Water and wind are the two big influences in play at Clearwater Resort. The water is ever-present, while the wind varies daily in strength and direction. Together they make Clearwater an exacting challenge. Thankfully, designers John Darby and Sir Bob Charles, the former British Open champion, incorporated five sets of tees on every hole, ensuring this memorable layout appeals to even the most casual golfer.
Located in Christchurch’s western suburbs, a short drive from the airport, Clearwater opened for play in 2002 and within a few months was hosting the Clearwater Classic. These days it is home of the NZ PGA Championship. It was the second major collaboration between Darby and Charles, who’d previously worked together on Millbrook Resort. Staging professional golf tournaments here was never far from their minds as they carved out a course of 6526 metres across relatively flat terrain. They excavated 10 man-made lakes and made use of the fill, ensuring a better landscape profile, while adding watery hazards to the line of play.
The lakes at Clearwater are filled by natural springs within the property. During your round they look inviting, and it’s tempting to take a dip, even when you can see snow on the Southern Alps – a stunning backdrop. The water is so clear you can glimpse the sandy bottom in most of the lakes, hence the golf course’s name.
The design is an almost hybrid creation, inspired by the links of Scotland but boasting many elements more reminiscent of an American tournament course. What really impresses is the quality of the par-threes, with water coming into play on all four. The best is the shortest of the bunch: the 155-metre 4th. From its slightly elevated tee, all manner of potential trouble is in plain view. Your tee shot must carry a glassy lake and wetland, as well as a large beach-like bunker in front of the wide yet shallow putting surface.
The back half of the layout features five large lakes and several trout-filled creeks, which skirt or cut across four of the nine holes. The toughest of the back nine par-threes is the beautiful 11th, where your tee shot must fly nearly 170 metres across a lake and land on a kidney-shaped green. Once again, a beach bunker lies between the putting surface and the lake’s cool waters.
The most challenging hole of all is one specifically designed to showcase high drama. Flanking the 407-metre, par-four closing hole is a massive lake down the left edge of the fairway, while two bunkers to the right narrow the visual look of the driving zone. The lake also wraps round the rear of the green, so any approach shot must be high and accurate and not roll over the back of the putting surface. Overlooking all this is the clubhouse – and even social players might feel the pressure of people watching over their shoulder here.
Worthy of mention is Clearwater’s pristine condition. The course traditionally recovers quickly from the winter months, providing lush playing surfaces. The large, fine-leaf, Egmont bent-grass greens are outstanding: smooth-rolling and receptive to well-struck shots. It is no wonder the resort continues to be a popular venue among players on the NZ PGA tour.
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MEMORABLE HOLES 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 14th and 18th WHERE TO GO Clearwater Ave, Harewood, Christchurch BOOK A ROUND (03) 360 2146, www.clearwaternz.com OTHER 120 GREAT COURSES NEARBY Terrace Downs (87.2 km) WHERE TO STAY Peppers Clearwater Resort has modern guestrooms, suites and villas in a contemporary boathouse design. Spacious two-bedroom terrace apartments are also available, each with a cosy fireplace as well as lake and golf course views. BEFORE/AFTER YOUR ROUND Fly-fishing is a popular pastime at Clearwater Resort, the only resort in NZ where you are able to do so on site in the many trout-filled lakes and streams. |