Valley Club

Have I mentioned that MacKenzie is my favorite golf course designer???  In the past 2 months I have played two of his most exclusive golf courses on the West Coast.  Both of them are some of the best walks I have had in golf thus far (the other great walks I've had the pleasure of having are LACC and Rustic Canyon).

Upon driving up to the club some may feel a bit in awe with the neighborhood, and by the time you reach the golf club you come to a sign which looks similar to the Cypress Point sign but on a larger scale.  The clubhouse is stunning in its age, its scale and it keeping its incredibly classic feel.  The locker room has numerous historical pictures and notations on the course's renovation.

The golf shop is not updated in many ways from initial looks as it small with wall fixtures and about 3 racks of clothes in the middle carrying mainly essentials for many golfers.

When you step out of the golf shop or the locker room you see part of what makes this course, this facility so special.  Not only can you see the ocean from the patio of the clubhouse, but you can see about 6 of the holes as the design is that of many classic golf clubs around the world.  The course has many bunkers designed with the purpose of players to aim at them and use them to your advantage.  That is displayed especially behind the 15th green (below) where there is a bunker in the face of the hill below the golf shop in the shape of a check mark.  Green surrounds and collars blend in to the next tee box throughout most of the golf course which reminds you that the course is not only a special place with the shape that it is kept in, but that it is a classic design that is truly special.

As you step out of the golf shop you nearly step right on to the first tee, which is not a feeling you get at many newer golf clubs.  When I mean nearly step right on it, I mean you can take the stairs to the right to the clubhouse, or you can go left and the tee box is five steps away.  It is such a classic first hole design being directly next to the golf shop and clubhouse for big events it must really put a lot of pressure on players who aren't used to being watched. The first hole itself is a long par 4 opener.  A 460+ downhill hole has a green that is skirted on the sides with deep menacing bunkers.  You may see two flags in the picture and while you walk down the fairway.  Make sure you aim for the 1st hole flag and not the par 3 14th directly behind it.

The second hole is a relieving par 5, short one at that.  The hardest part?  For newbies it will be the drive.  With the fairway sweeping left with only a fairway bunker on the left hand side and a few trees on the right, you don't have the luxury of seeing the full landing area.  It appears that the trees serve as an aiming point if you hit a good draw and the bunker would make a great aiming tool for anyone who favors hitting it dead straight or a cut.  A number of bunkers interfere with your approach shot should you try to run the ball up and on to the green.  An aerial approach is almost always required for a decent first putt on this green.

The 3rd hole is the hardest hole on the golf course.  Nearly 460 yards you will have an uphill approach... which is the easier half of the hole.  With the fairway tightening with a bunker, a tree and a lateral hazard the tee shot proves to be a daunting task to any player.  

Below is the first par 3 you face, the 4th hole.  Downhill with a short iron does initially sound like an easy task.  However this narrow opening is also prevalent in many older golf courses, more on the East Coast than the West Coast, however this is a great example of what so many 

memorable tee shots provide.

This is the green surrounds close up.  As you can see the tree gap is the least of your worries.  MacKenzie as usual uses incredible bunkering to make it appear as a more dangerous shot than it actually is.  The nearest bunker is approximately 60 yards away from the green, though this hole is still slightly memorable of 15 Cypress in the sense that it all carry and surrounded in bunkers.  

Just a great hole.

This is the view from the par 4 5th hole's fairway where you can see the right fairway bunker is actually a greenside bunker for the 7th hole as well.  The way the tight fairways move around the golf course with such a great flow is a feature I enjoy every time I see it.

This fairway bunker is another classic MacKenzie design feature.  Notice in the picture below it looks like it may be a large greenside bunker guarding much of the front of the green.  

 Here you see that there is nearly 70 yards between the end of that same bunker above with the front of the green.  This is something only the best new course designers 

can develop into their design with new courses.

This is the DRIVABLE 298 yard par 4 6th hole.  The great short holes in golf typically have an aiming bunker short, a greenside bunker to catch arrant drives and an empty front of the green to give players a hope and a chance in order to entice you to try and drive the green.  Another note: most of the great golf courses in the world have at least one drivable par 4 on it's property (pending redesigns).

This is the 7th hole where you see the greenside bunker that is also a fairway bunker.  A rare design feature that works perfectly as shown here. 

