great Pinot Noirs from the Central Otago Valley... If you come to New Zealand to play golf, go to the North Island. If you come to New Zealand for food and wine and perhaps play some golf, Queenstown won't disappoint. Getting to New Zealand You're probably going to want to fly. If you're in the USA, you can find direct flights from the east and west coasts. Flights will take between 15 and 17 hours from LA or New York. If you're in Europe, you'll have no choice but to transit through Asia. The major hubs are China, Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Getting Around New Zealand Once you're on the ground, you have a few options. First, hire a car and hit the road. The motorways are single-lane for the most part, and dual carriageways or divided highways are rare. Don't book too much and get in a rush - it'll ruin your holiday. On the other hand, internal flights are very common. Most flights are an hour or two max, and regional airports are well connected internally. For example, there are daily flights from Auckland to Wellington, and from there, Paraparaumu Beach is within easy reach. From Wellington, you can access Napier easily and that opens up Cape Kidnappers. Most major centres will link back to Auckland and then you're ready for your homebound journey. Common Misconceptions Debunked Myth: New Zealand is remote and a bit dated. Truth: New Zealand is a modern country. Despite being an island nation with a relatively small population, there is nothing someone who is used to all the creature comforts of the West will pine for here. The y may not have your regular international high-street brands, but a well-established independent business scene provides everything you could ask for. Myth: New Zealand is full of things that will make you ill or kill you. Truth: That may well be true in Australia, there aren't really any real issues from snakes, spiders or crocodiles in New Zealand. Golf In New Zealand Summary New Zealand is home to world-class golf. Tom Doak has made the most of some very unique land at Cape Kidnappers and perhaps the best modern links course at Tara Iti. Even if Tara Iti isn't for you to play, Te Arai South and North are also world-class. Add in Paraparaumu Beach and you have 5 legitimate World Top 100 courses which can all be accessed by pay and play green fees. Tier Two is very good indeed. Alister MacKenzie's Titirangi and the cult classics Waverley and Arrowtown would be next up on my wish list. That's a top 8 that would rival the top 8 in most countries outside America, England, Scotland and Ireland. Arrowtown GC Photo J Miners
Top 100 has launched its podcast series hosted by our own James Henderson called Top 100 Clubhouse. James' unique approach often explores the people behind the places we love to visit and play. What Are The Top 100 Clubhouse Podcasts About? Top 100 Clubhouse is the ultimate podcast for golf enthusiasts! Join us as we delve deep into the minds of fascinating individuals from every corner of the golfing world. From players to course designers, caddies to golf historians, we'll leave no stone unturned in our quest to share unique insights and experiences with the Top100 Community. Together we'll explore the stunning courses and breathtaking landscapes, enjoying the unforgettable stories that bring the game of golf to life. How Do I Listen To The Latest Top 100 Clubhouse Podcast? You can download and listen on the following links. Listen now, wherever you download your podcast! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcast Podtail Who Should Be Our Next Guest? Top 100 members can share their views on who should join the next Top 100 Clubhouse podcast show. If you have an idea who you would like to hear, why not drop our Top 100 Clubhouse host James Henderson an email at: james@top100golfcourses.com Latest 2025 Top 100 Clubhouse Episodes Episode 62: Ru McDonald, Cruden Bay and Scottish Golf In this week's pod, Ru McDonald (Formerly DP World Tour Social Media Manager) joins Jasper to discuss his home club of Cruden Bay, his new golf holiday rental business, and golf in Scotland more broadly. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 61: DJ Piehowski In this episode, No Laying Up's DJ Piehowski joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the golf industry. He then gives us his thoughts on the latest goings on around the golfing world (TGL, PGA Tour/LIV unification, The distance debate etc), and his favourite courses from the last few years of travel. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 60: 2025 PGA Show In the last few weeks, James & Jasper headed to Orlando to explore the PGA Show. In this episode, they discuss their thoughts on the experience, and some broader themes in the golf industry. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 59: The Valley Course at Royal Portrush In this episode, Jasper sits down with Gary McNeill (head pro at Royal Portrush) to discuss the changes on the Valley Course and what it will be like when it reopens next year. Listen on Apple Podcasts Episode 58: Brett Hochstein - Building a Career in Golf Course Design In this episode, Jasper is joined by golf course designer Brett Hochstein. He discusses how his career got off to a rocky start during the 2008 Financial Crash and how he used that time to develop skills in greenkeeping and course management. He also discusses his recent input at various golden-age courses, including Pasatiempo. Listen on Apple Episode 57: Golf in New Zealand In this episode, Jasper joins James to discuss his recent trip to New Zealand and the golf scene on