Diamond in the rough

Looking for a destination golf course where the views are as beautiful as the quality of the course? The revitalised Summerhill Estate golf course is worth the drive.

Words: Dan Collins

It only takes 15 minutes to drive up to Summerhill Estate from Pāpāmoa, but when you reach the edge of the vast golf course it feels as if you're a million miles from anywhere.

Driving through the gates, the wild grass transforms into long, rolling fairways, with a backdrop offering unobstructed views that stretch down along the coast as far as Whakatāne and Mount Maunganui.

Away from the traffic and sounds of the city, the only noise is birdsong and the occasional bit of chatter from fellow golfers.

With its breathtaking views, the quality of the course and its peaceful solitude, it’s hard to think of anywhere more ideal for a relaxing game of golf.

“Playing here is an opportunity to experience somewhere that is a little bit special,” Tonia Procter tells UNO. “The incredible views also make it a great place to bring visitors to show off the area.”

Owners Mark and Tonia Procter have owned the course since 2014. Back then it operated on an honesty box payment system, was a bit tired and was overdue for some attention. It was not unusual for a wayward sheep to be blocking the fairway. It was a far cry from what you see today.

Tonia admits that she and Mark were green when it came to golf. Even so, they could see the diamond glinting in the rough.

“We thought, 'Well, this has got potential, let's give it a go,'” Tonia says. “Even though it wasn’t exactly the plan to own a golf course!"

What they were looking for was a new home. They had sold their house on Tara Road before construction on the motorway began and wanted to build a home. They were after a bit of land and had been looking at lifestyle blocks. Although neither was interested in an orchard or spending their days fussing over kiwifruit. Tonia had her hairdressing salon, while Mark worked in the log export business, something he still does today.

“We stumbled across the property after it had been on the market for some time," she says. "It didn’t look anything like this then and it probably looked like too big a project to take on.

“We knew we had to learn a lot about golf and course management, and figure it out fairly quickly! Thankfully experience and advice was at hand with both Bay of Plenty and NZ Golf being very supportive, as well as other local courses, who were very helpful and patient with questions from a new owner. When you don't know the correct answers or solutions to something, you need to talk to someone who does know and not be afraid to ask for help."

The 9-hole course covers 26 hectares with three different course configurations. The New Zealand-affiliated course is not only situated in one of the most remarkable and scenic spots, but it also offers a challenge.

Its undulating fairways only provide two par threes to ease into. With the exception of two long par fives, the rest of the course is made up of par fours that will test your skills.

Despite not knowing much about golf, the pair had a very distinct vision for the course. “We realised that if we spent energy improving the course itself – the greens, the tees and the fairways (with guidance from their talented green keeper Steve Watson) – then that would start to interest golfers," explains Tonia. "We are very fortunate to have Steve as our green keeper, he does an amazing job."

The pair also had a strong idea of how they wanted to operate. Perhaps it was their newness to the game that allowed them to see things differently.

“Golf can traditionally have an intimidating feel about it,” Tonia says. “We wanted to create an environment that was a high-quality destination for a golfer without all of the other formalities. We wanted to keep it inclusive and welcoming and not make people feel that it’s an intimidating situation to come here and play.”

To that end, you’re welcome to come up with the dog and take stroll through the walkways.“You just need to be aware of golf balls,” she smiles.

This welcoming philosophy is also behind other decisions. They keep a limited membership to allow more green fee-paying golfers, to keep the course open for anyone who would like a round.

“We’re aware that people are time-poor and we want to be there for people who find they might suddenly have time one day. Then they can just pick up their clubs, give us a call to book and head to the hills.”

There's also a nice spot to enjoy a coffee, glass of wine or a cold beer after your game. There’s a bright and breezy outdoor pavilion beside the café that basks in the sunlight and those amazing views. It’s also right beside the first tee so you can wave out to your mates turning up for their round while you enjoy your post-round drink and a hot meal.

Word is spreading about this hidden treasure up in the hills. It could very well be golf’s best-kept secret. It may be a destination course but it’s the quality of its fairway, greens and challenge that keeps people coming back.

Tonia is also passionate about welcoming new players to both the game and the course. They are running a new event over the summer to encourage more women to come and have a go.

“On Tuesday evenings, we welcome ladies to play 5 at 5 – a format where the girls have the opportunity to play five holes with other like-minded ladies, then enjoy a glass of wine at the pavilion after. On Wednesday nights we hold our Twilight competition where everyone is welcome. 

"They can come in around 5pm, play five holes and then come back for a glass of wine. The course is open just for the girls on that night. They can simply have a go.”

All of this sounds like it should cost the world. It should. But that would go against what Tonia and Mark are creating up on the hill. They want people to come and enjoy Summerhill, to enjoy playing on a quality golf course and not be constricted by the formalities of old or prohibitive cost. 

“Our goal was to create a quality golf course with a welcoming feel without the traditional structure and formality that would usually be present,” Tonia says. “We never wanted to compromise on quality. Why shouldn’t all golfers get to play on a beautiful quality course and have it be relaxed at the same time?”

And now, after eight years of living and breathing golf, the big question is, does Tonia now play golf herself?

“I am trying to play,” she laughs. “I'm better now than when we started!” 

Summerhillestate.co.nz