Tick Otago Golf Club Off Your Bucket List

Otago Golf Club looking towards the 17th Green (Supplied)
Otago Golf Club (Supplied)

The lure of the New Zealand Open at Queenstown will see thousands of golfers heading south in late February and what better way to top off the trip by staying in the region for another few days and visiting the historic Otago Golf Club.

Founded in 1871, the picturesque 18-hole layout is renowned as one of the top golf courses in the South Island with its hilly terrain, quality fairways and greens that will challenge golfers of all levels.

Director of Golf at Otago Golf Club Shelley Duncan believes Otago Golf Club is set up beautifully for those NZ Open visitors looking to extend their trips.

“Golf players love to tick things off their bucket list,” Duncan said. “We are the oldest club in the southern hemisphere and have held many NZ Opens and NZ Amateur championships, we are a must-play if you are heading down south to play golf.”

Shelley Duncan was a touring professional and played in the US Women’s Open in 1999 before returning home to play and coach in New Zealand over the past 20 years. After being the Head Professional at the Otago Golf Club since 2007 Duncan certainly knows what it takes to prepare and maintain an amazing golf course.

“We intend to undertake a full renovation of all our bunkers which will include using a concrete base in our most difficult bunkers to maintain. As well as a general enhancement of all facilities for our big celebrations in 2021 turning 150,” Duncan explained.

“We have improved the paths around the course to make the walk and or cart ride more enjoyable. There has been a real commitment to planting native trees and these are starting to get up in height and change how the course plays.

Otago Golf Club
Otago Golf Club (Supplied)

Over the years many of golf’s great personalities have graced the fairways of Otago Golf Club including Gene Sarazen, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Sir Bob Charles and a host of Australian and New Zealand champions.

But the club doesn’t just cater to the elite golfers, with a host of options and facilities for everyone to become part of the golf club at any time of the year.

“We have memberships to cater for all people from a non-playing member to a full member. We can provide coaching for all ages from 3 years old to 90 plus, there is also a tennis club attached to the golf club.”

The clubhouse has elevated views over the golf course and is a popular venue for conferences, weddings, family and business functions.

Situated just three kilometres from the centre of Dunedin, the Otago Golf Club will welcome all visitors at any time.

Otago Golf Club Logo


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