The par 3 8th hole is uphill and again a par 3 that is all carry.  A great design with adventure and temptation with a little illusion.  And if you are wondering, yes those bunkers are silly deep.

This is the view from the 8th green back towards the tee box (to the left) and has the 7th green in the background as well (middle of the picture).

The last of the front nine brings you to the farthest point away from the clubhouse to a green that has a false front, a forced carry, and ample opportunity to be aggressive long on one 

of the Valley Club's largest greens.

The par 4 13th is adjacent to the second hole and again has a bunker that appears to be in play off the tee.  We all really appreciated having a laser with us that day so we could find out that it was out of reach at a subtle 330 yards away from the tee box on a 383 yard hole.  

This is the final par 3 of the golf course and brings you one of the most picturesque views while you're playing.  The 13th hole in front, the first green directly behind the rear bunker, and the amazing clubhouse in the background.  Stunning.

This is the view as you walk up the final par 5 of the golf course.  On a picture perfect day like this is does make it a little difficult to concentrate on the job at hand sometimes.  

We all had to pause and take it in and take a picture.

A view back up the 18th fairway with the two cottages that are on property.

A different view as you walk up the 18th fairway with aiming bunkers lining the entire length of the left side of the fairway. 

The final green of the day, clubhouse in the back right, cottages in the back left, and bunkers all over the place.

One last panorama of my two friends walking up to the green 

and showing you all that the 18th has to offer.

Cypress Point Club

Truth be told... I don't even know how this happened, I never thought that this would happen this early in my journey, and I'm thrilled that I can remember every moment of this trip.

Started off with a journey down 17 Mile Drive and finding midnight in the middle of the road with a bright light, and once you see the light it's a sharp left to the most hidden clubhouse I have had the pleasure of finding.  Such a classic clubhouse, tiny little parking lot (they don't need a big one with they're BUSY 20 player days) with both practice putting green and first tee less than 30 steps from your car.  Inside the clubhouse and locker room you sense the history with the paintings of the Crosby Classic and such a small amount of lockers that everyone shares.  In fact I think the only upgrade made in the locker rooms since opening may be the restroom sinks and toilet seats.

Stepping out of the locker room you're virtually right on the first tee where the fairway appears, well, doesn't appear.  With a tree off to the right, which actually becomes your aiming point with a baby draw, you see the amazing dunes in the background which will amaze you throughout your entire round.

As you walk through this property you will find some of the most unique holes, incredible views and receive some of the best service from their caddies than anywhere else.

Here's a quick peek at some photos

A perfect rainbow before we headed out means only good things for this round.

Me in the 1st fairway bunker... I swear things are gonna be good for this round.

Rain Stops on #2.  Clouds part and sunshine fills the course.

And then rain falls again but still looks like a perfect day in Monterey as you look down #2 in the foreground, #3 green and #13 fairway between the dunes and forest.

Eyeing down the first par 3 of the day.

The view down #7 fairway.

#7 green barely visible, large face bunkers as your aim points keeps the course incredibly natural.

Looking from #8 green back down #8 and up #9 fairways.  This is one of a handful of holes on the course that are not appreciated nearly as much as their better known brothers (#15 and especially #16). 

Looking from #9 tee box at #13 green (lower), #2 green (above dunes and bunkers), and down #14 fairways as it maneuvers up the hills, in between the forest and next to the Pacific.

Let's not get ahead of ourself, this is #10 from the fairway.

A better view of the green complex of #10 with all its bunker surrounds.

An incredibly natural hole, #11 proves to be a fun and fair test.

Looking past #12 green to the right, #13 (middle of the photo) looks like it would be the highlight of any other golf course with that view.

A view from the tee box of #13.

A beautifully natural set of holes, from just left of #13 tee box you can see #12, #13 and #2 green including #1 and #14 fairways with the incredible dunes that are hard to find anywhere else.

The only two back to back par 3's that I know of that I would be willing to play day after day...

An incredible short par 3 tucked among the ocean to the front and right and the forest to it's back and left.

A rarely seen view as you walk from the tee box to the green... At least I've never seen this angle.

This is the walk you get while headed to the famed #16, shrouded in trees.  

A quick peek before you get to the tee box to get everyones heart racing.

We arrive and sun shines down on #16... and with it brings a wind only the great seaside courses can face.

Yes... Driver is definitely required for such an epic shot... with a hard draw shot at the left side of the green to hope the ball can hold on from the wind just long enough.

