Here is a list of Three of the "Must Play" golf courses on the Hawaiian Island of Big Island. Hawaii is full of fantastic golf courses but here is a list of three of the most famous, renowned and unique golf clubs that everybody should play while visiting the Big Island, Hawaii. Hawaii golf clubs are listed in alphabetical order.
Created by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the 18-hole championship course presents dramatic changes in elevation, large undulating greens, and 120 well-placed bunkers. The multi-award winning Golf Course at Mauna Kea has since 1964, led the way in standards of course beauty and design, solidifying its place in Hawaii's history as one of the most scenic and favored golf courses. With incredible panoramic views of sea and land, featuring snow-capped Mauna Kea, rugged lava beds, and the sparkling blue Pacific. The spectacular signature hole is the famous Third Hole - where surging inlet water races to meet the rocky shoreline, affording one of the most dramatic and breathtaking views in golf today .The course has one of the most famous par 3's in the world, the famous 3rd. The 11th hole hitting down to the ocean is another signature hole at Mauna Kea.
Mauna Lani's North Course has fast become one of the most popular tournament venues on the Island. Rated as one of the best golf experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii. Built on a lava bed, the North is characterized by rolling terrain punctuated by Kiawe forests. Number 17, is the North's signature hole, par 3, measuring 140 yards, and requires a tee shot from an elevated tee to a green that is framed by a natural lava amphitheater, and a favorite "I was here" photo spot. There are as many as five different tee positions on most of the holes to give golfers a wide range of options in meeting the challenging conditions. With the Groves of twisted kiawe trees along the fairway edges and a more pronounced topography make the holes seem quite a contrast from the south 18.
Mauna Lani’s South Course is home to Hole #15, one of the most photographed over-the-water golf course holes in the world. Renowned as the former home to the annual Senior Skins Game from 1990 - 2000, the course snakes through the stark, rugged a'a lava of the prehistoric Kaniku lava flow. The challenging South Course offers the golfer a panorama of mountain and ocean views. Signature holes on the South Course that play beside the ocean are the famous 15th, 13th, 16th and 7th..During the winter months golfers can enjoy watching humpback whales migrating offshore and only yards from these holes. Most of the greens are flat, but hard to determine the speed as there are many subtle breaks as you roll your ball to the flag. Playing Mauna Lani is a must for any golfer visiting the Big Island.
Carl Murphy
Author