Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

Overview: Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, situated on the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington, New Zealand, is a historic and highly unique seaside links course. Played on rolling volcanic sand dunes, the course features firm, fast-running fescue fairways, deep pot bunkers, and windswept greens. Known as the spiritual home of New Zealand golf, the layout offers an authentic links experience where the prevailing winds from the Cook Strait demand traditional links tactics and creative shot-making.

History: Opened in 1949, the course was designed by Alex Russell, the legendary Australian architect and design partner of Alister MacKenzie. Russell recognized the unique strategic potential of the volcanic dunes, routing the holes to flow naturally through the dune valleys with minimal earthworks. It has hosted the New Zealand Open on a record 12 occasions, cementing its status as the country's premier championship venue.

Did You Know? During the 2002 New Zealand Open, a young Tiger Woods played the course, attracting the largest crowds in New Zealand golf history. The gallery was so massive and unmanaged that they stampeded the fairways, forcing Tiger’s caddie, Steve Williams, to physically guide Tiger through the crowds. The course record of 63 was set by Tiger during this dramatic week.