Muriwai Golf Links is as coastal as it gets. Just a few metres of black sand separates the course from the crashing waves of the Tasman Sea. And to anyone in the Auckland region, Muriwai is the first course that comes to mind on a rainy day, and that means most of winter.
The volcanic black sand is free draining, making the course feel dry underfoot and keeping the ball alive when it hits the ground. However, Muriwai should be considered a fantastic year-round facility, with fairway irrigation in place to ensure great turf quality.
Muriwai is absolutely a course with a links soul, built into and around the dunes with bumpy fairways and good bunkering. The contouring appears natural and this is evident in the way it is presented, with green centrelines tapering off to brown perimeters. There is a premium in hitting the fairway here, but just landing on the fairway doesn’t ensure the ball will come to rest. The course requires players to constantly monitor their trajectory, spin and distance control.
Muriwai’s par-72 configuration offers four sets of tees that stretch from 4,765 to 6,181 metres. The prevailing wind is from the south-west, meaning the course is fairly exposed – exactly what you want (and expect) at a place like Muriwai. This makes the par 3s especially difficult, including the signature eighth hole that plays towards the sea. Measuring between 124 to 153 metres, this hole can require everything from knockdown wedges to full-on drivers.
Located 45 minutes from the Auckland CBD, Muriwai has more to offer than just the golf, especially if you like the outdoors. The local gannet colony, one of the largest in New Zealand, draws thousands of visitors annually. There’s also world-famous Piha Beach, horseriding and zip-lining, as well as amazing walks and hikes.
Muriwai’s offerings make it not just a simple day trip for golf, but a spot to escape for a weekend getaway in less than an hour.
THE DETAILS
THEMuriwai Golf Links
Where: Coast Rd, Muriwai, Auckland
Green Fee: $50 (member’s guest); $65 (NZ affiliate); $100 (casual visitor)
Phone: +64 9 411 8454
E-mail: [email protected]
