Fairways with drop-offs on both sides seem to shrink when the wind is up — a frequent occurrence. Catching a greenside bunker here can be preferable to losing a ball in high grass or in the depths of a ravine.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a 5-star lodge with two restaurants, a spa, 22 rooms and suites, and a cottage. Managed by Rosewood (along with its sister property, Kauri Cliffs), the resort sits in the midst of a 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle station. Surrounded by predator-proof fencing, the property is also home to the world’s largest gannet colony. Visitors can see more than 25,000 birds at close range.

Cape Kidnappers is open year-round, with greens fees ranging $230–649, depending on the season.

Hole 6 “Gulley” 

225 yards, par 3

Left lies the danger zone for this long one-shotter to an elevated green. Three deep bunkers protect the left front. Just behind the hazards — and edging the putting surface — a steep, grassy bank descends into a valley. It’s a fun cart ride over a long bridge across the wooded ravine to the green.

Hole 15 © Cape Kidnappers

Hole 7 “14 Flags” 

453 yards, par 4

This hole weighs in as the second-hardest for men and third-ranked for women. It takes a strong drive to top the crest of the fairway and set up a reasonably short downhill approach to a shallow green. Aggressively bunkered on both sides, the elevated green falls off at the back.

Hole 12 “Infinity” 

460 yards, par 4

The Pacific Ocean offers a dramatic backdrop on the 10th hole, aptly named “Seaward Ho,” but two holes later lies the undisputed signature hole. You need a big drive here — and the generous landing area invites it — to leave a short iron approach. The fairway narrows along the ridge, culminating in an infinity green backed by Hawke’s Bay.

Hole 13 “Al’s Ace”

130 yards, par 3

The shortest hole on the course ranks among the easiest, but it’s a mistake to take it lightly. Lying close to the cliff edge, the green is subject to wind, and even on calm days it’s known to shed balls off the left side to deep bunkers down below.

Hole 15 “Pirate’s Plank” 

650 yards, par 5

Rumor has it Doak was hesitant to include this finger of land in the layout because it is so narrow. But he did. It is rightly the No. 1 handicap and stands out among a wealth of memorable holes. The fairway, only 40 yards wide here, edges a drop of more than 400 feet all along the left and a 65-foot drop on the right. The green falls away on three sides at the cliff’s edge but offers run-up possibilities in front.