Golf Heaven on Earth

Kauai is a "can't-miss" destination for golf travelers. Perhaps it's the intimacy of 154 holes deliciously spread along the north, east and south shores. Or perhaps it's the variety of course designs-mostly by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Jack Nicklaus-at breathtaking locations with a range of pricing. The Garden Island is home to Hawaii's premiere municipal layout, Wailua GC, thrice host to the USGA National Public Links Championship. Kauai is also home to what may well be Hawaii's two best layouts-Kauai Lagoons Resort's Kiele Course and Princeville Resort's Prince Course. These two premium golf courses anchor two Gold Medal resorts. Both have been named as one of "America's Best Resorts" by 23,000 of Golf Magazine's most well- traveled subscribers.

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is the only turf on the "Garden Island" where a bear has left his pawprints-albeit a Golden Bear. In 1988, the first of two Jack Nicklaus signature courses, opened as part of what is now the Kauai Marriott Resort at Kauai Lagoons. Nicklaus put a completely new layout over the existing course known as the Kauai Surf.

The Kiele Course is challenging, fair and eminently playable. It features an extraordinary variety of holes where good scoring is achieved by keeping the ball on or about the superbly manicured fairways. Undulation, contouring and a tight cut distinguish the fairways. Roughs are friendly and Nicklaus' trademark bunkers are plentiful, well-edged and perfectly maintained. Moderately fast Tiff Dwarf Bermuda greens are fairly large and break a little less than what you see. Exceptional holes are found throughout Kiele, especially from the 12th to the 18th Holes where views and the design conspire to distract and inspire every golfer.

Underneath the magnificent rainbows of Kauai's North Shore-on the edge of beautiful Hanalei Bay, high above the blue Pacific and below dozens of waterfalls mistily cascading down moss covered cliffs on the face of the Kalalau Mountains-are 45 holes of luxuriant golf at the Princeville Resort. There, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Kauai's preeminent golf course architect (81 holes island-wide) has created a golfer's "paradise in paradise" that exemplifies his philosophy of the golf course as an artistic entity within the context of the surrounding environment. For those fortunate to play Princeville's Prince & Makai Courses, it's an experience you'll not soon forget.

In 1971, the 27-hole Makai Course became Jones Jr.'s first solo effort to receive national attention, quickly becoming one of the highest rated resort courses in the country. Makai's three distinct nines-Lakes, Ocean and Woods-reside on a verdant rolling plateau between Hanalei Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The well-integrated layouts are similarly demanding in length and playability, but the Ocean/Lakes combination is prominent with a host of sensational vistas and crafty golf holes.

The 18-hole Prince Course debuted in 1990 on 390 acres of rolling tableland high above the Pacific amidst tropical jungles, streams, waterfalls and ravines. To say Prince will take your breath away may be the ultimate understatement. It will also take golf balls away-if you don't use tee boxes appropriate to your game. Diligent club selection and a warm-up at the superb 13-acre, practice facility is recommended. Following golf, take a swim, sauna and steam at the 60,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse with its full-service health spa and fitness center.

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