Course Review: Kauri Cliffs GC - Matauri Bay, New Zealand

Kauri Cliffs GC – Matauri Bay, New Zealand

Set in the midst of the magnificent Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs combines challenging golf, luxury accommodation, and a one-of-its-kind natural setting to produce an experience that golfers won't soon forget.

This week's course review takes a quick tour of this exceptional golf location which was recently a finalist in the American PGA's World's Most Beautiful Course survey.

New Zealand's Bay of Islands is a landmark feature of the country's North Island, with rounded heads of dark volcanic rock peeking out and rising up against a deep blue sea. This beautiful setting is the backdrop for a round of golf at Kauri Cliffs, a luxury resort which caters to the needs of visiting golfers.

The course at Kauri Cliffs is a 7,119-yard par-72, designed by Florida-based golf architect David Harman. Fifteen of the course's eighteen holes offer a view of the Pacific Ocean, with the other three taking golfers through the lush green forest and marsh that grows naturally in the area.

Each hole may be played from one of five sets of tees, making Kauri Cliffs a challenging but accessible course for golfers of most skill levels – this variety makes for a pleasant holiday course which can played more forgivingly the first time or made challenging if golfers so wish. Here are some course highlights:

• The opening hole is a 480 yard par 4, which is played downhill. This hole welcomes players to the course and is a great way to warm up and get your bearings – golfers may want to take a moment and take in the view before teeing off.

• The fifth hole is a challenging short par 3, with a green that is set near a cliff-edge with a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean. A careful tee shot should provide an opportunity for par or possibly a birdie.