Kauai's Best Golf Holes

Description:

Here's your chance to play one of the best golf courses in Hawaii. This Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed devil of a course sits on 390 acres molded to create ocean views from every hole. Some holes have a waterfall backdrop to the greens, others shoot into the hillside, and the famous par-4, 12th has a long tee shot off a cliff to a narrow, jungle-lined fairway 100 feet below. This is the most challenging course on Kauai; accuracy is key here. Most of the time, if you miss the fairway, your ball's in the drink. "The average vacation golfer may find the Prince Course intimidating, but they don't mind because it's so beautiful," Jones says. Facilities include a restaurant, a health club and spa, lockers, a clubhouse, a golf shop, and a driving range.

Description:

New to the Kauai golf scene is this lovely oceanfront course, designed by celebrated course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Temperamental winds and subtle challenges make this course more difficult than it might seem at first. Another hazard of play is the breathtaking view; it might distract an unwary player from the game. The course has already received attention from national publications and the PGA, and seems well on its way to becoming yet another of Hawaii's legendary resorts.

Description:

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., this 18-hole course takes up 6,353 yards of lush Kauai landscape. Lakes, streams and lava tubes decorate the area, along with a variety of preserved Polynesian archeological sites. Gorgeous ocean views are featured from just about every vantage point.The club can be found along the island's south shore, across from the Sheraton, Hyatt, and Kiahuna Plantation Resort.

Description:

This former Grove Farm sugar plantation opened up 18 holes in 2003 to rave reviews. The course was in the middle of construction when Hurricane Iniki slammed into it in 1992, rearranging the greens from what golf designer Robin Nelson had originally planned. The first 9 (actually the first 10) holes finally opened in 1997 to many kudos; Sports Illustrated named it 1 of the 10 best 9-hole golf courses in the U.S. The final 8 holes are now open, giving golfers something to think about. The course opens with a fairly standard first couple of holes, and just when you think you have nothing to worry about, you get to the third tee. Now you see the evidence of Nelson's work and the time he spent playing the first 10 holes numerous times. He offers golfers this advice on number three: "The fairway is really wide, and the difficulty of your second shot is really affected by which side of it you're on, because you've got to angle your shot over a lake. Hit your tee shot to the right and you've got a good shot, hit it to the left and it's almost impossible."

Facilities include lockers, showers, a pro shop, practice greens, a clubhouse, and club and shoe rental.

Description:

Golfers who play for relaxation as well as challenge might want to consider this course. While it is far from easy, it is definitely not as difficult as some of the courses designed by celebrated course creator Jack Nicklaus. Characterized by its ocean holes and harbor views, the course was given Gold Medal ranking by Golf Magazine and was rated among the top 75 upscale courses by Golf Digest.The elegant clubhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or light lunch after play.As with all popular Hawaii courses, it is recommended that you reserve a tee time as far in advance as possible.