New Owners Breath Life into Ailing Golf Course

The once-proud Formosa Golf Course in Beachlands was purchased last year by the NZ Super Fund and put in the capable management of Rydges Hotels. The accommodation at what is now known Rydges Formosa Golf Resort is in the form of a series of Villas. These have been undergoing a much-needed renovation. General Manager Marcus Keenan says  "Now that we’re into January the contractors have returned in force, and we’re progressing really quickly with the remainder of the Villa renovations, we hope to have all completed prior to the end of January."

In addition to renovating the villas, the golf course itself is also undergoing a number of improvements. Having been being drastically underfunded for many years had left it in poor condition. But since the change of ownership things have been steadily improving. Anyone playing the course now compared to 18 months ago will notice an improvement in the condition of the greens and the soon the bunkers will be resanded. It takes time to turn around a golf course but it's good to see a new owner with deep pockets that is investing in bringing this course back to it's former glory. While it will probably never feature in New Zealand's top 10 golf courses again it should be able to get back to being one of the top 10 courses in Auckland.  

Currently the restaurant is open, there are freshly renovated villas at great prices, the course is playing better than it has for years but the work is not yet complete. The Pool and Gymnasium are still being worked on amoung other tasks. Marcus says "A lot of work has gone into the Resort in a short amount of time, to allow to open in early December (2020) prior to the Christmas and New Year festive period. There’s still more for us to do, however pleasingly we are certainly getting there, and looking forward to having all of the work completed and the full Resort, and all facilities, open and operational by mid-2021."

Book a night or two at Formosa Golf Resort and see the improvements for yourself.