The Early Years: Auckland Golf Club (1885-1910)

Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club traces its remarkable history back to 1885, when Auckland Golf Club was originally founded. Better known as Middlemore, the club embarked on a journey that would span nearly 140 years and establish it as one of New Zealand's most prestigious golf destinations.

The club's early years were marked by movement and growth. After relocating twice in its formative years, Auckland Golf Club finally settled in the suburbs of Manukau City in 1910, one of the four cities that make up the greater Auckland conurbation. This move would prove to be the foundation for everything that followed.

Course Development and Championship Golf (1910-1930)

The new course at Middlemore opened for play in 1910 as a nine-hole layout designed by club professional Fred G. Hood. The ambitious club wasted no time in expansion, extending the course to eighteen holes within just two years of opening. This rapid development reflected the club's commitment to providing world-class golf facilities from the very beginning.

The course quickly established itself as a premier golfing venue, hosting its first New Zealand Open in 1914 – marking the beginning of numerous national championships that would be held at the club over the decades. This early recognition cemented Middlemore's reputation as one of New Zealand's top golf courses.

Between late 1928 and 1930, renowned golf course architect Charles Redhead completely revised the course design. Redhead's dedication to the project was legendary – he famously directed operations from a tent pitched beside the 3rd green, overseeing every detail of the transformation that would define the course's character for generations.

The Grange Golf Club Story (1924-1950)

While Auckland Golf Club was establishing itself at Middlemore, another important chapter in the story was beginning nearby. In 1924, Otahuhu Golf Club was established with a modest 9-hole course laid out on the Otahuhu Trotting Club in Mangere East.

Seven years later, in 1931, the club made a significant move to a new 82-acre site immediately adjacent to Auckland Golf Club. This proximity would prove crucial to the clubs' eventual merger decades later. The club later rebranded itself as Grange Golf Club in 1956, reflecting its new identity and ambitions.

After World War II, Grange Golf Club underwent major renovation work. The remodelled course officially opened for play on March 25, 1950, establishing itself as a worthy neighbor to the already prestigious Auckland Golf Club.

Golden Era and Course Refinements (1950-2000)

The period from 1950 to 2000 represented a golden era for both clubs. Auckland Golf Club continued to refine its layout through the expertise of renowned golf course architects. H.G. Babbage made modifications in 1954, followed by John Harris in 1965. The most significant changes came through Peter Thomson's work from 1976 to 1992, with additional modifications by Michael Wolveridge in the 1980s.

The original Auckland course was laid out on gently undulating ground and, despite predominantly clay soil, remained dry and playable thanks to extensive drainage improvements implemented over the years. This interesting parkland layout featured distinctive stands of pine trees separating fairways, creating a unique playing experience that challenged golfers of all skill levels.

Measuring close to 7,000 yards from the championship tees, Auckland Golf Club became renowned as a tough test of golf. When the course was set up in its competition configuration, it presented a daunting challenge that separated the elite players from the rest of the field.

Throughout this period, both Auckland and The Grange golf clubs coexisted harmoniously side by side, each earning the prestigious honor of hosting the New Zealand Open on multiple occasions. The clubs' reputation for excellence attracted the finest players in the region and established them as must-play destinations for serious golfers.

The New Millennium and Major Changes (2000-2017)

The early 2000s brought significant changes to both clubs. Auckland Golf Club hosted the New Zealand Open in 2003, while The Grange followed suit in 2004. The 2003 tournament at Auckland proved particularly memorable, with New Zealand's Mahal Pearce claiming his first professional title on home soil.

By this time, Auckland Golf Club had replaced its homely wooden clubhouse with a spectacular new facility, providing members with world-class amenities. The club had earned a reputation as one of New Zealand's most private golf clubs, where knowing a member was essential to securing a game.

In September 2011, Auckland Golf Club received its greatest honor when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, granted the club "Royal" status. This recognition acknowledged the club's outstanding contribution to New Zealand golf and its position among the country's premier golf destinations.

The Great Merger: Project Legacy (2017-2022)

In 2017, the landscape of Auckland golf changed dramatically when Royal Auckland Golf Club merged with Grange Golf Club to create Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. This ambitious merger aimed to create a facility that would compare favorably with the finest metropolitan golf clubs in the Australasian region.

The challenge was significant – an estuary separated the two courses with no physical connection between the layouts. The solution required unprecedented vision and investment in what became known as "Project Legacy."

Phase One: Foundation and Infrastructure (2017-2020)

Project Legacy was carried out in two carefully planned phases. The first phase involved selling land on both sides of the original 18-hole courses to finance the new development. This phase included:

• Construction of thirteen new holes on the former Grange course property
• Building two bridges across the Tamaki Estuary to connect the properties
• Erecting a new clubhouse strategically positioned on the estuary
• Installing state-of-the-art SubAir systems in all greens

Phase Two: Completion and Modern Excellence (2021-2022)

Phase two saw the completion of the remaining holes on the Middlemore property along with a new driving range. All construction work was finished during 2021-22, creating the magnificent facility that exists today.

The course design was entrusted to Chris Cochran from Nicklaus Design, while contractor Puddicombe Golf handled the construction. Their collaboration resulted in a world-class facility that honors the history of both clubs while embracing modern golf course design principles.

The Modern 27-Hole Layout

Today's Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club features three distinct 9-hole circuits that can be combined to create varied 18-hole experiences:

The Grange Nine

The Grange nine occupies ground that was previously part of the original 18-hole Grange course. This circuit maintains the character and challenge that made the original course a favorite among members and visitors alike.

The Tamaki Nine

The Tamaki nine represents the most innovative aspect of the new design, split evenly between the Middlemore and Grange properties. The highlight is the spectacular par-three 6th hole that plays across the Tamaki Estuary, offering one of the most scenic and challenging holes in New Zealand golf.

The Middlemore Nine

The Middlemore nine presents a more traditional parkland design with tree-lined fairways and slightly smaller greens. Remarkably, only the 4th and 5th holes on this nine remain in play from the former golfing layouts, representing the sole survivors of over a century of golf history at the site.

Playing Options and Course Statistics

The flexibility of the new 27-hole layout allows for varying experiences to suit different skill levels and preferences:

• Championship Configuration: The Middlemore and Tamaki nines combine to form the longest 18-hole layout at 7,200 yards from the tips
• Shorter Options: The Tamaki and Grange nines can play as short as 4,600 yards from the forward tees
• All Configurations: Feature state-of-the-art SubAir systems in every green for optimal playing conditions

A Legacy Preserved and Enhanced

The transformation of Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club represents far more than a simple merger of two historic clubs. It demonstrates how golf course design can evolve while preserving the essential character and challenge that made the original courses special.

The club's journey from Auckland Golf Club's humble beginnings in 1885 to today's world-class 27-hole facility showcases the vision, dedication, and passion that define New Zealand's finest golf destinations. With its rich championship history, innovative design, and commitment to excellence, Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of great golf course architecture.

For golfers seeking to experience one of New Zealand's premier golf destinations, Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club offers an unparalleled combination of history, challenge, and natural beauty that places it among the top golf courses in the Australasian region.

Architect

Nicklaus Design

Type:

Parkland

Par:

72

Opened for play: