45 Horseshoe Lake Rd,
Shirley, Christchurch, Cantebury 8061
Office
+64 (0)3 385 9506Pro shop
+64 (0)3 385 2738Fax
+64 (0)3 385 4892Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Anthony Doyle (Head Professional)The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Gently undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Residential setting.
Designer:
Present site established in 1900; course designer unknown. Recent improvements by Peter Thomson.
-43.504036
172.667120
5 km NE of Christchurch centre
From the point where Highways 1 and 74 split to the north of Christchurch, follow Hwy 74 (Main North Road) direction City Centre. After 4 km turn left into Queen Elizabeth II Road direction Burwood / Lyttelton. After 4 km turn right at roundabout into Marshland Rd direction Shirley. After 2 km turn left at traffic lights into New Brighton Road. After 300 metres turn left into Horseshoe Lake Road. After 400 metres golf is on your left.
Christchurch (Shirley)
Christchurch Golf Club: Commonly known as the Shirley Links, things have obviously changed here since the original construction in the 1920's, particularly with several trees having been planted over the years, which gives parts of the course a more parkland feel than was originally the case.
Notwithstanding the occasional tree-lined fairway, the course retains many of its links-like credentials, with copious bunkering, including many pot bunkers that guard both the fairways and greens. The opening stretch of four holes, and the equally impressive closing stretch of seven holes, is played over naturally undulating terrain, which allows for several elevated tee-boxes and a thoroughly absorbing layout where gently dog-legging holes are commonplace.
The middle section from the par-5 5th to the short par-3 11th is played on the other side of Lakes Terrace Road in a flatter, straighter and less interesting area. When your attention can be distracted, you'll glimpse the hills to the south of Christchurch, and no doubt consider a beverage or two in the excellent and very English looking clubhouse.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Contact club for full details, discounts, Stay&Play packages, etc. [Last updated: 2025].
Non-metal spikes preferred. Walking permitted at all times. Golf carts available for hire.
Good
Christchurch GC was founded in 1873, making it the second oldest golf club in New Zealand. Its early play was at courses in Hagley Park and in the general area where the Russley Golf Club is now (close to the airport). However, in 1900 leases were taken out on three portions of land which form the core of the Shirley Links that the Club has used for 100 years.
Bob Charles became a junior member in 1956 and it was from here that he set out (rather successfully as it turned out) to seek his fortune as a professional golfer. Christchurch GC has hosted several New Zealand Open Championships, most recently in 1982 (see our Tournaments section >by Venue >Christchurch).
New Zealand's 19th best course (Australian Golf Digest, 2025/26).
Clearwater Ave, Harewood, Christchurch
+64 (0)3 360 1009
Visit websitePeppers' elegant and modern lakeside units at the Clearwater Resort welcome privacy, relaxation, and refined entertaining. Guest rooms, suites, apartments and villas in a contemporary boathouse design offer offer marvellous lake and fairway views.
Clearwater
Russley; Waitikiri; Christchurch
No
72 Papanui Road, Christchurch
+64 (0)3 355 6109
Visit websiteNo
Russley; Christchurch; Waitikiri; Clearwater Resort
No
Presidents Cup: Geoff Ogilvy’s International Team take on Brandt Snedeker’s USA Team at the revered Medinah Country Club, near Chicago. The Internationals are trying to halt a run of 11 consecutive American wins. (Sept 24-27).
French Open: Continental Europe’s oldest national championship, dating from 1906, is once again staged on the Albatros Course at Le Golf National, near Paris. Defending champion is America’s Michael Kim. (Sept 24-27).
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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