The Muriwai Golf Club was formed in 1956 and the course – originally designed by Harold Babbage – opened for play in 1960. Designers John Bourke and Alex Glasgow were commissioned to renovate the links between 1996 and 2003.
Routed among dunes, heather and pines, with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea from every hole, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re playing a traditional British links course. Muriwai stretches out to 6,765 yards (6,186m) from the tips and when the wind whips across these naturally undulating fairways, playing to handicap can be an uncomfortable challenge.
The club is proud to state that the course never closes, as the links turf drains freely, but nature has forced some changes over the past decade due to coastal erosion. Several new holes have been created and these have become some of the toughest on the card, especially when the wind is blowing.
The Muriwai Open is a recent (2010), additional venue on the Charles Tour, which was created by former Kiwi tour professional Greg Turner to provide authentic, preparatory competition for golfers wanting an overseas career. “Part of Greg Turner’s aims was to play this tour on traditional and testing New Zealand golf courses. The addition of this marvellous links course at Muriwai is very much in keeping with those goals to really test our best players.” Said New Zealand Golf’s acting CEO, Dean Murphy.
The Muriwai clubhouse stands on the highest point of the course, overlooking the finishing hole. It boasts some of the most spectacular views of any clubhouse in New Zealand and is the perfect place for post-round refreshments.