The longest drive at Cape Kidnappers is between the public road and the clubhouse. But once on the course, if you can keep your eyes off the cliff top views, the main golfing points are the bunkers and the greens.
The longest drive at Cape Kidnappers is between the public road and the clubhouse. But once on the course, if you can keep your eyes off the cliff top views, the main golfing points are the bunkers and the greens.
The longest drive at Cape Kidnappers is between the public road and the clubhouse. It takes a full 20 minutes to cover the ground from the gate to the golf clubhouse – a journey that takes your through a sheep and cattle station and bush land. This degree of seclusion means that the golf course is on pristine land, wedged between the station and the towering cliffs of the Cape. The back nine extends along several fingers of land, separated by deep gullies which dip down to the sea. Frome these points you can look beyond the cliffs and along the shoreline across the wine country of Hawkes Bay and, at the other end, the art deco township of Napier.
The owner and architect, in recognition of the nature of the land have deliberately retained a rugged feel to the course and its surrounds. There is no superfluity. The tees are marked with simple wooden pegs. The clubhouse, though luxurious within, is compact and roofed in the local style with corrugated metal.
The scale of the landscape and generosity of land utilised for the layout makes the fairways seem small by comparison. This is a visual distortion that must be dispelled in the golfer’s mind, as you need plenty of confidence to hit out at the targets here at Cape Kidnappers.
If you can keep your eyes off the cliff top views, the main golfing points of the course are the bunkers and the greens. Architect, Tom Doak, is at the vanguard of the mission to recover some of the penalty value of bunkers. His time spent studying the works of the great architects of the early part of the 20th century has given him a healthy disdain for trees and water as hazards and led him to concentrate his efforts on land shapes and greenside bunkering.
In an industry noted for its gigantic egos and questionable sense of taste, Tom Doak is a distinctively different and intelligent course architect. At Cape Kidnappers, he has created a course of great drama, interest, originality and beauty. Any avid collector of golfing experiences should reach into their pocket books and make the trip to the North Island to play this course. It is both beautiful and compelling.
The above passage is an extract from The Finest Golf Courses of Asia and Australasia by James Spence. Reproduced with kind permission.
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
North Island, New Zealand
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Shanghai, China
Andalucía, Spain
New Zealand has quietly assembled one of the world's most compelling collections of golf courses. With five layouts ranked among the global top 100 and a golfing culture that prizes natural terrain over manufactured spectacle, the country punches well above its weight on the international stage. The updated rankings showcase remarkable stability at the top, whilst deeper exploration of both islands has unearthed hidden gems and confirmed the enduring quality of classic designs. These rankings represent the most comprehensive evaluation yet conducted, drawing on a dedicated panel of raters with extensive playing coverage across both the North and South Islands. The assessment prioritises architectural merit, strategic interest, and playing experience over resort amenities, reflecting an evolving appreciation for courses that work with their natural landscapes. The Top 50 Era Continues The updated rankings maintain the Top 50 national format established in recent years, representing the finest courses from a nation that boasts nearly 400 layouts serving approximately 500,000 golfers. Regional rankings have been expanded to include a North Island Top 40 and South Island Top 25, bringing attention to 65 unique courses across the country. Beyond the ranked courses, dozens more provide excellent golf experiences worth exploring. New Zealand's strength lies not in a handful of marquee names but in the breadth of quality across the two islands. Jump to the New Zealand Top 50 Ranking Jump to the New Zealand North Island Top 40 Ranking Jump to the New Zealand South Island Top 25 Ranking 2025 Top 50 At A Glance The Unchanged Elite The top five positions demonstrate unprecedented stability, with all five world-ranked courses maintaining their exact positions from 2024: Tara Iti (No change) - World #21 Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (No change) - World #91 Te Arai Links (North) (No change) - World #92 Te Arai Links (South) (No change) - World #97 Cape Kidnappers (No change) - World #98 The Rising Stars Ten courses climbed five or more positions, led by dramatic ascents in both islands: Queenstown (Kelvin Heights) - Up 18 places (from #50 to #32) Ohope Beach - Up 12 places (from #33 to #21) Harewood - Up 12 places (from #47 to #35) Otago - Up 9 places (from #35 to #26) Mangawhai - Up 8 places (from #42 to #34) Hastings - Up 7 places (from #37 to #30) Waverley Golf Club - Up 5 places (from #17 to #12) Chisholm Links - Up 5 places (from #29 to #24) Waipu - Up 5 places (from #32 to #27) Poverty Bay - Up 5 places (from #41 to #36) The New Entries Six courses enter the New Zealand Top 50, with South Island venues dominating the newcomers: #37 Cromwell (South Island) #39 Roxburgh (South Island) #40 Nelson (South Island) #42 St Clair (South Island) #44 Invercargill (South Island) #48 Whakatane (North Island) Notable Movements Declines reflect the depth of competition, more playing depth from the panel, and applying updated criteria: Carrington - Down 24 places (from #23 to #47) Pegasus - Down 17 places (from #28 to #45) Millbrook Resort (Remarkables) - Down 16 places (from #22 to #38) Mount Maunganui - Down 14 places (from #36 to #50) Waitara - Down 7 places (from #34 to #41) Wairakei - Down 5 places (from #13 to #18) Best Golf Courses by Island The North Island maintains its numerical advantage with 33 courses (66%) in the Top 50, whilst the South Island contributes 17 layouts (34%). However, this breakdown masks the South Island's quality concentration, with Arrowtown, Jack's Point, and The Hills all positioned within the Top 11. North Island commands the elite tier with eight of the Top 10 courses, including all five world-ranked layouts. The island's strength spans from Tom Doak's masterpieces at Tara Iti and Te Arai to historic gems like Paraparaumu Beach. South Island excels in delivering authentic, terrain-driven golf experiences. The Queenstown region alone accounts for six ranked courses, whilst traditional club layouts in Dunedin, Christchurch, and throughout Central Otago provide compelling alternatives to resort golf. What the Rankings Tell Us The Elite Quintet Remains Untouchable The top five positions remain completely unchanged, although the panel is warming to newcomers at Te Arai. Tara Iti's dominance at number one appears unassailable, whilst the Te Arai courses have firmly established themselves in the conversation about New Zealand's finest layouts. Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu Beach occupy their rightful places as world-class destinations. This stability validates the quality assessment and suggests that New Zealand's elite tier has reached a natural equilibrium. Short of a major new development or significant renovation, these five courses will likely define the country's golfing reputation internationally for years to come. Tom Doak's Architectural Dominance American architect Tom Doak's influence on New Zealand golf cannot be overstated. His three courses occupy positions one, three, and five in the national rankings, all appearing in the World Top 100. Tara Iti represents his purest expression of links golf outside the British Isles, whilst Te Arai North has wowed all those who play it. Waverley's Journey from Hidden to Essential Waverley Golf Club's ascent tells one of the ranking's most compelling stories. "Discovered" by Doak's team during the Tara Iti construction and entering the rankings at #31 in 2017 as the "ultimate hidden gem," the course has steadily climbed to #12 in 2025. This progression reflects both growing appreciation for quirky, authentic layouts and the benefits of deeper playing coverage by knowledgeable raters. The secret is well and truly out now. Waverley represents a category of New Zealand golf often overlooked in favour of resort destinations—honest country courses that work with difficult terrain to create memorable golf. Its recognition validates the ranking methodology's emphasis on architectural merit over polish. Queenstown's Kelvin Heights Transformation The most dramatic movement in the 2025 rankings belongs to Queenstown Golf Club's Kelvin Heights course, which surged 18 places from #50 to #32. This isn't the product of recent renovation but rather reflects reassessment by raters who've played the course with fresh eyes and updated evaluation criteria. Kelvin Heights offers a different proposition than Queenstown's high-profile resort courses. The climb suggests growing appreciation for substance over spectacle. South Island Traditional Courses Gain Recognition The influx of five South Island new entries—Cromwell, Roxburgh, Nelson, St Clair, and Invercargill—marks a significant shift in ranking coverage. These aren't flashy resort developments but traditional club courses that have served their communities for generations. Their inclusion reflects the panel's deeper exploration of both islands and willingness to recognise quality regardless of profile. Otago's nine-place leap to #26 similarly confirms that classic parkland designs remain relevant when they offer genuine strategic interest. The course in Dunedin represents a style of golf largely abandoned in favour of links-inspired layouts, yet its challenging terrain and excellent conditioning demonstrate that multiple architectural philosophies can coexist at the top of New Zealand golf. Links Revival in Remote Locations Ohope Beach's 12-place surge to #21 highlights renewed appreciation for raw links experiences in isolated locations. Similarly, Kaitaia, Waipu, and Poverty Bay all rank higher. These venues offer the kind of honest, wind-swept golf increasingly valued by architecture enthusiasts. The Eastern Bay of Plenty, Northland's far north, and the East Cape now feature prominently in trip-planning conversations. Golfers willing to venture beyond Auckland and Queenstown are rewarded with courses that feel untouched by modern trends, where fescue fairways, natural contours, and minimal irrigation create playing experiences closer to Scottish links than manicured resort tracks. A Decade and a Half of Evolution 2010: The Inaugural Rankings The first New Zealand Top 30 in August 2010 established Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs as the "Big Two," with both courses having transformed the country's international reputation. The rankings also recognised three layouts challenging their dominance: The Kinloch Club (reportedly Jack Nicklaus's favourite of his own designs), The Hills (with its dramatic Canyon 17th hole), and Jack's Point (John Darby's naturalistic masterpiece). Paraparaumu Beach maintained its position as the country's premier links, a distinction it had held since opening in 1949. The course designed by Alex Russell, one-time partner of Alister MacKenzie, represented authentic links golf in the Antipodes long before Tom Doak arrived. 2012: First Expansion The rankings grew to a Top 40, representing approximately 10% of New Zealand's courses. Cape Kidnappers claimed the top spot by the slimmest margin over Kauri Cliffs, whilst Paraparaumu Beach returned to the Top 3 as architects and international publications weighted links courses more heavily in their assessments. Oreti Sands at Southland Golf Club climbed six places to #15 following Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson's redesign, the first of many successful renovations the duo would complete across both islands. Queenstown emerged as a destination powerhouse with five courses in the Top 27. 2013: Continued Growth Expansion to a Top 50 brought ten new entries, including Napier, Cromwell, and Harewood. Pegasus made the rankings' biggest single-year leap, surging from #38 to #21. More significantly, Tom Doak received approval to build Tara Iti on coastal land near Mangawhai, setting in motion the project that would eventually claim the top position. Cape Kidnappers retained its number one ranking for a third consecutive year, confirming its status as New Zealand's benchmark layout. 2015: Renovation Wave Begins The first rankings without new entries saw stability at the top but significant movement further down as Turner and Macpherson's renovation work gained recognition. Royal Wellington burst into the Top 10 at #9 following the duo's complete redesign, featuring trademark undulating greens and stunning new holes built around an existing stream. Waipu and Kaitaia climbed as raw links courses gained favour, whilst anticipation built for Tara Iti's imminent opening. Cape Kidnappers held the summit for a fifth year. 2017: The Tom Doak Revolution Tara Iti entered at #1, immediately dethroning Cape Kidnappers and signalling a new era for New Zealand golf. The course joined the World Top 100 in its debut year, validating the immense expectations that had accompanied construction. Five new entries included two more jumping straight into the Top 10: Wainui at #9 (replacing the former Peninsula Golf Club) and Windross Farm at #23 (Brett Thomson and Phil Tataurangi's design for the relocated Manukau Golf Club). Waverley debuted at #31 as the "ultimate hidden gem," discovered by Doak's construction team. Regional rankings expanded to a North Island Top 40 and South Island Top 20, broadening coverage significantly. 2019: Consolidation and Recognition Tara Iti confirmed its dominance whilst Paraparaumu Beach climbed to #3, displacing Kauri Cliffs to #5. The top five took shape with Te Arai courses yet to debut. Arrowtown made a significant four-place climb to #7, earning praise in The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses for its charm and quirky appeal. Waverley surged 15 places to #16 as word spread about its honest, natural golf. Marton Golf Club entered at #36, whilst the closure of Oreti Sands at Southland eliminated one of the country's most admired links layouts. 