Molesworth Drive,
Mangawhai Heads, Northland
Office
+64 (0)9 431 4807Pro shop
+64 (0)9 431 4807Fax
+64 (0)9 431 4300Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Doug McDougalThe Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Rural countryside and woodland.
Designer:
Harry Dale
-36.098718
174.586562
55 km S of Whangarei
From Auckland Harbour Bridge travel north on Hwy 1 for approx 82 km (i.e. 7 km north of Wellsford). Turn right off Hwy 1 direction Mangawhai. After 20 km turn right at T-junction direction Mangawhai Heads. After 150 metres turn left into Molesworth Drive direction Mangawhai Heads / Golf Club. After 4 km golf is on your left.
Mangawhai
Mangawhai Golf Club: in the developing seaside resort of Mangawhai Heads, lies one of New Zealand's hidden gems, a golf course which has grown in popularity and stature in recent times. Perhaps having new kids on the golfing block like nearby Tara Iti (private) and Te Arai Links has also given a boost to Mangawhai.
The front and back nines here journey out-and-back from the clubhouse. Both loops contain a marvellous run of four holes that take you into some natural "wilderness" areas. Whereas newer tree-planting occupies much of the course, these wilderness stretches abound with tall pines, sub-tropical vegetation, swamp (to be played across on the wonderful par-4 3rd) and many natural flowers.
The layout is always interesting, constantly undulating (but never tiringly so). There are strong holes all the way, a good variety of sloping and flatter greens, and all done without too much bunkering (often the case on many New Zealand courses).
Some of the drives are pretty tight (especially at the par-4 5th and 14th holes). Sea views are limited to a brief glimpse at the 12th and 18th back-tees, but the excellent layout, undulations and naturalness of the course are in themselves quite a feast for the eye.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Worth booking ahead to ensure tee-time availability, especially at weekends.
Walking permitted at all times. Golf carts available for hire.
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The small town of Mangawhai ("The Place of Te Whai, where the streams meet") has seen recent expansion as the popularity of its beaches and natural environment have slowly grown. Previously it was used as a small timber port by early settlers. Before that its notoriety came from being the first place where a major battle between Maori tribes was decided through the use of muskets.
New Zealand's 35th best course (Australian Golf Digest, 2023/24).
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Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
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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.
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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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