The Course
One of New Zealand's premier parkland layouts — Par 72 across 18
holes of tree-lined fairways, water hazards and immaculately presented
greens. Five sets of tees to challenge every level of player.
1928
ESTABLISHED
Par 72
CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
6,432m
BLACK TEE DISTANCE
5
SETS OF TEES
ABOUT THE COURSE
Premier Parkland Golf
in the Heart of Canterbury
Set on 120 acres of former dry riverbed, Russley's parkland layout is lined with pines, oaks and many other mature trees. The fairways demand accuracy above all — as the club motto Medio Tutissimus Ibis advises, the middle path is safest.
The back nine was comprehensively redesigned in 2012–14 by leading golf course architect Greg Turner, adding open fairways, new water hazards at holes 6 and 7, extensive mounding and enlarged greens. The result is a course that rewards strategic play and provides a genuine championship test from the black tees while remaining welcoming to all abilities.
COURSE TYPE
Parkland
Tree lined fairways, water hazards
PAR
72
36 out, 36 in
COURSE RATING
73.6
Black (Championship) tees
SLOPE
121
Black tees - Moderate/ demanding
ARCHITECH
Greg Turner
Back nine redesign 2012-14
SEASON
Year Round
Open Mon-Fri and Sundays
TEE GUIDE
Five Sets of Tees
Every level of golfer has a genuine challenge at Russley.
Whether you're playing off the Black championship tees or teeing it up on the Red for the first time, the course presents a compelling test.
BLACK
DISTANNCE
6,274. / 7,034y
RATING / SLOPE
73.6 | 121
Championship tees — club record challenge
BLUE
DISTANNCE
6,274. / 7,034y
RATING / SLOPE
72.7 | 120
Standard competition tees — low handicappers
WHITE
DISTANNCE
6,274. / 7,034y
RATING / SLOPE
70.6 | 116
Medal tees — mid to low handicap
YELLOW
DISTANNCE
6,274. / 7,034y
RATING / SLOPE
67.7 | 114
Senior and recreational golfers
RED
DISTANNCE
6,274. / 7,034y
RATING / SLOPE
64.1 | 105
Forward tees — new golfers, juniors
Holes to Watch
The course rewards patience and precision throughout. Here are six holes that define the Russley experience — whether you're playing for the first time or chasing the course record.
5
Par 5 · 551m · Handicap 5
The longest hole on the course. A demanding three-shot par 5 that stretches down a tree-lined corridor requiring two accurate shots to set up a scoring opportunity.
6
Par 3 · 167m · Handicap 17
One of the Greg Turner redesign's showcase holes. A picturesque par 3 over water — the lake punishes anything short or left. Club selection is everything.
7
Par 4 · 437m · Handicap 7
Water again on the redesigned 7th. A long par 4 where the approach must carry over the hazard — one of the most memorable driving holes on the course.
8
Par 4 · 433m · Handicap 1
The hardest hole on the course. A long, straight par 4 where accuracy off the tee is paramount. The narrowing fairway and deep rough make bogey feel like a win.
10
Par 4 · 443m · Handicap 2
The second-hardest hole opens the back nine with a demanding par 4. A strong drive is needed to leave a manageable approach into a complex green.
18
Par 5 · 504m · Handicap 18
A reachable closing par 5 that provides a genuine birdie opportunity — or a heartbreaking finish if the trees intervene.
The clubhouse green is a spectacular backdrop.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Hole-by-hole Fly Overs
Visitor Information
Playing Russley
All visitors are welcome at Russley Golf Club. The course is open Monday through Friday and Sundays year-round. Please check in at the Golf Shop at least 20 minutes before your tee time.
Opening Hours
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Monday - Friday: Open
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Saturday: Members only
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Sunday: Open to visitors
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Public holidays: Check with Club
On the Day
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Check in 20 mins before tee time
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Pay by cash, EFTPOS or credit card
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Hire clubs available
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Cart hire available
Bookings & Contact
Phone: +64 3 358 4612
Email: info@russleygc.co.nz​
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Groups of 10+: contact the Golf
Shop for group rates