the North Island. He discusses Te Arai, Tara Iti & Waverley, among others. Listen on Apple Episode 56: The Most Golf Courses Play In A Year? In this podcast, Jasper is joined by Josh Simpson (AKA The Ginger Golfer) to discuss his 2025 attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most golf courses played in a year. Listen on Apple Episode 55: Walton Heath Golf Club James & Jasper got the chance to visit the beautiful Walton Heath, in Surrey, and recorded a brief 15 minute chat in their historic clubhouse. Listen on Apple Episode 53: Royal Burgess Golf Club - The Oldest in the World James chats to two members of Royal Burgess (Willie Finlayson & Dr Douglas Stuart) about the history of this great golf club. Listen on Apple 2024 Top 100 Clubhouse Episodes Episode 52: USA Rankings Update In this episode, Jasper & James discuss our latest Top 100 USA list, and the big runners and riders. They also discuss the future of golf course architecture, and some industry trends to look out for in 2025 and beyond. Listen on Apple Episode 51: Lockhart Travel Club In this week's podcast, James welcomes David Davis (CEO Of Top 100 Golf Courses) to the podcast, to talk about The Lockhart Travel Club. It is a sister company of Top 100, and provides members with the opportunity to play world class golf all around the world, and meet like minded golfers. Listen on Apple Episode 50: Year in Review In this episode, James & Jasper reflect on their golf course highlights of 2024, and look ahead to Top100's 2025 plans. Listen on Apple Episode 49: Forward Golf - The Next Evolution in Club Fitting In this episode, Jasper is joined by Chris Birch, who is the first person in the UK to adopt the Foreward Golf model of club fitting. They discuss what the method involves, and why it can be more effective than traditional, manufacturer led club fitting. Listen Here Episode 47: Sunningdale New with Adrian Pepper In this first episode with Adrian Pepper, he gives an introduction into why he has decided to write a book on the history of the New Course, for it's centenary. Part One Part Two Episode 46: CA & NY Rankings In this episode, James & Jasper discuss the recent release of new Top 100 lists in California and New York. They go through some of the social media response to the lists, and outline some of the work that goes into creating them. Listen on Apple Episode 45: Evan Olauson - Maintaining Golf Greywolf This week, Evan Olauson joins the podcast to discuss how he is able to maintain Greywolf Golf Course in the Rocky Mountains through the long Canadian winter. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 44: Brian Schneider - Building Old Barnwell In this episode, golf course architect Brian Schneider joins James & Jasper to discuss the building and development of Old Barnwell. He also discusses his background in golf, and his work on recreating The Lido. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 43: The President's Cup Of Golf Course Architecture In this episode, James & Jasper take charge the US and international Teams respectively, and are charged with choosing a golf course from each player's home country/state. Who would win in a President's Cup Of Golf Courses? Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 42: Beau Welling - Working with Tiger Woods In this episode of The Top100 Clubhouse, James is joined by golf course architect Beau Welling to discuss his illustrious career, his relationship with Tiger Woods, and his involvement in the PGA Tour's TGL project which is due to begin next January. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 41: Robin Sieger - Silent Mind Golf In this episode of The Clubhouse, James is joined by Robin Sieger, and they discuss the psychological side of playing golf. They also chat about some of Robin's favourite courses, and his golf-related world record! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episodes 39 & 40: John Low - Golf Course Architectrure's Forgotten Man In this episode of The Top 100 Clubhouse, James and Jasper are joined by Golf Historian Bob Crosby, to discuss the life and legacy of John Low. He was an influential figure in shaping the direction of golf course architecture, and yet he is little known today. Listen To Episode 39 (Part One) Here Apple Podcasts Listen To Episode 40 (Part Two) Here Apple Podcasts Episode 38: Christine Fraser - A Fresh Perspective on Golf Course Architecture In this episode, James and Jasper are joined by Christine Fraser to discuss her unique perspective on golf course architecture. She began her career with Martin Hawtree in the South East of England and now runs her own company where she looks to use golf course architecture to drive meaningful change in communities. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 37: Jasper Miners - Introducing the Editor of Top 100 Golf Courses In this episode, James is joined by the newest member of the Top100 team, Jasper Miners (AKA @Evalu18Golf), to discuss the world of golf course architecture, and what is coming next for Top100. Listen in, and let us know in the comments what you would like to see next from Top100 Golf Courses. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 36: Wilma Erskine OBE - Bringing The Open to Royal Portrush In this episode James Henderson is joined by Wilma Erskine OBE, BEM. Wilma was the manager at Royal Portrush Golf Club for 35 years, and played a key role in bringing the Open Championship back to Northern Ireland in 2019. Wilma shares some fascinating insights into golf club management and explains how Royal Portrush has progressed from the dark days of the Troubles, into one of the highest-ranked courses in the world. We hope you enjoy! