Waahi Taakaro Golf Course and Club celebrate 50th Golden Jubilee Friday March 21 to Sunday March 23
- 24 January 2025
- Chris Butler
After much debate around the city council table, the municipal course in the Maitai Valley was opened as a six-hole course in 1975 as a more affordable alternative to Nelson with another three holes added later. By that stage a club had been formed which quickly became popular and a place where many people learnt to play the game. Having survived multiple floods and been threatened by fire, Waahi Taakaro has thrived in recent years as golf’s popularity surged and it became the centre of a recreational hub in the valley. Today the club has over 300+ members and more than 25,000 rounds per year are played on the course, which is garnering a reputation as one of the most picturesque and interesting in the country. The anniversary celebrations will begin with a 9-hole tournament on the afternoon of Friday March 21 followed by an 18-hole three-person ambrose tournament and barbecue on Saturday March 22 and another tournament with 9 and 18-hole options with a dinner afterwards on Sunday March 23. There will be a display of club memorabilia, and the clubhouse and bar will be open all weekend so past and present members can meet and reminisce. All tournaments are open to visitors and members of other clubs who are encouraged to join in the celebrations. The big new bridge across the Maitai River, built to replace several destroyed in the damaging floods of 2022 and 2023, will be officially named at a ceremony organised by Nelson City Council during the weekend. Contact details: - To register for the various events or for more details of the 50th Golden Jubilee programme, please contact the golf shop 03 5487301 or emailing golfshop@waahitaakarogolfclub.co.nz Or ring the club manager Tony Lewis by phoning 0212875515 or 03 5487771 or emailing waahitaakaro@xtra.co.nz.