2021: The COVID Effect and Te Arai's Arrival Despite international travel restrictions, golf thrived domestically with rounds played up more than 25% in late 2020. The rankings showed nine Top 10 non-movers, suggesting stability in the elite tier. Royal Auckland and Grange's new 27-hole Nicklaus Design layout entered at #10, with the Grange and Tamaki nines forming the premier 18-hole combination. Construction of Te Arai's South course (Coore & Crenshaw) and North course (Tom Doak) promised to add two more world-class layouts within walking distance of Tara Iti. 2024: The Te Arai Trinity Te Arai's courses debuted at #2 (North) and #3 (South), creating an unprecedented concentration of world-ranked golf within 15 kilometres. The three layouts offered complementary experiences: Tara Iti's cerebral links golf, Te Arai North's dramatic journey from coast to forest and back, and Te Arai South's flowing Coore & Crenshaw design. Thirteen new entries joined the expanded Top 60 national rankings. Millbrook's Coronet course entered at #12, Tieke (the redesigned Lochiel) at #16, and The Farm at The Hills (Darius Oliver's par-3 course) at #40. Gulf Harbour closed permanently, whilst Ohope Beach began its ascent with a 12-place climb. Looking Ahead New Zealand golf enters a period of consolidation after the development boom of 2000-2024. Additional major projects are currently underway, suggesting the next ranking cycle will focus on refinement and more debut entries. International travel has fully recovered post-COVID, bringing renewed attention to New Zealand golf from overseas visitors. This exposure could accelerate improvements at courses seeking to attract destination golfers, though hopefully without sacrificing the authentic character that makes New Zealand golf distinctive. The complete New Zealand rankings, including regional listings for the North and South Islands, can be found on the Top 100 Golf Courses website
New Zealand has become the epitome of destination golf travel. With Cape Kidnappers, the golf course was so wild and enticing, the ends justified the means. Since it's unveiling, Tom Doak has added Tara Iti and Te Arai North. Coore & Crenshaw have added Te Arai South. A forgotten Alister MacKenzie has been polished in Auckland at Titirangi by Clyde Johnson. Hidden gems, like Waverley and Wairakei, have made Paraparaumu Beach a less arduous journey with delightful stops to be made there and back to and from Auckland. If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, what are the must sees? What can be left for a follow-up trip or missed all together without regret? The Tom Thumb green at Waverley. It's not just the destination golf that's worth coming for in New Zealand. Photo J Miners The North Island - Golf Heaven If you're contemplating a trip to New Zealand it's probably because you have seen photos of Tara Iti, Te Arai or Cape Kidnappers, If so, the answer is easy, North Island. On the North Island, you have the main international airport along with all the World Top 100 golf courses. Tara Iti, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu along with the newly unveiled Te Arai North and South. North of Te Arai is Kauri Cliffs, the former Kiwi poster child for destination golf before Cape Kidnappers. The same company owns both Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. Cape Kidnappers near Napier, North Island, New Zealand. Photo G Lisbon In Auckland, there is Dr Alister MacKenzie's Titirangi and the newly polished Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. Near Lake Taupo you'll find Jack Nicklaus' Kinloch Club and Waireki. Another must-see golf course is Waverley. Built on black sand, the links is perhaps the best 18-hole, 6000-yard golf course on the planet. Tom Doak's team, in particular Brian Schnieder, put Waverley not the map in the early 2000's. For a golf course that has been established for 100 years, it shows undiscovered gems are waiting to be discovered still today. Top Tier North Island Itinerary If you had one week in New Zealand and were willing to fly internally between plays, you would play Tara Iti, Te Arai North, Te Arai South, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparumu Beach. All five can make legitimate claims to the World Top 100 Rankings. The big three (Tara Iti, Te Arai North, Te Arai South) are also the newest and are an hour and a half north of Auckland. Bolt on Alister MacKenzie's Titirangi, and you've probably seen the best golf in the country and a sensational, rare MacKenzie parkland with a cracking set of greens reminiscent of Pasatiempo. You don't need internal flights, helicopters or a lot of travel to do it. The lodging at Te Arai is world-class, as is the food and amenities. If accompanied by a partner who doesn't golf, a few days in Auckland and at the resort is very well spent. North Island If You Are Willing to Travel If you have time to see golf further afield, it will mean a road trip of 6-8 hours or a flight. Kiwis are quite used to flying short-haul internally as most of the multi-lane roads turn into dual carriageways a few miles outside the major urban centres. The drives are scenic but it's driving - not cruise control road-tripping across a multi-lane freeway in the rurals of America's midwest. If you are happy to drive or fly, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu Beach are within reach. You can drive and play one about one golf course a day... Ultimate North Island Itinerary Day 1 - Land in Auckland and blow the cobwebs out with Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club. A modern Nicklaus layout will provide a good