When I share stories of playing almost 400 different golf courses, I often get asked which is my favorite course. I have been fortunate to play a number of courses in Hawaii, spending vacations with the family and doing consulting work there. There are many great courses in Hawaii. Buy a course that used to be called Luana Hills when I first played it 20 years ago is now Royal Hawaiian Golf Course.
The course is on the island of Oahu on the windward side of the Pali mountains. The property is close to the mountains and frequent rains create a lush tropical background for some unique and challenging golf holes. One of the things that distinguishes the course is the unique set of par 3 holes. Here is a picture of the four par 3s.
Early in the round, hole #3, you get the treat of a near island green over water from an elevated tee. Hole #7 is again from an elevated tee to a long par 3. The snake shaped creek in front of the hole eats up short shots. The back drop of a treed mountain behind the hole creates a scenic “must take” photo. The 12th is the signature hole of the course. It is all carry to the green over tropical growth. This hole is where I tried and prayed for a hole in one. I did hit the flag once for a nice birdie. The final par 3, the 16th, is very challenging with a long diagonal green with a deep bunker in front. The hole length can change by 30 years depending on pin placement.
Royal Hawaiian is not as well known as many of the big name Hawaii courses, but it a beautiful and fun golf experience.
