Lakes Resort, Pauanui

Hole #1 sets the pace with a comfortable starting hole, this short par 4 is guarded by a massive fairway bunker on the left side with ample fairway to the right. The elevated green sets up very well from the fairway and is protected in the front left with a small greenside bunker.

Dont be fooled by the length on the card of this challanging par 4. This hole plays uphill all the way and a level lie will be hard to find. Grass hollows, sand bunkers and a creek crossing await those that stray. The green approach is well guarded and deceiving, the advice on this hole is play one club more than you think.

A scenic short downhill par 3 that plays across water from the back tee. This green is large and receptive if the ball lands on the front portion of the green but DO NOT BE LONG! A portion of the green slopes back and a deep pot bunker and steep slope await shots that are too aggressive.

The first of many holes entering the natural wetland area. From the tee, the ideal shot should be placed as close to the fairway bunker on the right as possible to ensure a good angle for the approach shot. The setting of this green is second to none, framed by Duck Creek with native trees in the background. Two large greenside bunkers help to contain stray balls from entering the creek on the left.

After coming through the wetlands on the boardwalk, the players are treated to an uphill hole playing back towards the development. Fairway bunkers guard both sides of this demanding par 4, narrowing up the landing area. A careful approach shot is required as out of bounds lurks close to the left of the green. A bump and run shot up the right side is the safe option.

This long par 3 is well protected by bunkers and sets up for a right to left shot, ample room is available to roll the ball onto the right side of the green.

The first of back to back holes with water down the right side. This long par 4 allows you to hit everything, the further you hit the ball the less trouble lurking. The approach shot is demanding as it requires you to fly the ball over a shelf and onto the shallow green. Watch for the big beach bunker to the right of the green.

This par 5 requires placement shots, a generous area rewards a well struck drive however, and the second shot requires decisions. A series of bunkers guard the left approach to the green and there is water down the entire right side. Keep the bunkers out of play and play a lay-up second shot leaving a 100 meter shot to a large green.

A short but interesting par 4 playing back into the spectacular backdrop of the clubhouse. Club selection will be important on this green as the approach is guarded on both sides by sand and a creek runs behind the green.

One of the many signature holes, this par 3 over water will provide excitement for those viewing from the clubhouse deck. Ranging from a peninsula tee playing 153m over water to a forgiving 94m alongside the water, this hole will provide drama for all, pay attention to what the wind is doing!

A demanding par 4 playing straightaway to a peninsula type green, the only hole on the course with no sand but the narrow fairway and water make up for that.

The tee shot on this par 4 must negotiate a large fairway bunker on the left and the creek on the right. The green is situated adjacent to the creek with a backdrop of lush native trees.

A great par 4 playing out of a chute with a target bunker on the left side of the fairway. Play the tee shot towards the bunker in order to get around the slight dogleg and get a clear shot to the green. The second shot must be played over the creek to a green surrounded by grass depressions.

A long par 4 that plays over the creek with fairway bunkers and strategically located native trees testing the tee shots. The green is located in a clearing surrounded by dense native vegetation, a very peaceful setting.

The longest hole on the course starts from the most secluded part of the property. This three shot par 5 plays over the creek on the third shot to a well guarded but small green.

A scenic par 3 that plays into a backdrop with the creek and its lush vegetation. Club selection will be important on this well protected hole. The green is two tiered with a large bunker guarding the front right of the green and a pot bunker and grass hollows on the left that lead down to the creek.

One of the most interesting par 5s anywhere, this is a great risk/reward hole with water and sand coming into play all the way through. Those gambling on going for the green on their second shot need to consider the creek crossing in front of the green. Again, just watch out for the three big beach bunkers on the right.

The finishing hole gives the player one last chance to drive for show as the fairway is very generous and wide. Things tighten up a little on the approach with the green hugging the lake on the right and a bunker on the front left. The clubhouse behind the green will make one thirsty and will provide the perfect setting to add things up and reflect on the experience.