The Russley Open

Russley Golf Club

Canterbury, New Zealand

Russley Golf Club is a par 72 championship golf course set in beautiful parkland that has recently been transformed by a complete redesign of the back nine by leading architect Greg Turner. The course measures 6432 yards with a rating of 73.6 and a slope of 121. The original course was laid out by Joe Clements, the club's first professional, with Commander Harris involved in design in the mid-1960s, Puddicombe Golf conducting a Master Plan in 1990 and redeveloping several holes. Renovations have included enlarging the greens, adding mounding to define the otherwise flat topography, and adding water hazards at the 5th and 6th holes. The club is located in Christchurch's Garden City, only a few minutes from the International Airport and 10 minutes to Christchurch city center. Many holes are lined by avenues of stately trees, and straight driving is key to achieving a good score. Despite its championship pedigree, Russley has four sets of tees from which to choose, making the course playable for handicap golfers. The course hosted the 1985 New Zealand Open won by Corey Pavin, and in 1990 the United States ladies team lifted the Espirito Santo Trophy when the biennial world amateur team championship for women was held at the club.