Known as Dunedin’s friendliest club, St Clair Golf Club offers so much more than just a spectacular course.
Nestled on the cliffs above St Clair Beach, the club was established in 1905 and prides itself on welcoming members and visitors with the same warm and generous spirit.
Newcomers are invited to not only utilise the Pro Shop for all their golfing needs, but also take the opportunity to play on the championship course and see why so many have fallen under its spell.
Clubs, trolleys and carts are available for hire, and the club’s professional, Patrick Moore, is on hand to offer tips, and advice on equipment, or provide full lessons by appointment.
Casual Thursdays offer novice players a great chance to play a nine-hole round of noncompetitive golf, then make the most of the cafe’s late trading hours afterwards.
The club also caters for the more competitive, as the full 18-hole course offers a unique challenge for all skill levels.
The under-6000m course features four sets of tees — black championship tees through to red junior tees — with the front nine arguably easier than the back.
The undulating nature of the greens, and sometimes unpredictable sea breeze, will test your ability, but always leave you wanting more.
Over the past 110 years, the club has developed a reputation as not only a first-class golf course, but a club of first-class golfers.
Ron Timms, Geoff Clarke, Ron Johnston and Ross Murray were all members who went on to become club professionals across New Zealand after being selected for provincial and national teams.
Other national selections have included Kim McDonald, Brent McEwan, Michael Atkinson, Aaron Babbington, Tony Giles, Peter Murphy, and Thomas Campbell.
This year, the club has excelled in many provincial events and continues to supply seasoned golfers such as Ryan and Jacob Bellamy, Michael Ormandy, Chris Snow, Stephen Hitchcox and Susan Greig to provincial teams.
Some outstanding juniors have also made their way up the ranks, including Jacob Bleach, Connor Ross and Abigael Crawford.
St Clair Golf Club’s fantastic facilities and impressive course has seen it stage numerous national and international events, including the New Zealand Open and the South Island Amateur Tournament.
Over the years, the course has been played by the likes of Lydia Ko, Frank Nobilo, Johnny Miller, Sir Bob Charles, Kel Nagle, Peter Thomson, Billy Casper, Sam Snead, Severiano Ballesteros, George Archer, and Simon Owens.
St Clair Golf Club has a very good programme in place to offer support to golfers at any age and ability, with many members offering their time as volunteers and mentors.
A range of affordable membership options is available. The first year of a full membership is just $530, with weekly, fortnightly and monthly payment options available.
Membership categories are based on playing rights and course access; the full seven-day membership is the most popular for both men and women, with these players enjoying unrestricted play and access to all of the club’s prestigious competitions.
Generous discounts are offered for juniors, full-time students and young adults up to the age of 30.
A full list of membership categories and current subscription fees can be viewed on the club’s website.
The many benefits of membership include access to the club’s NZPGA ‘AAA’-rated golf pro; reciprocal rights at many other clubs, including in Australia and England; a NZ Golf handicap; a family-friendly social atmosphere; a busy and varied club calendar; and access to clubhouse facilities.
The clubhouse, home to two bars, a restaurant and a cafe, is the perfect spot to relax in after a round, or just visit with family or friends to enjoy the sunshine and take in the view.
The club cafeoffers a fully licensed bar and top-notch food from Prime Catering, with the downstairs bar area opening on to an expansive deck, where you can soak up the atmosphere and a drink or two.
The club is also able to assist with corporate golf days, fundraising competitions and all kinds of functions and events.
Pop in for a round or a meal in the cafe to experience all the club has to offer for yourself.
St Clair Golf Club is located at 20 Isadore Rd, St Clair, Dunedin. For more information on joining, or holding a function or corporate golf day, contact Annette Godman on (03) 487-7076, email st.clair@golf.co.nz, or visit www.stclairgolf.co.nz
