Golfers are a funny lot. Jack Nicklaus reports that Australia and New Zealand are the only places in the world where he is urged to make golf courses more challenging, not easier!
The 48 golfers recently hosted by Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours at the notoriously difficult Hamilton Island Golf Course (located on nearby Dent Island), rose to meet the challenge. They played through occasionally squalling rain, always in winds that averaged 35 km, and mostly in sunshine – but always uplifted by the glorious views afforded from every hole. Of course, dozens of balls were lost. Finds were sadly fewer but gratefully received.
At the end of it all, the triumphant winners of the Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours Hamilton Island Cup were Janet and Ford Ruskin-Rowe. With no pressure to perform, they came from behind to the surprise and delight of all.
SPRING GOLF TOUR TO QUEENSTOWN AND CHRISTCHURCH
While domestic travel and golf has kept us sane during these long Covid months, everyone is hankering to fly overseas. NZ is currently the only option and Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours has designed a South Island beauty to capture the magic of spring golf across the Tasman.
Of course, Queenstown and Christchurch are beautiful year round but it is spring when each really shines. The snow-capped Remarkables are framed within clear blue skies and lakeside, the cherry blossoms drift their pink confetti petals in pale breezes. The golf courses are green after winter rains.
Experience a 7-night stay to really enjoy Queenstown where Trendsetter’s tour showcases wonderful golfing at Jacks Point (2 games), Millbrook (2 games) and the much underrated Cromwell Golf Club (followed by a late lunch at Gibbston Winery). There’s time for sightseeing, activities, wine tasting and a day off so as not to overstress your swing and enjoy the bountiful pleasures of this lovely town.
The tour then trundles down to Christchurch, a beautiful scenic journey through the South Island High Country that will take you via the Lindis Pass to Lake Pukaki and then Lake Tekapo and finally Christchurch. A fine day will ensure great views of Mount Cook.
Christchurch has several excellent golf courses and on this tour you’ll enjoy games at 3 championship courses – Clearwater, Harewood and Pegasus Golf Club, again with a free day to explore how post-earthquake the city develops beautiful new streetscapes.
Accommodation is at the best golf resort in Australasia, Millbrook Resort, while in Christchurch the centrally located, boutique 5-star hotel Sudima.
This is a tour not to be missed and runs from 15 to 27 September 2021. The itinerary can be found on www.trendsettertravel.com.au/GC33 For additional information contact David Cooper on david@trendsettertravel.com.au or 0413 010 638 or call Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours on 02 9428 5900.
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