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Cape Kidnappers: Where Fairways Flirt With The Pacific
Golf on the edge of the Earth awaits. Experience New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers, where every shot is a scene from a blockbuster.
Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand isn't just a golf course; it's a gravity-defying adventure where the fairways seem to float above the Pacific. Imagine teeing off 460 feet above the churning ocean, where your ball's hang time might give you vertigo. This Tom Doak masterpiece is the kind of place that makes you wonder if golf was invented just so this course could exist.
Location: Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand (where seagulls get altitude sickness)
Course: Links-style
Par: 71 (gravity-adjusted)
At Cape Kidnappers, nature is your playing partner and the ocean your gallery. Every shot is a negotiation with the wind, every putt a silent conversation with the earth's curve.
Notabable Holes ✓
While every hole at Cape Kidnappers is a stunner, the 15th, aptly named "Pirate's Plank," is the showstopper. This 650-yard par 5 is golf's version of walking the plank – thrilling and just a tad terrifying. The fairway narrows as you approach the green, with sheer cliffs dropping away on both sides. It's like playing golf on the edge of the world, where a slice might send your ball on a one-way trip to Fiji. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Your scorecard? Maybe not so much.
Play Tips ✓
Don't let the views distract you (easier said than done). Play conservatively – the course rewards thoughtful shot placement over brute force. And when in doubt, aim for the middle of the green. Trust us, a two-putt here feels like a victory. Oh, and pack an extra sleeve of balls. Consider them sacrifices to the golf gods. Remember, at Cape Kidnappers, every shot is a postcard moment. Just try to keep your ball out of the frame.
➲ What We’re Bringing
When you're golfing on the edge of the world, your gear needs to be as fearless as your swing. At Cape Kidnappers, every club in your bag better be ready for a challenge that's part golf, part extreme sport. From balls that can handle the sea breeze to shoes that grip like they're afraid of heights, this is the gear you need to conquer this clifftop marvel.
 adidas Rolling Links Skate Crew Neck Sweater Stay warm and stylish during those chilly morning rounds with this loose-fitting, easy-to-swing-in sweater. |  TRUE linkswar Original 1.2 These minimalist, zero-drop shoes keep you connected to the earth with ideal balance and traction. |
 TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Driver This club is for launching one into the stratosphere (or just over that imposing cliff). |  Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot Golf Balls When you're playing on the edge, you need a ball that can handle the pressure and the wind. |
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Hawke's Bay serves up weather as varied as its wines. Summer (December to February) sees temps dancing between 68°F and 86°F – perfect for short sleeves and long drives. Winter (June to August) keeps it mild at 50°F to 59°F, ideal for those who like their golf with a side of crisp air. With 2,200 hours of annual sunshine, you're more likely to need sunscreen than an umbrella. But the sea breeze? That's your ever-present playing partner, so pack layers like you're dressing for four seasons in one round.
➲ Local Vibe
Off the course, Hawke's Bay is a slice of Kiwi heaven that'll have you contemplating a permanent move. It's wine country, so swap that putter for a glass and tour world-class vineyards. Napier's art deco architecture is like stumbling onto a 1930s movie set – perfect for a post-round stroll. For the adventure junkies, sunrise at Te Mata Peak offers views that'll make your clifftop tee shots seem tame. And if you're into wildlife, check out the gannet colony at the real Cape Kidnappers. Just don't ask them for swing tips.
 Explore all the vineyards |  Drink at Brave Brewing Co. |
 Eat at Hygge at Clifton Bay |  Hike Te Mata Peak |
➲ Luke Kwon Tees Off at the Edge
Luke Kwon recently took on Cape Kidnappers, and his video is a rollercoaster of stunning vistas and nail-biting shots. It's like a masterclass in golf and keeping your cool when the earth drops away on both sides.
Getting There ✈︎
Getting to Lofoten Links is half the adventure. You'll fly into Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), then embark on a 2-hour drive that'll have you reaching for your camera more times than a tourist in Times Square. It's remote, yes, but that's the point.
From LAX → | 17 hours (enough time to watch every great golf movie ever made) |
From JFK → | 21 hours (perfect for a long nap and practicing your Kiwi accent) |
From Heathrow → | 27 hours (just enough time to adjust your body clock and your slice) |
From SYD → | 6 hours (a quick hop and a skip across the Tasman) |
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➲ What if…
One of our favorite pastimes here at Thrawn is using tools like Midjourney to imagine "What if..." scenarios for golf. You'll find one of these wild ideas at the end of every newsletter. Think of it as dessert for your golf-loving brain.
This week's "What if...": A golf course in at Cappadocia.
📸 Midjourney magic at work. This course exists only in our wildest dreams... for now.