Yes, I know. It's been nearly a month since my last blog post and you're dying for an update. Where have you been? How's the pineapple? How's the triathlon training? Did you jump out of a plane yet? Done anything cool lately?
Well, I have the answers to all those questions and more. My absence was primarily due to being on vacation for 14 days on the mainland. I was home for a few days and then went to Myrtle Beach, SC for 8 straight days of golf with my dad and some of his buddies. It's an annual trip where we play a handicap-based tournament for a green jacket. It's called the "Hack Master's" tournament in honor of the green jacket awarded at the actual Master's tournament. I really thought I had a shot this year, but alas, I suck. I played like garbage the entire week and was out of the running by the 3rd or 4th day. Overall, though, it was a lot of fun. We rent a condo for the week and do a lot of golfing, a lot of card playing, and a lot of drinking. It was a good vacation.
Then I spent a few days at home before flying back to Hawaii. One thing I experienced while on vacation may have ruined me for life. I flew first class on my direct flight to New York. It was an 11 hour flight and they gave me the option to upgrade so I took it. I've decided that on long flights, it's the only way to travel. I got a pretty good dinner (shrimp cocktail, pork chop, and ice cream sundae) along with all the booze you can drink. you also get to check 2 bags for free, which I needed because I had my golf clubs, etc. Anyway, I stretched out completely, had my own tv screen, and a plug for my computer. I ate dinner, got "sleepy" on a few drinks, put in a movie on my laptop and slept for a solid 6-7 hours. It was the most enjoyable 11 hour flight I've ever had.
So now I'm back and have less than two months left in Hawaii. I can't believe it's already July! In a separate post I will describe my 4th of July weekend, but for the most part nothing exciting has really been happening here. I am mostly doing the same stuff as before. I have 24 days until the Honolulu Tinman Triathlon so I've spent the last 4-5 days getting swimming lessons to improve my stroke efficiency and to work on my endurance. I still think I'm going to drown, but I am slowly improving, which is a good thing I guess.
My next couple months are going to be quite busy, though. My mom and sister are coming for an 8-day visit at the end of the month, I am going to visit friends on Maui for a few days in mid-July, I have to pack up and ship all my stuff to Chicago before I leave for South America at the end of August, and at some point I should probably do some actual work.
Showing posts with label Golfing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golfing. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Ko'olau Golf Course
Five day work weeks and two day weekends are a cruel joke. How can I possibly be expected to fully relax and enjoy Hawaii when I'm slaving away? Last week was one such week. No holiday. No furlough. Just a two day weekend. Since my precious time was so limited, I had to pack in the activities. Saturday I played golf at what Golf Digest in 2007 called the "toughest in the nation." In 2010, it was merely the Third Most Diabolical.
Here's the review from ESPN: "With parts of the course receiving 130 inches of rain a year, this is target golf at its soggiest. You won't need a caddie so much as a backcountry guide. The roughs are tropical rain forests, the hazards mostly uncharted ravines filled with jungle and undiscovered reptilian life forms. Typical of the course's unsubtle presentation, the 474-yard, par-4 18th features two long forced carries over canyons plus a 330-yard bunker off the tee and a 220-yard bunker to the green. Legend has it that the course record was once 63 … lost balls. Ko'olau used to have a Slope Rating of 162, even though the maximum possible is 155."
Here's the review from ESPN: "With parts of the course receiving 130 inches of rain a year, this is target golf at its soggiest. You won't need a caddie so much as a backcountry guide. The roughs are tropical rain forests, the hazards mostly uncharted ravines filled with jungle and undiscovered reptilian life forms. Typical of the course's unsubtle presentation, the 474-yard, par-4 18th features two long forced carries over canyons plus a 330-yard bunker off the tee and a 220-yard bunker to the green. Legend has it that the course record was once 63 … lost balls. Ko'olau used to have a Slope Rating of 162, even though the maximum possible is 155."
