Questioned by Central Otago District Council planning consultant David Whitney about the style of the course, Mr Turner asked the panel to think about "emerald green swathes of fairways among fountains and lakes, with palm trees growing. Then, think the complete opposite and that will be us. We don't do emerald green."
The only trees would be small groups around the homesteads dotted around the resort.
Mr Turner, of Turner Macpherson Golf Design and a former professional golfer, said he had played on golf courses all around the world.
Those which were memorable were the ones which reflected the area in which they were built.
The McArthur Ridge course would feature roomy fairways and have large tracts of open landscape with mountain views as well as many bridle paths criss-crossing the area.
"It is appropriate there are multiple activities on that site with cyclists and walkers and even the odd horse coming through," he said.
It was important for the golf course to be expansive, reflecting the surrounding area.
The grounds would not all be perfectly manicured.
Golf carts would not be encouraged.
Drought-resistant grasses would be used with low water consumption for irrigation while he was keen to reintroduce some indigenous species.
