North Course at Mauna Lani Resort

Golf Course Description

The resort, which was named to “GOLF Magazine’s” 1998 list of “Gold Medal Resorts,” features two outstanding eighteen hole championship courses. The PGA Senior Skins Tournament is held on the South Course each January. “Golf Digest” rated this as the 11th “Best in State” course for 1995-96, and 12th in 1997-98. Highlighting the South Course are two holes that play alongside the ocean. Hole #15, a 196-yard, par 3, requires a tee shot over the ocean to the green, and is one of the most photographed holes in the world. Hole #7, a 214-yard, par 3, borders the Pacific Ocean and during the winter months golfers can enjoy watching humpback whales migrating offshore. The rough is rather thick. Most of the fairways are lined by the natural rough along with red and black lava rock. The lava rock is definitely something to avoid. Even if you are lucky enough to have your ball bounce back to the fairway your ball will never be the same. Most of the greens are flat where you can roll your ball to the flag. The speed of the greens is sometimes hard to determine and there are many subtle breaks. On the North Course, rolling terrain and groves of Kiawe trees come into play. The four finishing holes on the North Course are scenic and well designed. Hole #17 is the North’s signature hole. This par 3, measuring 132 yards, requires a tee shot from an elevated tee to a green that is framed by a natural amphitheater formed by lava. Try to avoid the large lava rock and the sand bunker on your way to the green. “Golf Digest” rated the North Course 74th under the 1996 category of “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” In the category of “Best in State,” it was ranked 9th in 1997-98. “GOLF Magazine” selected this course 75th in the 1998 category of “Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright redesigned both courses in 1991.