Enough discussion - now to the holes.
I've selected ten, and will put them up a few at a time.
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Holes to note –
4th Par 5, Blue tees, 497 metres, white tees 468 metres
While not endowed with splendid ocean views, the 4th may just be the best three shot hole among Doak’s three Australasian courses. A blind drive to a wide undulating fairway free of hazards leads to a tantalising second. Should one hit a disciplined lay-up to a generous fairway, on a line well away from the green? The flag sits within range, and implores a long second. Good drives afford the chance to play the thrilling shot over undulating rough ground and hazards, towards the two tiered green.
Drive on the 4th hole
The challenging long second shot into the 4th green.
View of the green for those playing a short simple third shot into the 4th hole
5th Par 4, Blue tees, 384 metres, white tees 366 metres
The broad fairway is disrupted by a pair of centre-line hazards. Shorter accurate tee shots placed between the central and right side fairway bunkers yield approaches played down the axis of the green, free from influence of greenside sand. Long drives heading left are afforded a more spacious landing zone, yet they result in approaches played across the axis of the slightly convex green, which must contend with greenside hazards. Questions are asked on the tee, and consequences encountered in the fairway. In an exciting and beautiful setting too!
View of the 5th green from the central fairway hazard
Looking back down the 5th hole from behind the green – note the convexity of the putting surface
6th Par 3, Blue tees, 206 metres, white tees 194 metres
The one shot holes are Kidnappers are all testing and enjoyable. The 6th is the longest and requires a surely struck ball. Occupying a stunning site with cliffs and Hawke’s Bay to the left, the 6th plays from the edge of one rise to the next, traversing a broad sweeping valley. Tee shots falling short funnel away from the green back into the valley. The large putting surface features bold contouring, in keeping with the dramatic topography through which the hole runs.
The long par 3 6th hole
7th Par 4, Blue tees,414 metres, white tees 384 metres
Separated from the tee by a meandering ravine, the 7th fairway plunges downhill and to the right. The green is perched upon a knoll with a gully at the front and the ravine beyond. The downhill approach is a thrilling shot, necessitating good distance control.
View from the 7th tee
The exacting downhill approach to the 7th green
More soon...