Christchurch · New Zealand · Canterbury
Christchurch Golf Club
Shirley Course
Shirley Course holds a significant position in Canterbury golf. It is a major historic club on the South Island. Located in Christchurch, in the Canterbury region, this course is set within a tree-lined park where playing lines are drawn between trees, bunkers, and water features. It should be presented not merely as a destination, but as a unique New Zealand golf experience, with its history, architectural choices, relationship to the landscape, and the decisions it imposes on the player. The Round selects Shirley Course for its architectural, historical, or territorial value in the World Golf Atlas.
parkland · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,200 m · 1900
At a glance
Shirley Course holds a significant position in Canterbury golf. It is a major historic club on the South Island. Located in Christchurch, in the Canterbury region, this course is set within a tree-lined park where playing lines are drawn between trees, bunkers, and water features. It should be presented not merely as a destination, but as a unique New Zealand golf experience, with its history, architectural choices, relationship to the landscape, and the decisions it imposes on the player. The Round selects Shirley Course for its architectural, historical, or territorial value in the World Golf Atlas.
Geography & setting
Shirley Course is located in Christchurch, in the Canterbury region, New Zealand. The course unfolds within a tree-lined park where playing lines are drawn between trees, bunkers, and water features. This geographical description should be supplemented by the exact nature of the soils, altitude, prevailing exposure, winds, vegetation, visible landscapes, and the influence of seasons on playing conditions.
History
Founded in 1873, Christchurch Golf Club is among the oldest clubs outside the British Isles. The club later established the Shirley course, with design influence from C. H. Alison.
Architecture
Mature flat parkland, deep bunkers, slightly raised greens and framed fairways define the layout.
The course in detail
The course features 18 holes, a par of 72, and measures approximately 6200 meters from the championship tees. The course utilizes its parkland environment to organize angles, hazards, and green approaches.
Practical information
- Official website
- www.christchurchgolf.co.nz/