I actually didn't find it all that difficult. Don't get me wrong, I didn't shoot an 80 or anything, but I also shot under 100. To me, I thought Luana Hills was much more difficult. The one thing Ko'olau Golf course has that no other course I've played has is perfect conditions. The sand traps were in immaculate shape. The greens had no divots, holes, ball marks, or different colored sod. The fairways had virtually no divot marks and even the tee boxes were in great shape. On top of that, the course is at the bottom of the Ko'olau Mountain Range so there are sweeping vistas all around and ocean views on at least 4 holes. It was by far the most beautiful course I have ever seen. Even the club house and restaurant are picture perfect. You enter the club house via a grand, carpeted staircase with a waterfall fountain in the middle and plants and flowers along the side.
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| From the 15th Tee Box |
In terms of difficulty, you have to play VERY conservatively. I think what saved me was playing for bogey. The men's tees are at 6500 yards while the tournament tees are at 7400. It's a long, narrow course with no forgiveness. If you can play straight, though, you'll be all right.
As I was standing on the 15th tee box, I had another "Hawaii Moment" where I realized how awesome this place is and how fortunate I am to have lived here for a brief period of time. I also got a sense of real happiness when I realized that I will be here for a year instead of two. There are not many things better than being able to play golf every weekend and enjoy 80 degree weather year 'round. But I also have other things I am anxious to do in my life/career so this was the perfect opportunity to enjoy Hawaii on a temporary basis, take advantage of the weather and cheap resident-fees on golfing and then move on. Saturday was the perfect epiphany.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Golfing and Eating
Apparently, my friends do not understand what a "comments section" on a blog is used for. I keep getting text messages that say, "all you ever do is eat and play golf" or "stop writing about golf, i want to hear more interesting things." I appreciate these comments. Useful feedback is always welcome. However, text messages do not tell the world that I have readers. If you have an opinion you would like to express, I encourage your comments IN THE COMMENT SECTION!
Now, to respond to the non-existent comments, yes, I have been doing an exorbitant amount of blogging about golf lately. However, I'd like to remind you that it was January and February. For anyone not familiar with the Chicagoland area, there is no golfing in January and February. It was crucial that I get in a few rounds. As for eating, I have been trying to go to as many restaurants and bars as I can before I leave. Since Hawaii is largely a service economy and everyone here seems to be waiters and waitresses, there are hundreds of places to eat on the island. I want to know which places to send people when they visit as well as which places to advise them to avoid.
But alas, I aim to please the fans. I will post more interesting stories.
Now, to respond to the non-existent comments, yes, I have been doing an exorbitant amount of blogging about golf lately. However, I'd like to remind you that it was January and February. For anyone not familiar with the Chicagoland area, there is no golfing in January and February. It was crucial that I get in a few rounds. As for eating, I have been trying to go to as many restaurants and bars as I can before I leave. Since Hawaii is largely a service economy and everyone here seems to be waiters and waitresses, there are hundreds of places to eat on the island. I want to know which places to send people when they visit as well as which places to advise them to avoid.
But alas, I aim to please the fans. I will post more interesting stories.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Olomana Golf Links
Olomana Golf Links is a pleasant Windward Oahu golf course located on the other side of the Koolau mountain range from downtown Honolulu and is the quintessential local golf course. What I mean by that is that it's kind of a hidden course far enough away from Honolulu that you won't find any tourists here. Also, it's not the most talked about course so the tourists typically don't hear about it. For a Saturday afternoon, there was hardly anyone there, and they were all locals. Although relatively short for a par-72 layout (5,800 yrds from the white tees), water hazards appear on each hole on the front nine. The back nine starts out with a combination of hilly par-4 and par-3 holes at the 10th through the 13th holes. The prevailing trades play a major factor in scoring well while the well-kept greens make for consistent rolls, a nice touch for any course.
Located closer to the Windward shore than to the towering Ko'olau range where mountain-induced showers can build up quickly, Olomana's typically sunny weather makes this course a reliable option any day of the year. The views are pretty amazing as well, with the mountains in the distance and rolling fairways throughout the back nine. It was not the most difficult course I've played here, but it was also not the most challenging. It also was not the prettiest, but it was certainly in the top 3 or 4. Overall it was a fun course that made the day enjoyable. I think I lost one or two balls, but never wanted to rip my hair out. Had I not putted like it was the first time I ever played golf I would have easily shot in the 80s. Unfortunately, I spent the entire day seemingly trying to figure out how to use a putter.
