As a newbie to the area I'm far from the most qualified person to begin this thread but here we go. Excited to have a place where we can actually chat and meet some new people in the area! Having lived here for just over a year I'm ashamed to say I've only played golf three times within an hour of my house. Looking forward to changing that
31, no kids, no interest in fighting
As a newbie to the area I'm far from the most qualified person to begin this thread but here we go. Excited to have a place where we can actually chat and meet some new people in the area! Having lived here for just over a year I'm ashamed to say I've only played golf three times within an hour of my house. Looking forward to changing that
31, no kids, no interest in fighting
Moving the so-called WhatsApp chat to the FEGC Community Forum ;)
Jokes aside, hi! I'm Abby, a 30-something with no kids and modestly interested in verbal fighting depending on the topic.
Also, anyone is welcome to this chat! Need a recommendation of a place to go on a couples golf trip? Looking for a gift for the female golfer in your life? You know we have opinions to share.
Moving the so-called WhatsApp chat to the FEGC Community Forum ;)
Jokes aside, hi! I'm Abby, a 30-something with no kids and modestly interested in verbal fighting depending on the topic.
Also, anyone is welcome to this chat! Need a recommendation of a place to go on a couples golf trip? Looking for a gift for the female golfer in your life? You know we have opinions to share.
First off, I'm pumped to have a place to actually make announcements about FEGC activities that isn't via email.
Second, for those who missed yesterday's email, all information for our Early Release 2026 Events is now available in our Event Portal. That list includes our event at Belleair on February 2 (open for registration), February Tree Farm Retreat (lottery opens Tuesday), August Sand Valley Trip (lottery opens on Tuesday), Streamsong Trip (sold out), Pinehurst Trip (sold out), and Bandon Dunes Trip (sold out).
These are just the first of our full 2026 schedule that will come out in the not-so-distant future. I know many of the trips that have launched to this point require a lot of travel and financial commitment, and it's because of those commitments that we began with them. But rest assured we have a wide range of offerings coming in the full schedule.
If you have any questions feel free to drop them here! Or send me a message directly via email at will@thefriedegg.com
First off, I'm pumped to have a place to actually make announcements about FEGC activities that isn't via email.
Second, for those who missed yesterday's email, all information for our Early Release 2026 Events is now available in our Event Portal. That list includes our event at Belleair on February 2 (open for registration), February Tree Farm Retreat (lottery opens Tuesday), August Sand Valley Trip (lottery opens on Tuesday), Streamsong Trip (sold out), Pinehurst Trip (sold out), and Bandon Dunes Trip (sold out).
These are just the first of our full 2026 schedule that will come out in the not-so-distant future. I know many of the trips that have launched to this point require a lot of travel and financial commitment, and it's because of those commitments that we began with them. But rest assured we have a wide range of offerings coming in the full schedule.
If you have any questions feel free to drop them here! Or send me a message directly via email at will@thefriedegg.com
A running list of SGS Halloween costumes.
Hello friends! 36, married father of one, and no interest in fighting.
We live in Atlanta and are members at PDC, though I tend to wander over to Bobby Jones a lot and enjoy mixing up playing spots. My game waffles between an 8-10 handicap depending on how work and life are going. Usually interested in some kind of friendly competition for low to no stakes other than pride and a good time with friends "hitting the shots" a la Viktor Hovland.
Perhaps stating the obvious by being a FEGC member, but very interested in architecture and design. I've always found the business of golf - professional, amateur, and recreational - to be a fascinating subject (I also enjoy business podcasts, e.g., Acquired, and books e.g., Unscripted, Billion Dollar Whale, The Power Broker).
Hello friends! 36, married father of one, and no interest in fighting.
We live in Atlanta and are members at PDC, though I tend to wander over to Bobby Jones a lot and enjoy mixing up playing spots. My game waffles between an 8-10 handicap depending on how work and life are going. Usually interested in some kind of friendly competition for low to no stakes other than pride and a good time with friends "hitting the shots" a la Viktor Hovland.
Perhaps stating the obvious by being a FEGC member, but very interested in architecture and design. I've always found the business of golf - professional, amateur, and recreational - to be a fascinating subject (I also enjoy business podcasts, e.g., Acquired, and books e.g., Unscripted, Billion Dollar Whale, The Power Broker).
Putting. Isn't it the worst? You spend hours on the range refining your swing, only to reach the green in regulation and three-putt. Sound familiar?
Historically, I've been an above-average ball striker but a below-average putter—at least compared to golfers who hit the ball as well as I do. About a year ago, I decided it was time to overhaul my putting stroke. I've implemented several strategies to improve my performance on the greens, but in this post, I want to share a lighthearted drill I created to sharpen my focus during practice sessions.
