Arrowtown’s The Hills golf club’s hosting a free community open day this Thursday, with the gates to the exclusive club, owned by Sir Michael Hill, thrown open for the day.
General manager Craig Palmer says anyone can come along to view some of the world-class sculptures crafted by Kiwi artists around the course — including some by Sir Michael’s son, Mark Hill — or play on the par-three course, The Farm.
The Hills has hosted several NZ PGA and NZ Open tournaments — till 2020 it was also co-host of the latter with Millbrook Resort.
‘‘This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to walk the golf course, view the sculptures, or play our par-three course.’’
Palmer says the main course is closed at the moment in preparation for the summer season, but the lull gives people the chance to walk it, instead, and take in the area.
‘‘If the people come, we hope to make this an annual event.’’
Anyone wanting to pop along to walk the course and see sculptures doesn’t need to book — there’ll be a QR code and brochure for people wanting to follow the golf trails without getting lost — but bookings are essential for tee times on The Farm.
The open day runs from 9am to 6pm, with the Clubhouse restaurant open between 9am and 4.30pm — bookings for dining are also essential.
The course, designed by Queenstowner John Darby, was developed by mega-jeweller Sir Michael, who bought the former deer farm
in the mid-‘90s.