Pricing Information: (you can make tee-times here)
KAMA`AINA SPECIALS
- Seniors local residents 55 and over $35 weekdays not on holidays
- Afternoon Kama`aina Specials after 12:30pm. Weekday $37/Weekends $45 BOOK ONLINE
- Birthday Special - Play free on your birthday when you bring 3 playing partners. Proof of birthday required.
- GROUP RATES 12 or more $41 Weekday/$49 Weekend
- $95 18 Holes w/cart, $80 2nd visit (save $15), $65 each additional visit (save $30) with card after first visit
- VISITOR TWILIGHT After 1:30 pm $80 Weekday/Weekend
- VISITOR GROUP RATES 8 or more golfers $65 Weekday/Weekend
Monday, February 14, 2011
Royal Kunia Country Club
I am very close to sending in an official request to the judiciary to keep my furlough days. I don't know what I was thinking when I first got here when I wished we did not have them. Sure, the extra couple thousand bucks per year might be nice, but you can't put a price on freedom. Two Fridays a month I don't have to work. It's also not like BigLaw where the work is never ending. When you work for the State Government, work stays at work. No cloud hanging over your head all weekend.
Anyway, this past furlough week I played golf with my dad and co-worker. In one sense it was an unfortunate afternoon. We originally had plans to play Ko'olau Golf Course, which was rated by Golf Digest a couple years ago as the hardest course in the country. It was also rated as one of the prettiest in the country. So we had a tee time all set up, but when we pulled up to the club house, the skies opened up and dropped a monsoon on our heads. There was just a giant black cloud hanging over the course and it was clear that the rain was not stopping anytime soon. It was pouring! The sad thing is that when we left my apartment, it was a bright sunny day. Unfortunately, Ko'olau is up in the mountains and rain clouds usually get caught up in them. This means it can be gorgeous in downtown Honolulu and pouring up in the mountains.
So my co-worker suggested the Royal Kunia Country Club. It's out in Ewa in West Oahu and he thought it would be a little dryer since it was on the other side of the mountains. Not so much. We got there and it had stopped raining until right when we were in the middle of the first fairway. It was pretty much the most unlucky situation ever. So we played the first 4-5 holes in pouring rain. By the 5th hole it eased up and by 6 it was all clear. Fortunately I had one of those "DryJoy" jackets that kept me completely dry. My bottom half did not fare so well.
Anyway, the Royal Kunia course itself is gorgeous (and as a side note, the drainage on the course was the best I have ever seen...by the time we got to the 8th or 9th hole, the course was basically dry). Royal Kunia Country Club has been described as the best and most scenic course on Oahu. Located only 30 minutes from Waikiki or the North Shore, this course offers the ultimate Hawaii golfing experience for the beginner to low handicapper. The golf course is a Robin Nelson designed golf course, situated high above the Ewa plains. The course offers an uncompromised panoramic view of the entire south shore of Oahu. Spectacular views of Pearl Harbor, the Ko’olau and Waianae mountain ranges, the city of Honolulu and Diamond Head can be seen from every hole. The scenic, rolling fairways are also lined with palm trees and other tropical native flora, along with six water features and 101 bunkers which adds to the aesthetic appeal of this picturesque golf course. You can check out the hole descriptions to get a sense of the challenges and beauty of the course.
The only downside to this course is the restaurant/pro shop. There isn't really a clubhouse and what they do have is mediocre at best. I mean, you can get a sandwich and everything, but the clubhouse and restaurant don't do the course justice at all. This course was my dad's favorite for the week. I still like Luana Hills the best despite its difficulty. The nice thing about Royal Kunia is that it is an enjoyable course to play. It's a challenge, but you're not going to be upset at losing 10 balls.