I call it "Battle the Bear." The concept is simple: start with two golf balls and work your way around the putting green, playing a nine-hole match between them. I call it "Battle the Bear" because I imagine I'm playing my first ball while Jack Nicklaus—The Golden Bear himself—is playing my second.
The format is straightforward: play two balls in match play and tally the score after nine holes.
But not so fast. That version would be boring and not particularly helpful. The twist is this: Jack Nicklaus was a legendary player and a clutch putter, so we need to make him formidable. To simulate Jack's greatness, he never three-putts and always putts second, giving him a perfect read from your first roll. Additionally, Jack's second putt is always conceded—he never takes more than two putts. This means that to beat him, you must make your first putt. Three-putt, and you immediately lose the hole. With these rules in place, defeating Jack becomes the daunting challenge it should be.
I practice this drill for two primary reasons:
First, it simulates actual on-course pressure. In this drill, your first putt truly matters. You must read the break, judge the speed, and execute. Just like on the course, there are no do-overs. You need to make it count if you plan on beating The Bear.
Second, it provides immediate feedback. With Jack's ball, I get a second attempt at the exact same putt I just hit. Now I'm significantly more informed about the break and speed, and since the Bear never three-putts, I must focus entirely on making it. Lagging this putt is worthless. This second attempt offers a complete diagnostic of my stroke and mental state. Am I starting the putt on the correct line? Is my speed dialed in? (Ideally, misses should always go past the hole.) Am I fully locked in on the task at hand?
The final aspect I love about this drill is the killer mentality that comes with being The Bear. Nothing satisfies me more than breaking my own heart. Whether it's draining a putt to win the hole or erasing a great one-putt, I get genuinely excited when I channel Jack's dominance.
Let's recap how this drill elevates your practice. The first putt forces genuine focus on the practice green—something most golfers neglect. How can you expect to putt well on the course if you don't practice the exact skills you'll need during competition? Meanwhile, the ball you play as Jack compels you to commit to making every putt. Since Jack's second putt is always conceded, you must give each attempt a legitimate chance to drop. Leaving a putt short when playing the Bear's ball is completely useless.
I hope this simple drill adds a fresh dynamic to your putting practice. And remember: when you get the chance to be The Bear, make the most of it.
Putting. Isn't it the worst? You spend hours on the range refining your swing, only to reach the green in regulation and three-putt. Sound familiar?
Historically, I've been an above-average ball striker but a below-average putter—at least compared to golfers who hit the ball as well as I do. About a year ago, I decided it was time to overhaul my putting stroke. I've implemented several strategies to improve my performance on the greens, but in this post, I want to share a lighthearted drill I created to sharpen my focus during practice sessions.
I call it "Battle the Bear." The concept is simple: start with two golf balls and work your way around the putting green, playing a nine-hole match between them. I call it "Battle the Bear" because I imagine I'm playing my first ball while Jack Nicklaus—The Golden Bear himself—is playing my second.
The format is straightforward: play two balls in match play and tally the score after nine holes.
But not so fast. That version would be boring and not particularly helpful. The twist is this: Jack Nicklaus was a legendary player and a clutch putter, so we need to make him formidable. To simulate Jack's greatness, he never three-putts and always putts second, giving him a perfect read from your first roll. Additionally, Jack's second putt is always conceded—he never takes more than two putts. This means that to beat him, you must make your first putt. Three-putt, and you immediately lose the hole. With these rules in place, defeating Jack becomes the daunting challenge it should be.
I practice this drill for two primary reasons:
First, it simulates actual on-course pressure. In this drill, your first putt truly matters. You must read the break, judge the speed, and execute. Just like on the course, there are no do-overs. You need to make it count if you plan on beating The Bear.
Second, it provides immediate feedback. With Jack's ball, I get a second attempt at the exact same putt I just hit. Now I'm significantly more informed about the break and speed, and since the Bear never three-putts, I must focus entirely on making it. Lagging this putt is worthless. This second attempt offers a complete diagnostic of my stroke and mental state. Am I starting the putt on the correct line? Is my speed dialed in? (Ideally, misses should always go past the hole.) Am I fully locked in on the task at hand?
The final aspect I love about this drill is the killer mentality that comes with being The Bear. Nothing satisfies me more than breaking my own heart. Whether it's draining a putt to win the hole or erasing a great one-putt, I get genuinely excited when I channel Jack's dominance.
Let's recap how this drill elevates your practice. The first putt forces genuine focus on the practice green—something most golfers neglect. How can you expect to putt well on the course if you don't practice the exact skills you'll need during competition? Meanwhile, the ball you play as Jack compels you to commit to making every putt. Since Jack's second putt is always conceded, you must give each attempt a legitimate chance to drop. Leaving a putt short when playing the Bear's ball is completely useless.
