Christchurch Golf Club, located at Shirley Links, is one of the most storied sporting venues in the country. Dating back to 1873, it stands as the second oldest golf club in New Zealand and the seventh oldest outside the United Kingdom. Originally starting at Hagley Park before relocating to what is now Russley GC, the club settled at its current Shirley grounds in 1900, where championship golf has been played ever since.
The grounds feature an 18-hole championship course that was upgraded under the guidance of acclaimed course architect Peter Thomson. Facilities include a modern architecturally designed clubhouse built after the 2011 Canterbury earthquake, a professional shop, coaching services, a dedicated driving range, and a practice green. Visitors and members can also explore the Sir Bob Charles Gallery, which houses historic trophies and memorabilia celebrating New Zealand golfing excellence.
Dating back to 1873, Christchurch Golf Club is celebrated as the second oldest golf club in New Zealand and the seventh oldest established outside the United Kingdom. Initially founded at Hagley Park before a brief spell at the grounds that now comprise Russley Golf Club, the institution established its permanent home at Shirley Links in 1900. The opening nine greens were prepared for play in July of that year, with subsequent land acquisitions allowing the layout to expand into a full 18-hole championship course by 1910.
Over more than a century of play at Shirley, the club has served as a cornerstone of New Zealand competitive golf. It has hosted eleven New Zealand Open Championships, crowning legendary champions such as Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle. The venue achieved global prominence in 1990 when it hosted the World Amateur Championship for the Eisenhower Trophy, cementing its reputation on the international sporting calendar.
The course at Christchurch Golf Club offers an idyllic, parkland-style setting shaped by generations of development. A significant upgrade of the course was carried out under the watchful eye of renowned five-time Open Champion and course architect Peter Thomson, ensuring the layout tests tactical placement, iron control, and green reading.
Players of all skill levels have access to a full suite of golf amenities. The club maintains a modern practice green, a dedicated driving range, and a fully stocked professional shop staffed with teaching professionals offering coaching. Trundler, golf cart, and bag hire are readily available on site, making casual visitor rounds and competition play accessible.
Following the Canterbury earthquakes of February 2011, the club embarked on rebuilding its infrastructure, resulting in the construction of an architecturally designed clubhouse along Horseshoe Lake Road. The building provides sweeping views over the links and serves as a premier destination for corporate functions, anniversaries, and weddings coordinated through Links Functions.
A central highlight of the clubhouse interior is the Sir Bob Charles Gallery. Dedicated to New Zealand's foremost golfing legend, the gallery houses historic club memorabilia, honours boards, and national silverware. Most prominent among the exhibits are the very golf clubs used by Sir Bob Charles when he captured The Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1963, giving every visiting golfer a direct link to the sport's greatest milestones.