KONA COUNTRY CLUB
For nearly 40 years, the Kona Country Club has been welcoming golfers to Kona's south coast. Offering two 18-hole courses, the Kona Country Club, within steps of Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, will challenge the expert and prove manageable for the novice. Golf clinics along with a driving range, chipping and putting practice greens are available. Both courses offer quality turf conditions yet each provide a dramatica lly different golfing experience.
The Ocean Course was designed by William Bell. The course hugs the Pacific Ocean. Wintertime distractions will come not only from the expected well-placed sand traps and jagged lava outcroppings but from breaching humpback whales as well. Course yardage is 6,748 from the blue (championship) tees, 72.8 course rating, 129 slope.
The Ali'i Mountain Course's front nine was designed by William Bell, the back nine by Nelson Wright. It offers a more challenging terrain on a par 72 course with 6,634 yards from the blue (championship) tees, 72.9 rating and 135 slope.
The professional staff at Kona Country Club offer lessons, clinics and full-service golf tournament arrangements. A well-stocked pro shop offers a range of golf-related attire and equipment. Right and left-handed rental clubs are available for men and women. Call 1-888-707-4522 or email for tee times.
MAKALEI GOLF CLUB
For a completely different golf experience, unique to the Big Island, check out Makalei Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course overlooking the Kona-Kohala Coast fro m the lower slopes of Hualalai, the island’s third highest mountain. Guests of Sheraton Keauhou Bay enjoy $69 anytime rates.
Makalei is one of only five in the state to feature Bentgrass greens, the “grainless” alternative to Hawaii’s more common Bermuda putting surfaces.
Its elevations range from approximately 1,800 feet to 2,850 feet, offering challenging play, panoramic coastal views, as well as nesting areas for pheasants, turkeys, and other wildlife. Over 100 wild peacocks roam the course, including one rare white female. Distinctive features on the course include lava tubes, cinder cones and a stone wall dating back more than 100 years that traverses the length of the course.
Call 808-325-6625 or book online tee times. "Time to play! At Makalei!" Be sure to ask about Makalei's monthly "Golf Nine with Barefoot Wine" 9-hole and wine tasting event.
|
