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Let’re Rip on Puakea’s Downwind 2nd Hole

This #TipTuesday brings you an insider’s look at how to play the second hole at Puakea Golf Course from golf writer Mike Dauplaise of Prime Golf Destinations. How would you play it? (Image courtesy of Mike Dauplaise)

Puakea Golf Course
No.2 – Par 5
(558/530/476/426)

This relatively easy Par-5 plays straight downwind, with a few bunkers the only obstacles between you and a legitimate scoring opportunity. A large cross bunker cuts into the landing area from the left, but longer hitters can carry it and set up a chance at reaching the green in two. A series of three bunkers runs up the right side of the landing area, leaving a narrow strip of safety between them and the cross bunker.

The real challenge comes with the approach shot as a bunker guards the left side of the green which slopes significantly left to right and away from the fairway. The optimal approach angle from the right brings a bunker into play that sits about 75 yards short of the green. There is a closely mown area beyond that bunker and below the level of the green that presents multiple options for a recovery shot, as seen in the photo.

Even with a wedge in your hand, approach shots from the left side are difficult to hold because of the slope of the green and following wind. This is a good opportunity to post a good score and get into the rhythm of your round.

Go Golf Kauai Courses Recognized By Golfweek And Golfpass 

Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i (July 24, 2024) – Go Golf Kaua‘i’s spectacular collection of resort and daily-fee golf courses have been honored by Golfweek and GolfPass in their respective 2024 “Best Courses in Hawaii” rankings. Through the Go Golf Kaua‘i website (GoGolfKauai.com) golfers can make tee times at the best available rates and book stay and play packages at five of Kaua‘i’s finest public golf courses.

Golfweek’s team of 800-plus course evaluators ranked Princeville Makai Golf Club No. 4, The Ocean Course at Hōkūala No. 8, Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course No. T9 and Wailua Municipal Golf Course No. 14 in their annual grading of the Aloha State’s “Best Courses You Can Play.” In addition, the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed Princeville Makai Golf Club also placed on Golfweek’s prestigious “Top 100 Best Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” ranking, coming in at No. 62.

In addition, The Ocean Course at Hōkūala and Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course were honored in GolfPass’ annual Golfers’ Choice list, placing No. 3 and No. 14 respectively on the “Top 25 Public Golf Courses in Hawaii” rankings. Golfers’ Choice rankings are based on GolfPass user reviews and scores are based on a course’s overall rating and six subcategory ratings including value, conditions, layout, pace of play, staff friendliness and off-course amenities as voted on by GolfPass readers. Courses need a minimum of 10 reviews over the calendar year to be considered for their Best-of rankings. GolfPass is the leading source of golf course ratings and reviews by golfers, for golfers. GolfPass’ community of golfers share their first-hand experience at thousands of courses worldwide to help other golfers decide where to play their next round.

Nicknamed the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i boasts numerous daily-fee and resort golf courses. The destination is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.GoGolfKauai.com.

About The Go Golf Kaua‘i Courses

  • The Ocean Course at Hōkūala – The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in all of Hawai‘i. The picture-perfect course winds its way through papaya and guava groves to dramatic seaside cliffs. A 2016 renovation added sparkling white sand to all the bunkers, framing holes to be even more spectacular than before. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala has been rated as Hawai‘i’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards 2018 – 2020 and in 2022.
  • Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course – Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr and is set between lush mountains and rugged ocean bluffs. The course incorporates more than 30 acres of colorfully landscaped tropical plants and flowers, making it one of Hawai‘i’s most beautiful courses. Po‘ipū Bay hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006.
  • Princeville Makai Golf Club – Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course was completely renovated in 2009, introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. Princeville Makai features surreal vistas of Mt. Makana (aka Bali Hai) and Hanalei Bay, including the signature par-3, 7th hole that offers a 213-yard shot over scenic cliffs.
  • Puakea Golf Course – Designed by architect Robin Nelson, Puakea is a spectacular layout built along massive ravines and lush tropical undulating terrain, with the backdrop being used for the Jurassic Park series. Named one of the top courses in Hawai‘i by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor and Golfweek, the dramatic 18-hole golf course is also known for its high-quality, “Kaua‘i-style” customer service. Puakea was rated “Best of Kaua‘i” by Garden Island Newspaper from 2013 – 2019.
  • Wailua Golf Course – Wailua Golf Course offers classic, golden-era seaside golf holes just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean. First built as a 9-hole course in the 1930’s, and expanded to 18 holes in 1961, Wailua has hosted three USGA Amateur and three US Public Links Championships. This wonderful municipal layout was designed by Toyo Shirai and features stunning mountain views along the Royal Coconut Coast.

