LOCAL GEMS

The world's most sought-after architects are lured to New Zealand by its coastline, sculpting the dunes into a beautiful golf course, but Phil is still a big fan of the traditional Kiwi golf club. His top picks: 1) Paraparaumu Beach Golf Links The famous old links on the Kāpiti Coast is getting better with age, primarily due to the guardianship of the club's young maintenance team and its vision, which embraces the club's roots. 2) Arrowtown Golf Club In and around some pristine golfing real estate, Arrowtown is the locals' course in the Wakatipu Basin. Recently, the word has spread further afield and, when allowed to return, international visitors will be back in their droves to play this rocky southern gem. 3) Ngāhinapōuri Golf Club There are more than 100 country nine-holers in Aotearoa. This gem near Hamilton hosts a twilight tournament every Thursday during summer. The hospitality at the 19th makes it well worth visiting. 4) Council- owned public courses There's one in nearly every town or city but, sadly, they are slowly disappearing. Such courses need support; they are vital to retaining recreational urban green space for the next generation. 5) Tīeke Golf Estate Proud of his involvement in redesigning the old Lochiel course, now renamed Tīeke, Phil is looking forward to golfers teeing up alongside the Waikato River this summer.