Cape Kidnappers - Tom Doak's masterpiece on the cliffs of New Zealand

Most golfers have probably seen a photo of Cape Kidnappers: the golf course designed by star designer Tom Doak on the cliffs of New Zealand's North Island, near the town of Napier and thus in the wine-growing region of Hawke's Bay, is one of the best-known photo motifs. A few years ago, such a photo also sparked Angela Moser's interest in golf course design - today, the German golf course architect is part of Doak's team and worked with him as the lead architect on site on the Pinehurst No. 10, which was showered with praise. To play Cape Kidnappers, you don't have to stay overnight in the Rosewood Hotel, the course is also open to day guests. However, you should be prepared for green fee prices starting at 350 euros - a worthwhile investment in one of the best golfing experiences in the world!

Cape Kidnappers - Elevated greens and mighty bunkers

The starting time interval of around 15 minutes ensures that you often have the impression that you are alone on the course. At just under 6,600 meters in total, the Par 71 course is quite long. You should therefore play your tee shot from a tee box further forward so that you can ultimately enjoy the course more. Anyone who has already played Tom Doak's courses will be used to elevated greens, powerful bunkers, unexpected obstacles and, last but not least, great routing.

An early exclamation mark from Tom Doak

Doak sets an early exclamation mark with the first Par-3 on hole 3, which leads over a densely overgrown hollow to a slightly elevated green that is well defended by numerous bunkers. With the following S-shaped Par-5, you approach the cliffs - at the latest here the wind, which usually blows from the sea, becomes an issue. The following Par-4 stretches along the cliffs before another Par-3 leads over a densely overgrown depression to the higher green, which is offset to the left. From there, you should definitely let your gaze wander along the cliffs. A slight dogleg left with a significantly elevated green that is again perfectly protected by bunkers on the front left concludes the first part of the round.

A classic out-in design

As Cape Kidnappers is a classic out-in design, it continues without stopping at the clubhouse. The following Par-4 begins with a blind teeshot, the Fairway is reached via a long bridge - a cliff landscape. After a difficult Par-3 up to 204 meters inland, the 12th takes you back towards the sea. The course is called "Infinity", and from the Tee on this Par-4 you can only see the endless horizon and the sea, but not the green. There is also often a headwind here, so the course plays more like a par-5. The green, which is offset to the left on a cliff, requires a precise approach, but then rewards you with wonderful views along the coastline. The course continues with the shortest par 3 of the round, parallel to the coast, and a challenging par 4 inland before returning to the cliffs for the last time with the 594-metre-long par 4 on the 15th. The course narrows more and more towards the green, and here too you should let your gaze wander along the coast from the green.

Hidden obstacles and blind shots

The way back to the clubhouse begins with tee shots on the cliffs, now often supported by a tailwind. Nevertheless, the remaining holes also offer some pitfalls: undulating Fairways and sometimes hidden, sometimes clearly visible bunkers with high edges and undulating greens with several levels. The final green also requires particular precision, as it is significantly elevated and also offset to the right. Afterwards, you can review the round over a drink in the clubhouse and either mourn the balls lost to the sea or enjoy one of the best golfing experiences in the world.

More treasures await in New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers is definitely one of the most sought-after places on earth. Even if the journey halfway around the globe takes more than 24 hours: it's worth it! New Zealand also attracts visitors with other highlights, as Te Arai, Kauri Cliffs, Titirangi (Alister MacKenzie) on the North Island and Jack's Point on the South Island are just waiting to be discovered.