Manawatu Golf Club

New Zealand’s oldest golf course, the Manawatu Golf Club, offers a delightful golfing experience that blends history with immaculate course conditions. From the moment I arrived, the friendly staff in the pro shop made me feel at home, setting the tone for an enjoyable day ahead. Though my original round was delayed due to heavy rains resulting in a cart ban, when I finally played, it was as if the weather had never happened—the fairways were in perfect condition.nnThe tree-lined layout of this classic parkland course is stunning, and it’s easy to see why it ranks among New Zealand’s top 30. While I didn’t find the fairways overly tight, the strategically placed bunkers on nearly every drive demanded careful thought, making each shot an engaging challenge. The par 5s offer a tempting opportunity to reach the green in two—though I didn’t quite manage it!nnThe greens were fast and beautifully maintained, with subtle breaks keeping me on my toes. I particularly enjoyed the short par 3s, each one scenic and protected by well-positioned bunkers, adding to the visual appeal and challenge.nnIf you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out on playing this historic gem—you won’t regret it!

A well maintained course, in lovely parkland setting, if you lift your gaze while wandering the fairways you will notice a pleasant variety of trees. The fairways are wider than I am used to so did not find it particularly intimidating off the tee, but beware the plethora of very well placed bunkers, you do need to think about shot selection. Its a pretty, and well maintained course, with Tui flying around whuch is cool, but others will offer more of a golfing challenge. Modern clubhouse and facilities, only had a drink so can't comment on the food.

Have played Manawatu twice a year for many years as it is my old home course. It has always been the benchmark in terms of layout and presentation. It saddens me to say that I really feel the course is starting to slip backwards in recent times unfortunately. The felling of large significant pines has detracted badly from it's appeal as these magnificent stands of trees have really defined the impressiveness of the course over the years. Also on this last visit the rough has become more mud than grass and the greens were just OK at best. I hope to find the course at its normal beautiful condition on my next visit but unfortunately the missing trees will be unredeemable. I can t really recommend at the moment especially at around $100 for a green fee

Food was amazing and the staff were lovely too. They even remembered my Nana which is so awesome.

Beautiful course, amazing facilities. I didn't know Palmerston North had such a nice golf course. Particularly impressed with how green the fairways were at a time where they're very dry at most places. Only played the front 9 but looking forward to coming back and playing the back.