Anyway, this past furlough week I played golf with my dad and co-worker. In one sense it was an unfortunate afternoon. We originally had plans to play Ko'olau Golf Course, which was rated by Golf Digest a couple years ago as the hardest course in the country. It was also rated as one of the prettiest in the country. So we had a tee time all set up, but when we pulled up to the club house, the skies opened up and dropped a monsoon on our heads. There was just a giant black cloud hanging over the course and it was clear that the rain was not stopping anytime soon. It was pouring! The sad thing is that when we left my apartment, it was a bright sunny day. Unfortunately, Ko'olau is up in the mountains and rain clouds usually get caught up in them. This means it can be gorgeous in downtown Honolulu and pouring up in the mountains.
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| Hole 18 - Royal Kunia |
Anyway, the Royal Kunia course itself is gorgeous (and as a side note, the drainage on the course was the best I have ever seen...by the time we got to the 8th or 9th hole, the course was basically dry). Royal Kunia Country Club has been described as the best and most scenic course on Oahu. Located only 30 minutes from Waikiki or the North Shore, this course offers the ultimate Hawaii golfing experience for the beginner to low handicapper. The golf course is a Robin Nelson designed golf course, situated high above the Ewa plains. The course offers an uncompromised panoramic view of the entire south shore of Oahu. Spectacular views of Pearl Harbor, the Ko’olau and Waianae mountain ranges, the city of Honolulu and Diamond Head can be seen from every hole. The scenic, rolling fairways are also lined with palm trees and other tropical native flora, along with six water features and 101 bunkers which adds to the aesthetic appeal of this picturesque golf course. You can check out the hole descriptions to get a sense of the challenges and beauty of the course.
The only downside to this course is the restaurant/pro shop. There isn't really a clubhouse and what they do have is mediocre at best. I mean, you can get a sandwich and everything, but the clubhouse and restaurant don't do the course justice at all. This course was my dad's favorite for the week. I still like Luana Hills the best despite its difficulty. The nice thing about Royal Kunia is that it is an enjoyable course to play. It's a challenge, but you're not going to be upset at losing 10 balls.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hawaii Kai Golf Course
Playing golf in Hawaii is a pretty great experience. There are not too many course I have played where you have a volcano in the background while overlooking the ocean. Yes, I know there are gorgeous courses around the world, but I imagine that they are pretty exclusive. The courses in Hawaii are great because they are, largely, accessible to the public.
That being said, I was not a tremendous fan of the Hawaii Kai golf course. Located at 8902 Kalanianaole Highway Honolulu, HI 96825-2821 - map here), it is basically across the street from Sandy's Beach Park and the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. From the outside it looks like the perfect place to play. Koko Head Crater and the pacific ocean are both visible from almost every hole of the Championship Course (there is also a par 3 executive course). Driving in, though, the parking lot looks like it hasn't been paved in about 30 years. Some of the fairways and greens look well cared for, but others look like they haven't watered anything in months. There are lots of patches of dead and brown grass. The greens were probably the most disappointing part of the entire course. The greens were in pretty terrible shape. They had a lot of unrepaired ball marks and there were patches completely missing in certain areas. One of the tee boxes wasn't even grass. They had the carpet that you'd see on a driving range.
Those were the negatives. On the positive side, the course is beautifully laid out, especially the surrounding scenery. It was also not tremendously difficult. It was nothing like Luana Hills, for example. I didn't lose a single golf ball all day (a real feat for me). Also, at $48/person (Kama'aina rate, including cart), it was a pretty decent deal. There were a few times we looked around to just enjoy the surrounding views of the ocean and/or mountains.
Getting there is pretty easy, too. Take H1 East which leads to Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72). Continue on, passing Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole and Sandy Beach on your right. About a mile past Sandy Beach you will see a two-story building, the Hawaii Kai Club House on your left. A sign indicates the entrance to the golf course.
That being said, I was not a tremendous fan of the Hawaii Kai golf course. Located at 8902 Kalanianaole Highway Honolulu, HI 96825-2821 - map here), it is basically across the street from Sandy's Beach Park and the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. From the outside it looks like the perfect place to play. Koko Head Crater and the pacific ocean are both visible from almost every hole of the Championship Course (there is also a par 3 executive course). Driving in, though, the parking lot looks like it hasn't been paved in about 30 years. Some of the fairways and greens look well cared for, but others look like they haven't watered anything in months. There are lots of patches of dead and brown grass. The greens were probably the most disappointing part of the entire course. The greens were in pretty terrible shape. They had a lot of unrepaired ball marks and there were patches completely missing in certain areas. One of the tee boxes wasn't even grass. They had the carpet that you'd see on a driving range.
