With his championship course The Hills co-hosting the annual New Zealand Open, the proposed course could be used for a pre-tournament shoot-out in the same way Augusta’s short course hosts a par-three contest before the US Masters each year.
Sir Michael said he aimed "to build the best par-three course possible".
"The design is truly superb — so natural, so pure, without barely touching the natural contours of the landscape."
Earthworks would be required only in the tee and green areas.
If granted planning approval, The Hills Farm Short Course would be unlike any other layout in Wakatipu. Designed by Australia-based golf writer and consultant Darius Oliver, it would be built on farmland south of The Hills’ 18-holer, giving it sweeping views across to Lake Hayes and the Remarkables range.
The Hills general manager Brendan Allen said there would be no bunkers or fairways. Instead, the grass between tees and greens would be cut to golf course height, rather than paddock height.
"Our overriding concept is a walk in the farm."
The holes would range from about 80m to 180m long, although there would be no defined tee markers.
But the greens, including a double green for the first and eighth holes, would be exceptional.
The course would be open only to members of The Hills and their guests, but was also likely to be used for charity tournaments.
Allen said if Sir Michael’s company, Trojan Helmet, received a resource consent from the Queenstown Lakes District Council within the next two or three months, construction could start this winter and continue until next summer.
The cousre would then be completed by about April next year, and ready for a soft opening six months later.
- Philip Chandler
