Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
This Nicklaus design offers views of both surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Taupo and will challenge even the best golfers in the world.
Sir Bob Charles, after his first round at The Kinloch Club, aptly described it as “the number one golf course in New Zealand.” For those unable to experience the legendary links courses of Scotland, Kinloch offers a truly comparable experience. Designed by Jack Nicklaus (his only course in New Zealand), The Kinloch Club pays homage to the Scottish and Irish links tradition, but is nestled amidst the stunning scenery of the North Island, near Lake Taupo.
The course is a formidable challenge, even for experienced players. Stretching to nearly 7,400 yards, it demands precision and strategy. The undulating fairways and well-protected greens require careful shot placement and thoughtful decision-making.
One of the standout features of The Kinloch Club is its excellent drainage. Built on pumice, the course remains playable throughout the year, with only a few days of frost annually. However, players should be aware of coring, a maintenance practice that occurs in early October to prevent thatch buildup.
Jack Nicklaus himself emphasized the importance of playing the course at a shorter length. He advised golfers to avoid the temptation of playing from the back tees, as the course’s design is intended to be sporty and enjoyable.
The Kinloch Club has undergone several improvements over the years. The green complexes on holes 2 and 16 have been enhanced to better reward accurate approach shots. Additionally, the introduction of a fourth set of tee boxes in 2017 allows players to choose a length that suits their skill level.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider staying at The Lodge at Kinloch. This luxurious accommodation offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. By playing in the afternoon, you can avoid the morning rush and enjoy the course in relative solitude, taking in the long summer days and beautiful surroundings.
3rd: Visually the most stunning hole on the front nine. This 185 yard par-3 begins with an elevated tee and a shot over a water hazard (a small lake), with lightning fast greens this hole is both scenic and a true challenge. Lake Taupo is seen in the distance.
4th: Club professional Tom Long’s favorite hole, the 4th plays anywhere from 427 yards to almost 500 yards (depending on the tees). This dogleg par-4 has shallow fairway traps down the left side for overcooked tee shots. If bombed too far one is left with a downhill lie for the approach. It’s a strategic hole and one will find best played the second time they see it.
10th: Another elevated tee which provides a great view of the lake.
5th: This par-4 sweeps uphill and to the left, and is complete with natural bunkers on the both sides of the fairway. Many are surprised to find that a lot of the course was moved by man in order to create a links feel rather than allow the terrain to dictate the balance of play. The fifth is a perfect example of that design sculpting.
18th: Considered by some as the finest hole to end a round in the country, this 565 yard par-5 is surprisingly one of the most approachable on the course- leaving players with a good feeling and allowing them to forget about any balls lost throughout the day. The landing zone off of the tee box is to the left and then the fairway moves to the right prior to coming back around to a green protected by water.
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#74 in the World
(Golf Digest)