          Media Contact:
          Rob Myers
          602.317.6131
          rmyers@troon.com

          Poipu Bay’s Dusenberry and Bahouth finish strong to win 2024 Pro-Pro Championship presented by Golf Concepts at Hōkūala

          Hōkūala, Princeville Makai and Nanea teams finish second

          KAUA‘I, Hawai‘i – After competing for over a decade in one of the Aloha Section PGA’s most storied events yet never finishing higher than sixth place, Poipu Bay’s Chad Dusenberry finally ended his drought on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala to win the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship presented by Golf Concepts. Alongside Chasen Bahouth (Poipu Bay), the South Shore duo shot a final-round 66 for a well-earned one-shot victory over Kaua‘i’s Tom Freestone (Ocean Course at Hōkūala) and Michael Neider (Princeville Makai), as well as Jeff Ingman (Nanea) and Kimberly Kim (Nanea).

          Poipu Bay’s Chad Dusenberry carefully eyes his tee shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          “I’ve been searching a long time for the right partner…I am relieved to have finally found him!” remarked Chad Dusenberry, head golf professional at Poipu Bay Golf Course. “This has always been a fun event. Even players on other teams still root for you and encourage you to play better. Our tight-knit community is what makes the Aloha Section PGA so special.”

          Poipu Bay’s Chasen Bahouth hits his tee shot into the trade winds on the 17th hole during the final round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          Dusenberry and Bahouth’s final round was fueled by six birdies in a seven-hole stretch, including four straight on holes 10–13. They needed every scoring opportunity. Freestone, who just returned to Kaua‘i after playing in the final stage of qualifying for the 124th U.S. Open and finishing T1 in local qualifying, competed with lots of momentum alongside Neider, his fellow Kaua‘i and Troon PGA Professional.

          Tom Freestone plays a bump-and-run during the first round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          Also tied for second place was the Big Island duo of Ingman and Kim. Born and raised in Hilo, Kim was the youngest player to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur (2006) at age 14. Her decorated amateur career featured runner-up finishes at the 2006 and 2009 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links and 2009 U.S. Girls’ Junior.

          Nanea Golf Club’s Kimberly Kim watches her tee shot during the first round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          Juan Rodriguez (Nanea), nephew of World Golf Hall of Fame member Chi-Chi Rodriguez and Hunter Larson (Big Island Golf), the 2022 Aloha Section PGA Player of the Year, finished in solo fifth at six-under-par after winning last year’s tournament in a playoff.

          Big Island Golf’s Hunter Larson follows through on his putt on hole nine during the first round of the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          “After an amazing 17-year run at Kā‘anapali, Hōkūala offered a fun challenge this weekend for many of our state’s most talented PGA Professionals,” said Wes Wailehua, executive director of the Aloha Section PGA. “We were thrilled with this year’s exciting finish and can’t wait to visit Pearl at Kalalau in 2025 after their grand reopening this winter.”

          Event sponsor Jay Hinazumi (left) of Golf Concepts, Chad Dusenberry (center) and Chasen Bahouth (right) of Poipu Bay pose with their trophies from the 2024 Pro-Pro Championship at the Ocean Course at Hōkūala. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          Incorporated in 1975, the Aloha Section PGA serves 236 members across 90 facilities in Hawai‘i. The organization’s mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in golf throughout Hawai‘i.

