Rotorua Golf Club History
The first recording of golf in Rotorua dates back to 1902 when a recording was made in the record of the New Zealand Parliament that
‘Golf links will undoubtedly prove a source of pleasure to the many visitors and enquiries are being made with a view of establishing them’.
From this beginning golf was played on a casual basis at various venues in and around the then small town of Rotorua, New Zealand. It was not until 1906 that the Rotorua Golf Club came to life and has continued strongly to this day. The early years saw the club have three different homes in quick succession until finally arriving at Arikikapakapa Reserve in 1912.
The Reserve had been gifted to the Crown, along with other Reserves in the growing town, by the representative of Ngati Whakaue. Arikikapakapa Reserve was especially set aside ‘for recreation and the medicinal use of hot springs’.
The Rotorua Golf Club has long recognised two crucial points:
• That the club is nothing without the course and expenditure on the course is always a priority.
• Our unique terrain and thermal features have delivered a wonderful opportunity to create an extraordinary playing venue.
Significant Happenings
1912
9 holes open for play
1918
18 holes now open
1923
First Triplex mower purchased
1927
First Secretary/Treasurer employed
1928
First Professional appointed
1930
Course water reticulation scheme completed
New clubhouse completed
1935
American professional golfer, Gene Sarazen plays Arikikapakapa
1944
Club acquires additional land from Whakarewarewa Native School
1956
Discussions commence to combine men and ladies clubs – finally completed in 1990
1970
9 hole Thermal Course opened
1994-99
Club reconstructs all greens and bunkers
1999
New 14th green opened – becoming the signature hole for the course
2010
New 16th green opened which lengthened the hole
2011
Ladies Tee at the 17th hole opened
2012
New paths to Men’s and Ladies Tees completed
