Golf

The Hawke’s Bay Golf Club,

which opened for business as the Flaxmere Golf Course in 1969, touts itself as the friendliest golf club in the Bay. Some 10km from the centre of Hastings, the 18-hole course has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with the new layout opening just over two years ago. The redesign was done by Puddicombe Golf, an international golf design company. The course, which has generous tree-lined fairways and large greens, also features views of notable local landmarks, Te Mata Peak and the northern Ruahines. The course proves attractive to golfers and nongolfers alike — the nongolfers being birds such as tūī and doves. Pied stilts inhabit the water hazards, and other wildlife around include plover, heron and wild duck. The clubhouse has a café and licenced bar. Green fees: $40 (NZ affiliate), $45 (nonaffiliated). 114 Valentine Road, Hastings. (06) 879 8890, hawkesbaygolfclub.co.nz