Mount Maunganui Golf Club Unveils State-of-the-Art Practice Facility ‘The Dunes’
Mount Maunganui Golf Club has officially opened the second phase of its ambitious redevelopment project, launching The Dunes – a modern, high-tech driving range and short game facility set to become a benchmark for practice environments across Australasia.
General Manager Michael Williams described The Dunes as “some of the best practice facilities in Australasia,” following the successful completion of the two-stage upgrade. The redevelopment began with the unveiling of a 6,000m² putting green and 18-hole mini-course earlier this year, and now features a fully reimagined driving range offering 15 outdoor hitting bays and two high-tech simulators equipped with advanced ball-tracking systems.
“Our old driving range had outgrown its purpose, with balls often leaving the property and limiting its usability,” said Williams. “This challenge allowed us to completely reimagine what a modern practice facility could look like, and now we’ve delivered a space that meets the needs of our members, the public, and future generations.”
The Dunes’ new putting course and range are open to both members and the wider community, creating a new hub for golf development in the Bay of Plenty. Williams emphasised the facility’s inclusive and multi-purpose design, tailored to serve everyone from junior golfers and school groups to corporate clients and elite players.
“A key goal was to create an interactive and engaging environment that uses the latest in golf technology while remaining open and welcoming to all,” he said.
The project has been strongly supported by Golf New Zealand, with Bay of Plenty Regional Support Manager Mark Webb praising it as a model for future-ready golf infrastructure.
“Facilities like The Dunes represent a generational step forward,” said Webb. “They offer accessibility, diversity in the golf experience, and directly support Golf New Zealand’s broader goals of growing participation across all demographics.”
Webb acknowledged that while large-scale facility investments aren’t feasible for every club, the Mount Maunganui model exemplifies how innovation and community engagement can go hand-in-hand.
“Golf across New Zealand is incredibly diverse – there’s no one-size-fits-all model. But what we can all do is work toward more inclusive, community-focused outcomes. This development is a powerful example of that in action.”
With its blend of traditional practice areas and modern technology, The Dunes places Mount Maunganui Golf Club at the forefront of facility innovation – and marks a major milestone in enhancing the golfing landscape across the region.