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 35: Part 4 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Royal County Down In the final episode from our NI Golf Road Trip, James chats to the legendary Kevan Whitson; The head professional at Royal County Down Golf Club. They talk about Kevan's route to the game, the club's history and what makes the course so special. Check out the accompanying videos on our YouTube channel. Search 'Top 100 Golf Courses' on YouTube. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 34: Part 3 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Portstewart Golf Club In the third episode of our new series, the Top100 Golf Courses team visit Portstewart Golf Club. James Henderson chats with General Manager, David MacLaren.Make sure to watch video reviews of each course on our YouTube channel, and keep an eye out for the rest of our Northern Irish Golf Road Trip series! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 33: Part 2 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Castlerock Golf Club In the second episode of our new series, the Top100 Golf Courses team visit Castlerock Golf Club. James Henderson chats with Caddy Master Gordon Patterson, and Head Pro Robert Irvine. Make sure to watch video reviews of each course on our YouTube channel, and keep an eye out for the rest of our Northern Irish Golf Road Trip series! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 32: Part 1 - Northern Irish Golf Road Trip: Royal Portrush In the first episode of our new series, the Top100 Golf Courses team visit the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush Golf Club. This venue will play host to the 2025 Open Championship, and in this episode, James Henderson chats with Gary McNeill (head pro at Royal Portrush) about the preparation required to host such a prestigious tournament. Make sure to watch video reviews of each course on our YouTube channel, and keep an eye out for the rest of our Northern Irish Golf Road Trip series! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 31: Why is Augusta National 12th in our World Rankings? A special episode to discuss why Augusta National is ranked 12th in our Top100golfcourses.com World Rankings! Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 30: Matt Adamski - General Manager at Sweetens Cove In this episode James Henderson is joined by Matt Adamski, who is the GM at Sweetens Cove in Tennessee, USA. He talks about how he got the job, and how the interview experience was in stark contrast to all of his prior experience in the golf industry. He talks about the merchandise offering from 'the shed', the course itself, and what makes the Sweetens experience so special. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 29: Tyler Rae - Golf Course Architect & Donald Ross Expert In this episode, James is joined by renowned golf course architect Tyler Rae. Tyler has worked on many high profile restoration projects, and also works on original courses. In this episode he talks through the challenges and joys of working in this industry, and expounds on what makes golf so special to him. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 28: Ryan Fox We welcome Ryan Fox to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Ryan a pro golfer currently ranked 41st in the world and 1st in New Zealand. He talks about how the All Blacks rugby team, most notably his legendary father Grant, have impacted his golfing career. We discuss his experience playing on the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Asian Tour and the European Tour, as well as New Zealand's rise to becoming a leading golf destination. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 27: Colin Burns - Managing Winged Foot In the first new episode of 2024 James is joined by Colin Burns, the former GM at Winged Foot Golf Club. They have a wide ranging discussion about managing a prestigious golf club, hosting a US Open during Covid and Colin's favourite golf courses. Listen Here Apple Podcasts 2023 Top 100 Clubhouse Podcast Releases Episodes 24-26: 2023 Year-End Review - Parts 1-3 This week on Top 100 Clubhouse James Henderson, Simon Holt and David Davis get together to carry out a review of the 2023 golfing year! They chat about the amazing courses they have visited in the past 12 months, and discuss the places you should be adding to your golfing itinerary in 2024! Listen to Part 1 Apple Podcasts Listen to Part 2 Apple Podcasts Listen to Part 3 Apple Podcasts Episode 23: Josh Ralston - Saudi Arabian Involvement In Golf In this week's episode of The Clubhouse James is joined by Josh Ralston (a professor at Edinburgh University). They discuss the ongoing LIV/PGA Tour negotiations, and why Saudi Arabia decided to get involved in golf in the first place. They also talk through Josh's favourite courses from around the world on the back end. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 22: Allesandra Kutz - Being A Female Club Fitter & Playing England's Top100 In this episode of The Clubhouse, James is joined by Allesandra Kutz. Allesandra played high-level golf at college but then fell out of love with the game. Recently, she got the bug again and is now trying to crack England's Top100 Golf Courses and document her journey. