Cape Kidnappers Golf Course — Local services in North Island

What a course!

Played with my two daughters on Father's Day 2025 and it could not have been a better day. None of us played to our normal standards (probably because we were at the Chiefs/Brumbies semi-final the night before and had to get up at 5am to make our 10:15 tee time), but it didn't matter. The views were absolutely worth it for us. I have told my girls that they will not step foot on a prettier golf course for the remainder of their lives!

The greens are not what we're used to in Texas, nor the scenery, nor the cliffs. We also don't have a lot of golf (in and around Houston) where you have to aim and hit targets. The front nine, for us, was a real nightmare. The back nine had better views but also was a little easier because you could see more of the hole and subsequent trouble spots.

The only dig I'll make is that the tee box locations are pretty poorly marked. Playing with my girls, I only had one set of eyes looking for my tees and I managed to blow by mine at least 4 times. That being said, part of me is glad that I couldn't find them the first time!

The pro shop people were great. The guy checking us in was great. The food people were great. The golf was great. The views were unbelievable...no houses...no nothing...just the golf course and natural beauty!

If you find yourself somewhere around this area and have the means and the time, you simply have to do it. You won't be sorry. Reminds me a lot of Pebble Beach...minus all the houses, snobs, $30...

Arrived at front gate buzzed intercom & let in, it’s approx 7 Klm drive winding through the old sheep farm to reach the clubhouse/Proshop. Changed in the locker room which is massive & resembles the interior of an apartment, with lounge chairs etc. Played a round here with my son during June, we were 2f 7 on the course that day, weather was brilliant with just a mild breeze, a little stronger on ocean holes. We were originally set to play the white plates, but my son wanted to play from the back plates (we’re both low markers) when we arrived at starter, we were told “it’s long & tough from the Back, Adam Scott had not long played here & shot 75?” None the less off we went. What a truely awesome golf course, it’s a decent drive to reach fairways which are manicured & lush, greens are huge with undulations, tiers & tricky breaks, all running quick but perfect. Views from the ocean holes are absolutely stunning looking down the coastline with massive vertical Clift faces. A fantastic day a golf, starter was right but you gotta play the course, hit a lot of great shots, score was so so but the experience was magnificent. A couple of beers & a burger at the refurbed shearer’s shed clubhouse which has a lot of character, with memorabilia of its sheering days. We sat overlooking the practice range reflecting on...

I played Cape Kidnappers today and the most memorable experience playing golf in my life. First I was greeted by a nice young man at the pro shop that went out of his way to make my experience great. He saw me trying to figure out where to drive the cart on #1 and came out and pointed me in the right direction right next to the tee. Then after the round the bar was closed but he sold me some beers anyways. Also I had trouble getting an Uber back to my hotel so he called me a taxi.

The course is in amazing shape. It was a near perfect day weather wise too ate 21c or 70f and sunny. What I thought was insane is 8 was the only one on the course!

I believe the reason for the empty course on a near perfect weather day was the very high price to play. 1000nzd for golf, cart and rental clubs.

However if that is what it takes to have such a fantastic course to myself I will gladly pay it 😀

I should mention i have played twice in all of Ireland and once on 4 of the courses at Bandon Dunes. 36 years going to Myrtle Beach plus the south course at torrey pines. That way you know what I am comparing my experience today.

Wish I knew the young man's name behind the counter but I can tell you he was from...