Winter can be a tough season for our local golf clubs. With chilly mornings and the wettest autumn in years, green fee players and country members are staying home—and some courses have been forced to close for days at a time. But for our clubs, that’s par for the course.
In these lean months, it’s the loyal local members who keep things ticking. Their regular rounds and post-game visits to the 19th hole help clubs hold the line until spring brings back the fair-weather players.
However, with costs rising year after year, simply getting through winter is becoming increasingly complex. Clubs are having to work smarter, diversify, and lean into their communities to survive.
Whangamatā Golf Club has had a rough run, with flooding and maintenance shutting down much of April. Thankfully, the Williamson Course has taken some pressure off and kept cash flowing—but it’s a far cry from the buzz of summer’s packed Masters events.
The Tairua Country Club has also felt the strain. A true community course, it relies heavily on dedicated volunteers who go the extra mile to keep things running smoothly.
Meanwhile, Pauanui’s Lakes Resort Course, set in a low-lying valley, often bears the brunt of wet weather. As a privately owned course with fewer volunteers, they’ve had to turn to indoor simulators and social events to stay afloat through the colder months.
One bright spot has been the Paradise Coast Golf Classic, which over the past few years has injected much-needed support into all three courses. The next Classic, scheduled for late November, will be eagerly anticipated.
Golf remains a vital part of life for many Coromandel residents, especially among retirees. Some play two or three times a week, and for many, the social connection is just as important as the sport. As one local quips, “Golf has saved more men than hospitals.”
With forecasts pointing to a milder winter, clubs are hoping for a break from the rain—and a chance to keep the fairways and spirits in good shape.
