Levin Golf Club

1hr, 20 min easy drive from Wellington CBD (NZ) or 1hr from Palmerston North (NZ)

Levin Golf Club is 8.7km (9mins) west of Levin towards Hokio Beach. This is a well-regarded golf course. When you talk to golfers and mention Levin, most know about it and have something good to say. Its tree lined and open and although on route to a beach it’s a parkland course vs a links. Surrounded by rural vistas with the Tararua Ranges in the background you get a sense of quiet whilst on this course.

I spent many holidays in this area with my Grandparents and the call of the Magpie amongst the pine trees was very familiar. It’s well worth playing if you are in the area. We teed off mid-morning on a Sunday and the course was not busy. The staff were very friendly and accommodating.

Weather– A bit overcast, slight breeze and cool. Afterall this was July, which is our mid-winter here in NZ. Perfect for golf though.

The Course – The land around Levin is gently rolling market garden land so the course was flat to rolling and for that time of year very dry underfoot. There were a number of narrow fairways with trees along both sides and on some holes, paddocks so hitting a straight ball would be advantageous.

The greens were well paced, not fast with good putting surfaces. It was an interesting course that held your attention easily. I don’t recall any blind holes which as visitors makes play a lot more enjoyable.

I played off the ladies’ yellow tees, slope rating of 117. Distance 5,121 metres or 5,600 yards. Scott played the Men’s White Tees, slope 117, distance 5,804 metres or 6,347 yards.

I had a gross 100 which I was happy with. If I can play to my handicap or close to on a course I’ve never played before, I consider it a good round. Scott who had been very unwell all-day Saturday didn’t finish, instead opting to ‘support’ me on the second 9.

I think the prettiest part of the course was out the back. Holes 10,11 & 13. Undulating, twisting, framed by pines and Toi toi with the Tararua ranges behind.

The Refreshments– The caterer was not working but the clubhouse had a selection of fresh sandwiches and homemade pies. I had a Mince and Cheese pie and it was really good. Light flaky pastry with meat and cheese filling and not a lot of additional jelly or liquid. I tried the local Ohau Gravels Pinot Gris and found it to be very nice. Scott was still feeling seedy so did not try anything and stuck to his Coke.

The summary – 31/35