A Century of Golfing Tradition
Templeton Golf Club's story began long before the club itself was formed.
Golf was first played on this land in 1915, when horse artillery officers stationed at the nearby Templeton Military Camp created a series of informal holes across the Templeton Domain. During their spare time, they enjoyed the rolling landscape that would one day become one of Canterbury's most respected golf courses.
Following the First World War, local golfers continued to use the Domain, and by the late 1920s a small group of enthusiasts was regularly playing over the property using little more than sunken jam tins as makeshift holes.
Those humble beginnings laid the foundation for something much greater.
The Birth of Templeton Country Club
On 13 August 1931, around sixty local golfers gathered with a shared vision of creating a permanent golf club for the Templeton community.
That evening, Templeton Country Club was officially formed.
Harry Blair, the professional at Shirley Golf Club, was commissioned to design an 18-hole course. Remarkably, he completed the design for just £5.
Construction relied heavily on volunteer effort and workers employed through the Depression Relief Scheme. Fairways were maintained with horse-drawn equipment, while the club's first clubhouse was a simple mill workers' hut on wheels purchased for just £15.
Although modest, it quickly became the heart of the club.
A Club Built by Its Members
Templeton has always been more than just a golf course.
From its earliest days, members donated their time, skills and resources to help build the club. Volunteers constructed facilities, maintained the course, raised funds and helped create the welcoming atmosphere that continues to define Templeton today.
Every generation has left its mark.
Whether building new greens, extending the clubhouse, planting trees or serving on committees, countless members have helped shape the club into what it is today.
That spirit of volunteerism remains one of Templeton's greatest strengths.
Growing Through the Years
Following the Second World War, Templeton entered a new period of growth.
The clubhouse was expanded, new greens were constructed and the course continued to evolve while preserving the natural character of the land.
The addition of lakes, mature trees and carefully considered landscaping created many of the memorable holes enjoyed by members and visitors today.
Throughout the decades, Templeton has proudly hosted club championships, representative golf, professional events and countless community competitions, becoming an important part of Canterbury's golfing landscape.
Shaped by Nature
One of Templeton's defining characteristics is the land itself.
Built on the naturally undulating gravels of the Canterbury Plains, the course has always rewarded thoughtful golf rather than brute strength.
Excellent natural drainage, mature trees and a layout that works with the landscape give Templeton its unique personality and ensure every round offers something different.
Today, ongoing native planting and environmental projects continue to protect and enhance the course for future generations.
Templeton Today
More than ninety years after the club was established, Templeton Golf Club continues to grow while remaining true to the values on which it was founded.
Recent investment in course improvements, practice facilities, junior golf and member experience reflects the club's commitment to continual improvement while preserving the welcoming community spirit that has always made Templeton special.
Whether you're visiting for the first time, joining as a member or returning after many years away, you're becoming part of a story that has been unfolding for more than a century.
As the club looks ahead to its centenary in 2031, Templeton remains proud of its history, grateful to those who built it, and excited for the generations still to come.
Our History at a Glance
1915 – Horse artillery officers establish the first informal golf holes on the Templeton Domain.
1931 – Templeton Country Club is officially formed.
1932 – The completed 18-hole course officially opens.
1942–1945 – Club activities pause during the Second World War.
1946 – Templeton reopens and begins rebuilding.
1950s–1970s – The clubhouse expands, new greens are constructed and the course continues to evolve.
1969 – Templeton hosts a major professional tournament featuring some of New Zealand's leading golfers.
Today – Templeton Golf Club continues to invest in its course, facilities and community while looking ahead to its centenary in 2031.