Millbrook ****
Sir Bob Charles, a native Kiwi legend who won the 1963 Open Championship making him the first left-handed player to claim a major, designed the original 18 holes at this charming, almost twee resort, and for years this was considered the class of Queenstown golf. While the course here has, in truth, been surpassed by the opening of Jack's Point and The Hills, the resort has benefitted tremendously by the unveiling of the Greg Turner-designed Coronet nine in 2010, bringing the total number of holes here to 27.
Turner is a likeable no nonsense New Zealander who won four times on the European Tour and his Coronet Course is an intelligent design with teeth, featuring exposed rock formations and offering plenty of shot-making opportunities, particularly over the final five holes where a handful of streams and ponds weave strategically into play.
The other nines, named the Remarkables and the Arrow (Turner re-routed closing holes here when he was completing the Coronet), are very pleasant too and while there are challenges to be dealt with, the golf here has the resort guest as opposed to the professional in mind. This fact alone makes picturesque Millbrook a soothing contrast to the sterner tests faced at the other courses mentioned here.
Millbrook, which is owned by Eiichi Ishii, a charming Japanese entrepreneur who flits between Queenstown, Tokyo and Hawaii, makes an ideal place to base in which to explore the region. The accommodations range from well-appointed rooms to luxurious suites and villas, and the on-site dining options are excellent. The resort's award-winning spa, meanwhile, is the place to head following a brisk 18 holes.
Millbrook Resort
Yardage: 6,957 Par: 72 (Arrow / Coronet)
Green Fee: HK$479-1,079
Designed by Sir Bob Charles / Greg Turner
Contact: www.millbrook.co.nz
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