Meet the personalities behind the scorecards. In this NZ Golf Magazine series, we’re getting to know golf enthusiasts from across New Zealand — their favourite courses, memorable moments and what keeps them coming back.
You don’t need a low handicap — just a love of the game!
Meet Nadine Uerata, a Waikato-born golfer now calling Northland home. With Mangawhai as her home course, Nadine plays off an 8.4 handicap after just three and a half years in the game. She joins our Clubhouse Characters series to share her golfing story and what keeps her coming back. Follow her journey at @thewahinegolfer.
How Did Golf Get You Hooked?
Got hooked after playing an Ambrose day with my mates for an end-of-year Christmas break-up after our Te Reo Māori class finished. My mate Duane sorted it and then invited me out again a few weeks later. The rest was history, and then I made it my life 🙂
What Keeps You Coming Back?
The challenge and the inability to clock the game. I’ve always been a competitive sports person growing up, and the challenge of being able to improve brings me back
Give Us The Local Knowledge
Favourite hole would be 14. Dogleg right. Play down towards the big tree at the end of the fairway. Try to get on for 2 and don’t 3-putt 😅
Where Else In New Zealand Do You Love Playing?
My all-time favourite course is still Kinloch. Probably because I scored my best round there and there’s just something about it. I love Tara Iti and Te Ārai Links (grateful to work there!). Also love Arrowtown and The Hills for the view of the mountains. Fave hidden gem would have to be Kawerau and Walton!
What’s Your Most Memorable Golfing Moment?
My first hole-in-one on Hole 2 at Pirongia. The ugliest tee shot I’ve ever done still, and I didn’t even see it go in the hole because it was over a ridge hahaha
What’s The Best Part Of Your Golf Game — And What Needs Work?
Best part: stickibility / determination (currently working through swing changes so everything technical feels yuck atm)
What needs work: I don’t know how to answer this because I’m working on a lot at the moment haha
Who’s Joining Your Dream Fourball?
Tania Tare, Lydia Ko, Amelia Garvey
What Would You Tell Someone Thinking About Giving Golf A Go?
Do it, but just know it’s not always going to be fun and cutesy and “pretty” like you see on socials. It will be your biggest confidence booster in life, but it will also be your biggest teacher in more ways than you could imagine 🙂