I hope this simple drill adds a fresh dynamic to your putting practice. And remember: when you get the chance to be The Bear, make the most of it.
To start, let me say that writing about courses as an employee of Fried Egg Golf is TOTALLY NOT nerve-wracking. I'm DEFINITELY NOT worried my colleagues will silently judge me and discover I'm an idiot. But this forum is new and someone had to break the ice in this category, so here we are.
I visited New Zealand in March 2025 to celebrate my birthday, ending the trip with three nights at Te Arai. For those unfamiliar with the property, it's almost impossible to describe how wonderful everything is. First and foremost, New Zealand is incredible—I would move there in a heartbeat. More specifically, Te Arai is a magnificent resort featuring two world-class courses. Unlike many top American golf resorts (Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Pinehurst), Te Arai leans toward luxury. Given its semi-private nature, many amenities cater to international members with deep pockets. The restaurants are splendid, the facilities world-class, and the crowds minimal—one course is dedicated mostly to member play each day while the other serves guests. This model alone ensures you'll never feel the buzz of people that permeates the big American resorts.
I won't opine on architectural merits or analyze features in the ground. Instead, I'll focus on my experience navigating the wonderfully fun course Tom Doak and his team built.
In an overly reductive take (based mostly on the combination of sand and forest), I'd say this course is what I wish Spyglass could be. It begins near the ocean in dunesland, climbs a hill into forest (mostly clear-cut), then returns to the coast for a dramatically fun finish. The holes vary greatly and demand different shots to succeed. The green complexes are big, bold, and contoured aggressively—which I loved. The topographic map and routing below (from Te Arai's website) shows what I believe is an outdated proposal for the layout. I've outlined the holes in the order I played them below.
Correct hole ordering using labels on the map 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 14, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18
As you might expect, I'd been anticipating this trip for months. I wanted to scour the internet for pictures and learn everything about the place. But I also wanted to preserve some mystery—to let the course surprise me. In an age where few things remain unknown, I enjoy playing courses without extensive research, allowing the architecture to unfold naturally and evoke feelings I might not experience if I knew every bump, bounce, or visual deception. So I mostly stuck to Te Arai's website, using only the simple topo map to build anticipation.
When I first studied the map, three areas jumped out: holes 5 and 6 (the hill), the cluster of greens at holes 4, 6, 7, and 9 converging into a depression, and hole 17. I correctly assumed that a short par three heading toward the water near the end of the round would be visually stunning, and Doak's team delivered. The green appears perched on a platter above the ocean with fun contouring that rewards shots worked in from the right while penalizing anything too aggressive left.
Hole 1
A short par 4 (roughly 290 yards) that immediately offers options. Long hitters can try to drive the green, or play the conventional shot: aim for left-center of the generous fairway and leave a short iron in. I loved this opener. The setting is sublime—you're offset from the putting green which is attached to the 18th, and the hole runs adjacent to the ocean, providing killer views.
Hole 2
This hole won't make most people's lists of favorites, but I have an irrational affection for green sites that remain highly interesting without bunkers (there's technically one behind the green, but I'd take the under on 1.5 balls landing in it daily). The contouring can dramatically amplify errant shots depending on pin placement. Paired with the first hole, it's a fun one-two punch to start the round.
Side note: While holes 1 and 2 featured engaging greens, the complexity really escalates from this point forward.
Hole 4
A brute of a long par 4, this hole opens with visual deception off the tee—a perfectly placed bunker grabs your eye as you tee up you ball. While in play, the bunker isn't a major factor if you give your drive a good ride. Mishit it and you're in trouble. The hole's defining feature is the approach into what I consider the wildest green on the property. The green has two distinct shelves—left and right—with the right side 4-5 feet higher than the left, connected by a frighteningly steep, short slope. If the pin is on the lower left shelf and you miss right onto the high side, you have zero chance of stopping a putt within 20 feet. The silver lining: the course gives you ample opportunity to play conservatively to the left. There aren't many hazards or bunkers near the green—aside from the massive connecting slope, there's not much else to worry about. But as humans, just like that bunker off the tee that shouldn't haunt you, the two-tiered green puts immense pressure on your approach. I had a blast playing this hole on every loop.
The fourth green is in the background of this photo and if you look closely you can see the two distinct shelves.
