Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton has a chat with the head professional at Kauri Cliffs who provides an insight to a world class golf course in Northland.

Meet the pro - Mitchell McMurtry at Kauri Cliffs

Caption: American Mitchell McMurtry, who is the head professional at Kauri Cliffs in Northland. Photo credit: **Nick Wall/ AirSwing Media.**

Mitchell McMurtry is a long way from home but he is in his happy place in the winterless north. The 26-year-old from Virginia in the United States is the head professional at the Kauri Cliffs Golf Club in Northland.

McMurtry loves meeting people from all walks of life. The feeling of welcoming golfers to one of the most spectacular courses in the world never gets old. His best round at Kauri Cliffs is 73 from the tiger tees so he is well qualified to offer advice to ``weekend warriors'' wanting to take on one of our best.

1. Mitch, what is it like to work at Kauri Cliffs?

Working at Kauri Cliffs is a unique privilege. I am fortunate enough to have one of the most beautiful and peaceful offices in the world. The property itself is stunning, but what really makes the experience special is the guest interaction.

We’re not just checking people in and out of the golf shop -- we’re creating lasting connections. Many of our guests return year after year and it’s rewarding to recognise familiar faces and renew acquaintances. I take pride in delivering a high standard of service while making each guest feel genuinely welcomed. It is an environment that challenges you to stay sharp, be personable and represent the brand at its best every day.

2. What makes this place special?

Firstly, the landscape. It’s untouched —rolling cliffs, hidden coves and nature that’s been beautifully preserved. It genuinely feels remote and magical, like you have stepped off the map.

Secondly the design. What really elevates Kauri Cliffs is the intentional design focused entirely on guest experience. From the moment guests arrive, we are there to greet them in the parking lot and begin creating the wow experience. The driving range is a short walk from the golf shop, tucked away in a peaceful corner with ocean views -- this is not just a warm-up spot. It is somewhere where you actually want to stay standing and soak it all in. The course layout gives guests the feeling of having the entire place to themselves, while still offering moments of genuine connection with the team throughout the round. It strikes the perfect balance between privacy and hospitality.

And thirdly you are playing in a private oasis. Kauri Cliffs feels like a private, member-only retreat, but what makes it unforgettable is that it is open and welcoming to all.

3. It’s a great experience from the moment you arrive in the car park, does your team pride itself on delivering that experience?

Absolutely. Since day one, Kauri Cliffs has been about delivering a world class, service-driven experience – and that’s something we take immense pride in. The Robertson family has built a team of passionate professionals who not only love where they work but are fully invested in creating that guest-first culture. We are constantly focused on the details – how to raise the bar, how to personalise each guest’s visit and how to foster a workplace where people genuinely enjoy showing up each day.

Caption: A stunning view of the 16th hole at Kauri Cliffs in Northland. Photo credit: **Nick Wall/ AirSwing Media.**

We are a tight-knit golf family. This past season, we had just eight full-time staff, and truthfully, we probably spent more time together than with our own families. Holidays, early mornings, late nights, shared meals – you name it. And through it all, the conversations around delivering an exceptional, elevated experience never really stop.

4. What are your favourite holes and why?

Hole #4 - This is one of the true standout par fives on the course and I love the decisions it forces players to make. Off the tee, the ideal line is just inside the left-hand bunkers. Long hitters might reach the flat at the top of the fairway, giving them a real shot at going for the green in two. The second shot is all about risk and reward – laying up may seem safe, but the fairway narrows dramatically, demanding precision. The approach is everything here. Stick it close, and you are walking away with a birdie. Miss your mark, and you could be scrambling for par – or worse.

Hole #16 - A dream off the tee, this downhill par four is a visual stunner. Everything is laid out in front of you, inviting you to take on as much of the left side as you dare. But be careful – greed can land you in thick native grass or one of the well-placed bunkers. The smart play is down the right side, leaving a clean wedge approach straight toward the ocean. The second shot hangs in the air forever. Hold your finish, soak in the view – it’s one of those moments that stays with you long after the round ends.

5. What advice do you offer to a middle handicapper playing here for the first time?

Kauri Cliffs features plenty of sloped fairways and uphill lies, so choosing the right set of tees can make all the difference between an enjoyable round and one that wears you down. Our aim is for every guest to have a great experience, no matter what their skill level. The back tees are built for the best players, and with Northland’s ever-changing weather, the course can quickly become one of toughest tests in the world.

We always recommend chatting with our on-site pros – they can offer tailored advice based on the day’s conditions and your playing style. Whether you’re after a relaxed, enjoyable round or looking to take on one of the toughest challenges in golf, we’ve got the right tees to match your game.