opportunity to get over jet lag and sort out the kinks before you get to the bucket list stuff. If you miss it or don't have your best, it'll be fine... it is the starter before the main course. Days 2-4 - Te Arai South, Te Arai North and Tara Iti. Start your trip here or come here after a day in Auckland. It is perhaps the world's best stay-and-play resort for the quality of golf and overall experience. It's still new whilst the courses are complete, construction is underway on some magnificent properties around the site. Te Arai South Photo G Lisbon Day 5 - Titirangi - One of Dr Alister MacKenzie's best parkland designs. The set of greens needs to be seen to be believed. The other option is Kauri Cliffs - it's roughly 3 hours north of Auckland and about the same from Te Arai. It is a trek to get there and about 3 hours back to Auckland but to see the once darling of New Zealand golf some feel it's worth it. If you plan to play Cape Kidnappers later, it may be worth checking it out as there are sometimes offers on playing both... Titirangi Golf Club by Alister MacKenzie. Photo J Miners Day 6 - Waverley - The drive from Auckland to Waverely is about 6 hours. Leave early and play an afternoon round. Bring your camera and get some golden hour shots on some of the best golfing terrain in the country. Black sand links golf is ready to be found on your way to another World Top 100 - Paraparaumu Beach. Waverley Golf Club Photo J Miners Day 7 - Paraparaumu Beach is world-class - rough and ready golf on a rectangular piece of land, surrounded by houses and what appears to be in the valley between two mountain ranges. One of the mountains is actually Kapiti Island. If you want to see a bit of civilisation, Wellington is only a bit over an hour away to the South. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club Photo J Miners Day 8 - If you still have a little gas in the tank, Cape Kidnappers can be visited on the way back home to Auckland. It is the one course you'd probably want to see on the east side of the North Island. If you have a chance to spend time there, the local region is renowned for its wine and culinary delights. My personal recommendation is Craggy Range. Points to Note If you played those courses, you'd pick off the cream of the crop in New Zealand. Played over 8-10 days you'd have enough time for wine tasting in Napier and a day or two rest in some exciting cities or country retreats. Optional courses to add or swap out would be Kinloch Club and Waireki. Unless you added 4-6 more days and were willing to put a few miles on the clock, it's probably best to hit those mentioned... unless you flew internally or by helicopter... which is always an option. New Zealand South Island Golf Courses The South Island is less star-studded than the North Island. The really big names are all on the North but the South may just be the more beautiful of the two. If you do fly south, Queenstown is the destination of choice. Outstandingly beautiful and very touristy, you'll find Millbrook, Jack's Point, The Hills and Arrowtown the cream of the crop here. Jack's Point steals the heart of many but it is Arrowtown that will appeal to the purist. Dubbed the South Island's Waverley, it is a thrill ride over some very enjoyable terrain. If you play Waverley, you'll see more of the same great style of golf here. It's worth coming for if you're already on this side of the world and want to drink great Pinot Noirs from the Central Otago Valley... If you come to New Zealand to play golf, go to the North Island. If you come to New Zealand for food and wine and perhaps play some golf, Queenstown won't disappoint. Getting to New Zealand You're probably going to want to fly. If you're in the USA, you can find direct flights from the east and west coasts. Flights will take between 15 and 17 hours from LA or New York. If you're in Europe, you'll have no choice but to transit through Asia. The major hubs are China, Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Getting Around New Zealand Once you're on the ground, you have a few options. First, hire a car and hit the road. The motorways are single-lane for the most part, and dual carriageways or divided highways are rare. Don't book too much and get in a rush - it'll ruin your holiday. On the other hand, internal flights are very common. Most flights are an hour or two max, and regional airports are well connected internally. For example, there are daily flights from Auckland to Wellington, and from there, Paraparaumu Beach is within easy reach. From Wellington, you can access Napier easily and that opens up Cape Kidnappers. Most major centres will link back to Auckland and then you're ready for your homebound journey. Common Misconceptions Debunked Myth: New Zealand is remote and a bit dated. Truth: New Zealand is a modern country. Despite being an island nation with a relatively small population, there is nothing someone who is used to all the creature comforts of the West will pine for here. The y may not have your regular international high-street