Unlike some of New Zealand’s more angle-driven designs, Kinloch places greater emphasis on execution and discipline, where committing fully to the shot is often the defining factor.
At over 7,300 yards, it carries both scale and consequence, revealing its demands without excess.
Courses / Taupō
Kinloch
Kinloch is New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature course, opened in 2007 and consistently ranked among the country’s finest. Positioned above Lake Taupō, it is widely regarded as one of the more exacting inland tests of golf in New Zealand.
Broad, undulating fairways are framed by deep revetted bunkering and layered fescue rough reminiscent of Irish links courses. Elevated greens place a premium on control, with recovery from missed positions rarely straightforward.
Looking from behind the par-four 10th green towards the 18th, this view captures the undulating terrain encountered throughout Kinloch.
“Tom Long, Head Professional at Kinloch, gives all first-time visitors the same advice: ‘Kinloch is not a links course. There is no natural channel through which to run the ball onto its greens. Approach shots must be played through the air—and on several holes, long is the safest miss.’”
“Kinloch contains several distinctive holes, none more so than the par-five 16th, ‘True Spirit’. Its green sits high on the hillside, presenting those in position with a genuine decision late in the round: lay up or take it on in two.” Mat Perry, Golf In New Zealand, PGA Professional host.