a distinctive and memorable feel. The Ma- kana Terrace and the Kauai Grill, with chef Jean-George Vongerihten, offer regional, innovative meals utilizing locally grown in- gredients showcased in the Korean braised short ribs with baby bok choy and celery root purée. Guests at the St. Regis have access to
two world-class golf courses at reduced rates. The Prince is one of the highest- rated course in all of Hawaii according to most magazine rankings. Its sprawling routing over 390 acres encompasses severe tropical ravines, streams and jungle terrain. While only touching the ocean once, at the juncture of the sixth and seventh holes, the course’s topography places the golfer in the middle of a scene from “Jurassic Park,” which was, in fact, filmed on Kauai. The 390-yard 12th embodies the course’s differ- ent elements: a dramatic 100-foot downhill tee shot to a tight landing zone followed by an approach to a small green surrounded by a stream of natural ferns and tropical foli- age. The Prince is not for the faint of heart. Much like Spyglass Hill, missing a fairway can have dire consequences to a good score, and even placing the ball in the middle of the target zone can yield an uneven lie.
The Big Island Shines
While other Hawaiian islands might garner more attention, the Big Island has several resorts and courses situated along the pristine Kona-Kohala coastline that are worth a visit. Mauna Kea, Trent Jones Sr.’s 1964 clas-
sic resort course, has in its third hole perhaps the best ocean-carrying par-3 west of Cypress Point. The pioneering track introduced the concept of building a course on the foreboding landscape of barren lava rock, proving that it could be utilized as an excellent foundation for turfgrass. This procedure has since been copied throughout the islands. The course was recently refurbished by Jones’ son Rees. Guests staying at the Hapuna Beach or
Mauna Kea Beach have access to Trent Jones’ masterpiece as well as Arnold Palmer’s Hapuna GC, a compact layout demanding precision on its routing, which meanders from the coastline to 700 feet above sea level. The
snow-capped Mauna Kea volcano looms as a com- manding backdrop. Other courses include Mauna Lani’s 36 holes,
named for original owner Francis H I’i Brown, routed over a lava bed and through a mesquite forest, presenting the quintessential Hawaiian setting. Waikoloa Beach Resort also has 36 holes.
Marriott
The Beach Course is literally laid out over lava flow along Anaeho’omalu Bay; its best-known hole is the oceanfront par-5 seventh, where the sight of hump- back whales might be a distraction. The Kings Course boasts views of the towering volcanoes of the Big Island framed by palm trees and vibrant flowers. The resort also has an entertaining 30,000-square-foot putting course, perfect for developing golfers, which also includes a self-guided botanical tour of some of the island’s interesting plant species. The Hualalai Four Seasons completed a 15-month,
$40 million enhancement last July, adding 20 new suites, expanded spa and oceanfront pool deck and a renovated beachfront bar and restaurant. The first Nicklaus design in Hawaii—Hualalai GC—is home to a Champions Tour event, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship held in January. While many might think of Maui as a first choice for
a Hawaiian golf vacation, the Big Island holds its own as a worthy destination.
St. Regis
SPRING 2010 NCGA Golf 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80