brands, but a well-established independent business scene provides everything you could ask for. Myth: New Zealand is full of things that will make you ill or kill you. Truth: That may well be true in Australia, there aren't really any real issues from snakes, spiders or crocodiles in New Zealand. Golf In New Zealand Summary New Zealand is home to world-class golf. Tom Doak has made the most of some very unique land at Cape Kidnappers and perhaps the best modern links course at Tara Iti. Even if Tara Iti isn't for you to play, Te Arai South and North are also world-class. Add in Paraparaumu Beach and you have 5 legitimate World Top 100 courses which can all be accessed by pay and play green fees. Tier Two is very good indeed. Alister MacKenzie's Titirangi and the cult classics Waverley and Arrowtown would be next up on my wish list. That's a top 8 that would rival the top 8 in most countries outside America, England, Scotland and Ireland. Arrowtown GC Photo J Miners
Fergal visits New Zealand Fergal closes in on completing the Top 100 Golf Courses of the World – his latest stop was New Zealand As I came within arm’s reach of completing the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, my travels took me to New Zealand where I experienced the most down to earth hospitality and one of the friendliest nations on earth. With images of Lord of the Rings all around me, I was keen to become Lord of the Greens and not get fooled by too many hobbits… Kauri Cliffs My first ever game in New Zealand was a significantly American experience. The red, white and blue flag proudly blows in the wind outside the clubhouse, and the very polite professional staff working in the pro-shop all herald from the United States. Given that the club’s founder and owner is originally from North Carolina, it all seems to make sense, yet the feeling of being in New Zealand is somewhat lost while listening to somebody with a thick Mid-West accent giving you directions to the practice ground. With an average of just 4,300 rounds per year, this golf club in Kerikeri is among the most isolated of any I've played. Walking this course is not really an option given the distances between certain greens and tees. The club’s strengths are the views, the warm hospitality and the guarantee of a memorable round along the coastline. The back nine takes you away from the water with the 10th through 13th holes located down in the valley all playing in the same direction away from the clubhouse. The anticipation to see the water again is handsomely rewarded when you climb up onto the par three 14th tee box which is the start of a very strong finishing stretch. The 16th hole is a very exciting cape style hole called ‘Temptation’ whereby you can bite off as much as your ego thinks you can chew. The remarkable green-site is on the ocean edge and requires a very precise approach shot. The 17th is the best hole on the property by far and plays as the index 1. The narrow fairway is at a diagonal angle to the tee box and is an impressive sight from the back tee. The hole runs along the ocean and will challenge the best players in the world to hit the green in regulation. The scenery of the Bay of Islands is unquestionably spectacular and will take your breath away at an astounding rate. Kinloch The only Jack Nicklaus signature course in New Zealand, and possibly the most challenging golf course you’ll find in the Southern hemisphere. Right from the first hole, the course offers challenges that average golfers will struggle with. Hundreds of bunkers populate this rippling topography and certain greens are contoured beyond any enjoyable level. I certainly admired the topography and scenery of the course and the challenge that it presents, but can’t help but think about certain elements that could make the course fairer and more walkable. Cape Kidnappers This golf course is as exciting as the name suggests. You’re quickly made aware that the Farm at Cape Kidnappers is fully functional and of utmost importance to the wonderful people who farm the expansive land. Given that the same gentleman with very deep pockets from North Carolina owns Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers, once you step inside the clubhouse, you immediately feel like you’re in America and surrounded by limitless luxury. Many of the golf staff are American and close to 80% of the 5,100 average annual rounds are played by American tourists. I stood on the first tee and realised that, despite years of reading golf books, I had little to no knowledge of what this course actually looked like – especially from the ground. In almost every golf book and website that previews this course, they all use the same aerial photograph of holes 13-16 which have the dramatic ‘finger fairways’ out on the cape. I told the head professional, “the world doesn’t know what your golf course looks like” and he knew what I meant by that. My mission was to experience and capture the course from the player’s perspective on the ground and really examine what the course had to offer. After all, it