As a seasoned gamer of both virtual and real-life landscapes, I’ve traversed many fantastical terrains, but none have captivated me quite like The Hills Golf Club. With its roots steeped in the rich soil of New Zealand and nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Southern Alps, this haven for golf enthusiasts is a true gem that rivals even the most immersive video games I’ve played.
Showing boldness is required when modifying something that’s generally considered near perfection. The Hills Golf Club, opened by Sir Michael Hill, one of New Zealand’s most prosperous entrepreneurs in 2007, was built with no cost-cutting measures. The clubhouse, a striking combination of glass, aluminum, and concrete, seamlessly fits into its environment while presenting something entirely fresh.
In contrast, the location seems to have been plucked directly from a work of fantasy fiction. The iconic scene in “The Lord of the Rings” where Arwen carries Frodo across the River Bruinen was actually filmed at Arrowtown, where The Hills golf course resides. Additionally, scattered around the golf course are sculptures that resemble mythical beings, a nod to the founder Hill’s love and patronage for the arts.
16 years have flown by since its debut, and as a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice that certain elements of this course seem to have weathered time more gracefully than others. To ensure The Hills remains a timeless masterpiece, Michael Hill and his daughter Emma Hill joined forces with Jim Rohrstaff and Ric Kayne, visionary American investors and real estate developers behind Te Arai Links and Tara Iti. Together, they aim to propel The Hills into a new, vibrant era.
The proposed modifications aim at enhancing the walking experience, clearing spaces for better visibility, and making the initial tee positions more accessible for players. Rohrstaff and Kayne have brought in OCM, a golf course design company co-founded by Geoff Ogilvy, a professional golfer, to oversee these changes. The revamp, which includes clubhouse upgrades and on-site lodging facilities, is scheduled to take place across two winter seasons, with an anticipated finish date of 2028.
I spoke with Jim Rohrstaff to gain insights into what sets the club apart and how upcoming renovations will enhance its distinctive design and powerful connection to location.
Can you describe the renovations and how they will improve the course?
At The Hills, the terrain is simply remarkable. We believe a revised layout for the course could optimally leverage the landscape’s unique contours and vistas, resulting in an improved design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and easier to traverse on foot. This is essentially a complete overhaul.
What’s the natural setting of The Hills and how does it affect the playing experience?
The golf course, The Hills, is nestled within Arrowtown (part of Queenstown), where you’ll find the majestic Southern Alps. This means you’re enveloped by stunning mountain ranges throughout your game. The course itself boasts picturesque rolling landscapes and showcases exposed schist and rugged rocks that border it. What sets this course apart, however, is its extraordinary collection of artfully placed sculptures, a feature added by Michael Hill. These sculptures not only enhance the visual appeal while playing golf but also contribute to an unparalleled experience we truly appreciate.
What’s the idea behind making the golf course more walkable?
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What types of amenities will your club offer and why?
Apart from the stunning golf course under construction at OCM, we’re also enhancing an existing clubhouse designed by Andrew Patterson. This renovation includes adding a private dining area for members to host events such as dinners, meetings, and parties, a modern fitness center, a cutting-edge golf training facility equipped with the latest technology, a fireplace, outdoor firepit, bar, barbecue, and a pizza oven. The golf training facility promises to be an excellent social hub for our valued members!
In addition to our golf course, we’re planning to incorporate various amenities such as an expansive garden for farm-to-table dining, a spacious event lawn, tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, as well as a trail system that links seamlessly with the renowned Queenstown Trail network for biking and hiking. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive suite of facilities catering to our daily visitors, guests at our lodging, and also those who live in the community we’re creating.
Can you tell us about the clubhouse and how it complements the course?
Andres Patterson’s award-winning golf clubhouse stands as a renowned symbol in New Zealand. Its architecture showcases a remarkable concrete design that extends over the ground to the side of the 18th green. With the upcoming course renovation, the clubhouse will not only be positioned for a view of the 18th hole, but it will also offer expanded vistas of the mountains and the first four holes on the course. This bustling hub of the club is where we socialize, enjoy drinks, and share meals together. It’s truly an extraordinary location.
What type of culture are you hoping to have at your club and how will you go about creating it?
At The Hills, we aim to foster an atmosphere steeped in respect and gratitude for our club, our surroundings, golf, and most importantly, our team members and fellow patrons. This is a warm and sociable community where everyone feels welcome. Given our location in the global playground, we plan to develop activities that highlight the top-tier mountain biking, fly fishing, skiing, hiking, and dining opportunities right outside our doorstep.
The Hills Golf Club
164 McDonnell Road
Arrowtown, New Zealand 9351
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2024-10-10 17:56