Kinloch - World Class Service at a World Class course
Posted by Evan Bateup on November 21, 2011 2 Comments
During our annual TiPaiPuke cup (played for with the other owners of the NZ Golf Guide) I had the pleasure of playing Kinloch Golf Course near Taupo in the center of the North Island. Only 20 minutes off the main highway, Kinloch is a testiment to the vision of Jack Nicholas. Built in a stunning but otherwise desolate landscape, it provides views of the lake as well as nearby mountains.
The courses underlating fairways and deep rough are only the start of the challenge. The large, sloping greens will prove a test to the best putters amongst you. Be sure to practice your bunker play before playing though, I would of hit a dozen fairway bunkers (the only times that I actually got a drive straight!).
The service that we got at the clubhouse was amazing. The local pro welcomed us personally and gave us a great briefing on the course. Unfortunately there were no carts available (they had let us know this when we booked), but they drove two carts to us on the 10th once they became available. After five hours on the course, they also kindly left the clubhouse open so we could have well deserved beers post the round.
Comments (2 Comments)
Agree with you Evan – Kinloch is an amazing golf course in an amazing setting.
Posted by frontfootbenny on November 23, 2011
I have to agree Evan – a stunning course which will only get better as it matures. I can lay claim to hitting my longest ever drive on the 481m Par 5 16th hole when I drove it through the fairway some 340m to be left with a nice little 9-iron 2nd into the green. I subsequently put my 2nd into the front greenside bunker but played a brilliant bunker shot using the slope of the green to rest the ball some 5ft for birdie. The fact I missed the birdie putt just reinforces the age old adage that you drive for show & putt for doe!
Very similar to Jacks Point in Queenstown if you’re ever lucky enough to play down there – stunning scenery and a fantastic course! For the record I shot 97 off the whites but I’ll return for sure… keen to break 90!
Posted by Layne Shepherd on November 22, 2011
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