Jacks Point, recently rated as the fifth best golf course in New Zealand by a British journalist Keith Baxter behind Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch and Wairakei, is a track that has to be experienced to be believed.
With the snow capped Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop throughout and some stunning views from elevation of Lake Wakatipu Jacks Point is fast becoming a championship favourite in the south.
And better still it is only $70 for affiliated golfers to play this course that is a stern test.
Compare that with the green fees for affiliates at other championship layouts like Cape Kidnappers ($200), Kauri Cliffs ($225), Kinloch ($150) and Wairakei ($100) – all beautiful courses in their own right –and you get a sense that Jack’s is great value for money.
Designed by John Darby and Associates the layout at Jacks Point blends seamlessly into the Southern terrain as it meanders through tussocks and dramatic rock outcrops alongside some of the best views from a course in the country.
The best series of holes arrive when you reach midway through the front nine.
The 5th is the first par five on the course and is a dog-leg right hole that is fraught with danger.
When you reach the top of the hill and arrive at the green a spectacular uninterrupted view of Lake Wakatipu will make you feel better if this demanding par five has beaten you up somewhat.
What follows is some respite in two of the shortest and best holes on the golf course.
The par four sixth is your quintessential risk and reward par four that is drive-able for the big hitters at 280m off the tee.
With bunkers down the right side there is trouble to avoid but the green is receptive and this is a perfect place to turn your scorecard around at an idyllic part of the course.
The seventh is a stunning drop par three, with Lake Wakatipu right behind it, which provides an opportunity for birdie or double bogey if you miss the target.
This is designer Darby’s favourite hole on the course and rightfully so and it shows that a par three doesn’t have to be long to be a good challenge.
After those two short tests the par five eight is one of the toughest holes on the course that requires three good shots and beware anything to the left of the green will feed down to a tricky hollow.
This is the signature stretch at Jacks where you need your camera handy.
It is dramatic views at every turn and the layout compliments the world class vistas like a championship course should.
There are many more highlights to come throughout the round most notably the par four 15th that when you play off the blue tees you will tee off over the trademark dry stone walls of the course that make you feel like you are in the British and Irish Isles.
Jacks can play brutally tough in the wind but in fine conditions it isn’t as demanding as Kidnappers or Kinloch so you have the opportunity to score well.
It is a course that should be atop of any golfing trips to Queenstown and at only $70 it is worth giving it another go once you have figured out how to play here.
2010
03:04 pm
BRILLIANT PLACE, BE THERE IN 2 WEEKS
- Posted by john THORNTON
2010
02:46 pm
One of the most stunning coarses I have ever played, but brutal if you miss the fairway!
- Posted by Mark Miller
2010
08:35 pm
Yes played there once last year and it is a fantastic course. I am keen to get back there sometime soon.
- Posted by Mark
2010
08:56 pm
Played in early JuneStunning viewsGreat hospitalityFair course, but watch the 13th.Look forward to my next round there when back in Queenstown. Top of the list.
- Posted by Paul
2010
11:25 am
Played in March and it is definately one of the courses you have to play. Not and easy but a very enjoyable course with stunning views.
- Posted by Darren
2010
06:10 am
PT is on the money. Superb course but can be a true test for the golf fanatic. Spend time enjoying the scenery between shots. The last holes were a relative disappointment.
- Posted by Sudhindra Rao
2010
10:35 pm
played 36 holes on a very windy March day and LOVED it. This is my favourite NZ course (and I've played all the good ones). Brilliant design. One of the few courses that you won't mind when it beats you up
- Posted by Ted
2011
01:55 pm
Looks good.
- Posted by Jon
2011
09:28 pm
New Zealand has some of the best courses for the lowest green fees paidI will be hoping to play Jacks Point in August if the Weather allows for itJason
- Posted by Jason
Peter began with the Sports Inc team in 2005 and is the producer of the popular golf magazine show the HSBC Golf Club.
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