Ko Olina Golf Club, Oahu, Hawaii

Download the PDF here. (Only current month PDF available)

Ko Olina Golf Club is the centerpiece of Oahu’s latest resort development effort (or, at least to golfers and other reasonable people, it is). Though located amongst the dry plains of Oahu’s south side, the course teems with lovely Ted Robinson water features, including a drive-through waterfall by the 12th tee. The golf is fun and reasonably challenging for resort golf, but nothing that will test you too much, unless the trade winds are blowing. Plan on having lunch at Roy’s, one of Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi’s chain of Pacific Rim restaurants, which is located adjacent to the clubhouse. Ask to be seated in the bar outside, so you can watch players wetting their approach shots on the 18th.

-Bryan Fryklund

Golf on the island of Molokai, Hawaii

Download the PDF here. (Only current month PDF available)

This month we’re offering not just a single course for download, but an entire chapter! (Of course, there’s only one active course on the island. Doh!) Molokai isn’t exactly a golfing wonderland, especially since the only resort course on the island (Kaluakoi Golf Club) closed right before our book went to print. However, the local’s 9-holer, Ironwood Hills, is absolutely worth playing if you’re in the neighborhood. Check it out.

The South Course at Mauna Lani Resort, Hawaii

Download the PDF here. (Only current month PDF available)

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

Download the PDF here. (Only current month PDF available)

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

Download the PDF here. (Only current month PDF available)

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

Download the PDF here.

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

Download the PDF here

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