Living the dream

A short windy drive from Matakana, staying on the west coast of the North Island is New Zealands newest golf course Te Ari pronounced TRI. It is the sister course to Tara iti, which unfortunately for us was not hosting guests. I do not think there are enough superlatives to describe our round of golf today. The weather was perfect, we are playing a links course so weather can make a big difference. We all took caddies and they were brilliant, Ross's caddy was a friend of theirs - which made for good sledging and banter. Carolyn found her A-game which was brilliant as she only has one golf ball left. The course was TOO DIE FOR, oh my goodness, this is a must do. I didnt play well but LOVED it. See for yourself.

No bunkers, just wasteland. So a plugged ball in the sand is an embedded ball and you get a drop. In a footprint in a bunker, lift clean and replace - I think Avondale need to bring in this rule!.

At the moment, they only have one restaurant here that doubles as the club house. Dinner at Ricks, which was surprisingly good, it was buzzing for an out of the way place. At Te Arai they have a putting green with swales that spans an acre. All are encouraged to have a go - it creates a fun golf inspired atmosphere - which I loved. Todays round without the knowledge and wisdom of our caddies was still as fantastic, a little less crowded with 4 players instead of 8. Carolyn was amazing pushing her trolley 18 holes up and down dale so soon after a hip op. Ross was on Fire, smoking hot driving the Par 4 14th with a superb shot, no down wind, just a great, great shot. 44 points, we were playing 4BBB matchplay, Cochranes vs Thompsons, Ross had 21 points on the front nine and was 3 down. Thompsons combined well and won the match John having 39 points, Shaz 40 and wait for it. Drum roll Ross had 44 points. More photos of our shit day below.

Now off to Paihia which is 40 minutes up the coast in the Bay or Islands.