Kauri Cliffs, Kidnappers in Best World Courses

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 24 2005

Kauri Cliffs And Cape Kidnappers --- Among Best Golf Courses In The World

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course on the Northland coast and Cape Kidnappers Golf Course overlooking Hawkes Bay have both been named among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World by the sport's recognized authority Golf Magazine. The two acclaimed golf courses developed by American Julian Robertson are the only two New Zealand Golf Courses to make the international ranking for 2005.

The magazine, which is read by 6.5 million golfers around the world each month, has ranked Cape Kidnappers the 27th best golf course in the world and Kauri Cliffs at number 58 in its just released September issue. Cape Kidnappers has the added distinction of being the highest debuting course in the Top 100 and one of only two courses to debut in the top 50 in this year's ranking. The magazine goes on to say, "Cape Kidnappers might be on the top of our list if a spectacular setting was our only criteria. Few courses in the world are worth both a $160 US green fee and a day's journey to get there. Cape Kidnappers is one." Kauri Cliffs shared the same distinction as the highest debuting golf course when it first appeared in the Top 100 in 2003.

The recognition comes shortly after the prestigious Travel & Leisure Golf magazine declared Cape Kidnappers the Best New Golf Course of 2004. The magazine described Cape Kidnappers as "not only the golf course of the year, it's now the eighth wonder of the golf world". In 2001, Kauri Cliffs was named Best New International Golf Course by Golf Digest Magazine.

Mr. Robertson said the accolade by Golf Magazine for the two courses was testimony to the beauty of the landscape offered by New Zealand, and to the creativity and hard work of the many people involved in both developments.

"I am delighted that the efforts of everyone involved in designing and creating Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers have been recognized in such an important way. I am sure this news will have a beneficial effect on New Zealand tourism certainly impressing on the international golfer that New Zealand is a now a world-class golf destination, and Napier and Northland in particular. Once here they will look to enjoy our premium accommodation, experience many of the tourist attractions and sample the fine wine and cuisine that New Zealand has to offer."

Daniel St George, the Director of Golf at Kauri Cliffs said the inclusion of Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers in the Top 100 was an exciting boost for golf tourism.

"We expect to see people who will come to New Zealand and these two golf courses for the sole reason that they have been named in the Golf Magazine Top 100".

The already high profile courses have thoroughbred connections in New Zealand golf. US Open champion Michael Campbell is the touring professional for Kauri Cliffs and Phil Tautarangi fills the same role for Cape Kidnappers.

The Golf Magazine panel behind the important ratings vote every two years and is made up of a select international group associated with the game including golf course designers, players (including New Zealand's Frank Nobilo) industry experts, editors and photographers.

Cape Kidnappers was designed by Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf and opened in 2004. Kauri Cliffs was designed by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants and opened in 2000.

ENDS

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