A five-star Jack Nichlaus design
I recently had the pleasure of playing at the Kinloch Golf Club, and I must say that it was an exceptional golfing experience from start to finish. This world-class golf course is nestled just a stone’s throw from Taupo in the central North Island of New Zealand. The Kinloch Golf Club is an unforgettable day of golfing, with pristine fairways, well-manicured greens, a stunning clubhouse, friendly staff, and such a variety of holes, that no matter your skill level, you are guaranteed to be challenged, rewarded and eager to come back and play it again, despite the somewhat hefty price tag.
Addressing the cost upfront, Kinloch is not cheap to play. We were charged $275 (NZD) for a round, which included a shared seat in a cart, a bucket of balls to use on the warmup range and the green fees. You may look at the green fees and be dissuaded from travelling all the way to Taupo for a round of golf, but this is one of those times where the experience far exceeded the cost.
You arrive at Kinloch Golf Club, and you are greeted by the friendly staff who proceed to give you a rundown of the playing conditions for the day. As it was our first time playing the course, we were also given a few tips and tricks to managing our way around the 18-hole championship course in as few shots as possible. The Kinloch Golf Club is rated as the toughest course in New Zealand, so the advice was greatly appreciated.
“We don’t have GPS here, but there are plenty of distance markers on the course giving you an accurate distance to the centre of the green,” we were told my the club manager. “Don’t worry about going pin seeking here. This isn’t a traditional links course where you can run the ball up to the flag,” he said. “Just aim at the middle, take an extra club because everything that can hurt you is short and put the ego away and enjoy the day.”
And what a day it was.
The ‘Kinloch Experience’ as I will dub it, begins on the impressive driving range. The practice facility is a golfer’s dream come true, with well-manicured grass tees and a variety of target greens at various distances. The quality of the range balls is great, allowing you to fine-tune your game and warm up in style. The serene and picturesque setting of the range prepares you for the golfing adventure that awaits on the course. The putting green matched the pace of the course greens well and had ample uphill, downhill, left-to-right, and right-to-left putts to practice on.
The Kinloch Clubhouse is nothing short of spectacular. With its elegant modern architecture and warm ambiance, it offers the perfect place to relax before and after your round. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making you feel like a valued member of the club, even as a visitor. We were eager to get out ahead of the field as a two ball, so we skipped having a delicious looking breakfast before our round, a decision I would come to regret, with nothing available out on the course.
Featured Holes:
The Kinloch Golf Club is a well-designed course with several feature holes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. While it is virtually impossible to choose just two, with 18 knock-out holes on offer, for the purpose of picking my favourite child, I have chosen the 6th hole on the front (despite loving the 7th, 8th, and 9th) and the 16th hole on the back (despite the view on 10, the wonderful 14th and the picturesque 18th).
Hole 6 – “Respect (Faatura)” (Par 4): My birdie on this hole has nothing to do with the reason I chose it (coughing), but it is the most beautiful hole on the course. Tree-lined, cut into the natural landscape, framed by the steep hills surrounding Kinloch, this is the most risk-rewarding hole on the front 9. The sensible play would be a long iron or hybrid out to the elevated fairway, giving you nothing more than a wedge/short iron into a two-tiered green. However, should you wish to risk it and take a stab at the green or island of fairway to the right of the green, you need only fly the ball 245m (268y) and you can flick a lob-wedge in there close. Take in the view before you tee off. This is a magnificent golf hole.
Hole 16 – “Choices (Kowhiringa)” (Par 5): This long and winding par 5 offers stunning panoramic views of the rolling terrain. With a fairway that splits dramatically for your lay-up. You are certainly left with ‘choices’. It demands strategy and careful club selection to avoid hazards and achieve a successful approach to the green. The tee shot is wide open and fairly forgiving, with danger just about everywhere on your lay-up. Pick a club, commit to it and you will be rewarded.
I would love to see a drinks cart, or halfway-hut to refuel during your round, but other than that, the Kinloch Experience is worth every penny.
In conclusion, Kinloch Golf Club is a gem of a golf course that delivers a top-tier golfing experience. Playing off a 9, I had 3 birdies, several pars, bogeys and a couple of doubles thanks to poor choice making. I shot a smidge over my handicap and walked off feeling like I’d had the round of my life. The driving range, clubhouse, and friendly staff enhance the overall visit, and the breath-taking beauty and sheer variety of holes you play, makes playing here truly memorable. If you’re a golf enthusiast looking for a superb golf course, the Kinloch Golf Club should be on the top of your list. It’s a place where golf meets elegance and adventure, providing a delightful escape for players of all levels. The Kinloch Experience (I need to trademark this).
