A historic Wairarapa sporting institution has entered a new chapter with the completion of a state-of-the-art $2.5 million clubhouse facility at the Martinborough Golf Club.
The impressive renovation was officially inaugurated on Thursday, coinciding with the club’s ProAm tournament, which provided the perfect backdrop to unveil the modern amenities to the golfing community.
“This marks a significant milestone in our club’s 116-year journey,” committee member Emily Loughnan told thepost.co.nz, reflecting on the institution’s evolution since its establishment in 1908. “The new clubhouse represents more than just a building upgrade—it’s a testament to our commitment to the future of golf in the region.”
The substantial investment signals a major step forward for Wairarapa’s golfing infrastructure, positioning Martinborough as a premier destination for both local players and visiting golf enthusiasts.
The ambitious transformation of Martinborough Golf Club reaches far beyond its physical renovations, with the institution unveiling a comprehensive rebrand and restructured management system.
“We’re embracing change at every level,” explains Club Vice-Captain Shayne Hammond. The appointment of Saenoa Isaac as operations manager signals a more professional approach to the club’s operations, with the new role encompassing event management, staff oversight, marketing initiatives, and sponsorship coordination.
The club’s culinary experience has also received a significant upgrade with the recruitment of celebrated local chef Tennessee Liumaihetau. “Our members and guests can expect a sophisticated dining experience that rivals the region’s finest establishments,” Hammond notes, marking a decisive departure from traditional golf club fare.
The strategic overhaul, complete with a contemporary logo and brand identity, demonstrates the club’s commitment to positioning itself as a modern sporting and social destination in the Wairarapa region.
What began as a sobering seismic assessment in 2015 has culminated in a remarkable transformation for Martinborough Golf Club. After receiving notification that their original clubhouse was structurally unsafe and beyond earthquake strengthening, the club embarked on an ambitious journey toward its new $2.5 million facility.
The club continues its fundraising efforts to fully finance the development, with an innovative approach to business partnerships leading the way. Committee member Emily Loughnan revealed a bespoke sponsorship strategy that’s turning heads in the local business community.
“We’ve moved away from the one-size-fits-all model,” Loughnan explains. “Each partnership package is custom-designed to deliver specific value to the business and their clientele.” These tailored arrangements can include various combinations of membership privileges, event naming rights, promotional opportunities, and guest access to the course.
“The key is understanding what each business needs to achieve through their partnership with us,” says Loughnan. “Whether it’s brand visibility, client entertainment, or community engagement, we craft each package to meet those specific objectives.”
