The Kinloch Club

Kinloch occupies a dramatic lakeside site on the northwestern shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, with views across the water to the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2007, the course represents the designer's only work in New Zealand and takes full advantage of the property's natural contours and native vegetation. The routing moves through rolling terrain characterized by deep ravines, native bush, and exposed ridgelines, with several holes playing directly along the lake's edge. The layout features significant elevation changes and a links-inspired aesthetic despite its inland setting, with firm, fast-playing conditions and strategic bunkering that rewards thoughtful course management. The par-three 17th hole, playing from an elevated tee to a green perched above the lake, provides one of the course's signature moments. Throughout the round, the design emphasizes width off the tee but demands precision on approach shots to greens that feature pronounced contours and fall-offs. The Kinloch Club operates as a private facility with a membership that includes both New Zealand residents and international members drawn to the region's year-round golf climate and recreational amenities. The property's remote location, roughly 30 minutes north of Taupo township, contributes to a sense of seclusion. The course has gained recognition in various international rankings since opening and represents one of the Southern Hemisphere's most significant modern championship designs.