#17 green looking backwards towards its fairway and #16 green... Sad to see the end so near.

I've kept this post short because I could write a novel on my day here.  I may come back to write more.  For now I'll try to keep you interested.

The Los Angeles Country Club

The Los Angeles Country Club

The is among America's finest clubs for a reason, what a classic golf club.  Before even pulling into the facility, you might miss the turn if you're not prepared.  When you begin to pull up the guard welcomes you to the club... This just prepares you for the absolute treat that is LACC.

When entering the locker room, the motion sensors in front make it feel beyond welcoming.  Locker room attendants welcome you to the club, for guests they offer you a locker for the day, and then you walk outside to the golf shop.  It's a small and simple shop and yet has everything you can ask for.

There is no doubt that this club doesn't get much play, the starters booth uses a hand written tee sheet with no tee times from the looks of things.  Next to the first tee is a long practice green, a big scoreboard, the Walker Cup in 2017 has a gem of a venue with LACC.

Off the first tee you have two fairway bunkers, one on each side of the fairway, and a big Beverly Hilton right in the middle of the fairway.  One might recommend aiming for that because this par 5 is no easy task.  The first hole also displays the genius bunkering that Gil Hanse and his team are capable of.  I would also rank this T-1 for best opening holes for any golf course I've played to date.  Beautiful lines and an amazing grounds crew are what make this the start to a great 18 holes.

The second hole in an interesting one.  Once you reach your tee shot you are then faced with the decision of which green to play to... Yes, there are two greens on this hole with a fork in the fairway.  An uphill dogleg right... A forced carry over a ravine with a bunker right... You decide.

Each par 3 at LACC is a spectacle.  The longest par 3 you may need a wood, the shortest you may use a wedge.  You have one downhill on the front, one downhill on the back, and the two are relatively level, and one is uphill.  All greens are heavily guarded with either bunkers, a stream, or both.  In my opinion there's no better test, it's a a full range of challenge.

The par 5's are all much different than the others.  With one being straight and flat, you might wish for the rest to be that "simple"... prepare yourself because the first hole is the easiest par 5 on the course.  What I like is they actually become progressively more difficult.  Climaxing in a near 600 yard par 5 with a gentle bend all the way to the green.

As always, the most difficult holes, according to the scorecard and USGA, or typically par 4s... These par 4's do not disappoint, especially the closing par 4's.  16, 17, 18, from 451 yards to 469 yards from the black tees... for us mortals.  I checked out some other tee boxes that weren't on the card... I presume they are for the 2017 Walker Cup.  18 tee box looks like it might actually be as far back as another 50 yards... which could make the left fairway bunker in play for them finally.  One thing is for sure... The Los Angeles Country Club is downright brilliant.  This is my third course inside the Top 25 and depending what the others have to bring I think it might be a little low on the list.  Absolutely loved my day there.

Rustic Canyon

I'M GOING BACK!

On my journey down to Carlsbad, CA for a graphite shaft fitting from Fujikura (completely amazing) I made a side trip on my way back to the SF Bay Area.  About 45 minutes off the I-5 was Rustic Canyon.  Haven't heard of this one?  I'm not surprised, but you should!

Why?
Best Valued golf course in America in 2010
Best New Public Affordable Golf Course in America in 2002
#63 Top Modern Golf Courses in America in 2005
#5 Public Access in California in 2010
Best Places to Play in 2004 by Golf Digest

Although I've only played the front 9 due to my 3 pm tee time (Thank You LA traffic...) I ran out of light and still have this as my favorite public course I've ever played.  The overall design is kept very well in touch with the course condition, and the greens crew does a great job making sure course stays true to it's original design.

I won't call it a links course... because it's definitely not.  It's in the middle of two mountain ranges, fairly flat, uber walkable, and left me thinking why can't all golf courses be THAT enjoyable.  It was just a ton of fun, with so much versatility and amazing for golfers of all abilities.  $79 as the MOST expensive rate (which does include the cart) during the prime hours of weekends and holidays??? 10 minute tee times intervals??? Sunshine of So Cal???  This is the course for you... The only way you won't like this course is if you don't enjoy golf.  Every golfer enjoys a well maintained course with wide fairways and a great background... If you're planning a trip to the Los Angeles area this is the must stop course for you.

Maui

Maui Golf

When most people hear Maui golf, they think about Kapalua.  They think about the Plantation course.  They think about the first PGA Tour event of the season and a season’s worth of champions all looking to punch a ticket back there next year.  I’m not here to tell you that it’s not worth the money to pay to play Kapalua (either course, Bay or Plantation).  I’m here to tell you what I think of the courses that I have played on the island.  Courses better known to be great shape year round, and courses that are worth more than a 15 minutes drive from your beach resort. 

To first get a reference of areas to golf, there are three main regions on the island to golf, and one course on the road to the top of Haleakala, a dormant volcano on the south portion of the island. The most popular is the Kapalua/Kaanapali region.  This part of the island has held a Senior and an LPGA event, and still holds an annual PGA Tour event to start the season.  The second most popular area to golf is the Wailea/Makena/Kihei region.  Both areas have an abundance of both beachside and golf view resorts, and Wailea has also held a Senior PGA event.  The last region is the most popular among residents of Maui, which is the Wailuku area.  This region has two daily fee courses, one municipal golf course, and the only private golf club on the island.  The three that visitors can play regularly are quite a great deal for Maui golf; no more than $100 at it’s most expensive.  The private club has quite an interesting feature, which I will discuss in my review.  Now that you know the areas of the island to golf, which I hope helps you decide which area to stay in, let’s discuss the golf itself. 

***Tip for players new to playing on courses with grain: 1) If it’s shiny, you’re going down grain, if it’s dull you’re going into the grain.  Take a look from the fairway as to where your ball is and where the pin is, and then look at the grain from afar.  Sometimes it can be difficult to see the grain as you’re on the green, and it may speed up pace of play.  2) When going into the grain on short chips don’t be afraid to be aggressive.  The ball will slow down very quickly, and if chipping from the fairway will bite hard, and stop quicker than usual.*** 

Kapalua

Kapalua Golf Resort – Bay Course & Plantation Course

Kapalua is the premier golf resort that is on the island.  The Plantation Course is home to the Hyundai Tournament of Champions each year, this 7400 yard monster can actually be quite docile when played from the proper tees, and even more tame if you are lucky enough to play it with less than howling winds.  The wide fairways are more than forgiving for any golfer, but if the typical trade winds aren’t enough for you, the greens are the courses other defense.  The grain in the grass is incredibly strong, and known for being some of the most difficult from 4-8 feet away from the cup.  The grain is a feature most Northern and Western USA courses do not have much to deal with much.  These Bermuda greens do have a strong pull, typically to the ocean and away from the West Maui Mountains, and can create greens speeds as high as 13 down grain, and still 9 into the grain.  The greens at Kapalua are some of the biggest you will see on tour, making them a little easier to hit in regulation.  Just remember that if you’re playing poorly… you’re in Maui, if you’re going to play poor what better place than paradise?

Par 3 Second Hole which allows for bail out room left, and no room right.

Par 3 Eighth Hole where the course can slow down because people struggle to get over the valley, check the wind and take enough club on this tough par 3.

Along the back 9 you get beautiful views of Molokai.  This day was more clear than I had ever seen before.

The Bay Course at Kapalua is a great alternative.  It’s lesser known, but just as busy as the Plantation course.  With the course closer to the water, a few holes directly on it, and having once held an LPGA event, the Bay Course is no slouch when it comes to a challenge.  Just because it’s the red headed stepchild of the two courses doesn’t mean it will lie down for you.  I almost believe it’s an underrated and underappreciated course because of the shadow which it is in.  But if given the opportunity to play this unbelievably fun course, take it.  You won’t be let down. 

Kaanapali Golf Resort – Kai Course & Royal Kaanapali

Although I have yet to play either of the two courses at Kaanapali, I have been on the grounds.  I believe it may be a good starter course if you are staying on that side of the island.  It does seem to have a little more of an open layout than either Kapalua courses, though I do not know if I would make the drive unless it was from one of its many neighboring resorts. 

Wailea/Makena/Kihei

Wailea Golf Courses – Old Blue Course, Emerald Course & Golf Course

The Old Blue I have yet to play, but is short, and I have been told by locals that it is a fun course.  With not as much wind in the area as any other part of Maui, it may be one of the best courses to play first on your trip to get you acquainted with how the land will break towards the ocean.  It’s longest tees aren’t much longer than 6000 yards, which is short for the newer courses. 

The Emerald Course at Wailea is slightly longer, closer to about 6500 yards or so from its longest tee.  The first hole is also a great first hole.  Short, downhill, open, with a view of the ocean.  Doesn’t get much better than that does it?  This course does have room for error, both off the tee and approaching the green.  The downside?  You do have to make sure you adjust if it’s a humid day as the ball doesn’t cut through the air quite as well as dry heat, and playing on the side of a mountain (virtually… it’s only a few hundred yards off the beach) makes adjusting to where the ball is going to land and then where it is going to finish could be difficult for some.  None the less it is a very good, well maintained, resort course with short rough that can allow you to hit errant shots with your rental clubs.

The First hole starts off with a long par 4 down the hill.  It can be difficult to get a good shot to start the day here because of the great views you have of Koolawe and Molokini in the background.  

Par 3 with more great views... They don't really leave you at any of the Wailea courses.

Well designed bunkers on this par 4 this was one of my favorite holes on the course.

Nearing sunset on the golf courses on Maui mean great sunset pictures like this one, and great food is soon to come after a great day on the course.

The Gold Course used to hold a Senior Tour Skins Game and I can see why.  The most fun golf course I played on the South Side of Maui was right here which can allow for some big drives and short approaches.  The course is a little over 7000 yards from it’s longest tee, which is average by today’s standards of course design.  The tee boxes are set up very well for all handicaps, so playing the right tee box can make for a great round and even better stories at the bar afterwards (which has AMAZING food by the way, it’s called Mulligan’s).  Be sure that if you are staying in the Wailea area you play here. 

Makena Golf Resort

The Makena Resort did have two courses, but had shut one down.  I was on the property to check out the course, however at the prime time for visitors it did not look as good as the other courses in the area.  I’m not sure if this is typical, however the locals commented on it’s slow greens and soggy fairways.  I haven’t have the opportunity to play it yet

Elleair Golf Course

I also was not able to play Elleair Golf Course yet.  I hear it is fairly open, and typically in good shape.  It seemed busy each time I drove by and I’m excited to play it my next trip out.

Wailuku

Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course

Finally!  Time for the courses that have killer prices for anyone visiting the island!  This course is worth the trip from your resort.  Girls out shopping all day and want a nap before a late dinner?  Want to swing the clubs before dinner at your resort?  Can’t… Dunes at Maui Lani have one of two driving ranges with lights, and the only driving range off of grass… with lights… and $5 buckets for roughly 70 balls to boot.  This is where I spend my evenings before dinner.  It has a grass range, big practice green (no lights, but close enough that you can use the lights a little), and a short game area (lighted) with a bunker and everything. 

This course is typically played by locals because they have a great price for the island.  Originally designed to be a links style course, you can see how little land was moved to create this hidden gem.  It’s fairly long, looks tighter than it actually is, and comes with a yardage book with your green fee (most courses on the island now have GPS and don’t sell books which is typically a nice memento).  The opening 6 holes are one of my favorite opening stretches of golf that I have played, and the finishing holes are just as good.  The course is also designed as a links course in the sense that it goes out for 9 holes, and back, the course does not come back to the clubhouse at the turn like modern golf courses do. 

The second hole a par 4 shows off the great bunker designs that links style courses portray.  The deception is shown as there is nearly 100 yards between the farthest front bunker and the closest green side bunker. 

Cool part about golfing in Maui???  Hit my tee shot on this tricky par 3 and my ball passes right by the rainbow in the sky.  Good things to come.

A long par 3 over water has the intimidation any great long par 3 could ask for.  The hill behind is a backstop for you yes, but it's steep enough to test your second shot if you do go long, and just flat enough to keep your ball from rolling back down on the green.  Great hole here.

The back side of that same par 3.  You can see how wide the green really is, and how shallow it is as well.

The vog prevents you from being able to appreciate the view that this hole offers.  You can see the ocean on a clear day, but this downhill hole gives you more than a view, it gives you a good betting hole. 

This is the green of that same downhill par 4 above.  Be aggressive because this green is sloped hard back to front, and will hold full shots very well.

***Player’s note: I was told the greens were redone roughly one year ago (I played January 2012), so they aren’t quite mature yet.  If planning to play here the greens will be slow because they are maturing, however they will roll true.  If you are planning to go sometime after January 2013 they should be much closer to fully matured and rolling even better.***

Kahili Golf Course

I haven’t played Kahili Golf Course yet, though I have been on the property and played it’s sister, private, course and it gets many of the same views not much further down the hill they are both on.  They have a great golf club fitter if you are a local looking to get work done to a club, or looking to fit yourself or family member.  They have great technology at their disposal.

Waiehu Municipal Golf Course

Do you want a hidden gem?  Have you heard of a tiny place named Pacific Grove Golf Course being the “poor man’s pebble”?  This is its Maui equivalent.  $55 for visitors, $20 for a cart (optional, I’ve never played with a cart.  The course is more than just a little walkable).  Front 9… All holes you can see the ocean, half of which you are right on the ocean.  It’s not long.  It’s not narrow.  It does have trees to aim at.  It’s not the most challenging.  But I can assure you it’s more than a bargain, it’s a MUST PLAY.  Typically in good shape compared to municipals in the Bay Area go, Waiehu offers you more holes right on the water than any other course on the island… yeah, at a muni.  My advice?  Don’t play too late in the afternoon as the wind can howl through the valley and make half the holes outrageously long, and the other half impressively short and fun. 

The par 3 second hole towards the water gives you a general idea of how flat most of the front 9 is.  

The side angle of the par 3 7th hole.  Into the wind can really make it challenging. 

A downhill par 4 on the back nine gives you a great view of the ocean and with a blind tee shot can make for a tricky fairway to hit.  

King Kamehameha Golf Club

Time for my favorite course on the island.  Top 5 favorite courses I’ve played.  I’m actually curious on how it’s not on the Top 100 in America list to be honest.  Ocean views?  Check.  Great clubhouse? Check (Double check as it's a Frank Lloyd Wright Design).  Good driving range?  Check.  But how’s the service?  They really make the members and their guests feel welcome.  Member or guest, you feel like a member.  All this talk about the golf club, but is the course in good shape?  The only course I played that was in the kind of shape to rival King Kamehameha was the Plantation Course at Kapalua, and it was the Hyundai TOC week… it was that good.  So the only thing left is the course design. 

This is my favorite golf course on the island.  Granted here would be my 10 and Plantation would be a 9.9, but this course seems to me like it could be the one holding a PGA Tour event.  It has the design of the modern courses that are on tour.  It’s well designed with the wind to go up and down the West Maui Mountains, has it’s risk versus reward holes, has a view of the ocean every hole, has challenge but every hole is still a ton of fun.  I can’t tell you how many times I had to say it aloud while I was playing.  I just couldn’t get over it.  The round itself was a short one too as I only saw one group on the course while playing, and they let me play right on through once I caught them.  They don’t have too many members, and their membership loves their course.  That day was a real treat.

NOW, although this course is private you need to check their website.  There are times that they offer a special which they call “Member for a Day”.  $200 and you receive access to their driving range previous to your round, a round of golf, a lunch at their restaurant, plus locker room access and a locker, and the ability to make a spa appointment (which is more than reasonably priced and one to take advantage of).  Instead of paying that kind of money for a round at one of the resorts one day… visit the website first and try to take advantage of their offer.  It is completely worth it.  I have no negative thing to say about my day here because King Kamehameha is absolutely top notch. 

The drive up the hill you see the clubhouse and can tell immediately that this day is going to be one heck of a day.

You can see the ocean from each side of the driving range... Short game facility... Good sized putting green.  This is the place to be.

One of the prettiest first holes (which is a tough group because Maui has a lot) on the island.  

The first par 3 is a long... long par 3 down the hill.  If the wind is in to you driver might be the play... which is scary.

As you can see the cart path is not throughout the hole.  This is one of my favorite parts of the course because you have a path by the tee box and by the green, the course is the course.  Love it.

A blind tee shot off the par 5 11th hole proves quite a test for any golfer. 

The hardest hole in my opinion with a tough tee shot if in to wind (like I had) and then an approach shot that can't miss virtually anywhere... This is one heck of a golf hole.

The approach view of par 5 last hole, view of the clubhouse and a small waterfall leading to a lake behind the green as well. 

And yes, you of course can see the ocean from the 18th hole as well as the rest of the 17 others.

After the round you drive under the waterfall behind 18 as you can see above which is pretty cool.

Pukulani

Pukulani Golf Course

Pukulani Golf Course is a place that I have intended to play for all too long.  I have bad timing because this course offers so much as far as a fun round goes it’s flat out amazing.  Next time though.  If you’re curious if you should play… you’re answer is yes.  Regret not.