Hole 6
Tumbling down the hill you climbed on the 5th, the 6th starts with a fun elevated tee shot to a generous fairway and culminates with another exceptional green. From the fairway, the green is almost completely obscured by a fronting mound. But the shot isn't as difficult as you might think. A sizable mound behind the green funnels long shots back onto the putting surface. This type of feature—one that seems harder than it actually is—ranks among my favorites when playing a course for the first time. The magic doesn't vanish on repeat plays, but when you hit the shot that uses the feature to guide you back and didn't fully trust it would work, it's such a rewarding feeling. It's a tactic that can become rote if overused, but I love when architects give you one or two per round. There's something deeply satisfying about combining mental planning (hit it long into the back hill) with physical execution (actually hitting the shot you envisioned) that's far more stimulating than mindlessly executing a perfect shot.
The elevated tee shot at the 6th
The 6th green tucked behind the fronting mound.
Hole 17
I should note there are plenty of world-class holes from 7-16, but I didn't gravitate toward them as much during my rounds. The 17th, however, was hotly anticipated and delivered. Looking at the course map, I was excited to see how Tom and his team treated a short par 3 on such prime land. They definitely delivered. On the calm days I played, the hole was manageable, though I imagine it becomes a beast depending on wind strength and direction. The hole maxes out at 166 yards, so it's not overly long. The green features fun contouring that feeds shots hit right back toward the center, but go too far right and you're stuck behind a mound that makes an up-and-down virtually impossible. Ultimately, you're so awestruck by the scene's beauty that little else is needed.
Te Arai is a special place. The combination of two world-class courses by two all-time great architects is hard to beat. Add the exceptional amenities and it's a can't-miss destination. I've read several write-ups and heard plenty of chatter at the resort claiming the north course is tougher or trickier. I'm not sure I agree. The south course, which I've also written about, has the typical Coore and Crenshaw restraint and polish, but their design will politely put you in a blender. I almost found the north course easier to play given its bold, obvious obstacles to overcome. However you feel about the two courses and how they compare to one another, consider yourself blessed if you get to play them.
To start, let me say that writing about courses as an employee of Fried Egg Golf is TOTALLY NOT nerve-wracking. I'm DEFINITELY NOT worried my colleagues will silently judge me and discover I'm an idiot. But this forum is new and someone had to break the ice in this category, so here we are.
I visited New Zealand in March 2025 to celebrate my birthday, ending the trip with three nights at Te Arai. For those unfamiliar with the property, it's almost impossible to describe how wonderful everything is. First and foremost, New Zealand is incredible—I would move there in a heartbeat. More specifically, Te Arai is a magnificent resort featuring two world-class courses. Unlike many top American golf resorts (Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Pinehurst), Te Arai leans toward luxury. Given its semi-private nature, many amenities cater to international members with deep pockets. The restaurants are splendid, the facilities world-class, and the crowds minimal—one course is dedicated mostly to member play each day while the other serves guests. This model alone ensures you'll never feel the buzz of people that permeates the big American resorts.
I won't opine on architectural merits or analyze features in the ground. Instead, I'll focus on my experience navigating the wonderfully fun course Tom Doak and his team built.
In an overly reductive take (based mostly on the combination of sand and forest), I'd say this course is what I wish Spyglass could be. It begins near the ocean in dunesland, climbs a hill into forest (mostly clear-cut), then returns to the coast for a dramatically fun finish. The holes vary greatly and demand different shots to succeed. The green complexes are big, bold, and contoured aggressively—which I loved. The topographic map and routing below (from Te Arai's website) shows what I believe is an outdated proposal for the layout. I've outlined the holes in the order I played them below.
Correct hole ordering using labels on the map 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 14, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18
As you might expect, I'd been anticipating this trip for months. I wanted to scour the internet for pictures and learn everything about the place. But I also wanted to preserve some mystery—to let the course surprise me. In an age where few things remain unknown, I enjoy playing courses without extensive research, allowing the architecture to unfold naturally and evoke feelings I might not experience if I knew every bump, bounce, or visual deception. So I mostly stuck to Te Arai's website, using only the simple topo map to build anticipation.
When I first studied the map, three areas jumped out: holes 5 and 6 (the hill), the cluster of greens at holes 4, 6, 7, and 9 converging into a depression, and hole 17. I correctly assumed that a short par three heading toward the water near the end of the round would be visually stunning, and Doak's team delivered. The green appears perched on a platter above the ocean with fun contouring that rewards shots worked in from the right while penalizing anything too aggressive left.
Hole 1
A short par 4 (roughly 290 yards) that immediately offers options. Long hitters can try to drive the green, or play the conventional shot: aim for left-center of the generous fairway and leave a short iron in. I loved this opener. The setting is sublime—you're offset from the putting green which is attached to the 18th, and the hole runs adjacent to the ocean, providing killer views.
Hole 2
This hole won't make most people's lists of favorites, but I have an irrational affection for green sites that remain highly interesting without bunkers (there's technically one behind the green, but I'd take the under on 1.5 balls landing in it daily). The contouring can dramatically amplify errant shots depending on pin placement. Paired with the first hole, it's a fun one-two punch to start the round.