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 21: Kyle Cruickshank - Course Manager at The North Berwick Golf Club This week we welcome Kyle Cruickshank to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Kyle's a fascinating individual who's worked all over the world from Royal Melbourne to Muirfield and is now the course manager at the fantastic North Berwick. We discuss his career journey so far, the current renovations taking place at North Berwick, and his Top 5 Favourite Courses. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 20: Jim Rohrstaff - Te Arai Links In this episode of The Clubhouse, our CEO (Simon Holt) is in New Zealand for a golf trip. He checks in with Jim Rohrstaff, the managing director at Te Arai links, to chat about the incredible visitor experience, their favourite holes and much more. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 19: Nordic Special - Frode Hov (Lofoten Links) & Per G. Nyman (Växjö Golf Club) In this episode of 'Top100 Clubhouse' James is joined by Frode Hov, the driving force behind the sensational Lofoten Links in Norway. They discuss what makes Lofoten such a special place, and why it's a must-visit for any golf course lover! Next, James chats to Swedish pro golfer Per G. Nyman about his time competing on the European Tour and Challenge Tour, and how he then made the move from pro golf to golf course management, he's currently managing Växjö Golf Club in Sweden. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 18: David McLay Kidd - Designing The Castle Course & Dealing With Controversy In this episode of 'The Clubhouse' James is joined by a Scottish golf architecture legend; David McLay Kidd. The Glasgow-born Kidd founded DMK Golf Design in 2000, and ultimately went on to design incredible (but sometimes divisive) courses such as Bandon Dunes, St. Andrews (Castle) & Gamble Sands in Washington State. In this interview, James talks to him about his life in golf, and how he approaches/thinks about course design. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 17 - Matt Ward - Journalist at 100 Major Championships & 12 Ryder Cup's This week we welcome golf journalist Matt Ward to the Clubhouse. Matt is the top reviewer on top100golfcourses.com, he's played over 2000 golf courses, and written 831 reviews! As a journalist, Matt has attended 100 Majors and 12 Ryder Cup's, and has interviewed countless high-profile golfers. In this wide-ranging interview, Matt discusses his prestigious career, the game's all-time great players, and sheds light on what makes a top golf course. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 16: Patrick Koenig - Breaking World Records With The RGV Golf Tour This week, legendary golf photographer Patrick Koenig joins us in the Clubhouse. We discuss his current endeavour on the RGV golf tour, where he has broken the world record for most 18-hole rounds of golf played in a year. He also discusses some of his favourite courses and locations from years of travel as a photographer. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 15: John Caven - St. George's Golf and Country Club This week we welcome John Caven to the Clubhouse. John is the General Manager at St. George's Golf and Country Club in Ontario, Canada. He previously worked at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club and has a lot to say about life in the golf industry and what it takes to host professional events in the current climate. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 14: David Davis: International Golf Course Rater & Co-Founder of The Lockhart Travel Club This week we welcome David Davis to the Clubhouse. David is a Partner at Top100golfcourses.com and Co-Founder of The Lockhart Travel Club. The 43rd person to finish playing the World Top 100 (November 2018). A true golf travel and golf course architecture enthusiast who has been a golf course panelist and international course rater for over 15 years. A father of 3 kids and a lifetime expat, originally from Oregon, having now lived overseas (in The Netherlands) for the better part of 30 years. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 13: Kurtis Bowman - Augusta National & La Haciena This week we welcome golf course architect Kurtis Bowman to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Kurtis talks to us about his new design at La Hacienda in Spain; he also details the reasons for his sabbatical from golf and his subsequent return to the industry. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 12: Javier Reviriego - CEO at Real Club Valderrama This week we welcome Javier Reviriego to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Javier is currently the CEO at Real Club Valderrama, one of the world's Top 100 courses. He has a highly impressive CV having previously been head pro at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, and general manager at both Fuerteventura, and Finca Cortesin, which hosted the Solheim Cup this year. We talk about his career journey, the importance of running a sustainable golf course, and the decision to host LIV golf at Valderrama. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 11: Chandler Withington - Life as a Golf Artist Chandler has worked as the assistant pro at Seminole, the number one assistant at Merion, and was head pro at Hazeltine National during the Ryder Cup 2016. We discuss what it takes to win a Ryder Cup, his good friend Davis Love, and his new career as a licensed artist for the PGA, the USGA and the R&A. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 10: Martin Ebert Martin Ebert is one half of the legendary design duo 'Mackenzie & Ebert'. In this episode, we discuss his involvement in world-class layouts such as Hirono, Royal Liverpool, Royal Portrush and Turnberry. He is open about the challenges and joys of working on such renowned courses, and talks about the controversy surrounding the new 17th hole at Hoylake (Royal Liverpool). Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 9: Bob Ford - Seminole & Oakmont We caught up with the legendary Bob Ford during our week at the Walker Cup. He told us about his experiences as a club pro at Oakmont and Seminole and talked about the importance of merchandising in golf. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 8: Joshua Pettit - Founder of the Alister MacKenzie Institute This week we welcome Joshua Pettit to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Josh is an architect with a focus on the work of Dr. Alister MacKenzie. He's the founder and curator of the MacKenzie Institute and editor of the 'MacKenzie Reader: Writing on Golf Architecture and More'. Join us to discover more about one of golf's legendary architects. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 7: Jim McCann & European Top 100 Special We get to know Jim, hear about the sand course he helped build in Libya and learn about the methods we use to create our Top 100 lists, including a breakdown of the brand-new European Top 100 Rankings. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 6: David Scott - General Manager of Dumbarnie Links Simon Holt chats to David Scott, the General Manager of Dumbarnie Links in Leven, Scotland. They discuss David's golfing journey, the devastating impact caused by the nematode parasite, the value of using a golf tour operator when playing in the UK, the course architecture at Dumbarnie, and the significance of golf course rankings. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 5: Iain Forrester - Dutch Golf & the European Hickory Scene In this episode, Iain Forrester, Head Pro at Hoenshuis Country Club in the Netherlands, talks us through the golf scene in the low country and tells us about the growth of the hickory golf scene around Europe. We discuss the greatest courses in Holland, and whether The Netherlands has a legitimate claim to being the true home of golf. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 4: Zac Blair - Building The Tree Farm In this episode, we welcome Zac Blair to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Zac shares some of his experience on the PGA Tour, highlighting his preference for playing exceptional golf courses rather than engaging in practice rounds. We discuss his venture to establish The Buck Club, and learn about his significant project to build The Tree Farm, a brand new course in South Carolina, developed in collaboration with Kye Goalby and Tom Doak. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 3: Nairn Golf Club - From 1887 to Present This week on Top 100 Clubhouse we talk to the captain of Nairn Golf Club, Ali Asher, and the Nairn archivist, Hugh Sutherland. We sit down in Nairn's fantastic archive room and discuss the history of the club and the room, and also why the R&A really enjoy hosting tournaments there. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 2: Stuart McColm - General Manager of Cabot Highlands This week we welcome Javier Reviriego to the Top 100 Clubhouse. Javier is In Episode 2, our host James Henderson chats to Stuart McColm, the General Manager of Cabot Highlands near Inverness. They discuss how Stuart began his journey in golf, and how he came to be involved in the development of world-class courses like Kingsbarns and Castle Stuart. They also discuss the new course being developed at Cabot Highlands. Listen Here Apple Podcasts Episode 1: Simon Holt Welcome to Top 100 Clubhouse! In Episode 1, our host James Henderson chats to Simon Holt. They discuss how Simon came to be involved with Top 100, the future direction of the business, and the best courses he's had the chance to play! Have a listen and get involved in the Top 100 Community! Listen Here Apple Podcasts
The Augusta Masters Hidden Gems, New Zealand's highest-ranked golfer Ryan Fox discusses. In this episode of the Top 100 Clubhouse podcast, hosted by James Henderson, New Zealand's highest-ranked golfer Ryan Fox discusses his journey through the world of professional golf, highlighting his experiences, favourite courses, and the mental aspects of the game. The podcast delves into Fox's background, his transition from playing rugby, cricket, and tennis to focusing on golf, and the influence of his sports-oriented family. Fox reflects on his excitement for the Masters, comparing it to Disneyland for golfers, and shares anecdotes about receiving invitations to Augusta National. Fox emphasises the mental challenges of golf, drawing parallels to the mental toughness required in rugby, a sport where his father excelled as a former All Black. He also discusses the influence of playing on different tours worldwide, from the Australasian Tour to the Challenge and European Tours, noting the diversity of golf courses and conditions he's encountered. Fox highlights his love for links golf, listing his favourite courses, including Royal Portrush, St. Andrews, and Tara Iti, among others. The podcast provides insight into Fox's career highlights, such as his player-of-the-year award, victories on the European Tour, and his aspirations and challenges playing on the PGA Tour. Fox's story showcases the dedication, adaptability, and mental fortitude required to succeed in professional golf, while also emphasising the joy and passion he finds in the game. Read the 2024 New Zealand Top 60 Golf Courses to Play To Listen full Top100 Clubhouse Podcast with Ryan Fox and Host James Henderson – Click Here
