15 Sandy hasn’t travelled to mainland Europe that much in his 20 years of visiting the world’s golf courses, but given that last year’s Ryder Cup was played around the time the October issue came out, it is perhaps unsurprising that he was at a previous venue, Marco Simone in Italy. First out of the hat and winner of the coveted shirt is wellknown golf consultant Michael Pask. Back to the links, Sandy’s favourite home, for this issue, and this one is a doozy, one of the greatest holes in the world. As such, we really don’t feel inclined to give any clues – can’t make it too easy. But since you insist, the hole is famously bunkerless. If you don’t know this one, you need to get out more! Answers, as usual, to gopher@golfcoursearchitecture.net GOPHER WATCH A new nine-hole course, designed by pro golfer-turned-architect Greg Turner, will officially open at Gibbston Valley Resort near Queenstown, New Zealand, in March 2026. The course occupies the river terrace above Kawarau Gorge, routed between rock features and the historic mine tailings from the area’s gold rush days. “One of the standout features of the course is the inclusion of two undulating double greens, shared by holes one and eight, as well as holes two and five,” said Jesus Santos, director at Gibbston Valley Golf Course. “Rather than traditional bunkers, the course utilises the natural terrain, remnants of gold mining and prominent rock formations to create challenging and visually striking hazards.” Photo: Gibbston Valley Resort New nine-hole course to open at New Zealand’s Gibbston Valley
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