          The Ocean Course at Hōkūala’s 17th hole, a 173-yard par 3, plays to a shallow green on a peninsula. (Photo: Ocean Course at Hōkūala)

          LEADERBOARD

          PlaceTeamClubsTo ParRd. 1Rd. 2Total
          1Dusenberry + BahouthPoipu Bay Golf Course-106866134
          T2Neider + FreestonePrinceville Makai Golf Club, Ocean Course at Hōkūala-96768135
          T2Ingman + KimNanea Golf Club-96867135
          4Shimomura + ShimomuraKo Olina Golf Club, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses-86868136
          5Larson + RodriguezBig Island Golf, Nanea Golf Club-66870138
          6Lamb + CastellanosMaui Nui Golf Club-57069139
          7Coyle + CoyleHualalai Club-47268140
          T8Alnas + GreenwellKukiʻo Golf & Beach Club-37368141
          T8Murphy + NevinsNorth Shore Preserve-36972141
          T10Kageyama + OkinoPearl at Kalalau-26973142
          T10Lee + SakamotoPearl at Kalalau-27072142
          T10Acosta + BascukHokulia, Kaneohe Klipper-26973142
          T13Kozuma + NagataMid-Pacific Country Club-17271143
          T13Ito + LeeKauaʻi Junior Golf Association, Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course-17073143
          15Okamura + MiyajimaNanea Golf Club, Kukiʻo Golf & Beach ClubE7470144
          T16Kagawa + SekiBig Island Golf Shop, Aloha Section PGA+37770147
          T16Aranda + FisherKapalua Bay Golf Course+37572147
          18Jones + ViqueliaThe Club at Kukuiʻula+46979148
          19Wise + MasudaKohanaiki Golf & Ocean Club+67476150
          20Black + NakashimaParsons Xtreme Golf, LLC, PXG+158079159

          TOURNAMENT FACTS
          Dates: Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 9, 2024
          Venue: Ocean Course at Hōkūala
          Location: Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i
          Yardage (Par): 7,156 (72)
          Format: Two days; 18 holes each day; four-ball stroke play
          Scores: Golf Genius

          About Ocean Course at Hōkūala

          Home to the longest continuous stretch of oceanfront holes in the state of Hawai‘i, the Ocean Course was named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses” by MSN Travel. The 18-hole golf course is part of Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club & Residences, a private residential club which opened in 2018 on the island’s southeast coast. Timbers Kaua‘i sits on a 450-acre natural amphitheater and offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range. Website | Facebook | Instagram

          About Timbers Kaua’i at Hōkūala

          Located in the 450-acre Hōkūala resort community along the Pacific, Kaua‘i’s premier luxury resort and residence club combines tranquil Hawaiian living with Timbers Resorts’ signature luxury amenities and a personalized full-service concierge team. Timbers Kaua‘i boasts exceptional offerings for those visiting or looking to make paradise their home through luxury vacation rentals, one-of-a-kind deeded fractional and whole ownership real estate opportunities.

          Amenities include the 18-hole award-winning Ocean Course at Hōkūala – Kaua‘i’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course; The Farm at Hōkūala, a 16.5-acre organic farm and orchard; oceanfront dining at Hualani’s with “farm-to-fork” fine dining; a two-tiered infinity-edge pool overlooking the ocean, as well as a family pool and hot tub; spa services and wellness programs; 13 miles of accessible, lush trails; and easy access to Kalapaki Beach and Lihue Airport (LIH).

          About Troon

          Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 875-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, and via The Turn Podcast.

          MEDIA CONTACT
          Pate Clarson
          pclarson@golfhokuala.com

          Princeville Makai Golf Club Begins $3 Million Course Refinement Project

          Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii (April 16, 2024) – Princeville Makai Golf Club in Princeville, Kauai began a $3 million course refinement project on Monday, April 15th that is designed to enhance playability, boost agronomic conditions, and strengthen the Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-design’s standing as one of the top golf courses in the world. The project will address three key areas of the course: bunker renovations, cart path upgrades and agronomic enhancements, including drainage improvements and practices to continue strong turf health. Princeville Makai, located on Kauai’s famed North Shore, averages 78 inches of rain each year.

