Best Big Island Golf Bargains
As a travel writer, I’ve worked really hard to pretend there is no economic recession. At this point, however, it’s a bit like trying to squeeze in your last few holes as a big storm is approaching: better to head to the car and live to golf another day. So, for those who may find themselves in the position of still being able to afford that trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, but not really at liberty to throw down $250 for a round of golf, here’s the bargain Big Island roundup.
The 15th at Makalei Golf Club
Makalei Golf Club
Bargain or not, Makalei rocks. It’s a Dick Nugent design (like sinister Ko’olau on Oahu), and it is a challenge. The course is about 3000′ above Kailua-Kona, on the side of Hualalai volcano, and plays through exactly the kind of lovely upland forest that you wouldn’t expect in Hawaii. The course rolls and tumbles, twists and curves and zigzags. The bunkers are deep and unforgiving, and the elevation changes make club selection difficult. It’s a course you can play again and again, as much for the demanding golf as the interesting animal and bird life. 2009 rates are $99 for visitors, but twilight starts at 11a.m. and drops to $69, with a super twilight after 1p.m. for only $49.
Waikoloa Village Golf Club
One of Robert Trent Jones, Jr.’s first courses sits above the Kohala Coast resorts with fantastic views of Mauna Kea. The fairways are wide and forgiving, and there are few forced carries, not too many trees, and the rough is easily managed. There’s one catch, though: the wind blows. Really, sometimes it’s downright dangerous. But still, it’s a nice course and the price is right at $80.
The 9th green at Waimea Country Club
Waimea Country Club
As a former Waimea resident, I’m forced to concede that it’s just as likely to rain here as to not. And when it comes down, it doesn’t hold back. I’ve found that, as long as I’m prepared, the only real problem with the rain is that it keeps the crowds away. You know, I get lonely.
The links-style course is verdant and attractive. There are some tough holes, but it remains a fair test. The high, thick grass that borders most of the front-nine will gobble up pretty much anything that you roll its way. But that’s a reasonable trade considering you’re only paying $70 a round (cart extra).
Volcano Golf and Country Club
You’ll have to trek to the far side of the island to play Volcano, but if the family is headed to the national park, you’ll have to make that drive anyway. You might as well get some links in to reward your effort. Leave the toxic volcanic fumes to your loved ones.
Nene and Mauna Loa over Volcano GC
Volcano is actually located on Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Of course, from where you’re putting you can’t really perceive that. The golf course is located amongst older lava flows and is green and pleasant. Mauna Loa towers over the golfers here, reminding you of where you are, but liquid lava is a few miles away. The course is fairly open and straight forward. There isn’t much to get in your way, beyond a few shallow bunkers and the occasional grassed-over volcanic crater. Still, it’s worth the money at only $70 (cart included).
And, well, if those greens fees are still out of reach, you can always head to Honoka’a and play the nine-hole Hamakua Country Club. Just drop your $8 in the money box and go about your business. But keep your head up: some of the fairways cross each other, which can inject a little extra adrenaline in a relaxing round of island golf.
-Bryan Fryklund
Loading ...