Rarotonga Golf Club ☆ Follow

The Rarotonga Golf Club is a 9-hole parkland course located in Nikao, Cook Islands, situated near Black Rock and the Rarotonga International Airport. Established in 1966 as the country's first golf course, the layout is designed to blend into the tropical landscape, offering views of the ocean and the island's rugged inland mountains. The course is unique in that it can be played as 18 holes by utilizing two sets of tees for each hole, effectively doubling the length and variety of the round. The course plays to a par of 70, with a men's rating of 35 and a women's rating of 36 for the nine-hole loop. The total yardage extends to 4,956 yards for men and 4,760 yards for women when played as 18 holes. The front nine measures 1,976 yards, while the back nine measures 2,026 yards, creating a balanced but strategic challenge. The terrain is characterized by lush tropical greenery, swaying palms, and ocean breezes, with specific hazards such as radio masts and power lines incorporated into the design. The Rarotonga Golf Club hosts the annual Rarotonga Amateur Golf Open, a World Amateur Golf Ranking Tournament that draws competitors from various categories. Regular competitions are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, fostering a relaxed yet competitive atmosphere for locals and visitors. The club also supports a junior programme to encourage youth involvement in the sport.