          The project began on April 15 with nine holes shut down for construction for approximately six weeks, followed by work on the remaining nine holes over six additional weeks. Nine holes will always be open during the refinement project, with nine-hole and 18-hole rounds available for guests. For 18-hole rounds, guests will be encouraged to play different tees during their second loop. Plans call for the 12-week project to be completed and all 18 holes open for play by mid-July. Guests can continue to book tee times at www.MakaiGolf.com.

          Key elements of the refinement project include:

          • Comprehensive bunker renovation to all bunkers on the golf course, incorporating a technically advanced drainage and liner system featuring Capillary Concrete. This new generation lining method increases the speed at which water flows through the bunker, minimizing washouts, reducing maintenance and producing superior playability.
          • Drainage improvements will be executed in key areas to enhance playability and turf health
          • Guest experiences will be enhanced through cart path improvement in select areas
          • During construction, crews will execute an aggressive aeration of the Seashore Paspalum turf so air, water and nutrients can reach grass roots.

          Troon Senior Vice President of Golf Course Development Ron Despain is leading the bunker renovations and cart path changes, with construction work executed by Heritage Links. Agronomy projects will be done in collaboration with Princeville Makai Golf Club Superintendent Chris Parde, the club’s agronomy team and Troon Senior Vice President of Science and Agronomy Jeff Spangler.

          “It’s exciting and gratifying to have an ownership team that invests back into the product, and shares the goal of keeping Princeville Makai Golf Club among the top golf courses in the world,” said Princeville Makai Golf Club General Manager Michael Neider. “The bunker enhancements, cart path improvements, drainage refinements and turf management projects will further elevate our guests’ experiences for years to come.”

          Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. In 2009 and 2010, the course was completely renovated by Jones Jr., introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. Since the renovation, the Makai Course has soared to the top of golf’s most respected rankings, including Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America,” “Top 3 Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii” by Golfweek, and named one of the “Top 5 Great Golf Settings” in the world by National Geographic Traveler.

          Located along the storied stretch of Kauai’s North Shore, Princeville Makai Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon.

          For more information on Princeville Makai Golf Club, visit www.makaigolf.com.

          About the Princeville Makai Golf Club

          With six oceanfront holes overlooking the stunning North Shore, picturesque views of Makana, commonly referred to as Bali Hai from the 1958 film “South Pacific” and dozens of waterfalls cascading from nearby peaks (Nāmolokama and Māmalahoa), Princeville Makai Golf Club is the definition of golf in paradise.  In addition to golf, Princeville Makai Golf Club is also home to Sunset Golf Cart Tours, the Mauka Disc Golf Course, Sunrise Yoga, a popular tennis facility and many jaw dropping sites for banquets and special celebrations.

          About Troon

          Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 875-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, and via The Turn Podcast.

          Media Contact:
          Rob Myers
          Troon
          480.477.0506
          rmyers@troon.com

          The Direct Route Is Not Necessarily the Best at Hokuala’s 15th

          No. 15 – Par 4

          (473/418/399/332)

          This hole, created during a 2011 renovation, tempts you to play down the left side of the fairway the first time you see it. Then, when you arrive at the landing area, you find out that might not have been the best choice after all.

          A bunker on the left side of the wide fairway and another right down the middle make it appear the direct route to the green down that left side is the optimal on this slight dogleg left hole. However, the fairway slopes sharply downhill at this point and hides the fact that a gorge cuts into the fairway very quickly down the left side.

          Architect Jack Nicklaus has left you ample room up the right side, away from the ocean bluffs and the trouble that lurks just over the hill. Take what The Bear gives you and aim right of the bunker that sits in the visual middle of the fairway. Little bad can happen over there, and you approach shot won’t be appreciable longer anyway. Some players even choose to go with less than driver on days when the trade winds are helping. Distance isn’t an issue (except from the tips), and in fact longer tee shots can produce an awkward, downhill stance for your approach.

          Regardless of where your drive ends up, the approach shot must carry that gorge and a collection of fronting bunkers to find the safety of a wide green framed by the Timbers Resort and Hualani’s Restaurant, named for the always-cordial Hualani Duncan, Golf Sales Manager. The back-to-front slope of the green makes chips from behind very difficult.

