Golf has been played at Carnoustie Golf Links since the early 16th century, and within that time it has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most challenging links courses. Carnoustie had previously hosted The Open on seven occasions, before committing to be the host venue of The 147th Open this year.
With a stellar field and many of golfs top players in contention on final round Sunday, one players consistency was the key to capturing the event. Francesco Molinari of Italy did not card a single bogey Saturday or Sunday at the Open. He finished with one of the greatest performances in Open history, recording a final-round 69 in difficult conditions to win the Claret Jug by two shots over Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele.
"I knew it was going to be tough," said Molinari. "I knew everyone was going to struggle a little bit and I could use it to my advantage."
The winds at Carnoustie had the leaderboard swirling all day around its eventual champion. Molinari entered the day three shots out of the lead following a 5-under 66. But his nine pars in a row on the front nine weren't getting much attention as birdies and bogeys and doubles happened all around him. At one point, six players were tied for the lead at 6 under. Molinari, though, continued with his steady round, hitting a safe tee shot down the right side of the 18th fairway and stuffed his wedge inside Tiger Woods to birdie the final hole and slam the door. Paired with Phil Mickelson in the final round of the 2013 Open at Muirfield, it was now his turn.
"To look at the names on that Claret Jug," said Molinari." It's the best golfers in history, and to be on there, it's incredible. From someone like me coming from Italy, not really a major golfing country, it's been an incredible journey."
Kaneohe Bay View Golf Course, or simply referred to as, “Bay View”, is a pleasant, executive length course which offers somewhat demanding holes with impressive views. Most all the holes are well kept from tee boxes to fairways to greens, many of them with elevation changes that will challenge your club selection skills. It’s definitely a great place to go to work on that Phil Mickelson short game you’ve been dying to hone in on. The course overall has a very peaceful, serene feeling. Whether out on the course or just practicing on their multi-level practice range it gives you a nice, calming feeling…opposed to the typical standing-in-line-until-a-stall-opens type scenario that some other Oahu ranges can be subject to. The best thing is that golf at Bay View can be booked for just $45.00!
Another popular course on Oahu’s East Side is Olomana Golf Links. In my opinion this course is similar to Bay View just on a greater scale. It’s a regulation, 18 hole par 72 with a fascinating backdrop of the Ko’olau Mountains. Its challenges include a water hazard on almost every hole on the front 9, inside of which though are thousands of beautiful floating water lilies. My guess is so you’ll have something nice to look at while retrieving your water ball. So before booking for Olomana you may want to consider hitting up the practice range over at Bay View and prepare your iron game. Olomana also offers round-trip transportation to and from your Waikiki hotel, making it all the more convenient if you don’t have a rental car on island.
At this picturesque Championship Course the Pacific Ocean can be seen from every hole, and if you’re lucky enough to experience it on a clear day, you’re able to enjoy views of nearby islands Maui and Molokai. The coastline along this area of Oahu is probably one of the most favored and sought out by tourists that are visiting. This is possibly the most challenging of the three courses, with well placed bunkers and wind that is generally a factor late in the day. This course is always in excellent condition regardless of its busy play.
For more about golf on the East Side of Oahu. . .
Today I am pleased to announce the reopening of the much awaited Kona Country Club Ocean Course in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Kona C.C. first began renovating its “makai” course in May of 2013, making improvements such as updated bunkers, repaved cart paths, leveled fairways, improved tee boxes and new landscaping all throughout the course. I had the privilege of touring the course last week and conditions were terrific. As if the gorgeous mountain views and holes bordering the Pacific Ocean weren’t already enough, the greens and fairways are currently in the best shape I’ve ever seen them.
Kona Country Club will also be welcoming a new General Manager, Lee Kagawa, who was formerly the General Manager of Makalei Golf Club. If you happen to see Lee be sure and give him a warm aloha!
For more information about Kona C.C. or rates please click below.
