KAUAI, HAWAII — What is now the Princeville Makai Golf Club is a distinctive 18 hole layout comprised of the former Ocean and Lakes nines. All 18 holes were re-turfed and renovated (using the same design) in 2010. The Woods Course is now a separate nine-hole course.
Sitting on a rolling plateau high above the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Hanalei Bay, Makai was the first resort course on Kauai and one of only two 27-hole layouts in Hawaii. More significantly, this was Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s first design on Kauai—an island where he dominates, having designed 81 holes at four different properties.
This Kauai golf setting is majestic, surreal and stunning. Every golfer has their own pick for best nine. The back nine (formerly ‘Lakes’) is the most diverse. The front nine’s (formerly ‘Ocean’) signature hole is the par-3 at No. 3, overlooking the serene waters of Hanalei Bay and featuring an elevated tee to a water-protected green, 100 feet below. Another scenic challenge appears at the par-3 cliff-side 7th hole, featuring a blind carry over the crashing surf below from both the middle and back tees.
As the site of the 1978 World Cup and six straight years of LPGA Tour events from 1986 to 1991 the Makai Course’s place in golf history is secure. And even though Princeville’s Prince Course is a contemporary gem, many golfers find Makai more playable and, hence, more enjoyable.
The renowned Makai Golf Club at The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design, which opened in 1971 and was recently redesigned in 2009. The Makai Course winds it way around serene lakes, native woodlands and the spectacular coastline with views of Bali Hai and Hanalei Bay. The course plays to a par 72 with four different sets of tees that can be stretched to more than 7,200 yards from the tips.
The practice facility at Makai Golf Club has also been improved to include two large new practice tees, a practice fairway bunker, seven target greens with bunkers, a teaching tee, and short game practice complex. Makai Golf Club offers new Callaway Golf rental clubs for men, women and juniors for guests who want to enjoy the best equipment in golf. The golf shop feature today’s leading brands in men’s and women’s leisure apparel, including Greg Norman, Adidas, Under Armour, Nike, Fairway & Green and more. (For more information, please visit www.makaigolf.com)