          Kaua‘i to host storied women’s tournament for first time

          For the first time, the 38th annual Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational (March 17–19) – the University of Hawai‘i’s storied women’s golf tournament – will move from O‘ahu to Kaua‘i. Hawai‘i’s “Garden Isle” will host 15 teams from 12 states on the Ocean Course at Hōkūala.

          Teams participating include Arizona State, Boise State, Fresno State, Hawai‘i, Long Beach State, Mercer, Morehead State, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rutgers, Sacramento State, San Francisco, Texas State, Tulane and Washington. 10 teams are ranked in this week’s NCAA Division I Top 100 (per SCOREBOARD), led by No. 19 Arizona State and No. 29 North Carolina. Last week, the Sun Devils were red-hot against a deep field, defeating 11 of the top 25 teams in the country to win the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina). In October 2023, the Tar Heels won the inaugural St. Andrews Links Collegiate on the famed Old Course. Their victory in last month’s UCF Challenge (Orlando, Florida) over an 18-team field was their second team championship in as many starts. Two-time defending champion Sacramento State seeks their third straight Dr. Donnis Thompson Intercollegiate title. The Hornets will fly high to Kaua‘i after capturing last month’s Causeway Invitational (Sacramento, California).

          FUN INDIVIDUAL FACTS:
          Washington senior Camille Boyd is projected to be the top-ranked player at Hōkūala. The two-time collegiate winner will arrive on Kaua‘i after tying for first place in last week’s Juli Inkster Meadow Club Intercollegiate (Fairfax, California). Boyd’s Huskie teammate, senior Stefanie Deng, won the Lady Bulldog Invitational (Athens, Georgia) in January. Arizona State’s Ashley Menne, a three-time Arizona Women’s Amateur Champion, aims to cap off her senior season with a historic feat: becoming just the fourth four-time All-American in program history.Twin sisters Jasmine and Janae Leovao will tee it up for Long Beach State. Jasmine earned 2022-23 Big West Freshman of the Year honors after qualifying for last year’s NCAA postseason. O‘ahu native and Hawai‘i Pacific University junior transfer, Kellie Yamane, will look to lead the Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine in her home state.

          Hawaiʻi junior Kellie Yamane follows through on her approach shot during the first round of the Pac-12 Preview on Feb. 19, 2024, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi. (Photo by Hawaiʻi Athletics)

          TOURNAMENT FACTS

          Dates: March 17–19, 2024
          Venue: Ocean Course at Hōkūala
          Location: Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i
          Yardage (Par): 5,929 (72)
          Format: 54 holes; 18 holes each day; 5-count-4
          Tee Times: 9:00 a.m. HST shotgun start each day
          Live Scoring: SMART Golf
          Host: Hawai‘i
          Defending Team Champion: Sacramento State (882)
          Defending Individual Champion: Angelina Kim, Long Beach State (218)

          VENUE

          The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is part of Timbers Kaua‘i, a beautiful 450-acre resort property surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Kalapaki Bay and Hā‘upu Mountain Range.

          EVENT HISTORY

          In 1999, the Rainbow Wahine Invitational was re-named in honor of the University of Hawai‘i’s first women’s athletic director, Dr. Donnis Thompson, who was introduced into Hawai‘i’s Sports Circle of Honor in 1988 for her numerous contributions to UH Athletics. Notable individual champions include Annika Sorenstam (Arizona, 1991 and ’92), Janice Moodie (San Jose State, 1994 and ’97), Krissie Register (Arizona, 1996 and ’99) and Kim Welch (Washington State, 1994 and ’95). Of the 32 individual medalists, five have successfully defended their titles the following year.

          Tournament attendance is free for walking spectators. Parking is available on-site. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is a five-minute drive from Lihue Airport (LIH).

          “To win any golf tournament is special. Then to defend a title successfully is very gratifying. I try to not think about defending and just focus on doing my best each round,” noted World Golf Hall of Fame member and two-time Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational winner, Annika Sorenstam.

