Royal Wellington Golf Club

Just outside the city for which it is named, Royal Wellington is New Zealand's answer to the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. The classic parkland layout winds through abundant woods full of native plants and animals. Originally founded in the late 1800s, the club course was laid out somewhat later, and was substantially renovated by Bob Charles in 1992. Although the New Zealand Open has been played here many times, the 6191-meter length is probably now a deal-breaker. Or thus was the case until the Turner MacPherson championship course, known as Heretaunga, opened in 2013. This new layout winds through an old riverbed, where lakes and streams are in play and undulating greens add to the test.