After Nick O'Hern returned from playing Tara Iti and Te Arai in New Zealand a couple of weeks ago, making Mark Allen extremely envious, we decided we needed to find out more about this incredible place. And who better to talk to than one of the founders of, and head honchos at, the courses, Jim Rohrstaff.

Jim talks to us about how they built the courses, and the story of how they found the land parcel is a ripper. He tells us about the design, and some of the challenges they worked through, and how the Tara Iti course in particular plays.

Mark has heard a rumour about Tara Iti, that he puts directly to Jim - to do with how many times you are allowed to play the course. The membership model of Tara Iti is unusual for this part of the world, but as Jim tells us it is not uncommon in the US, and he explains how it works and the benefits for members, guests and the club.

And Jim is excited about their new partnership with The Hills course in Queenstown and explains what some of the plans are for that course.

We also find out about the 'secret sauce' of Tara Iti and Te Arai, which is framed by the philosophy of 'The answer is yes, what's the question?', but there is more to it, and Jim talks us through it.

A fun bonus pod, and you'll enjoy hearing some of the secrets of one of the worlds great courses.

A huge thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
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• & the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

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