          “The beauty of the surroundings is something that I have always remembered. It is hard not to be grateful when you’re playing in Hawai‘i,” reflected Sorenstam on her time in the Aloha State.

          The Right Rough Is Just Fine on Wailua’s 11th

          Vibrant greens with trees off in the background. White clouds covering a blue sky.

          This #TipTuesday brings you an insider’s tip on how to play the 11th hole at Wailua Golf Course from golf writer Mike Dauplaise of Prime Golf Destinations. How would you play it? (Image courtesy of Mike Dauplaise)

          No. 11 – Par 4
          (370/356/316)

          Ponds bordering both sides of the fairway provide all the incentive you need to give the short dogleg-left hole the respect it deserves. What it lacks in length, No. 11 at Wailua makes up for with the need for pinpoint accuracy.

          The pond on the right is short and shouldn’t be an issue for most players. It’s the pond on the left that does the most damage, even though it does you no good to hug the left side of the fairway. Many players won’t need a driver to reach the apex of the dogleg. However, a large tree that blocks the front left of the green makes going through the fairway into the right rough the safer miss.

          From the right side of the fairway, it’s only a short iron onto a small green guarded by two bunkers and that tree. The wind blows from the right and slightly into your face off the tee, and directly across from the right on the approach. The green is slightly elevated, making recovery shots a little more difficult.

          Give the trade winds their due on Poipu Bay’s 3rd

          Vibrant greens surrounded by trees. A flag marks the hole in the center.

          This #TipTuesday brings you an insider’s look at how to play the short but challenging third hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course from golf writer Mike Dauplaise of Prime Golf Destinations.

          How would you play it? (Image courtesy of Mike Dauplaise)

          Poipu Bay Golf Course
          No.3 – Par 3
          (209/185/163/145)

          This solid par-3 plays from a slightly elevated tee into a quartering wind from the left. A large bunker short and right of the green catches its share of shots, especially for pin locations in the back portion of the green. However, there is plenty of room to miss anywhere else.

          The green is deep and curls around that bunker, visually encouraging a left-to-right shot shape that the wind will do its best to overcook. The third wraps up an opening stretch of holes that includes a par 4 (No. 1), a par 5 (No. 2), and a par 3. The hole ranks as the most difficult par-3 on the course, although you might get an argument from the eleventh.

          The Most Picturesque Drop Zone in the World

          Today’s #TipTuesday features the par-3 seventh hole at Princeville Makai Golf Club from golf writer Mike Dauplaise of Prime Golf Destinations. How would you play it? (Image courtesy of Mike Dauplaise)

          Princeville Makai Golf Club

          Par 3

          (213/173/155/120)

          It’s not too often that the drop zone on a par-3 generates nearly as much anxiety as the shot you faced back on the tee, but that certainly is the case with one of the most photographed holes in the world. The combination of ocean, sunshine, and the pyramid-shaped formation in the background on the far right, commonly known as Bali Hai (Makana Mountain), makes No.7 at Princeville Makai simply breathtaking.

          Even if you’re playing from one of the forward tees, take a moment after you putt out on No. 6 to check out the view from the back tees. The 213 yards of full carry over an ocean gorge is awesome. If you’re there during whale season (roughly November through early May), you may get lucky enough to catch the far-off splash of a breach.

          This hole is incredible even from the forward tees and drop zone, where there is no forced carry.

          However, the gorge comes into play on the right and the expanse of ocean behind the green still causes

          your grip to squeeze a little tighter.

          The trade winds generally blow from the left, and architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. provides plenty of room left of the green to play it safe. Bunkers frame much of the green’s perimeter except for an opening from the left for run-up shots.

          The green is wide, but shallow from the men’s tees; long and narrow from the red tees and drop zone. The wind and ocean influence putts to roll out toward the right side of the green.

