A GOLFER in New Zealand was in a serious but stable condition in hospital after falling 100ft (30 metres) down a cliff while looking for his ball, the New Zealand Herald reported Wednesday.

The 66-year-old fell at Howick Golf Course, Musick Point, in Auckland yesterday afternoon, the New Zealand Herald reported.

A groundsman discovered the stricken golfer after noticing a golf cart, which had not moved for 15 minutes, not far from the cliff.

Paramedic Chris Deacon said the victim's injuries were serious and he was lucky to have been spotted.

"He's just gone looking for his golf ball and then slipped and fallen," he said.

"I felt really sorry for the guy - I mean, you go out to play golf, you don't expect this."

The golfer, who is Chinese, was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital.