Turner and Macpherson design nine new holes for Millbrook

Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson are adding nine new holes at Millbrook Resort
Construction is under way at the resort in Arrowtown, New Zealand
The par-three seventh, with views towards the Crown Range Hills
A new seven-metre deep irrigation lake has been created
Holes four and five will play around the newly constructed irrigation lake
Construction started in August 2018 with contractor TIC Golf Projects
The new design also accounts for a 42-lot residential development
The fairways are mainly seeded with Browntop bentgrass
Construction is expected to be complete by September 2019
The course will host the New Zealand Open in 2021

By Richard Humphreys

Fri 01 Mar, 2019

Scott Macpherson and Greg Turner have designed a second nine for the Coronet course at Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, New Zealand.

Millbrook opened its first 18-hole course in 1992, designed by John Darby and Bob Charles. Macpherson and Turner, a former pro golfer, added nine-hole Coronet course in 2010, while also revamping four holes of the original course.

The new nine holes will join the Coronet to form an 18-hole course that will host the New Zealand Open in 2021. The expansion will see Millbrook comprise of 36 holes of golf. The resort has not yet announced what the names of the two 18-hole courses will be. The new design also incorporates space for a 42-lot residential development.

“We are working hard to make sure the new holes have a similar feel to the existing Coronet nine,” said Macpherson. “Having said that, the land for the new holes is elevated on a plateau and due to the rocky outcrops, valleys and extensive views of the surrounding mountains it is perhaps more dramatic. The new holes will add beauty and drama to the golfing experience.”

Construction started in August 2018 with contractor TIC Golf Projects – who built the Coronet nine in 2010 – and project managers from Signal Management Group.

“The resort is very popular and the extra nine holes will give the resort two 18-hole courses which will be easier for them to manage,” said Macpherson. “On any particular day, the members can have an event on one course, while visitors can play the other course. Then, the next day, visitors and members may switch courses.

“We have worked hard to make every hole unique so golfers will be stunned by the experience. The topography has been a challenge – especially getting back down – but we have found ways to combine the residential lots, with the farm, and the golf.

“It’s a great team to work with, so I have been delighted with that.”

All greens are being built to USGA standards and feature a blend of sand and zeolite. A new seven-metre deep irrigation lake has been created and holds approximately 30,000 cubic metres of water and is fed by the Arrow River. Rain Bird is providing the irrigation system.

Fairways are mainly seeded with Browntop bentgrass, a native grass in Central Otago region of New Zealand.

Construction is expected to be complete by September 2019 with some holes possibly in play by early 2020.