| 139 T T Bernadette Cooney New range caters for all The club’s redevelopment includes a state-of-the-art 15-bay driving range, a dramatically expanded putting and chipping green, and a brandnew function room. Mount Maunganui Golf COMMUNITY With a history dating back to 1935, the Mount Manganui Golf Club has long been a staple of the Bay of Plenty golfing community and now with its $3 million development underway, it is set to expand its offerings beyond the traditional 18-hole course, making golf more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience. Spread across forty-two hectares off Fairway Ave, the Mount Golf Club features a championship layout, a well-equipped pro shop, and an array of coaching facilities. Today, with approximately 1400 members, including social and junior golfers, the club continues to be an integral part of the Tauranga community. The club’s redevelopment includes a stateof-the-art 15-bay driving range, a dramatically expanded putting and chipping green, and a brand-new function room. Expected to open in May, the new 15-bay driving range is designed to cater to all skill levels and will feature innovative ball-tracking technology, similar to what is seen in professional tournaments, providing real-time feedback on speed, direction, and shot accuracy. “Our new driving range will be fully open to the public from day one,” says Mount Golf Club General Manager Michael Williams. “We want this to be a space where anyone, regardless of age or ability, can have fun and enjoy golf. This facility is designed for everyone.” The driving range will also include a function room capable of accommodating up to 100 people for corporate events, team-building activities, and private functions. “We’re not just building a golf facility; we’re creating a community hub where businesses and individuals can come together to enjoy the sport and network and enjoy themselves.” Main contractor and major sponsor of the golf club, CBC Construction of Tauranga are co-ordinating the works and have previously added a gymnasium and completed clubhouse alterations two years prior. Set to be completed in April, the club’s new putting and chipping green will be among the largest in New Zealand, spanning 5500 to 6000 sq. metres. While the new green is bedding in it will be reserved for members, but the club has plans to open it to the wider community, including school groups, by 2026. The primary motivation behind the redevelopment is to modernise the club’s facilities and make golf more accessible while adding a services plus entertainment dimension with broader public appeal. “Opening the driving range to the public is a pathway to membership should they want to, and it will mean our golfing programmes and coaching clinics won’t be cancelled due to weather and it’s great for encouraging school groups and beginners to get involved,” says Michael. Funding for the development came from a combination of loans and club savings, major commercial sponsorships, and charitable trust grants from organisations such Grassroots Trust. With world-class practice facilities, an expanded event space, and a commitment to inclusivity, the Mount Golf Club is positioning itself for an exciting future says Michael, a keen golfing enthusiast with 14 years’ experience in sports club management. PROUD TO SUPPORT MOUNT MAUNGANUI GOLF
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