OAHU, HAWAII — Nestled in a captivating valley, the Makaha Valley Country Club sits adjacent to the Makaha Resort Golf Club. This par-71 layout features attractive par-4s, challenging par-3s, and three relatively short par-5s’the longest of which, the 18th’plays at over 500 yards from its tips.
After a downwind par-4 opener, golfers are introduced to the most challenging of Makaha Valley’s enjoyable par-3s: the par-5, 400-yard fifth, which asks for an accurate tee shot to avoid the tree-infested rolling topography. From the short grass, an exacting approach is required to a raised green protected by a prevailing right-to-left crosswind.
The aforementioned 18th is one of the most demanding par-5 closing holes on Oahu. The lateral hazard and fairway bunkers along the right side must be avoided off the tee for a good score. The fairway doglegs to the right, leading to a heavily bunkered uphill green. Some may be tempted to try to cut the uphill, heavy growth corner, but the wise play is to the narrow swale between the trees that leads up to the green. Visiting Makaha Valley Country Club on a weekday usually leads to a very good Hawaii golf value.
Nestled in captivating lowlands, Makaha Valley Country Club provides the other half of the one-two punch in this beautiful tourist region.
Adjacent to Makaha Golf Club (WEST), Makaha Valley was designed by William F. Bell, who designed the Torrey Pines South Course which hosted the 2008 U.S. Open. Accented by gorgeous vistas, Makaha Valley weaves along rolling terrain framed by dense trees, ferns and tropical plants. Presenting golfers with a variety of doglegs and elevation changes, the course builds to an entertaining climax on one of Hawaii’s most demanding closing holes. (Contact Info — 84-627 Makaha Valley Rd. — Waianae, HI 96792 — phone: (808) 695-9578 — fax: (808) 695-5239)