The Vault Line
The Single Most Important Thing: Arrowtown is 'quirky' in the best sense. There are no bunkers on the course, but the schist rock outcrops act as natural hazards. Don't be afraid to use the rocks as a 'backboard' on some of the sloping holes, but be wary of the narrow fairways. The greens are small and often two-tiered — approach from the correct side is vital.
Quick-Glance Summary
Par
70
Yardage
5,400m (White)
Architect
B.A. Still
Green Fee
~$95 NZD
Great value near Queenstown
The Access Masterclass
How To Book
Booking: Very easy. Book online or call the club. It's much more accessible and affordable than the neighboring 'trophy' courses in Queenstown like Jack's Point or The Hills.
Location: In the heart of Arrowtown, a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. Combine it with a visit to the historic gold-mining town center for a perfect day out.
The Layout: It's a short course by modern standards, but don't let that fool you. The narrowness and the rocky obstacles make it a tough test for even low handicappers.
Tactical Strategy Guide
Mastering the Narrow Windows
On many holes, the fairway is barely 20 yards wide. Leave the driver in the bag for at least 50% of the par-4s. A straight long iron or hybrid is far more valuable here than a long drive that ends up in the schist rocks.
The Elevation Factor
Arrowtown has significant elevation changes. On the downhill holes, balls will run much further than expected. On the uphill shots, take at least one extra club. The air is thinner in Otago, but the hills more than compensate for any extra distance you might gain.