Paul,
Good question, it’s simple & short. Originally, my mind raced to CPC as an answer. Some of my fondest memories are at the peninsula, where I played golf with my father and brothers.
April 15 is the birthday of Leonhard Euler, so I recently read a paper on "A Mathematician’s Apology” and Euler’s equation, which discusses the deeper constructs and beauty of mathematics. During dinner, I was thinking about your question and thought of Euler’s equation. Your question is simple, but profound in that it embodies the quintessence relationship between myself and golf. For each of us this relationship is based on a varying number of factors and intensity.
Cape Kidnappers would be where I want to play my last round of golf. My opinion, Kidnappers embodies a balance of peace, simplicity, and beauty.
For the most part, you feel as if you are the only person on all 18 holes, where you can play a round in 3.5 or 6 hours. The property is isolated, so the annual rounds play is relatively small. Some locals residents play but rounds are mostly golfers off scheduled cruise ships docked in Napier.
The course has a natural accelerando. The subtle understated qualities of the first few holes transition into something exciting as you play the 4th, 5th, & 6th holes. Giving you a hint into something special. The back nine is where you realize you are in a special place - especially standing on the 12th green. For me, the 16th tee box made me feel as if I was standing on the edge of the world. The few minutes standing on the 16th tee I felt as if I was in Nirvana. My mind and body were at peace. Nothing to remind me of the modern world except for my golf bag & ball. Then my wife broke the silence as she yelled at me, “Are you okay, why aren't you teeing off?"
Julian sold the property to Rosewood in '22, so I'm not sure whether or not it has changed.