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Such a memorable experience!
From my point of view, the scenery is even more stunning compared to it’s sister course Cape Kidnappers. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
This is certainly one of my favorite golf courses globally. Yes, it’s not a links course, but it’s a fantastic golf course that will test all aspects of your golf skills.
The par 72-championship golf course measures 7,119 yards/ 6,510 meters and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Fifteen holes have a view of the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs who plunge to the sea – just amazing.
The layout of the holes are compelling and testing and the variation of the holes is very interesting. You’ll find generous fairways on most holes, but you need to put the ball in position and tee shots are crucial. The approach shot to most of the greens will test how much you trust your shot making skills and have the ability to stick the ball on the green.
The course gives you options on how to play the different holes – which I like. The wind can make this golf course brutal and extremely testing – which we fund out on the back nine.
My favorite holes are all along the Pacific Ocean and the “Hole 15 to 17 stretch” is among the best holes in golf:
Hole 7 – 160 meters par 3 (Cavalli)
Spectacular hole with the Pacific Ocean cliffs on your entire right. You need to carry the ball all the way to the green over a very deep gully. Club selection is key and the wind will determine which one to use – take an extra club, because you don’t want to be short. 3-iron over the green, short pitch and 2 put for a bogey 4.
Hole 15 – 469 meters par 5 (Cook’s Hook)
The most demanding tee shot on the course. You’ll have the Pacific on your entire left hand side and you need to carry a deep gully to find the fairway that goes sideways forward A drive along the left hand side can get you on green in two, but the risk!!! The approach shot is spectacular with the Pacific behind the green. The drive in the bushes to the right of fairway, second shot out of the bushes but only 100 meters, third on fairway and 120 meters from green, pushed the fourth in a bunker, out and two put for a double bogey 7.
Hole 16 – 323 meters par 4 (Temptation)
Short dogleg left with plenty of fairway bunkers starting at 207 meters off tee. You have the choice to be aggressive (cut the dogleg and carry the bunkers) or play it safe (a 180 meters shot on the right hand side for a good angle to the green). Distance control on the short downhill approach shot is crucial – the Pacific is behind the green. Tried to be aggressive and lost the ball, third in a fairway bunker, fourth short of green, 3 put for a triple bogey 7!!!!!!!
Hole 17 – 403 meters par 4 (Rainbow)
Long dogleg left with severe problems on the entire left hand side. You need to carry the problem to reach the green and it’s all up to you how much you dare to cut the dogleg. Three large bunkers protect Green and the Pacific is also behind it. Fantastic hole. Cut to much and first ball gone, second shot over the fairway to the right, managed to get the third out of the thick rough and on fairway, fourth short of green and three put for a triple bogey 7!!!!!
By now you have realized that my game was terrible this day. Front nine was pretty OK with a 6 over par 42, but the back nine was a disaster. 14 over par on the back nine and 11 over par on the last 4 holes!!!! I lost it totally and I will not even try to blame the strong wind, just me being a very bad golfer. So, a new worst record of 92 shots (gross) – 20 over par !!!!!
The more positive part is my playing partners at Kauri Cliffs – Steven Fast, Clive Reed and Francisca Pascariu. I enjoyed their company very much and we had a fantastic day. Thank you so much and hopefully can we soon play again.
Yeah, yeah, Clive and Francisca as a team won the match play and it was all over on the 14th hole. Well played and it was no doubt today who was the best team.
Kauri Cliffs is an amazing place with a spectacular golf course and world-class facilities that will make a stay a very memorable experience. The entire staff is extremely welcoming and professional – excellent.
Put Kauri Cliffs on your list of places to visit and go there as soon as you can. I’ll certainly be back as soon as I can to have another memorable experience and yes, I also need to prove to myself that I can shot better then 92 shots - lower then 80 shots is the target.
Kauri Cliffs
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