Golf Course Review: Jack’s Point Golf, Queenstown, New Zealand

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Queenstown, New Zealand, Jack’s Point Golf Course offers an unforgettable golfing experience.

The majestic snow-capped peaks and the tranquil Lake Wakatipu provide a stunning backdrop that can easily steal your attention from the game. Despite being ranked sixth among New Zealand’s top golf courses, Jack’s Point has remained somewhat of a hidden gem, known mainly to locals who appreciate its beauty and challenge.

While Queenstown is known as a thrill-seeking adventure such as bungee jumping and high-speed boats, it was my journey to Jack’s Point that was filled with anticipation. And the scenic distractions along the way almost caused me to veer off course.

My first blunder was neglecting the practice putting green, a decision I regretted as I struggled with my foreign putter throughout the round. The second error became apparent as I scoured the thick rough for my lost balls—I had only purchased three for the entire 18 holes. Fortunately, my fellow players, ever-friendly Kiwis, came to my rescue by generously providing me with extra balls.

Surprisingly, having only one golf ball seemed to enhance my accuracy and influence my risk/reward decisions. Jack’s Point impressed me in many ways, particularly with its enticing short par-4s. Take, for instance, the 280-meter 6th hole, which packs a remarkable number of hazards into its relatively short distance. The clever use of exposed rock throughout the course adds both uniqueness and challenge to the round.

Even seemingly ordinary holes at Jack’s Point hold their own allure. Standing on the tee of the par-3 13th, a flat, bunker-free hole, may momentarily feel like a break from the course’s demanding layout. However, a swath of scrubland stretches from tee to green, exposing players to fierce winds and the ever-present challenge of navigating the sprawling green.

Each tee offers a breathtaking vista, and I found myself catching my breath frequently. Holes like the 15th, where your tee shot must carry a field of sheep and stone walls to reach a green guarded by massive bunkers and another stone wall, evoke a distinct Scottish links golf course vibe. The par-4 16th, played from the highest point on the course, features a fairway that descends below, with striking rock formations and scrub dividing it.

Jack’s Point is an unforgiving golf course that demands more than three golf balls, regardless of your skill level. However, my score was irrelevant, as the sheer joy of playing here made me the happiest golfer on the South Island. Jack’s Point is a golfing treasure in a remarkable country, destined to become more widely recognized.

New Zealand, often referred to as the ‘land of the long white cloud,’ boasts some extraordinary golf courses, and Jack’s Point is a prime example. Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs may be bucket-list courses, so too should Jack’s Point. Forget about bungee jumping, Jack’s Point offers an adrenaline rush that will leave you itching to return to the course.

It’s an extraordinary golfing adventure that should not remain a local secret for much longer.