          Kaua’i and Go Golf Kaua’i Courses Featured On New Episode of Breaking Par TV Show

          KAUA’I AND GO GOLF KAUA’I COURSES FEATURED ON NEW EPISODE OF BREAKING PAR TELEVISION SHOW 

          Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i (November 7, 2023) – The Kaua‘i community and its spectacular collection of golf courses will be featured on “Breaking Par,” a golf and golf-lifestyle focused television show that airs nationally on regional sports networks, including Bally Sports. Premiering November 7, Breaking Par’s Kaua‘i episode can be watched across multiple regional sports networks through December 31 and viewed anytime on the @BreakingParTV YouTube channel and on www.GoGolfKauai.com/BreakingPar

          While filming the show, the Breaking Par crew enjoyed a multitude of Kaua‘i experiences, from cruising the beautiful Nāpali Coast and visiting community art festivals to taking part in a beach clean-up program at Lydgate Beach Park and learning ‘mālama ‘āina,’  which means: take care of the land, and it takes care of you. They also experienced five of Kaua‘i’s best golf courses, including local favorites Puakea and Wailua Golf Courses, as well as the oceanfront splendor of The Ocean Course at Hōkūala, Poipu Bay Golf Course and Princeville Makai Golf Club. The show also highlights popular lodging options, including the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay and Timbers Kaua‘i – Ocean Club & Residences, island dining destinations such as Duke’s, Mamahune’s Tiki Bar and farm-to-table experiences at Timbers Resort, and many other island stops along the way.

          “It is wonderful to have Breaking Par showcase our island, our people, our community and spread the spirit of Aloha and Mālama Kaua‘i,” said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. “We welcome golfers to our amazing golf courses, and look forward to educating visitors on the importance of caring for and protecting our beautiful island.”

          Breaking Par, which is owned, produced and distributed by Elevated Media Partners, is an Emmy-nominated golf television show airing 300-plus times per month in more than 100 million households across multiple regional sports networks including Bally Sports. 

          “Kaua‘i is a place that dances on the edge of reality and dreams,” said Ryan Johnson, executive producer of Breaking Par. “This is the most jam-packed episode we’ve ever filmed. More than just golf, Kaua‘i is a bucket list destination for outdoor enthusiasts and the making of this episode was an adventure we’ll never forget.”

          Nicknamed the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i boasts numerous daily-fee and resort golf courses. The destination is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty. For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.gogolfKauai.com.

          About The Go Golf Kaua‘i Courses

          • The Ocean Course at Hōkūala  – The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that boasts the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in all of Hawai‘i. The picture-perfect course winds its way through papaya and guava groves to dramatic seaside cliffs. A 2016 renovation added sparkling white sand to all the bunkers, framing holes to be even more spectacular than before. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala has been rated as Hawai‘i’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards 2018 – 2020.
          • Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course – Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr and is set between lush mountains and rugged ocean bluffs. The course incorporates more than 30 acres of colorfully landscaped tropical plants and flowers, making it one of Hawai‘i’s most beautiful courses. Po‘ipū Bay hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006.
          • Princeville Makai Golf Club – Princeville Makai Golf Club opened in 1971 as the first solo effort of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The course was completely renovated in 2009, introducing spectacular new Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens. Princeville Makai features surreal vistas of Mt. Makana (aka Bali Hai) and Hanalei Bay, including the signature par-3, 7th hole that offers a 213-yard shot over scenic cliffs.
          • Puakea Golf Course – Designed by architect Robin Nelson, Puakea is a spectacular layout built along massive ravines and lush tropical undulating terrain, with the backdrop being used for the Jurassic Park series. Named one of the top courses in Hawai‘i by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor and Golfweek, the dramatic 18-hole golf course is also known for its high-quality, “Kaua‘i-style” customer service.  Puakea was rated “Best of Kaua‘i” by Garden Island Newspaper from 2013 – 2019.
          • Wailua Golf Course – Wailua Golf Course offers classic, golden-era seaside golf holes just a few steps from the Pacific Ocean. First built as a 9-hole course in the 1930’s, and expanded to 18 holes in 1961, Wailua has hosted three USGA Amateur and three US Public Links Championships. This wonderful municipal layout was designed by Toyo Shirai and features stunning mountain views along the Royal Coconut Coast.

          Media Contact:
          Rob Myers
          602.317.6131
          rmyers@troon.com

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