Being the USA’s tropical state, Hawaii boasts of its scenic grandeur of white sand beaches, massive blue waves, golden sunsets and immense volcanoes. But apart from being an idyllic tourist destination, Hawaii offers three of its best golf courses to anyone who loves to play the sport or unwind for a vacation.
Based on the list provided by Golf Advisor, a website that rates and reviews places related to golf, the three that stand out among the many golf courses on the islands are the Kapalua, King Kamehameha, and Princeville Makai Golf Clubs.
1. Kapalua Golf Club – Plantation Course
Located in Lahaina, this was where the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and PGA Tour’s first event of the 2014 season took place. A 7,411 yard and 73 par golf club, its greens and fairways are carpeted in trimmed Bermuda grass. Balls can easily roll over its sweeping downhill slopes. First-time golfers can even be familiar with the landscape through the Cart’s GPS flyover feature.
Tagged as the course “where champions come to play” by the Golf Digest Magazine, its PGA Professionals also handle instructional programs for rookie golfers as well as golf lessons, corporate clinics, golf schools, and custom off-site instruction. It also contains a 23-acre area where golfers can practice putting, chipping, wedge and bunker play, specialty shots and the full swing.
Built in 1991 by Architects Bill Crenshaw and Bill Coone, Kapalua Golf Club is also a resort that balances leisure hospitality with prolific sports activity.
2. King Kamehameha Golf Club
Golf can be more fun while viewing the panorama of the south and north shores of Maui in King Kamehameha. Its area extends to 7,060 yards and 72 par. What makes it unique from other golf courses is that its theme and design revolves around playing into or against the wind. One may even find its 10th the only crosswind hole on the course, downhill with 213 yards and 3 par.
Located in Maui County, a 74,000-square-feet clubhouse stands on the slopes of Wailuku. The Frank Lloyd Wright House, as it is called, not only provides sanctuary where golfers can rest, but also highlights Hawaii’s rich culture and history by presenting the stories and genealogy of the 11 Maui chiefs on baby blankets – each with a different pattern.
Built in 2005, King Kamehameha Golf Club was designed by Architects Ted Robinson, Sr. and Ted Robinson, Jr.
3. Princeville Makai Golf Club
It originally opened in 1971 and was constructed recently with a stronger 18-hole layout. With an area as extensive as 7,200 yards and 72 par, its greens and fairways are covered in lush Seashore Paspalum. Its wide fairways occasionally comprise bunkers containing bright white sand.
As a golf course as well as a resort, views of late afternoon sunsets would never go amiss. It is currently being operated by Troon Golf and is located at Kauai County with a year-round golf season. Although it spanned more than 40 years, it still remains among the list of the best golf courses in Hawaii.
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With this list still growing, it’s incredible to consider Hawaii not only as a tourist destination, but also a haven for athletes like golfers.