Since early 1970 the idea of establishing a golf course in the Omokoroa area was raised from time to time. In March 1973 a public meeting was held to gauge public support.
As there was considerable backing for the idea, a steering committee was formed with the task to look into the feasibility of creating an 18-hole golf course on the Omokoroa peninsula, to investigate the possible purchase of suitable land as well as ways to finance such a project.
In August 1975 the “Western Bay Golf Links (Omokoroa) Inc.” was registered.
To facilitate the negotiations with landowners to acquire the 100 acres of farmland required for the golf course, a “land purchase and development” sub-committee was formed. After negotiations with a number of different landowners the club concluded the purchase of the land in October 1977 with money raised by private pledges and bank loans. At that stage the club had 318 members, who paid a subscription of $10. In the AGM of November 1977 the sub was raised to $30.
The land was originally zoned “rural”, but later rezoning allowed for some residential subdivision. A total of 42 sections were developed which were auctioned in January 1978 and the money raised was used to construct the golf course under the direction of course architect Harry Dale. The cost for tree felling, drainage, excavation/filling, forming tees and greens, seeds, fertiliser and water system was estimated at $65,000. The first tournament was played on 16th December 1978, a 9-hole Christmas tournament and the official opening took place on Sunday 18th March 1979 after a Canadian Foursomes tournament where 87 players took part. The course was gradually developed to 12, then 16 and finally 18 holes in late 1979.
The course record (white tees) was originally set by Colin Jacobsen in 1983 and it took 23 years for it to be broken. This was achieved by one of our youngest members, Andrew Stewart, who in 2006 at the age of 16 had a gross score of 63. He also has the best gross score here with a 60.
In October 2007 the name of the club was changed to Omokoroa Golf Club Inc., to better reflect the geographical location of the club.
Location:
Links View Drive
Omokoroa, RD2
Tauranga
Phone: 64 7 548 0384
Fax: 64 7 548 2384
Email: info@omokoroagolf.co.nz