The Kinloch Golf club

The Kinloch golf Club is located near Taupo on New Zealand's North Island. I actually stumbled across this Jack Nicklaus designed track as it was nearing completion and thought there was great potential. 1 year after  opening it found its way to the top 100 but has just been squeezed out of the 2012 rankings. It is however one of the most photogenic courses I've got to and especially as I walked around it with the camera in the hour before dusk.

Below, the great 1st hole with characteristic tough approach to an angled green.

I know Jack gets a bit a slating over his golf courses for being too difficult and this is no exception. He seems to love designing holes that require long approaches to angulated greens that mainly require a high fade. For the majority of golfers this is a very tough ask. The quote at the time was that Danny Lee had played the course on 3 occasions and could only muster a 76, with nobody ever going below 70.

I played this course twice and actually shot the same 8 shots over handicap from the back and middle tees though I didn't feel as beaten up the second time, mainly as I had the help of a buggy which I normally never use but having hiked about 20k the day before it would have been a struggle.

I would actually rate the front 9 amongst the best that I have played anywhere. I would classify all the holes as at least very good if not excellent, with the exception of the short par 3 7th. The par 4 stretch of  4 to 6 are absolute gems.

above, the ( of course difficult) but excellent par 5 2nd where being on the green in two is but a dream for most.

Below, what awaits many an approach to the 1st green

The 5th is a short par 4 with a side on drive to a narrow fairway well guarded with numerous bunkers and one of the best holes on the course.

The par 3 3rd over the lake.

The back 9 is full of excellent holes though If i'm being critical, there are a couple of par 3s that are a little similar in appearance and the mammoth par 5 18th, although an excellent hole doesn't seem to be totally in keeping with the style of the rest of the course.

What I love is the feeling of isolation here. There is a small but perfectly formed clubhouse and the practice range is the most impressive I've seen - almost like a mini course. The conditioning is sensational, probably as there never seems to be too much traffic on the course and the greens are excellent. Like barnbougle it's a struggle to get there but definitely worth the trip... Though Jack, we are not all as good as you!

Above the 10th, a welcome view after a steep climb. Another great par 4 to start the back 9.

The par 4 5th onto a slanting fairway.




Whilst in the area if can manage to Tongariro crossing then do it, on a good day you can get a view like this from the slopes of 'mount doom' from Lord of the Rings. Its a tough climb but worth it!