Those were the negatives. On the positive side, the course is beautifully laid out, especially the surrounding scenery. It was also not tremendously difficult. It was nothing like Luana Hills, for example. I didn't lose a single golf ball all day (a real feat for me). Also, at $48/person (Kama'aina rate, including cart), it was a pretty decent deal. There were a few times we looked around to just enjoy the surrounding views of the ocean and/or mountains.
Getting there is pretty easy, too. Take H1 East which leads to Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72). Continue on, passing Hanauma Bay, Halona Blowhole and Sandy Beach on your right. About a mile past Sandy Beach you will see a two-story building, the Hawaii Kai Club House on your left. A sign indicates the entrance to the golf course.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Luana Hills Golf Course
I had another "Hawai'i Moment" (times when I look around and realize that I live in a pretty awesome place) during my most recent Furlough Friday when I spent the morning playing golf at Luana Hills near Kailua. Ever since I brought my golf clubs back with me after Christmas, a co-worker and I have been playing golf every weekend. Normally we just play for $10 at the Pali Golf Course. However, last Friday we decided to try Luana Hills. Nestled between Mount Olomana and the towering Ko'olau Mountains, Luana Hills is one of the most unique and breathtaking golf courses I've ever seen. Carved from tropical rainforest in the heart of lush Maunawili Valley, the course is not only gorgeous, but strikingly difficult. It might be the hardest course I've ever played, which doesn't say a whole lot, but still.
The course itself was designed by golf architect Pete Dye and is a high risk/high rewards course. Stretching across 6,595 yards from the back tees (5522 from the White), golfers have to consider a lot before they tee up in front of an array of forced carries, bunkers bordered by railroad ties, par-3s over streams and ravines, undulating bent grass, and fairways that slope off into bunkers and ravines. The course's signature hole is set deep in the rainforest along Maunawili Stream where you have to shoot over two fountains and a pond to get to the green.
Set in historic Maunawili Valley, this area was once the meeting place of great Hawaiian warriors and the island's queen. Now it is home to a variety of wildlife. Native Hawaiian birds like the rare Aku`u nest in the palms and koa trees, and wild boar visit the streams. The hidden valley course is a site for feature films and a frequent stop of celebrities visiting Hawai'i, including both Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Luana Hills is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet escape (but be prepared to lose your golf balls - I literally lost 10...it was a long day).
Some Details:
Course Type: 18 holes, par 72
Yardage: 6595/6164/5522/4654
Slope: 136/131/126/139/117/129
Rating: 70.9/68.8/66.2/70.9/61.7/67.4
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| Signature Hole (#11) |
Course Type: 18 holes, par 72
Yardage: 6595/6164/5522/4654
Slope: 136/131/126/139/117/129
Rating: 70.9/68.8/66.2/70.9/61.7/67.4
Price: Kama'aina - $39 weekday/$49 weekend
Guest/Non-resident - $125 + tax
Golf Carts: yes
Pull Carts: no
Walking Allowed: no
Greens: Bent
Fairways: Bent
Dress Code: proper golf attire
GPS Tracking: no
Lessons: yes
Club House: yes
Pro Shop: yes
Restaurant: yes
Bar: yes
Showers: no
Lockers: yes
Rider Fee: $20
Practice Green: yes
Driving Range: yes
Club Rental: Callaway $50
Golf Carts: yes
Pull Carts: no
Walking Allowed: no
Greens: Bent
Fairways: Bent
Dress Code: proper golf attire
GPS Tracking: no
Lessons: yes
Club House: yes
Pro Shop: yes
Restaurant: yes
Bar: yes
Showers: no
Lockers: yes
Rider Fee: $20
Practice Green: yes
Driving Range: yes
Club Rental: Callaway $50
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Pali Golf Course
As I mentioned before, I brought my golf clubs back with me when I returned from vacation. I figured if I am going to live in a place where I can play golf year 'round, I might as well take full advantage. Hawaii is also one of the best places to play golf if you're a resident. While tourists and guests pay anywhere from $40-$140 per round, I played golf at an amazing County-operated course (Pali Golf Course) for $8 on Friday afternoon. Located at the foot of the lush Koolau Mountains, the par-72 (par 74 for women) layout of the Pali Golf Course is outstanding.
