Julian Robertson was a wealthy American who made a fortune on Wall Street and fell in love with New Zealand. He subsequently built two fantastic golf resorts, both now featuring strongly in the top 100 courses in the world. He died in his late eighties a couple of years ago, but his dream lives on. His family is still running both Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs. What a legacy he left.
Kauri Cliffs, located in the Bay of Islands in the North Island, was originally zoned for five courses over the 6000 acres that make up the estate, however Robertson decided to build just one course with some very elegant lodges that provide very upmarket breaks for very lucky (and wealthy) people.
The course is 7,139 yards long or if you prefer it metrically, 6,528 m, with five sets of tees to suit all strengths of player. The Pacific Ocean is in clear view from fifteen of the holes, six of which run along the cliff top, hence the name. The inland holes run through dense forest and rolling farmland giving the course a diverse set of features to engage the golfer.
The architect, the late David Harmon, was charged with designing the ultimate course - one that was an exceptional and fair test, and one that maximised the dramatic scenery that the name implies. He has succeeded on all counts. Harmon spent a substantial part of his career working with the course design teams at both Arnold Planer and Jack Nicklaus and leant on all of his experience to create such a special piece of golfing paradise. The size of the whole estate is absolutely enormous, so the course is not under any sort of spatial pressure. This is allowed David Harman to take the best possible advantage of the views and topography of this outstanding piece of land. Kauri Cliffs was recognised as the best new international course in the world in 2001.
There is a plaque on a tree to the right of the fourteenth tee in tribute to David Harman, who sadly died 20 years ago. The plaque reads:
“A Designer can always make a golf course too hard. He can add more bunkers, more walls, whatever he dreams up. The true test is whether or not he can use what Mother Nature gave him and turn it into something like what you see here.”
(David Harman in a conversation with Jack Whitaker, Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, Kauri Cliffs, March 2003).
“Dave did just that. He took a great piece of land and made an even greater golf course. He made 46 trips from his home in Florida to make this golf course what it is. For this and much more we dedicate this golf course to David Harman.” (Julian Roberson).
With perfect fairways, well graded rough and bunkers presented in pristine order, the course twists and glides along the tops of the cliffs. The greens are flawless, firm and without a blade of grass untrimmed. The greens are also as fast as glass and with a stiff breeze, being ‘under the hole’ is essential to avoid wasting shots.
From almost all the holes, there are picture post card views of the north eastern coast line, with white horses rushing towards sandy coves and sheer cliffs - just heavenly. In worldwide terms, there are plenty of courses with stunning and beautiful scenery to rival Kauri Cliffs, but very rarely has a truly great course been crafted into beauty: Martin Hawtree achieved it at Trump International in Aberdeen and David McLay Kidd created something very special at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Kauri Cliffs is right up there - in my personal top five courses that I have ever played, and I don’t normally even like cliff top courses!
The attention to detail is so thorough that it is hard to find any fault with any part of the complex. Buggies are available for golfers, but walkers are welcome too. Club Car Tempos with lithium batteries are available for those who would rather ride, and a discretely laid set of paths provide access to the course and fairways, with only the most severe slopes restricted.
The practice ground has extensive grass teeing areas, first class practice balls and, as you might expect, delicious views.
As you would expect, the practice facilities are without peer, with a large grass teeing area for golfers to warm up or work on their game. The range faces downhill and has spectacular views across the course to the ocean. There are plenty of high quality Callaway practice balls ready for golfers to use. There are several putting greens, all beautifully presented with the same glassy pace as the greens on the course.
The clubhouse is modelled on the Robertson’s family home and, whilst not huge, sits atop the site with glorious views across the course and the Bay of Islands beyond. It is elegant and stocked with every conceivable luxury you can imagine for a day’s golf. Rosewood now manage all of the accommodation and food and drink on site and their attention to detail is a good match for the Kauri Cliffs ethos.
The climate is interesting in this part of New Zealand, wet and wild in the winter months of June, July and August, the area is best enjoyed either side of Christmas when it is warmer and sometimes really hot. Any cliff top course has an element of wind, which is part of its defence and charm: a stiff breeze will make Kauri Cliffs a match for any top golfer.
A visit to Kauri Cliffs is a real treat. Some arrive on the twisting scenic roads from Auckland and some drop in by helicopter from a variety of destinations. However you get there it’s worth the trip. This remarkable experience is fully backed up by a dedicated team of golf professionals and customer relations specialists, they manage to cater for all needs without over doing the bowing and scraping - genuinely friendly and helpful.
The golf course has no members and could reasonably be described as the most up market pay and play course in the world. The cost to visit is expensive, yet excellent value for money for any true golf buff.
For some authorities on golf course ranking, the use of golf buggies would be a black mark against a fine course. But the fact that this course can be played by golfers walking or riding merely enhances its appeal.
Kauri Cliffs is worth visiting New Zealand for and New Zealand is the most stunning of places in its own right. Put this course on your bucket list - it’s close to heaven.
More information: https://robertsonlodges.com