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Awe-Inspiring Ko’olau, Hawaii

Golf course laid out at base of Ko'olau mountain range, Oahu, Hawaii

Awe-Inspiring Ko’olau, Hawaii

The Ko’olau course is Hawaii’s most intriguing and under-the-radar golf experience. It’s compelling, awe-inspiring and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Carved from tropical rainforest in the shadow of majestic mountains, you’ll feel like you’re playing on the set of Jurassic Park.

 

THE STORY BEHIND KO’OLAU

In 1987, a Japanese real estate magnate, Masao Nangaku, sought to build the world’s toughest golf course. He hired architects Dick Nugent and Jack Tuthill to oversee the project with a budget of $82 million.

Ko’olau Golf Club opened for play in May of 1992. Golf Digest ranked the Ko’olau golf course as one of the top 50 new courses in the United States and from 2003-2009 one of the top 100 public courses in the US.

The collapse of the Asian market in the early 1990s cost Nangaku most of his empire, but he got what he wanted: one of the toughest course in the world. In 1996, the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu bought the course and became the only church in the world to own a golf course.

 

The Course

With razor-thin fairways surrounded by Hawaiian jungle, over 80 keep bunkers and 6 deep ravines, it is recommended you come for the scenery – not a score.

The good news is that over the years, the course has been changed to make it easier to play – the jungle has been hacked back, some blind shots have been removed and some bunkers have been filled in.

Ko’olau is still one of the most challenging courses when playing from the back tees, but there are four other sets of tees to match any golfer’s ability.

 

The Signature Hole

Hole 15 holds the most scenic view on the golf course and possesses a rare birdie opportunity.

 

Did you know

It is possible to score under par at Ko’olau. Hawaiian-born PGA pro Dean Wilson holds the course record with a 67 – a score most golfers achieve in the first nine holes.

 

Fully escorted cruise: Guaranteed Departure: Discover our Hawaiian Islands Cruise here

Spend 4 luxurious days in Waikiki before boarding the Pride of America for the best way to island hop Hawaii and play six of the islands most spectacular golf courses.

This all-inclusive holiday with Pride of America ensures all your wishes come true. Touring with Go Golfing Travel means guaranteed departure – we never cancel. Your personable, experienced host ensures everything runs to plan. We invite you to discover more about this beautiful holiday.

 

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