To be fair, I played at 3:00, which meant that we paid the twilight rate and could play as many holes as we could fit in before dark. I think a normal 18-hole round is around $20. Those prices are also only for residents. That's right, the completely (in my opinion) unconstitutional Kama'aina Discount works on most Hawaii golf courses here. It drastically reduces the price of greens fees and makes it a phenomenal deal to play anytime you want. If you are a non-resident, it costs $40 for a normal 18-hole round ($15 more for a cart) and around $21 for twilight (no carts, must walk).
It's hard to describe the golf course in great detail, but my avid readers will remember that Pali means "cliff." They may also remember the famous Pali Lookout where Kamehameha through some people off the cliffs. The Pali golf course is located right at the base of the mountains and is maybe a 25 minute drive from Waikiki. Here's my review of the place: if you're just visiting for a few days and you want to play golf, there are much nicer courses. The Pali golf course is a municipal course operated by the State of Hawaii. In other words, you get what you pay for. The greens were in decent shape (no divets all over the place or even too many ball marks), but a little inconsistent, which made gauging them difficult (or, I am making excuses for my abysmal front 9). The course itself is laid out beautifully. It is mostly straight and narrow with trees lined along all the fairways. The biggest problem was the fairways. The grass in the middle of the fairway was long and not well kept. It was like playing in the short rough most of the day. Despite the course's flaws, it is still one of the most gorgeous scenic courses I've played. There is not a lot to the course itself (i.e. no waterfalls or gazebos), but the mountains surround every hole and as you approach hole 8, you tee off facing the ocean.
Golfers may want to know the following statistics: 72 par | 6,524 yards | 126 slope | 70.4 rating | Bermuda grass. There is no driving range, but there is a putting green. They have a bar and restaurant at the club house and the automated tee time number for this course is (808) 296-2000. The way to get there is to take H-1 West, take the Pali Highway, and follow that all the way toward Kailua. When you reach the traffic light at the end of the highway, you'll see a sign for Kaneohe. Follow that sign (take a left turn) and the course is on the left. It's literally like 3-4 turns from Waikiki.
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It's hard to describe the golf course in great detail, but my avid readers will remember that Pali means "cliff." They may also remember the famous Pali Lookout where Kamehameha through some people off the cliffs. The Pali golf course is located right at the base of the mountains and is maybe a 25 minute drive from Waikiki. Here's my review of the place: if you're just visiting for a few days and you want to play golf, there are much nicer courses. The Pali golf course is a municipal course operated by the State of Hawaii. In other words, you get what you pay for. The greens were in decent shape (no divets all over the place or even too many ball marks), but a little inconsistent, which made gauging them difficult (or, I am making excuses for my abysmal front 9). The course itself is laid out beautifully. It is mostly straight and narrow with trees lined along all the fairways. The biggest problem was the fairways. The grass in the middle of the fairway was long and not well kept. It was like playing in the short rough most of the day. Despite the course's flaws, it is still one of the most gorgeous scenic courses I've played. There is not a lot to the course itself (i.e. no waterfalls or gazebos), but the mountains surround every hole and as you approach hole 8, you tee off facing the ocean.
Golfers may want to know the following statistics: 72 par | 6,524 yards | 126 slope | 70.4 rating | Bermuda grass. There is no driving range, but there is a putting green. They have a bar and restaurant at the club house and the automated tee time number for this course is (808) 296-2000. The way to get there is to take H-1 West, take the Pali Highway, and follow that all the way toward Kailua. When you reach the traffic light at the end of the highway, you'll see a sign for Kaneohe. Follow that sign (take a left turn) and the course is on the left. It's literally like 3-4 turns from Waikiki.
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