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MAUI -- GOLF HEAVEN

Golf just doesn't get any better than it's being played on Maui right this minute. With more than a dozen courses, the island offers players challenge, satisfaction, instruction, opportunity, tee time, and grand vistas of mountain and ocean.

COURSE SKETCHES

Maui's newest golf course, The Dunes at Maui Lani, is an 18-hold public course, par 72, 5833 yards, designed by Robin Nelson. Located in Central Maui, Maui Lani winds its way through ancient Hawaiian sand dunes and is the closest thing to an authentic links course Hawaii has to offer. Telephone 808/873-7911.

Kaanapali Tournament North Course, an 18-hole resort course, par 71, 6136 yards, director of golf (for both Kaanapali courses) Ray Demello, PGA; telephone 808/661-3691. The venerable Robert Trent Jones, Sr. created a certified golf challenge when he laid out this West Maui course. The 18th hole demands a shot over water and is said to be one of the toughest holes in the Islands -- a perfect finish for a beautifully maintained course.

Kaanapali Resort South Course, an 18-hole resort course, par 71, 6067 yards, head professional (for both Kaanapali courses) Lui Chow, PGA; telephone 808/661-3691. This was a piece-of-cake executive layout until Arthur Jack Snyder got his hands on it in 1977 and added some real golf gusto. This is a good one for players of all levels.

The Bay Golf Course, Kapalua, an 18-hole resort course, par 72, 6051 yards, head pro Kitt Felte, PGA; telephone 808/669-8044. Arnold Palmer designed this one. The par-3 fifth hole calls for a drive across an ocean inlet.

The Plantation Course, Kapalua, an 18-hole resort course, par 73, 6547 yards, head pro David Pritchett, PGA, telephone 808/669-8877. Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore designed this newest of Kapalua's three championship courses that is already being hailed as the best layout in the state of Hawaii.

The Village Course, Kapalua, an 18-hole resort course, par 71, 6001 yards, head pro Jerry Pang-Ching, PGA; telephone 808/669-8044. This is another Arnold Palmer knock-out. The challenge is there, and so are the views. The sixth tee panorama is a definite distraction.

Makena Golf Course divided its first 18 holes and now boasts two courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 808/879-3344. The North Course, par 72, 6567 yards, offers a more mountainous layout combining magnificent views with strategic and challenging golf. The South, par 72, 6629, incorporates the signature par-three 15th and par-four 16th, both popular holes in the original design.

Maui Country Club, an 18-hole private course at Sprecklesville, par 37, 3274 yards; telephone 808/877-7893. Need a good score to bolster the brag record? Try this course. It's open to the public only on non-holiday Mondays.

Pukalani Country Club, an 18-hole public course, par 72, 6494 yards, head pro Tracey Gibo, PGA; telephone 808/572-1314. Located smack in Upcountry Maui on the midslopes of Haleakala Volcano, it is probably the highest elevation course in Hawaii. Sometimes the air is so cool, it calls for a sweater. Excellent design elements are incorporated into this little known course. Great views are the bonus.

Elleair Golf Course, an 18-hole public course in Kihei, par 71, 6003 yards; telephone 874-0777. Opened five years ago this windy course offers ocean views from every hole. High handicappers will have a great game if not distracted by beauty or defeated by challenging wind gusts.

Waiehu Golf Course, an 18-hole municipal course in Waiehu, par 72, 6330 yards, Director of Golf, Art Rego PGA; 808/243-7400. The first nine holes were laid out in 1930 and the rest of the course came 33 years later. It's almost like playing two different courses in one. The original nine run along the shoreline. The back nine are mountain holes, tough and windy. Fees are among the lowest in the state.

Sandalwood Golf Course, an 18-hole public course, par 72, 6011 yards, head pro Patrick Holiman, PGA, telephone 242-4653. It's the newest course on the island with sweeping views. Fairways ease into the spectacular foothills of the West Maui Mountains.

Wailea Blue Course, an 18-hole resort course, par 72, 6152 yards, head pro Rusty Hathaway, PGA, telephone (808) 875-5155. Play meanders amidst multi-million dollar homes and upscale condominiums on the lower slopes of majestic Haleakala Volcano. This is a true resort course with trickling fountains, serene lakes and wide fairways.

Wailea Gold Course, an 18-hole resort course, par 72, 6152 yards, senior head professional Rick Castillo, PGA, telephone (808) 875-7450. Prehistoric lava rock walls and gardens of indigenous grasses compete with stunning ocean and mountain vistas Golf, for the title of most distracting hazards.

Wailea Emerald Course, an 18-hole resort course, par 72, 5837 yards, senior head pro Rick Castillo, PGA, telephone 808/875-7450. This brand-new course virtually scintillates with tropical blossoms in a rainbow of hues. Designed for pure enjoyment, the course affords awe-inspiring views of offshore islands Molokini, Kaho'olawe and Lana'i.

Most courses offer instruction geared to any level of skills. Most have exceptional club house facilities with restaurants and pro shops.

* Yards based on men's white tee

Smart Maui Traveler PO Box 791443 Paia, Maui, Hawaii 96779 info@smartmaui.com


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