Kauri Cliffs

The course at Kauri Cliffs Maturi Bay combines great New Zealand scenery with great golf in a way matched only by Cape Kidnappers. Situated on a ridgeline with views of the stunning Bay of Islands, so one of the course's major challenges is the distraction caused by the scenery (not to mention the vertigo brought on by the dramatic shifts in elevation). The layout makes the most of the gorges and cliff faces, and offers clear penalties for errant shots as well as new opportunities for the bold and the creative. Ample fairways help to compensate for the breezes off the bay, and the design nicely tends to pair more narrow drives with more straightforward approaches to the green. The front nine makes its way down in the direction of the shore through thick fescue, while the back starts at sea level and ascends to the clubhouse.