Jack’s Point golf course was recently named New Zealand’s Best Golf Course 2020 at the World Golf Awards. QT Magazine spoke to Jack’s Point general manager of golf John Griffin about the ongoing international acclaim for the high-profile championship course.

• What do these accolades mean to you and your Jack’s Point golf team?

Ongoing global endorsement is very important to Jack’s Point as it continues to build our brand and provide recognition of this high-quality golf experience. The growth of golf tourism worldwide means Jack’s Point, Queenstown and New Zealand must continue to develop new golf experiences to entice visitors here as the world begins to open up again. Due to Covid-19 golf globally is booming with an increase in people taking up the sport which is a silver lining for golf tourism.

• How has Jack’s Point course matured since it opened a decade ago?

We have a higher level of presentation due to the consolidation of our playing surfaces alongside the overall maturity of the natural environment and native vegetation since the initial development was completed. This adds a level of intimacy on the course and a feeling for golfers that it’s you and nature together compared to 10 years ago when the course was first opened.

• When is the ideal time of day to play Jack’s Point?

The best time is from mid-morning through to a late afternoon tee off as the morning dews have dried off and people get to experience the amazing light and shade of the mountains as the sun moves and sets over Lake Wakatipu. Playing the course later in the day is one of golf’s ultimate experiences.

• What should visitors or rookie players know before booking a round at Jack’s Point?

People can book online or by calling the Jack’s Point golf store. We have 75 top quality Precedent golf carts along with a great range of PING golf equipment including right and left-handed men’s and women’s sets. Pull trundlers and shoes are also available for hire.

Our driving range is located beside the first tee and we have two putting greens for players to warm up on prior to play.      

• Any recommendations for golfers visiting Queenstown during the NZ Open or over summer?

I would make sure especially over NZ Open week to book early to gain a tee time at Jack’s Point and secondly plan to play a variety of quality courses as the Wakatipu Basin is a great golfing destination. For the real golf lover I would highly recommend driving to Roxburgh and playing the traditional 18-hole course that sits on the edge of the Clutha River – it’s a unique Kiwi style golfing experience.