Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Hawaii Golf Destinations

By Jay Stevenson

Contrary to popular belief around the globe, Hawaii does not only attract beach lovers but golf huggers, too. Hawaii offers more than 100 golf destinations especially in cities where you can choose more such as Honolulu, Kailua Kona, Oahu and Ewa Beach. While there are so many to select from, knowing the top sites would surely help you in having the best golf traveling vacation ever.

Named by the Golf Digest as the #1 Golf Course in Oahu, ranked 7th in Golflink.com as part of the 2008' s "Top 100 United States Golf Courses", rated in Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Places You Can Play" and tagged as "The World's Most Challenging Gold Course", Ko'olau Golf Club presents a slope rating of 155 plus, 200-acre course, which was carved out of 1,500 acres of rainforest in 1991. Located just over the Pali Highway from Honolulu, the 20-minute drive can lead you to a spectacular view of the luscious forest, tropical green terrain, and majestic mountains of Hawaii. The 18-hole Ko'olau is a par 72 course at 7,310 yards, which features a course rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 158 on Bahia grass. Declared by USGA (United States Golf Association) as the toughest course in the United States, Ko'olau Golf Club also offers challenging golf courses for all skill levels.

Another golf piece of Oahu is the Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Better known as "Makaha West," this golf course has also been listed in 2002 as one of the "Places to Play" by Golf Magazine. It was also named by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu's number one golf course. A few minutes from Honolulu, situated in the stunning Makaha Valley, surrounding Wai'anae Mountains, this resort also provides a 7,022-yard, 18-hole, 72 par championship golf course rated 73.2 by USGA. More than the course itself, guests and professionals can enjoy the classic, fresh looking valley, and the extraordinary scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Amateurs can avail of group or private golf training from PGA experts. Visitors can go for the cart access to all fairways, the driving range, and pro shop wherein you can purchase gold apparel and accessories, and rent shoes and clubs.

Golf Magazine included Hapuna Golf Course in its "Gold Medal Resorts" list in 1998. It was also ranked as the "Best Public Course" in 1995-1996 and placed 11th in 1997-1998. The USGA labeled Hapuna Golf Course as "The Course of the Future" in 1997 and rated as one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses, not mentioning its 75th rank in Conde Nast Traveller's "Top 100 Golf Resorts" in 2006. Over a decade ago since it opened, this 18-hole, par 72, 6,875 yards golf course, nestled 700 feet above sea level in the Big Island, has continued to deliver a "nature-filled" golf experience. It also offers a One Day Golf School program to let you enhance your skills and get acquainted with its golfing landscape.

After a review of some of Hawaii's top golf courses, it will surely bring a dream golf experience combined with nature's gifts. For avid golfers out there, taking a trip to Hawaii will definitely make you want for more inspiring holes.

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