The club was born out of an agreement between and funded by R M Shirtliff, A Brown, J Brown, R Savage, J Colquhoun, C Campbell and H J Campbell to create a golf club owned and run by the members to meet the needs of a growing number of enthusiasts in the north Richmond area, dissatisfied with the private control and management of the then Redwood Valley Golf Club.

In 1938, under the name Greenacres Golf Club, the club leased its first land in Redwood Valley being land belonging to J Colquhoun and a 9 hole course was established opening in March 1939. The geographic area for the committee membership was bounded by a line from the sea coast at Mahana to Rutherfords corner, Brightwater via Eves valley, the top of the Moutere hills and Waiiti bridge, thence across the Wairoa river along Ranzau Road and via McShanes road to the sea.

General membership was a wider area, as it is today. Subs were set for the year at 1pound 15 for men; 1 pound for ladies; 12s & 6d for juniors under 16, Boys 16 - 18 1 pound, and girls 16-18 17s & 6d Green fees were 1s & 6d. Oh that fees could have remained the same!!

The club remained at this location, enduring changes of landlord with ensuing problems over the years until these difficulties resulted in the committee of the time deciding to seek an alternative site on which to create an 18 hole course in 1956. In 1956 the club purchased land on Best Island from the island owner Mr. McPherson. At that time it was an island with only boat access or across the mudflats.

In 1957 the club raised the money to build a road from the end of Landsowne Road along the created bank to the site where a bridge could be built across dead mans island to Best Island. Today this is the road and causeway access we use to go onto Best Island. In April 1959 the road, causeway and bridge built at the expense of the golf club was opened by then mayor Mr. M. McGlashen. It was also opening day for the newly created course for Greenacres Golf Club.

In June 1959 the old clubhouse which had been removed from the Redwood Valley site was rebuilt at the new course and initially 9 holes were created with plans to increase put into effect over the following years. Over those years the course was developed, rabbit problems were countered with 1080, 120 trees were planted by Appleby schoolchildren and bores were sunk for water. By now there was a separate ladies committee in the club and it is interesting to note that in June 1962, the ladies obtained approval to erect a screen in the clubhouse to allow the ladies to "effect facial repairs" behind it. Toilets were added with septic tanks in 1964 and it is understood that power was installed in the same year. In Feb 1966 a further 5 holes were opened for use and finally in June the remaining 4 holes were completed and the course officially opened as an 18 hole course. The holes were named in 1967 and the same names apply today.

In 1968 new members paid an entrance fee of 20 pounds in addition to the annual subs and the membership was limited to 350. By now the Richmond Golf Club had disbanded and many of the members came to Greenacres. In 1969 a full time assistant greenkeeper was appointed to assist then greenkeeper Mr. I. Higgins. Mr. Higgins was subsequently followed by Mr. M. Shirtliff who in turn retired in 1982 and was replaced by Mr. Dennis Beggs. Dennis retired in 2007 and his role has since been taken by Mr. Craig Westley as course superintendent with Nick van Leeuewen as greenkeeper. The current assistant greenkeeper is Hamish Campbell. Into the 1970's

In 1971 the clubs liquor prices had to go up !! Jugs 42c; quarts38c; pints 25c; and all spirits 17c - ah those were the days. In 1972 the annual subs were increased !! Men to $38.50; Ladies $34.50; Limited men $34.50; Limited ladies $31.50; Midweek men 31.50; Midweek ladies 28.50. In 1973 the clubs first secretary / manager was appointed. Mr. G.D. Jacka. Also in 1973 it was decided that a new clubhouse was needed and tenders were called. Following many discussions, delays and problems with builders the new clubhouse was finally complete and on 14th December 1974 was opened by then prime minister, Wallace Rowling.

In December 1975 an exhibition golf match was held on the course between Wedgie Winchester and Bill Brask of the USA and Simon Owen and Steven Adams of NZ. The USA team triumphed with Brask scoring a 68. Early in 1976 Mr. G.D. Jacka died rather suddenly and his extensive contribution to the club was recorded in the records of the time. His favourite tree stands as a challenge to all at the last tee !! Elaine Elliott took over as acting secretary. Also in 1976, course toilets were installed as was parquet flooring and carpet in the clubhouse. In 1977, Bill Wooster took over as the club secretary / manager.

In 1978 The New Zealand Ladies Veterans Tournament was held on the course. A great success!! Membership was by now 478. In the same year the club contributed considerably to the building of a new bridge onto Best Island which was completed the following year. In 1979 the club agreed a contract with Highways Construction for the sale of gravel and the club employed it's first apprentice greenkeeper. In 1980 Murray Macklin was appointed as the club professional.

In 1983 The New Zealand Maori Tournament was held at the course and in the same year a rep team travelled to Auckland to contest the Kelliher shield with the Manukau Club. Close but not quite. In 1984 The New Zealand Ladies Autumn Foursomes were played at Greenacres - another success. 1985 saw the addition of a new Pro shop and other improvements and 1986 saw plans for a new Greenkeepers shed, repainting of the clubhouse and the recording of the persisting rabbit problem which had troubled the course for 25 years. In 1987 Gary Broadhurst was appointed as the club Professional and plans were made for the celebration of the clubs first 50 years, to be enjoyed in 1988. The source material for the above history can be found in the 50th Anniversary book, copies of which are in the club office.

We are keen to find someone who will bring this history up to date. Any volunteers?