Following is a guest post by Luke Shanahan. Luke is a friend who is a phenomenal golfer, even though he only started playing about four years ago.
What could be better than golfing on Kauai? I’ll tell you what: Golfing on Kauai and getting a great deal, too!!!
Here are some screaming-hot deals going on right now at two of my favorite courses on the island, Puakea Golf Course, in Lihue and The Prince Golf Course, in Princeville.
I love these wonderful courses, and the first reason is that they very well may be the two best-designed courses on the island.
Puakea Golf Course
Intelligently crafted by course architect Robin Nelson, Puakea Golf Course ranks high on every local golfer’s list. The back nine—the jungle surrounding the holes was used in the filming of Jurassic Park—is as stunning to behold as it is thrilling to golf. The par 5 11th of this fun, forgiving course serves as a perfect case study in the benefits of intelligent course management.
Prince Golf Course
For a little greater challenge, try the Prince Golf Course at Princeville on Kauai’s north shore. Consistently rated as the #1 course in all of Hawai’i, it’s featured on the video game EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004. But no computer animation can do this undulating links-style Robert Trent Jones masterpiece justice. Nor can any photo, nor lavish description. You’ve got to play it.
Known as a difficult course, Prince is also eminently fair—unless you count the stunning ocean views on the holes approaching the turn. I do not exaggerate when I tell you that it’s so beautiful it can wreak havoc with your concentration. But then, so can running into one of the many celebrities who enjoy playing there, like the hilarious and talented Will Smith, who recently played a round at Prince with a golfing buddy of mine.
Visitors Welcome
Which brings me to the second reason I love these two courses: You don’t have to be a star to be treated like one. Visitors are made to feel welcome and at home at both Puakea and The Prince. A couple of course tips, a cool trade wind breeze, a breathtaking view, and a friendly smile—now you’re golfing Hawaii-style! One more thing: It’s PGA Free Lesson Month! When you schedule your round, see if you can also schedule a 10-minute free lesson with the club pro.
Here are the deals
Puakea Golf Course (Phone (808) 245-8756)
- For $99 plus tax you get golf w/shared cart.
- Range token and sleeve of Nike Power Distance golf balls.
- Puakea logo shirt (Ash City men’s or women’s solid).
- You must visit the concierge or activity desk at all major hotels and timeshare properties on island to get the deal. They will give you a voucher you must present at check in. You can also go to golfnow. I believe they charge a $1.99 booking fee per person.
- Special good through August 18, 2009.
The Prince Golf Course (Phone (808) 826-5001)
- Two-day pass for $265 or three-day pass for $340.
- Buy a multi-day pass and get half off our club rental (a $25 per round savings).
- Twilight Special: Enjoy 9+ Holes for $50 after 3:00 p.m.
- Specials good through May 31, 2009.
About Luke Shanahan.
When he’s not golfing, Luke is co-author of a new book Deep Nutrition, and the drcate.com alternative health and nutrition website. Following his love of cooking and nutrition, he is currently writing a cookbook based on The Four Pillars of World Cuisine.
Luke studied creative writing at the University of Iowa workshop and earned his MFA from the University of Arizona where he won several awards. Since retiring from teaching college English, Luke has been a freelance writer for The Pacific Journal, the Garden Island Newspaper, and organizes creative writing and screenplay workshops.
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Anyone aware of special deals or have recomendations for golf courses on Maui in mid-July? I would guess that clubs come easy to rent. I heard that many of the Hawaiian courses are a beautiful experience, but expensive.
Steve