Titirangi Golf Club

Overview: Titirangi Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-70 course in New Lynn, Auckland, and the only course in New Zealand designed by Alister MacKenzie. The 6,600-yard layout moves through rolling ground, native bush and wooded corridors, creating a more enclosed and varied experience than the country’s open coastal links. MacKenzie’s routing uses changes in elevation and the natural shape of the property to make each hole distinct, while the greens and surrounding slopes reward thoughtful positioning. The course’s setting close to Auckland is part of its appeal: it feels connected to the city, yet the vegetation and undulating land give the round a strong sense of separation.

History: The club was formed in 1909 at One Tree Hill under the name Maungakiekie before moving to New Lynn. Golf reached the New Lynn property in 1920, and MacKenzie visited on January 4, 1927, to prepare his plan. Only five existing greens were retained; nine new fairways were created and the work was implemented by professional Bert Cooke between March 1927 and October 1928. The completed course officially opened on October 22, 1928. Titirangi later hosted New Zealand Opens in 1933, 1951 and 1966, adding an important tournament chapter to its architectural history.

Did You Know? Titirangi means “fringe of heaven” in Māori. The course is also unusual because MacKenzie’s plan was not simply a new layout on untouched ground: it combined five retained greens with nine new fairways to create the finished course.