The South Course at Mauna Lani Resort, Hawaii

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Mauna Lani’s South Course is one of the most fun courses in the state. The course boasts two strings of glorious ocean holes (including the postcard-perfect par-3 13th) amidst a rolling, emerald green layout cut through the signature black lava of the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. It’ll cost you a few nickles, but I’ve encountered nothing but smiles on the course, even from golfers who have just dropped one into the Pacific. With perennial sunshine, warm breezes, and picturesque, compelling golf, Mauna Lani’s South Course is a must-play on the Big Island.

-Bryan Fryklund

Poipu Bay Golf Course, Kauai, Hawaii

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Located on the glorious sunny side of Kauai, an island with frequent rains, Poipu Bay is a picturesque and challenging Robert Trent Jones, Jr design. The tradewinds keep players honest here, though the final four holes play straight downwind and are a wonderful way to finish the round.

Phil Mickelson once shot a 59 here to win the Grand Slam of Golf, a tournament in which only the winners of each major are invited to play (unless Tiger won more than one that year, or simply is too, uh, busy to bother playing).

If you’re headed to Kauai, don’t miss this course. It’s one of Hawaii’s best.

-Bryan Fryklund

Kapalua Plantation Course, Maui, Hawaii golf

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Last month, I said that Wailea just might have the best golf on Maui. Well, while that may be true, Kapalua gives them a run for their nassau. Wailea has an extra course and, usually, better weather, but Kapalua has the Plantation Course. This bruiser is simply bad-a$$. It’s long, it has giant greens, relentless winds, wonderful views…truly it is the apex of golf in Hawaii.

It may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s perfect for the Golf Fanatic!

-Bryan Fryklund

Wailea Emerald Course, Maui, Hawaii

Maui just might be the center of Hawaii’s golfing world, and Wailea is where lots of us go to find the best in Maui golf. Wailea’s Emerald Course isn’t its most difficult (that would be the Gold) or its most historic (the Old Blue), but’s it’s definitely the most scenic. Fantastic landscaping, sweeping vistas, and perfect weather are the hallmarks of golf at the Emerald. And the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design is a blast to play, too. This is one you don’t want to miss.

-Bryan Fryklund

Luana Hills County Club, Oahu, Hawaii

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Luana Hills is Oahu’s “other” diabolical rainforest course, but it gives neighboring Ko’olau a run for its money. This Pete and Perry Dye design is funky and somewhat oddly paced, which can be attributed to its beginnings, when it was two different courses. But the misty green jungle and twisting, tortuous holes make up for any irregularities. This course is largely off of the tourist map, so it can be a great place to escape the crowds, too. Bring balls, a jacket, and your Aloha Spirit, and you’ll discover an out-of-the-way gem.

-Bryan Fryklund

Challenge at Manele, Golf on Lanai, Hawaii

One of the not-so-well-kept secrets of Hawaiian golf is the pair of high-end resort courses on Lanai: The Challenge at Manele and the Experience at Koele. The former Dole pineapple island is now a golf mecca thanks to this delicious duo. The Experience is the “WOW” course on the island, playing along high sea cliffs above the sparkling Pacific.

A lot of folks make Lanai a destination, staying at one or both of the Four Seasons resorts on the island, but Lanai can also be visited by those vacationing on Maui. A ferry leaves twice daily from Lahaina and crosses the channel to Lanai, where golf heaven awaits.

-Bryan Fryklund

Waimea Country Club - Big Island, Hawaii

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Waimea Country Club was my neighborhood muny when I lived in the Big Island town of Waimea. The town is cool, laid-back, and located in the “saddle” between the dry and wet sides of the island. Even though I lived on the dry side of town, that didn’t stop my clothes from mildewing away.

The golf course is not on the dry side of town. On some days it downright dumps rain. That makes for some lush conditions, light play, and economical greens fees. It’s also an unusual Hawaii golf course. Download the PDF, give it a read, and visit Waimea Country Club on the Big Island of Hawaii.

-Bryan Fryklund

Heathcote/Getty

2009 hasn’t been a particularly inspirational year on the various golf tours, and lately it seems to have been just one disappointment after another. Whether it’s Phil Mickelson 3-putting away his chances away at the US Open, Christie Kerr and Paula Creamer giving it up at the US Women’s Open, or that jerk-bag sexist Canadian Derek beating out all of the women on Big Break Prince Edward Island, it’s been grim lately.

Enter 59-year-old Tom Watson. Through three rounds at The Open Championship, he’s firmly in command with a 1-stroke lead at 4-under going into the final round. So, my hopes for something dramatic and inspirational are roused again. I’m optimistic, too, even after last year’s Old Hopeful, Greg Norman, let the wheels come off in the final round at the same major. BUT, that’s what Greg Norman has always done. He’s a choker. A rich, wildly successful playboy choker. Watson, on the other hand, is one of golf’s greatest champions, especially at the British, and especially at Turnberry.

I hope I’ll be back tomorrow feeling good for Mr. Watson and the World of Golf. I like my odds.

-Bryan Fryklund

The first tee marker at the Bay Course as Kapalua, former site of the Kapalua LPGA Classic

The Kapalua LPGA Classic announced last week that it was pulling the plug on the tournament for 2009 due to its failure to secure a title sponsor. Maui Land and Pineapple, which owns Kapalua, has four years left on a five-year contract with the LPGA Tour.

“It’s disappointing but a reality in today’s current economic climate that title sponsorships are
difficult to secure. We greatly enjoyed hosting last year’s event and value our partnership with the LPGA Tour and its players,” said Gary Planos, senior vice president of Resort Operations for
Kapalua Land Company.

2008 was the inaugural event for the Kapalua LPGA Classic, a year that saw three LPGA events hosted in Hawaii. The SBS Open was the only LPGA event held in Hawaii in 2009, as the Fields Open (formerly held at Ko Olina) and now the Kapalua LPGA Classic are history. SBS has backed out of future events at Turtle Bay after a falling out with the LPGA Tour, leaving Hawaii with no LPGA events.

Michelle Wie

Since Hawaii is the home of Michelle Wie, one of the Tour’s most bankable up-and-coming stars, many see the loss of the Hawaii tournaments as a missed opportunity. At the SBS Open in February, the LPGA web site had its second most hits when Michelle Wie was in contention. She finished in 2nd place.

“Why do we have three tournaments in Mexico? Players drive our business. If Michelle Wie took off, the business model will probably change a little bit more and we’ll be fielding more calls and options.” -LPGA spokesperson David Higdon, referring to Lorena Ochoa and saying that Wie’s performance could bring the tour back to Hawaii. (from the Golf Channel)

The LPGA has now lost seven events since 2007, and recently announced to its players that only ten title sponsors have been signed for 2010. Even one of the Tour’s majors - the LPGA Championship - lacks a host course for next year. Last week, some of the Tour’s major stars met to demand change.

On the eve of one of women’s golf’s major championships, key players on the LPGA Tour have asked commissioner Carolyn Bivens to resign.

The news was first reported Monday night by Golfweek Magazine.

According to Golfweek, up to 15 players met last Thursday to discuss the state of the LPGA Tour, its direction and the leadership of Bivens. Afterward, a letter was drafted and sent to the LPGA’s Board of Directors calling for her resignation. The magazine reported that tour stars Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel, Cristie Kerr and Natalie Gulbis were present at the meeting.

July: Kahili Golf Course

June: Waikoloa Village Golf Course