Side note: While holes 1 and 2 featured engaging greens, the complexity really escalates from this point forward.
Hole 4
A brute of a long par 4, this hole opens with visual deception off the tee—a perfectly placed bunker grabs your eye as you tee up you ball. While in play, the bunker isn't a major factor if you give your drive a good ride. Mishit it and you're in trouble. The hole's defining feature is the approach into what I consider the wildest green on the property. The green has two distinct shelves—left and right—with the right side 4-5 feet higher than the left, connected by a frighteningly steep, short slope. If the pin is on the lower left shelf and you miss right onto the high side, you have zero chance of stopping a putt within 20 feet. The silver lining: the course gives you ample opportunity to play conservatively to the left. There aren't many hazards or bunkers near the green—aside from the massive connecting slope, there's not much else to worry about. But as humans, just like that bunker off the tee that shouldn't haunt you, the two-tiered green puts immense pressure on your approach. I had a blast playing this hole on every loop.
The fourth green is in the background of this photo and if you look closely you can see the two distinct shelves.
Hole 6
Tumbling down the hill you climbed on the 5th, the 6th starts with a fun elevated tee shot to a generous fairway and culminates with another exceptional green. From the fairway, the green is almost completely obscured by a fronting mound. But the shot isn't as difficult as you might think. A sizable mound behind the green funnels long shots back onto the putting surface. This type of feature—one that seems harder than it actually is—ranks among my favorites when playing a course for the first time. The magic doesn't vanish on repeat plays, but when you hit the shot that uses the feature to guide you back and didn't fully trust it would work, it's such a rewarding feeling. It's a tactic that can become rote if overused, but I love when architects give you one or two per round. There's something deeply satisfying about combining mental planning (hit it long into the back hill) with physical execution (actually hitting the shot you envisioned) that's far more stimulating than mindlessly executing a perfect shot.
The elevated tee shot at the 6th
The 6th green tucked behind the fronting mound.
Hole 17
I should note there are plenty of world-class holes from 7-16, but I didn't gravitate toward them as much during my rounds. The 17th, however, was hotly anticipated and delivered. Looking at the course map, I was excited to see how Tom and his team treated a short par 3 on such prime land. They definitely delivered. On the calm days I played, the hole was manageable, though I imagine it becomes a beast depending on wind strength and direction. The hole maxes out at 166 yards, so it's not overly long. The green features fun contouring that feeds shots hit right back toward the center, but go too far right and you're stuck behind a mound that makes an up-and-down virtually impossible. Ultimately, you're so awestruck by the scene's beauty that little else is needed.
Te Arai is a special place. The combination of two world-class courses by two all-time great architects is hard to beat. Add the exceptional amenities and it's a can't-miss destination. I've read several write-ups and heard plenty of chatter at the resort claiming the north course is tougher or trickier. I'm not sure I agree. The south course, which I've also written about, has the typical Coore and Crenshaw restraint and polish, but their design will politely put you in a blender. I almost found the north course easier to play given its bold, obvious obstacles to overcome. However you feel about the two courses and how they compare to one another, consider yourself blessed if you get to play them.
Okay so this is my second course post and I still have fears that my coworkers here at Fried Egg Golf are going to tell me to stop soon. So I’m going to post this before I receive a cease and desist letter from our lawyers. But the truth is that someone has to write about the South Course at Te Arai, and since I've already broken the ice with the North, I might as well keep going.
The South Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opened in October 2022 and has quickly established itself as one of the world's great modern links courses (I’m not sure if I’d call it a links course but whatever). If the North Course is edgy and cerebral, the South is its soulful, generous counterpart—a course built for fun with the ability to still test your game thoroughly.
I’m not the guy to properly dissect the architectural genius of Coore and Crenshaw. Instead, I'll focus on what it felt like to play this magnificent course and why it left such a lasting impression.
The South Course occupies the premium coastal real estate at Te Arai, and Coore and Crenshaw made sure not to waste an inch of it. Sixteen holes offer ocean views, with eight playing directly along the water. This vast oceanfront stretch has earned comparisons to California's Monterey Peninsula, with many dubbing Te Arai "the 17-Mile Drive of the Southern Hemisphere." Unlike typical hyperbole, this comparison actually holds up.
What struck me most about the South was its philosophy. The course embraces width and playability while maintaining strategic depth. It's the rare design that welcomes all skill levels without sacrificing challenge for better players. The fairways are generous, and you'd have to work hard to lose a ball. But as with all great courses, the real test comes on the approach shots. The green complexes are bold, featuring dramatic contours and surrounds that demand thought and precision. Miss in the wrong spot and you'll be facing chips and putts that can humble even the best of players.
