Mount Maunganui Golf Club has finished its second phase of The Dunes, a $3 million development, by opening a “state-of-the-art” driving range. Photo / Carina Funnell
Mount Maunganui Golf Club has finished its second phase of The Dunes, a $3 million development, by opening a “state-of-the-art” driving range. Photo / Carina Funnell
A golf club has finished the second phase of a $3 million development by opening a “state-of-the-art” driving range.
Mount Maunganui Golf Club general manager Michael Williams said the finished developments were “some of the best practice facilities in Australasia”.
The driving range opened on Thursday, after anew practice putting green was launched in April.
Williams told the Bay of Plenty Times the club’s old driving range area had become “too small” and had golf balls leaving the property, causing issues.
“Out of this created the opportunity to create the Dunes green and now the Dunes driving range.”
The “state-of-the-art” driving range has 15 outdoor bays and two simulators with the latest technology, which Williams said future-proofed the club and golf in the area.
Mount Maunganui Golf Club general manager Michael Williams at the opening of The Dunes green in April. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
Club board chairman Ron McQuilter said its previous range wasn’t long enough to hit a driver.
With 15 outdoor bays and two simulators, golfers can see their ball in flight and view their shot using the latest technology. Photo / Carina Funnell
“You can see the ball in flight, and right beside you, view your shot using the latest technology in an environment that is fun and welcoming.”
He said the additions of the new range and green gave “members and the public a total golf experience”.
Golf NZ’s Bay of Plenty regional support manager Mark Webb said the opening of the new driving range would enhance the golfing landscape in the Western Bay of Plenty.
“Any development of golfing facilities, be it driving ranges, mini-putts, or indoor simulator golf ranges, all allow for a wider range of accessibility and create different golf experiences suitable to a wider participation market.”
Webb said Mount Maunganui Golf Club had taken a long-term “generational approach” towards the development of its facilities.
“They have looked towards a facility that will be applicable and sustainable for multiple generations to come.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
