Rating:*
- Layout: 8
- Conditions: 8
- Staff: 8
- Value: 8
TCS™: 8.00
— Not counted in TCS™, but just as important (imo):
- Pace of Play: Moderate.
*All ratings are out of 10 possible points.
Commentary:
Layout: The layout is very nice. However, how hard is it to have an amazing layout when you have a hole like the signture #3 on the ocean?! Despite this, there are some holes that are just okay. I found many of the inland holes were nice, but not show stoppers.
Conditions: This is a resort course and I expected the conditions to be absolutely perfect. That being the case, this was no painted valley, there are some areas (e.g., out in the fairway) that need a bit of attention, but despite a bit of room for improvement it is a solid 8/10.
The Staff: Everyone I interacted with was very nice. But, for Hawaii…? Utah nice, yes! Hawaii nice, meh.
Value: I booked an online round at $135 using a golf app. Based on the time when I played this was a saving of over a $100, so essentially it paid for my rental clubs and golf glove that I bought. At this value, high, but still on the pricey side for the regular round.
I was paired with a couple from Washington DC. We had a nice time as a three-some, despite them not playing very well at all, even though they were teeing from the most forward tees. I had a great round! I just felt at peace, for once, which was lovely and that sense of calm came through during my round. Having watched the HBO drama Succession on the plane ride over and then back home, I’m wondering how “out of touch” these reviews are. They likely are in many ways. But, privilege aside, and golf undoubtedly comes with a lot of privilege, I truly felt the sense of life anxiety I normally just live with drain away for a few hours as I played. It seems hyperbolic, but in so many ways golf is a bit of therapy for me. In fact, since no one was on #10 when we finished at #18 and since Julare was still doing her surfing lesson I quickly turned and played another 7 holes before Julare called and was ready to pick me up. 25 holes on this course, the last 7 at the break-neck speed I actually prefer: lovely lovely–rare–day of golf!
Scorecard: LINK