The routing is masterful. The opening three holes play through remnant pines on the property's most undulating land, reminiscent of Pinehurst or even Bandon Dunes. This inland start builds anticipation beautifully. You can hear the ocean crashing nearby and feel the coastal breeze, but you don't see the water yet. It's the art of the tease, delaying gratification to amplify the eventual reveal.
Hole 4
You’ve got three really good holes under your belt and then comes the 4th, and everything changes. Standing on the elevated tee, the course reveals itself in full glory—white sand, tight fescue, and the endless Pacific stretching to the horizon. This long par 4 (over 450 yards from the tips) sweeps dramatically downhill toward a green positioned near the beach. The undulating fairway provides generous roll for well-struck drives, but the approach demands precision to a green guarded by the terrain's natural features. This hole serves as the gateway to the course's spectacular coastal stretch and ranks among the finest transition holes I've ever played. The moment you crest that tee box is worth the journey that it took you to get to Te Arai.
Hole 5
A short par 3 (157 yards) that perfectly captures what Coore and Crenshaw do best—using spectacular land with restraint. The tee shot is positioned to frame the Hen and Chicken Islands ten miles offshore, creating a visual that's almost impossibly beautiful. The green sits in a natural amphitheater, and despite the short yardage, the hole demands commitment. All four par 3s on the course are oriented so you always see the ocean, even though they play in different directions—a subtle touch that speaks to the thoughtfulness of the design.
Hole 6
One of several brilliant short par 4s on the course. From an elevated tee, you face a decision: play aggressively over a massive sand chasm on the left or take the conservative route right and risk leaking the ball out of bounds. The green complex is generous but contoured, rewarding those who take the bold line with better angles. It's a hole that gets in your head in the best possible way.
Hole 7
A right-doglegging par 5 that many folks cite as a favorite. The hole flows naturally along the coast, offering strategic options throughout. This is modern links golf at its purest—firm, fast turf encouraging the ground game, with angles and positioning mattering as much as distance. I found myself repeatedly drawn to this hole during my rounds.
Hole 12
The longest par 3 on the course at 195 yards, and according to Bill Coore himself, one of the most interesting short holes because it plays away from the ocean. The green complex demands careful study, and pin positions can completely transform the hole's character—a testament to the design's daily playability.
Hole 17
If the North Course has a spectacular short par 3 at the 17th, the South's version is equally magnificent. This 120-yard gem sits perched above the ocean with bunkers guarding the front and water menacing left. The green features subtle contouring that rewards thoughtful shots while severely penalizing greedy misses. On calm days it's manageable, but I imagine it becomes a proper beast when the wind howls. As one reviewer noted, "no commentary on the South course is complete without a nod to the wee 17th, which is one of the greatest 100-yard holes in world golf." I couldn't agree more. You're so awestruck by the setting's beauty that the hole barely needs architectural tricks—though Coore and Crenshaw provided them anyway.
Hole 18
A left-bending par 5 that plays along the coast to a natural punchbowl green. Walking up the final fairway, surrounded by rolling dunes and Pacific views, you can't help but feel grateful for the experience. It's the perfect bookend to a round that never stops giving.
The South Course doesn't just deliver world-class golf—it offers a complete sensory experience. The firm, fast fescue playing surfaces create true links conditions in a subtropical climate that's far more comfortable than traditional links destinations. As a side note, this was the best turf I’ve ever seen with Sand Valley coming in a close second. Winter highs hover around 60 degrees, while summer averages about 75. No freezing rain or biting wind, just perfect golf weather.
Before and after rounds, "The Playground" beckons—the world's largest practice putting green, spanning more than a football field with 18 flags, dramatic contours, and putts that break 30 feet. It's a massive putting course where members and guests mix freely, cocktails in one hand, putters in the other. The vibe is pure beach club, stripping away the stuffiness often associated with world-class golf facilities. This atmosphere doesn't detract from the golf—it enhances it.
Te Arai South is everything great modern golf architecture should be: visually stunning, strategically engaging, playable for all skill levels, and utterly memorable. Where the North Course challenges you with bold features and cerebral shotmaking, the South soothes you with generous fairways while quietly demanding precision on approaches. It's a course that rewards creativity over brute force, finesse over power, and thoughtfulness over aggression.
The comparisons to the North Course are inevitable, and I've heard plenty of debate about which is superior. Some claim the South is easier, more accessible to higher handicappers. I'm not convinced the distinction matters. Both courses are world-class, just with different philosophies. The South's restraint and polish exemplify Coore and Crenshaw's signature style—they make difficult golf look effortless, hiding complexity beneath elegant simplicity.
