Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is one of New Zealand’s most iconic and visually stunning golf destinations, located on the North Island near Napier in Hawke’s Bay. Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this world-renowned course combines breathtaking scenery with a challenging design, offering a unique experience for golfers.

1. Course Design

• Architect: Cape Kidnappers was designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak and opened in 2004. The course is praised for its minimalist design, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape while providing a tough yet rewarding test for golfers.
• Layout: The course is a par-71, stretching over 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) from the championship tees. It features wide, undulating fairways and large greens, but the true challenge lies in the dramatic elevation changes and strong coastal winds that can affect play. The course rewards strategic thinking and precision, with deep bunkers, cliffs, and rugged terrain creating natural hazards.
• Cliffside Holes: Several holes play perilously close to the cliff’s edge, offering a thrilling and dramatic backdrop. These holes are some of the most photographed in the world, with balls hit too far left or right disappearing into the Pacific far below.

2. Setting

• Cliffside Location: The course is set on a high plateau, with fairways running along deep ravines and cliffs that drop 500 feet (152 meters) straight into the ocean. The views from Cape Kidnappers are unparalleled, with stunning panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, Hawke’s Bay, and the rugged coastline.
• Natural Beauty: The area around Cape Kidnappers is known for its rolling farmlands, native vegetation, and wildlife. The combination of the rugged cliffs and the serene natural setting gives the course a unique and peaceful atmosphere, even with the challenging conditions.

3. Facilities

• Clubhouse: Cape Kidnappers offers a beautifully designed clubhouse, providing modern amenities and luxurious comfort. The clubhouse includes a pro shop, locker rooms, and a restaurant that offers locally sourced cuisine, with views that mirror the dramatic beauty of the course.
• Accommodation: Cape Kidnappers is part of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge that offers high-end accommodations for golfers and non-golfers alike. Guests can enjoy suites and cottages with sweeping views of the countryside and ocean, as well as access to a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
• Practice Facilities: The course has extensive practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas, allowing players to warm up before tackling the challenging course.

4. Course Reputation

• Top Rankings: Cape Kidnappers consistently ranks among the world’s top golf courses, praised for its design, natural beauty, and challenge. It is often listed among the top 50 golf courses globally and is considered one of the finest links-style courses outside of Scotland and Ireland.
• Golf Experience: Playing at Cape Kidnappers is an experience that combines world-class golf with stunning views and dramatic landscapes. It’s a must-play for any serious golfer, offering an unforgettable mix of beauty, serenity, and challenge.

5. Tournaments

• While Cape Kidnappers has not hosted major international tournaments, its reputation has made it a bucket-list destination for elite golfers and enthusiasts from around the world. It has hosted various corporate and amateur events, drawing players looking to test their skills on this dramatic course.

6. Unique Environment

• Gannet Colony: The course is located near a large gannet bird colony, which can be observed from certain points on the course. This adds to the uniqueness of the environment, offering golfers the chance to see these large seabirds in their natural habitat.
• Environmental Stewardship: Cape Kidnappers is committed to preserving the natural landscape, working to maintain the ecological balance of the area while providing a world-class golf experience.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is a masterpiece of course design, offering a thrilling and challenging experience in one of the most scenic locations in the world. Its cliffside setting, breathtaking views, and world-class facilities make it a premier destination for golfers seeking a truly unique round of golf.