24 TEE BOX THE BIG PICTURE The par-three second green on the new North course at Te Arai Links in New Zealand, designed by Tom Doak and photographed by Ricky Robinson, looks out to the wildlife refuge of the Hen and Chicken Islands. The green has wide and undulating surrounds, flanked by sandy waste areas with native grasses. “We planted over 100,000 native plants consisting of 10 species that thrive in this area,” said Nick O’Brien, who is a superintendent at Te Arai Links alongside Brian Palmer. “Once they mature, the vegetation will blend with the New Zealand coastal palette.” The hole can be played from 164 to 242 yards and is protected by a large mound in the line of play, with several other ripples of contour to contend with if the green is missed left. Beyond the green is the teeing area of the par-four third, where players turn back inland having played two holes towards the ocean. The new layout is now open, and joins the Coore & Crenshaw South course, which opened in 2022. Both can now be booked for public play.
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