Combined with the North Course and their proximity to Tara Iti, this stretch of New Zealand coastline has become one of the world's premier golf destinations. The South Course alone justifies the journey. Add the luxurious amenities, incredible hospitality, and the sheer beauty of New Zealand, and Te Arai becomes a true bucket-list experience.
If you have the opportunity to play Te Arai South, take it without hesitation. It's a course that will stay with you long after you've walked off the 18th green, reminding you why we fell in love with this maddening, beautiful game in the first place.
Okay so this is my second course post and I still have fears that my coworkers here at Fried Egg Golf are going to tell me to stop soon. So I’m going to post this before I receive a cease and desist letter from our lawyers. But the truth is that someone has to write about the South Course at Te Arai, and since I've already broken the ice with the North, I might as well keep going.
The South Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opened in October 2022 and has quickly established itself as one of the world's great modern links courses (I’m not sure if I’d call it a links course but whatever). If the North Course is edgy and cerebral, the South is its soulful, generous counterpart—a course built for fun with the ability to still test your game thoroughly.
I’m not the guy to properly dissect the architectural genius of Coore and Crenshaw. Instead, I'll focus on what it felt like to play this magnificent course and why it left such a lasting impression.
The South Course occupies the premium coastal real estate at Te Arai, and Coore and Crenshaw made sure not to waste an inch of it. Sixteen holes offer ocean views, with eight playing directly along the water. This vast oceanfront stretch has earned comparisons to California's Monterey Peninsula, with many dubbing Te Arai "the 17-Mile Drive of the Southern Hemisphere." Unlike typical hyperbole, this comparison actually holds up.
What struck me most about the South was its philosophy. The course embraces width and playability while maintaining strategic depth. It's the rare design that welcomes all skill levels without sacrificing challenge for better players. The fairways are generous, and you'd have to work hard to lose a ball. But as with all great courses, the real test comes on the approach shots. The green complexes are bold, featuring dramatic contours and surrounds that demand thought and precision. Miss in the wrong spot and you'll be facing chips and putts that can humble even the best of players.
The routing is masterful. The opening three holes play through remnant pines on the property's most undulating land, reminiscent of Pinehurst or even Bandon Dunes. This inland start builds anticipation beautifully. You can hear the ocean crashing nearby and feel the coastal breeze, but you don't see the water yet. It's the art of the tease, delaying gratification to amplify the eventual reveal.
Hole 4
You’ve got three really good holes under your belt and then comes the 4th, and everything changes. Standing on the elevated tee, the course reveals itself in full glory—white sand, tight fescue, and the endless Pacific stretching to the horizon. This long par 4 (over 450 yards from the tips) sweeps dramatically downhill toward a green positioned near the beach. The undulating fairway provides generous roll for well-struck drives, but the approach demands precision to a green guarded by the terrain's natural features. This hole serves as the gateway to the course's spectacular coastal stretch and ranks among the finest transition holes I've ever played. The moment you crest that tee box is worth the journey that it took you to get to Te Arai.
Hole 5
A short par 3 (157 yards) that perfectly captures what Coore and Crenshaw do best—using spectacular land with restraint. The tee shot is positioned to frame the Hen and Chicken Islands ten miles offshore, creating a visual that's almost impossibly beautiful. The green sits in a natural amphitheater, and despite the short yardage, the hole demands commitment. All four par 3s on the course are oriented so you always see the ocean, even though they play in different directions—a subtle touch that speaks to the thoughtfulness of the design.
Hole 6
One of several brilliant short par 4s on the course. From an elevated tee, you face a decision: play aggressively over a massive sand chasm on the left or take the conservative route right and risk leaking the ball out of bounds. The green complex is generous but contoured, rewarding those who take the bold line with better angles. It's a hole that gets in your head in the best possible way.
Hole 7
A right-doglegging par 5 that many folks cite as a favorite. The hole flows naturally along the coast, offering strategic options throughout. This is modern links golf at its purest—firm, fast turf encouraging the ground game, with angles and positioning mattering as much as distance. I found myself repeatedly drawn to this hole during my rounds.
Hole 12
The longest par 3 on the course at 195 yards, and according to Bill Coore himself, one of the most interesting short holes because it plays away from the ocean. The green complex demands careful study, and pin positions can completely transform the hole's character—a testament to the design's daily playability.
Hole 17
If the North Course has a spectacular short par 3 at the 17th, the South's version is equally magnificent. This 120-yard gem sits perched above the ocean with bunkers guarding the front and water menacing left. The green features subtle contouring that rewards thoughtful shots while severely penalizing greedy misses. On calm days it's manageable, but I imagine it becomes a proper beast when the wind howls. As one reviewer noted, "no commentary on the South course is complete without a nod to the wee 17th, which is one of the greatest 100-yard holes in world golf." I couldn't agree more. You're so awestruck by the setting's beauty that the hole barely needs architectural tricks—though Coore and Crenshaw provided them anyway.
