New Golf Course In Construction

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31077, 4 June 1966, Page 18

New Golf Course In Construction

The spectacular progress achieved in the construction of the municipal 18-hole. parthree golf course at Queen Elizabeth II Park has made a spring opening of the major portion of the course a distinct possibility.

In February the area was a wilderness, but since then considerable changes have been wrought, and at great speed. A good strike of grass has been realised; 12 of the greens have been sown and workmen are in the process of preparing the fairways and constructing the remainder of the tees.

By the spring it is hoped to open that part of the course closest to Beach road, which will make 12 holes available for play. Work will then proceed with the remaining* portion. This contains a lake, which will be incorporated in the design of four holes. As well as easing the strain on the club courses in Christchurch, the municipal course will be welcomed for its attractive layout and appearance. It will have the same style of mounds, bunkers and angled tees as the American television courses.

Eventually it is hoped to have the course floodlit. A big car park and enormous putting green and a turf nursery will be established and a fully automatic watering system is

a possibility for the future. Existing trees have been left and others are to be planted; eventually the course will be ringed by trees and every green will have an attractive backdrop. The course will be played in a clockwise direction, so that right-handed players will be slicing into bounds all the time.

The City Council has shown foresight in providing the course and enterprise in pushing the work ahead with alacrity. In these endeavours it has had the close co-operation of Mr M. Wolveridge, who has supervised the job for the course architects, South Pacific Golf, Ltd.