PRESS RELEASE

New $4m clubhouse underway at Christchurch Golf Club

Work on the new $4m clubhouse at Christchurch Golf Club is well under way with the steel framework now being erected following the successful pouring of the foundations and terraces.

Designed to reflect the character of the original clubhouse, which served the club for 87 years, the new building will integrate well with the existing pro shop with spectacular views out over the 18th green and the rest of the course.

Founded in 1873, the Christchurch Golf Club is the second oldest in New Zealand and the fifth oldest golf club in the world outside of the United Kingdom. Sir Bob Charles is the patron.

Bryan Andrews, president of the club, said the new facility will feature a range of facilities for members and be the most modern clubhouse building in New Zealand.

The original building was removed after earthquake damage, and its replacement, designed by Mason and Wales Architects, is elegant, modern and stylish and expected to be completed in October 2015.

“The design features two gable forms that are reminiscent of the old clubhouse. They open the building out to the course, and will fill the interior spaces with light.”

The facilities include a sprig bar adjacent to the main entry, golf hub including men’s and women’s changing facilities and pro shop close to the 1st tee. The sprig bar includes a casual space for members to catch up with each other before and after play as well as outdoor seating areas.

“It will create a very welcoming vibrant café/bar environment that will greatly enhance the golfing experience for members and visitors to the club.”

The main club room will feature a spectacular vaulted, battened ceiling, with white painted timber trusses and uplighting. A glazed gable end wall faces the 18th green and golf course beyond.

The room, which is designed for a range of activities such as corporate days, functions and meetings, opens either side into the sprig bar and dining room.

The dining room is at the centre of the clubhouse and can be accessed from the main clubroom or the front lobby. It also features a high ceiling that opens out into a raised, covered verandah facing the 18thgreen.

A meeting room is also accessed directly from the main lobby of the clubhouse. The space will ensure the clubrooms can operate to their full potential as a quality venue, for weddings and anniversaries, and with the necessary additional breakout space for business meetings.

The room is specifically designed so that it can be catered for independently of the normal golf club activities.

The Christchurch course was recently voted No. 1 in Canterbury by Golfranking New Zealand, has hosted 11 New Zealand Opens and was home to the 1990 World Amateur Championships, where players of the calibre of Phil Mickelson played.