Party holes, at which massive crowds congregate and yell balls on to the green, have proved a huge hit in recent years with punters and promoters, but some traditionalists object to them. Anyone familiar with the FBR Open in Arizona where the college kids cheer for good shots, yell for great shots, and boo bad shots. In fact, this golf hole gets over 20,000 spectators at one time.

“Every organiser in golf knows about that par 3 in Phoenix,” Mr Jacques said. “The crowd goes silent when the players hit you could hear a pin drop. Then, everyone’s yelling, `get in the hole’, and if it goes in the crowd goes wild.”

Back to the party hole in New Zealand, the Hills family board member Doug Jacques said the course’s 15th hole would be designated a party zone during the four-day tournament beginning on March 12.

My email and phone (skype) conversations with the two owners (very cool mates), Jas and Cory, lead me to my final decision.

Ultimate Kiwi Sports Tours

Jas and Cory were super friendly and full of great ideas for my New Zealand guided golf tour. They helped me plan out all the days itinerary and even made some good recommendations on my other days of travel throughout New Zealand. In my opinion, Ultimate Kiwi offered the best value and selection of New Zealand golf packages.

Ultimate Kiwi offered me access to the top New Zealand Golf Courses and all the personalization for my golf trip.

My trip is scheduled for November. Cory recommended that the best time to play is during the optimal New Zealand golf season: October – May.

Frank Nobilo

Probably the other most notable golfer from New Zealand would be Michael Campbell. Michael is of Māori ancestry. He had his breakout year in 2005, winning the US Open and HSBC World Match Play Championship.

Michael Campbell

Other notable New Zealand golfers can be found on Wikipedia: New Zealand Golfers.

What the New Zealander Said

New Zealander Williams was quoted by the Taranaki Daily News on Saturday as saying: “I wouldn’t call Mickelson a great player … ’cause I hate the prick.”

The following day, Williams told the Sunday Star-Times that his quote was accurate while adding he was surprised his comments made during a charity event had reached the public.

“I was simply honest and said they (Mickelson and Woods) don’t get along,” Williams told the newspaper. “You know what it’s like. You’re at a charity event and you have a bit of fun.

“I don’t particularly like the guy (Mickelson) myself. He pays me no respect at all and hence I don’t pay him any respect. It’s no secret we don’t get along either.”

How Did Tiger Feel About the Comments

Well, leave it to one of the classiest guys in golf to resolve his caddies error in judgment. In a statement issued on Monday, 14-times major winner Woods said: “I was disappointed to read the comments attributed to Steve Williams about Phil Mickelson, a player that I respect. It was inappropriate. The matter has been discussed and dealt with.”

Mickelson’s Rebuttal

“After seeing Steve Williams’ comments, all I could think of was how lucky I am to have a class act like (caddie) Bones (Jim Mackay) on my bag and representing me,” world number three Mickelson said.

My Note

Tiger shouldn’t like Phil, nor Phil like Tiger. This is the point of a rivalry. Something we need in the game of golf. However, I don’t think we need caddies taking shots at talented golfer. And, I think all parties involved should show respect for one another.

Well, quite successful we you consider the quality of play from the pro golfers, the amount of prize money, and the publicity that Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers received in the golf and tourism industries.

I spoke to a few golfers from the United States and asked them their opinions on the New Zealand golf courses featured on the Kiwi Challenge. One mentioned the sheer beauty and the breathtaking views from atop the cliff side fairways. “It must be amazing to tee off on top of those cascading cliffs and soak in all the sights,” one golfer mentioned.

Kiwi Challenge - New Zealand Golf Tournament

About the Kiwi Challenge

Four of the top under-30 players in the world, Adam Scott, Anthony Kim, Brandt Snedeker and Hunter Mahan, fought it out over 36 holes on two premium New Zealand golf courses for The Kiwi Challenge, broadcasted on NBC for $2.6 million in prize money.

About these New Zealand Golf Courses – Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers

Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers are world-class, luxury golf resorts on New Zealand’s North Island. Located in the Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs is ranked the 63rd best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine and was recently voted the No. 1 International Golf Resort in the World by Golf Digest Index. Some 350 miles to the Southeast lies Cape Kidnappers which was ranked the 41st best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. Opened in January 2008, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers features 26 luxury suites overlooking the golf course, farm, and Pacific Ocean.

On top of spectacular golf courses, each facility features extensive golf practice areas, gourmet dining, a spa, and numerous outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, and various adventure activities. Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers are both members of Relais and Chateaux.

It’s nice to see the golf industry start to notice New Zealand. It’s one of the top destinations in the world for golf and the quality of golf courses is legendary. I encourage all golfers to evaluate New Zealand for their next golf holiday.

In the far north of New Zealand, you’ll discover Kauri Cliffs. Rated inside the top 50 golf courses in the world. The spectacular cliff top fairways plunge into the surging Pacific Ocean below.

Northland New Zealand features some of the world’s most exciting marine reserves. And, nearby Cutty Cutty Beach is one of New Zealand’s untouched wonders with 4.5 kilometers of white beach sand neighboring the impressive Carrington Golf Club.

Auckland, the “City of Sails,” is an urban environment populated with beautiful beaches and enchanted islands. Not to mention spectacular golf.

Internationally rated Gulf Harbour Country Club, home to New Zealand’s Open Championship, has earned a reputation to be one of the most challenging tournament golf courses. The surroundings of Gulf Harbour include stunning ocean and city views.

On the stunning Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand, you’ll find the recently completed Lakes Resort Pauanui. The golf course combines the best of New Zealand golf culture and distinct title bunkers which are an example of modern golf course design.

A visit to New Zealand isn’t complete without a visit to central north island’s Lake Taupo. Home to some of the world’s best trout fishing as exemplified by Jack Nicklaus in the video below. Taupo boasts the first Jack Nicklaus designed golf course – Kinloch Club. New Zealand’s first truly international golf course Wairakei Golf Course. Internationally rated in world’s top 25 golf courses outside the United States. Wairakei Golf Course lies on a volcanic landscape scene of the world’s largest volcanic eruptions.

Hawke’s Bay is sunny and temperate climate makes it one of New Zealand’s top wine and golf regions. Hawke’s Bay is home to Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – built on a cliff and ridge landscape. You’ll know when you are playing Cape Kidnappers because the views from this layer are truly magnificent.

To design a golf course with interesting holes wasn’t hard to do at Cape Kidnappers, because the site is not like anywhere else in golf. It’s an overwhelming experience to stand up on the cliffs, 140 meters above sea level, and look out across the waves far below in Hawke’s Bay.

The location of Cape Kidnappers is so magnificent, I recommend zooming in with Google Maps or Google Earth.

Cape Kidnappers from Google Maps

Google Maps

Supported by a Mediterranean climate and a varied landscape from dramatic sea cliffs, to fertile plains, and crystal clear rivers that meander down to the Pacific Ocean, the region has a diverse range of things to see and do.

Cape Kidnappers just might be the top golf course in New Zealand. It’s certainly might be one of the best golf courses in the world!