is on the shortlist of Doak’s best courses in an already impressive portfolio. After having the fortune of playing the course a few times, it is my humble opinion that the inland holes are significantly more impressive than those finger fairways that grab all the spotlights. In fact, when you play 13-16, you’re probably feeling a bit let down (if that's even possible) because the holes don’t look like anything you expected them to look like. I do recommend allowing a moment for photographs on the back nine, especially from the 15th green and 16th tee box. Doak’s routing across the farm is glorious whereby he created dramatic par threes over deep ravines, stunning par fours with spines running through fairways and blind drives to get your heart racing. The 7th hole was by far my favourite hole, as it presents a plateau fairway followed by a huge dip before swooping back up to the protected raised green. You really don’t want to hit your drive over the plateau, as it will leave you with a tough approach shot up to an unforgiving putting surface. Hitting this green in regulation is a wonderful achievement and the topology will have you taking photographs from almost every angle. Further highlights include the infinity green on number 12 where you naturally feel like you’re hitting into the end of the earth, which further echoes the sentiment of the excellent routing. Doak offers plenty of width throughout the fairways which is very fair given the demands of the approach shots. An exciting element to this course is the shaping around the greens. I encourage visitors to take note of the humps and bumps around the greens which kick the ball mostly in your favour (par three 6th hole is a great example of this as well as the punchbowl 18th green). This course really has the wow factor and I only wish that more people would come to play it as it’s sincerely memorable and appealing to golfers of all levels. Paraparaumu Beach A true links course created in the Golden Age of golf architecture by the legendary Alex Russell (who also designed Royal Melbourne (East), Lake Karrinyup and Yarra Yarra). It’s located about 40 minutes north of the windy city of Wellington. This golf club is a world-renowned layout on the undulating dune land of the Kapiti Coast. Affectionately known as ‘Param’ by the locals (or maybe by the too many visitors that can’t pronounce the name without really concentrating), this golf course will bring you back to reality with a bang. Everything about the club is humble and unpretentious and fits every element of a golfing gem. If you’re looking for a course which will examine how accurate you are from the tee, then you’ve met your match. With just 34 carefully crafted bunkers on the entire course, the challenge from this raw looking links property is magnified by tight tee shots, brutally wiry rough, rock hard bouncy fairways and spectacular mounding around the greens. The gentle undulations around the aprons are second to none. One of Russell’s trademark features is raised putting surfaces which further emphasizes the need for accuracy or fall off the green and be faced with a daunting up and down. This club is welcoming of all players of every demographic, has hosted the New Zealand Open no less than 12 times and has a completely different look and feel to the other courses on my tour to date. At Param, you’ll encounter the highest levels of hospitality from genuinely lovely personnel, down to earth golfers from all walks of life, affordable green fees and even a local punter selling you sausages next to the 10th tee (I suggest you buy one from him). With an annual budget of just $300k for golf course maintenance and four very hard working green-keepers, this experience is as close to Ireland or Scotland that your heart desires. If Cruden Bay had a Kiwi cousin, then this is it. The course is not tremendously long, but it will ask a lot from you, and is golf at its purest. “How did I bogey that hole!?” is a frequently asked question at Param. I enjoyed hitting irons off the tee for strategic placement; I enjoyed the challenge of the design variety in the green complexes and the absolute thrill of playing the legendary 13th hole which ripples its way up to the jaw-dropping raised green. A testament to the design variety is that everybody I chatted with had a different favourite hole. The club has recently co-developed ‘The Russell Society’ made up of representatives from the four Russell courses in the Oceania region, which is a superb way to continue the traditions and share the knowledge of his particular style of architecture. I can honestly say that an afternoon at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club will be a highlight of your trip. The highest compliment to any golf course is that you’ll walk off the 18th green wanting to go straight back to the 1st tee. Article and photos (except one image, courtesy of Larry Lambrecht) by our US Consultant, Fergal O'Leary, who continues his mission to become the youngest person to play the Top 100 Golf Courses of the World.
