Hawaii takes 5 of Golf Digest's Top 20 North America resorts
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Golf Digest released its 2011 ranking of North America's best golf resorts. In the top 20 are five Hawaii locales: One each on Maui, the Big Island and Kauai, and — no surprise to Four Seasons lovers — two on Lanai. And with all due respect to the Number One resort (Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon), our weather is better.
How the ranking was achieved: A group of more than 1,000 avid players throughout the United States and Canada, known as the Golf Digest course-rating panelists, were surveyed. They rated each resort they've visited within the past three years on a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing "terrible" and 10 "absolutely perfect," giving their overall impression of each resort's quality, not strictly its golf course or courses. The average scores were multiplied by 10 and extended to two decimal points.
What Golf Digest said: Many tee boxes on this Jack Nicklaus design are surrounded by black lava, providing a unique perspective against the clear, blue ocean. Up for 36? The second 18 is included.
Our take: The Four Seasons is perched on one of the prettiest stretches of the Kohala Coast, renowned for its rugged sun-kissed beauty and luxury resorts. When you're ready to take a break from the links, the spa, beach and five outdoor pools will be ample distrations. (Photo: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)
What Golf Digest said: The Plantation Course is $50 cheaper if you stay at the resort. Can you hit the 663-yard 18th in two like Bubba Watson did at a 2011 PGA Tour event? Only one way to find out.
Our take: The Kapalua Plantation Course is the site of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions (formerly the SBS Championship), the kickoff event of the PGA Tour — so you know it's good. The Bay Course next door is more forgiving, with generous greens and broad rolling fairways. Both have views of the ocean and Molokai to amaze. When you're not golfing, the amenities of the Ritz will keep you more than contented — tennis, exceptional pools, fine dining and among the most crystalline snorkeling to be had in the Islands. (Photo: Kapalua Resort)
#14: Four Seasons Resort Lanai, The Lodge at Koele
What Golf Digest said: The course (The Experience at Koele) is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, giving the superintendent an extra day to keep the fairways in pristine condition. The 17th tee faces a 200-foot drop, ensuring a big drive. (Photo: Castle & Cooke Resorts LLC)
Our take: The Lodge at Koele is renowned for its distinctively different Island vibe: Surrounded by pines, in the uplands of Lanai where it's cooler and there's need, believe it or not, for a warm hearth. When you're not golfing, you can practice your aim at the sporting clay, visit the stables for a horseback ride, take a 4WD to the Lanaihale summit or visit the island's deserted beaches. Lanai has the extra advantage of another Top 20 golf resort just down the 2-lane road. Read on.
What Golf Digest said: Three holes of the aptly named Challenge at Manele are laid out along cliffs. That big splash below might be from your golf ball or from whales migrating there in the winter. (Photo: Castle & Cooke Resorts LLC)
Our take: The tallest sea cliffs in the world belong to neighboring Molokai: near the Kalaupapa Peninsula, they tower at about 3,000 feet. But the southern Lanai cliffs at Challenge are no doubt impressive — and not the typical golf course vista. And then there's the resort, which many describe as their true idea of paradise. Perched on a cliff above Hulopoe Bay, a marine preserve chock full of fish, dolphins, turtles and more, you can spend your days lounging at Manele's pool or taking in a bayside massage, or dive/snorkel through one of the world's most remarkable marine environments. Or, as is your want, both.
What Golf Digest said: The Makai course reopened in 2010 after a makeover, and the Prince reopens this fall. New, luxurious Crown suites complete the package. (Photo: St. Regis Princeville)
Our take: The two courses at Princeville are what every golfer dreams of when they book a Hawaiian golf vacation: expertly manicured, challenging. The five-star St. Regis Princeville Resort provides exquisite accommodations with gorgeous views of Hanalei Bay, fine dining, an elegant luau, luxurious spa and pool, and one of the best beach strolls to be found anywhere in the world.
