the course , with its varied trees , grasses , shaping of the fairways , was pleasing on the eye . Whilst there were a number of strong holes , we both liked hole 17 , a par three poking out into the ocean , with a thin covering of mangroves covering the shoreline . A par three which played very different from the back ( 152 meters ) to the forward ( 112 meters ) tees . Over the rocky outcrop and stopping the ball on the green was the biggest challenge .
Belle Mare Links is a A Rodney Wright and golfing legend Peter Allis designed the Links course in 2002 . Parking in the shaded car park and grabbing a golf buggy full of drinking water was a great start in the hot humid weather is a nice welcome . Playing the second hole , which is a really wonderful par 5 carrying a 3 handicap . This rolling verdant fairway , edged with dark volcanic rock and shapely trees as the fairway takes a little twist around a rocky outcrop , over which an umbrella shaped tree reduces the shots available to reach the green . Certainly , a thinking hole for the approach . Quite different to the third , a par 4 , Handicap 1 at 283 / 482 meters . In sight from the tee is the water hazard . No little stream , but a fully-fledged lake - albeit a small lake , but a lake non the less . I did like the overall appearance of hole 10 . A selection of elevated tees , to a drop down to the par 5 handicap 10th hole measured 317 / 518 meters . It was just one of those holes that makes a golfer feel good - even if they don ’ t play it well ! The feel good factor is from the look of the hole , it ’ s green shines in the distance and the shape off the tee is a challenge to the eyes as well as in play . Holes 11 to 14 are on the lower ground , and may be subject to being underwater in the wet season , but if not , they are some of the best . With the swerves and bends , coupled with the volcanic rock piles , there were some blind shots It wasn ’ t always obvious where to hit the ball , so instead of hitting blindly , jump in the cart and take a look . The par 3 hole 14 is made of golfers dreams . As perfect as any hole on the top courses on television , the blue water reflected the blue , white cloud dappled sky , bunkers as golden as a retriever ready to catch your ball just in front of the big green . Water right and in front , a gutsy or confident tee shot should find the green . A little walk round the left to get to the green and all the great words about this hole diminish .
South Island - North or South and you ’ re met with some of the most beautiful pictures picture