Golf in Hagley Park, and establishing a club, was mentioned in an article in The Star on 4 September 1872.
Local and General. (Star, 04 September 1872). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/4825308
On 31 October 1872, another mention in The Star, attesting to the popularity of golf and the imminent arrivals of golf equipment.
Local and General. (Star, 31 October 1872). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/4843574
23 April 1873, the Star reports that “A club promoting the excellent sport of golf in Christchurch has at length become an accomplished fact”.
Local and General. (Star, 23 April 1873). Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/5245848