Hole 18
A left-bending par 5 that plays along the coast to a natural punchbowl green. Walking up the final fairway, surrounded by rolling dunes and Pacific views, you can't help but feel grateful for the experience. It's the perfect bookend to a round that never stops giving.
The South Course doesn't just deliver world-class golf—it offers a complete sensory experience. The firm, fast fescue playing surfaces create true links conditions in a subtropical climate that's far more comfortable than traditional links destinations. As a side note, this was the best turf I’ve ever seen with Sand Valley coming in a close second. Winter highs hover around 60 degrees, while summer averages about 75. No freezing rain or biting wind, just perfect golf weather.
Before and after rounds, "The Playground" beckons—the world's largest practice putting green, spanning more than a football field with 18 flags, dramatic contours, and putts that break 30 feet. It's a massive putting course where members and guests mix freely, cocktails in one hand, putters in the other. The vibe is pure beach club, stripping away the stuffiness often associated with world-class golf facilities. This atmosphere doesn't detract from the golf—it enhances it.
Te Arai South is everything great modern golf architecture should be: visually stunning, strategically engaging, playable for all skill levels, and utterly memorable. Where the North Course challenges you with bold features and cerebral shotmaking, the South soothes you with generous fairways while quietly demanding precision on approaches. It's a course that rewards creativity over brute force, finesse over power, and thoughtfulness over aggression.
The comparisons to the North Course are inevitable, and I've heard plenty of debate about which is superior. Some claim the South is easier, more accessible to higher handicappers. I'm not convinced the distinction matters. Both courses are world-class, just with different philosophies. The South's restraint and polish exemplify Coore and Crenshaw's signature style—they make difficult golf look effortless, hiding complexity beneath elegant simplicity.
Combined with the North Course and their proximity to Tara Iti, this stretch of New Zealand coastline has become one of the world's premier golf destinations. The South Course alone justifies the journey. Add the luxurious amenities, incredible hospitality, and the sheer beauty of New Zealand, and Te Arai becomes a true bucket-list experience.
If you have the opportunity to play Te Arai South, take it without hesitation. It's a course that will stay with you long after you've walked off the 18th green, reminding you why we fell in love with this maddening, beautiful game in the first place.
Howdy folks! 40, married, father of one, and no interesting in fighting.
I just wanted to get the ball rolling on forming a Bay Area group to start connecting with local members. I live in SF and am a member at The Olympic Club although you can find me looping Golden Gate Park GC more often than Olympic.
I'm open to casual meetups but would also be interested in putting together a monthly game. Depending on when you catch me I'm a low single-digit to scratch handicap and would prefer just playing straight up as opposed to net-games. I'm always open to playing for a little money but am also happy to play for pride as long as everyone is taking it seriously.
In a perfect world, I'd love to have a regular 15-20 players who commit to playing together monthly.
Excited to meet more folks soon. Cheers!
Howdy folks! 40, married, father of one, and no interesting in fighting.
I just wanted to get the ball rolling on forming a Bay Area group to start connecting with local members. I live in SF and am a member at The Olympic Club although you can find me looping Golden Gate Park GC more often than Olympic.
I'm open to casual meetups but would also be interested in putting together a monthly game. Depending on when you catch me I'm a low single-digit to scratch handicap and would prefer just playing straight up as opposed to net-games. I'm always open to playing for a little money but am also happy to play for pride as long as everyone is taking it seriously.
In a perfect world, I'd love to have a regular 15-20 players who commit to playing together monthly.
Excited to meet more folks soon. Cheers!
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Welcome to the Fried Egg Golf Club forum!
We're excited to have you join our community. Our purpose will always be to help golfers develop a deeper connection with the game. As such, we're excited to extend this new functionality to help our community grow and connect with one another. While we want you to be your full and true self here we also want others to feel welcome. As such we drafted this code of conduct. We expect all members to abide by it others content will be moderated and commenting privileges may be suspended.
This code of conduct ensures our forum remains a welcoming, respectful, and engaging space for all members.
1. Be Respectful
2. Stay On Topic
3. Quality Content
1. Before Posting
2. When Posting
3. When Responding
Fried Egg Golf reserves the right to modify these guidelines as needed. Members will be notified of significant changes.
If you have questions about these guidelines or need to report a violation, please contact the moderation team at members@thefriedegg.com.
By participating in the Fried Egg Golf Club forum, you agree to follow this code of conduct. Thank you for helping maintain a positive community atmosphere!
