The History of Rotorua Golf Club

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'.

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From this beginning golf was played on a casual basis at various venues in and around the then small town. 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 was especially set aside ' for recreation and the medicinal use of hot springs'.

The Arikikapapa course
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.

Other 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		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

» More details about the Course.

» View our Historical Images Gallery.