Magazine - Another Top Resort Course For N.Z South Island

By Editor in Golf on 4th May 2008 6:00

Approval has been granted for another world-class golf course in the Southern Lakes District.

Wanaka couple Pam and Bob McRae say the decision to allow them to develop a world-class golf course at Glendhu Bay will enable them to share their property with the community. The McRaes are the second-generation family running the 2900ha Glendhu Station and yesterday their resource consent application to build a golf course and accommodation on 200ha of land on their station close to the edge of Lake Wanaka was approved.

Project manager Brett Thomson said in planning the golf resort at Parkins Bay, the intention was always to maintain the integrity of Glendhu Station as a working farm. A clubhouse, visitor accommodation, public jetty and walking tracks will be built alongside the course, which will be open to the public.

Earthworks and construction could start in December and take about 18 months to complete. The application was lodged on April 5 last year and commissioners David Clarke, Neville Marquet and Jane Taylor held hearings in August and November. Of the 351 submissions received only 41 opposed the plan.

Commissioners Clarke and Marquet approved the consent, subject to some changes that included removing eight of the more visible residential units, and for the clubhouse to be moved back 3m from the foreshore to provide a greater marginal strip. Objectors have 15 working days to appeal.

The Lakes District already has Millbrook, Jacks Point and the Hills, regarded as premier golf courses, as well as clubs at Arrowtown, Cromwell, Wanaka and Kelvin Heights, Queenstown. "All these can give a great combination product to offer anyone who is keen on golf. It is difficult to measure but possibly 3 percent of our visitors play at least one round while they are here," Destination Queenstown chief executive David Kennedy said.

Not long ago New Zealand had no courses of such a standard but with the advent of Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs and Millbrook, a new era had opened in golf tourism. Sir Bob Charles, who helped design the Parkins Bay golf course, said yesterday he was delighted by the positive decision.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/southlandtimes

Read more articles in Golf, by Editor or from May 2008.