A trip down memory lane: my favorite course so far

[Aotearoa_Brad]

The Kinloch Club posted some new photos of the course this week and it made me want to play there again - looks like I'll be back in New Zealand in November, so I might just do that. Anyway, here are the photos - the only Nicklaus course I've played thus far, but it'd take a lot to beat it. The undulations on both fairways and greens are insane.

 

 

 

 

 

The last photo is the par-5 18th. I ended up in the bunker on the photographers edge of the green. Needless to say, with the water so close it was a little nervy but managed to get up and down from there for victory #humblebrag lol

 

I posted a review of this course after I played it - linked here if anyone is interested: The Kinloch Club Course Review

 

If you ever get to New Zealand, this should be on your list of courses to play. They're actually opening up a lodge and villas on the course in the middle of this year - FYI, the lake beyond is teeming with trout as well! Beautiful part of the world.

 

The Kinloch Club

[Hula Rock]

is there a flat lie on that golf course besides the teeboxes ?  Looks like a great Course.  Your not moving back are ya>>>>

[Aotearoa_Brad]

No, not moving back - just going for a visit. My wife and girls are going for two months so I thought I'd head down there for a couple of weeks so I don't forget what they look like...

 

Re the flat lies, well no there are not many at all - pretty cool course though - one split fairway, moguls and blind tee shots, some elevated tees with amazing vistas and it is ranked as one of the most difficult courses in the southern hemisphere. It is fair though - you don't have many extremely long forced carries... though into the wind the day I was there I choked down on my driver to get it to the green on a par-3... ended up in the fringe but a pretty unique challenge lol

[BIG STU]

I have been fortunante I have played 2 Nicklaus courses here. Long Bay in Longs SC and Pawley's Plantation in Pawley's Island SC. Like them both

[Kenny B]

Great looking course.  I would certainly like to make it to NZ and OZ one of these days.  

 

I like Jack's courses.  Most of the one's I have played are pretty pricey, like PGA West.  However, he has several nice courses in Tennessee called The Bear Trace and they are very reasonably priced.

[Hula Rock]

No, not moving back - just going for a visit. My wife and girls are going for two months so I thought I'd head down there for a couple of weeks so I don't forget what they look like...

 

Re the flat lies, well no there are not many at all - pretty cool course though - one split fairway, moguls and blind tee shots, some elevated tees with amazing vistas and it is ranked as one of the most difficult courses in the southern hemisphere. It is fair though - you don't have many extremely long forced carries... though into the wind the day I was there I choked down on my driver to get it to the green on a par-3... ended up in the fringe but a pretty unique challenge lol

 

I heard Hawai'i to New Zealand is a mean flight......  10 hours ?????

[Aotearoa_Brad]

9hrs and change - it's actually pretty good though. Personally I think that Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines are two of the better carriers around - planes are new and comfortable, and its a direct flight so could be much worse

[Baseballfrk8998]

So what's the cost (in USD) to play that course? Or comparable courses in NZ? It looks unbelievably fun. I'm jealous!

[Aotearoa_Brad]

It cost me $85 New Zealand dollars, so $65 USD - this was a part of a foursome deal they had on at the time. Just looked at the prices and they are between $190-$270 USD for international players now... eek!!!

 

Most courses in NZ you won't pay more than $50USD but there are a few exceptions. You can get memberships at a number of excellent courses for between $1100 and $1500USD annually with full playing privileges (and no up front fee). Its pretty amazing really - second most courses per capita in the world behind Scotland!