Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club - Paraparaumu Beach

The tagline for this course is "the spiritual home of NZ golf" and my first few rounds were very special I have to say. Lots of friendly locals who exude a relaxed beach vibe. A fantastic day out, even if the par 3's bite you (watch out for #5 and #16). Worth every penny in my opinion (I play off a 6 handicap)

My winter golf trip with three friends was made perfect thanks to the nearby location of this iconic golf course. And we were lucky to play it twice in two days. Alex Russell's masterpiece design had provided us with what one member of our group considers the country's top golf course - and he has played all of NZs best - incl Tara Iti. The pro shop staff are always so welcoming and engaging as are the bar and restaurant staff. The food and beverage options are very good with views from the clubhouse and deck being world class. The feel at Para is not at all stuffy nor uncomfortable; it just feels like the golf is what is first and foremost. You can sense the game's influence and be fully aware of its importance without ever feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. There is no pretence here - but there is a modest greatness that is ever present. The course is such a treat to play. It delivers that tricky blend of challenge & fun and can be enjoyed by many levels of golfers. Be equally prepared for birdies but also pickups; calamity and glory happily coexist here; often at the same hole. The renowned set of par 3s and the epic 13th & 17th par 4s are rightly recognized as some of the best anywhere but so many of Para's other holes are equally memorable. The 1st must be high on the list of contenders for best opener in NZ and really, the front 9 is a near faultless stretch of golf (although the Blue tee block on the 9th, adjacent to the internal OB with the 1st, doesn't feel or look quite right). The par 4 15th rewards a carefully placed blind tee shot (ideally favouring the right side of its fairway) and acts as a tasty appetizer to the evil beauty that is the short 16th - NZs closest thing to Royal Troon's Postage Stamp or Barnbougle Dunes' treacherous 7th (recently voted Australia's best par 3). Para's 16th hole epitomizes the lack of bailout options on a number of Para's raised greens - indeed the 16th offers no real bailout option. Falloffs front, back and right and a grassy knoll left. It simply demands - and sometimes rewards - exact precision with your aim, club selection when delivered with a quality strike. But sometimes even that heady combo will not end in success. If Sirens and Mermaids surrounded the 16th green, that would be wholly appropriate, at least metaphorically. The par 5 18th is a cracking risk reward hole that can provide an exciting finish for a match that has come down to the last, its deep bunkers ready to accept any stray tee shot and its long, wide green offering the chance to finish the round with a birdie or even better. The consistently high quality of the holes is what sets this course apart from other contenders. If you love the game of golf, you owe it to yourself to visit and play Paraparaumu Beach. It is a golfing experience like few others in NZ. And it has no equal when it comes to value. You will not regret it.

Awesome golf club, very welcoming to all.

One of the jewels of the voluntary. An amazing golf course and it is worth the effort and cost to come and play on it. Love playing Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course

Wow! this golf course is what golf is all about. Perfect greens, friendly people, great club house and a challenge on each hole that takes you on a golfing journey through the dunes. One of the best in NZ and certainly world class. Try it for yourself you will be glad you did!

Awesome course and facilities. Very impressed with cafe food. The only improvement if possible would be practice facilities (driving range) you have two separate practice areas.

Awesome course. Stay out of the second cut of rough (like me) and you will be fine.

Managed to play here on our travels Feb 2020, incredible and challenging golf course and proper friendly staff/pro in the club shop. What a links course this. Didn't want to leave. Hopefully back one day!