MG (the victor, 4&2). We could take 50 different angles with this first blog of 365.  So weâ??ll just start with whatâ??s front of mind â?? wow. That was epic! Kauri Cliffs was amazing, we couldnâ??t have scripted it better.  Not a cloud in the sky; hardly a breath of wind; and one of the best settings in world golf to begin our adventure.  Bliss.
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It was a shame about my 8 on the par 4 first, and Jamieâ??s relentless hook throughout the rest of the round. But the views were nothing short of spectacular â?? and only enhanced by great company.  We joined up with Tom from Maine for the last 14 holes, who had great chat.
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The first few holes seem like a bit of a blur. Bob and Harley from TV3 kindly made the trip up from Auckland film us as we got under way. This did not help my nerves, particularly for the first tee shot of the year.  I think Jamie got it on film, which will definitely be one shot to forget! I think the TV3 guys thought we were pretty rubbish â?? we chopped it for the first 3 holes and it was not until the 4th that we (both) made a par. Itâ??s fair to say there were a few thoughts of â??what have we got ourselves in for!â??
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Kauri Cliffs has some memorable holes. The design is tough, particularly off the back tees. And every hole seemed like a challenge. A number of holes looked out across Matauri Bay (which I am not poetic enough to describe so we have posted a few photos below and in our gallery). After the turn, holes 10 thru 13 are built in a valley, which has a different â?? almost serene â?? feel about it.  These holes in particular provided a stern challenge â?? long par fours with trouble both sides and some long carries over water.  Result = double bogeys. The last few holes were jaw droppingly good.  Mesmerising views, impossible shots (for example the tee shot on 17, which drops to a slither of a fairway that runs at an angle to the teeâ?¦oh yeah, and with steep drop offs on both sides) and a few more amazing views to make the bad golf seem completely irrelevant.
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Our historical uni handicaps went out of the window (as we expected they would), as our scores of 83 and 90 indicate. That said, tomorrowâ??s course should be a bit more forgiving.  And we will benefit from some quality sleep too.
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Many thanks to Greg and the crew at Kauri Cliffs for hosting us for day one of our journey. The service at the resort was nothing short of first class and we were privileged to be able to relax (eventually) and enjoy the day. In the car now to the airport where we are picking up Dirka and Blair and heading to the Coromandel.
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Posted by , 28/05/2010 9:08pm (3 years ago)
Guys, it was great having you here at Kauri Cliffs. Glad you enjoyed your day. Have a great year, we'll look forward to hearing about your progress. Kauri Cliffs Golf Staff.
Posted by KC_Golf_Staff, 01/01/2010 11:31pm (3 years ago)
Sounds like the perfect start guys! Good luck from Holland.
Posted by Pete, 01/01/2010 2:19pm (3 years ago)
I think my husband is jealous - 365 days of golf sounds great at day one. I will make sure he follows you. Good luck for your challenge. Fiona (and a watchful husband Donal).
Posted by Fiona, 01/01/2010 7:22am (3 years ago)
Chisholm Park
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